March 2015 by Pacific San Diego Magazine

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EDITOR’S NOTE {MARCH 2015}

Dancing with the Stars

n 1994, when I was promoted from intern duct-taper to airtime salesguy at my first radio gig, the rite of professional passage was marked by the 92.5 The Flash (now Magic 92.5) sales manager giving me two accounts to service: Pacific Beach Bar & Grill and Emerald City (now called Johnny V). “Don’t f**k this up,” the manager said, “and you can keep your job.” It was trial by fire — I was going to meet the Dragon Lady, Donna Edwards. Donna, who owned and operated the two popular beach-area venues back then (today, her kids run the show), came with a stern warning: keep talking to a minimum, show respect, and you’ll probably get screamed at anyway. I felt pretty cool and confident back then, cruising to the beach in my 1993 Nissan 300ZX (with the T-tops off) to meet Donna. But as I parked at the western end of Garnet Avenue and climbed the stairs to her office, fear set in. Am I dressed respectfully? What will she scream at me about? Why do they call her the Dragon Lady? Donna was one of San Diego’s most successful hospitality-company owners of the day and one of the industry’s very few female operators. She worked hard for many years before I met her, ultimately fighting her way to the top of the county’s nightlife scene. Stepping into her realm atop PB Bar & Grill, I was expecting to meet a firebreathing monster. What I got was a smile and a hug. Donna wasn’t mean or dragonlike. To the contrary, she was sweet, supportive and seemingly tolerant of the fact that I was a newbie. Her reputation, I soon deduced, must have come from a combination of machismo and racism held by white dudes who

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • MARCH 2015

regarded a Korean woman in a position of power as a threat. Donna and her children — Mike, Roger, Marcia and Marianne — took me under their collective wing, making me feel like family… especially when we argued. We worked together, played together and occasionally traveled together. Our symbiotic relationship had its ups and downs, but it spanned 20 years and continues today. I helped them with advertising; they helped fund my life, gave me shoulders to cry on and gave me what felt like a base so far from my original East Coast home. This travel-themed issue of PacificSD is dedicated to Donna Edwards, who traveled around the world more than once. She gave me my first chance and never gave up on me, no matter how (too) many Mai Tais and chicken fingers I consumed for free at her bar. Donna loved to travel and she loved to dance. Her ballroom moves turned heads and won competitions, and she kept on dancing until she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in her mid-70s. Donna lost her fight against cancer at the end of last year. Today, she is no doubt traveling around the world from high above, looking down upon her loving family, of which I still consider myself a member by proxy, and dancing among the stars. Cheers to you, Donna. May you always have a glass of Courvoisier (where you like to keep it safe and out of sight), and may your dance card be forever full. Happy travels.

Sincerely, David Perloff, Editor-in-Chief

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Because Cinco de Mayo lasts only one day…

Margarita Month Celebrating

San DiegO's Original craft cOcktail

Say odelay to the entire month of May, as bars and restaurants throughout the city thrill foodies (and drinkies) with their signature margaritas… for cinco bucks apiece.

Who makes San Diego’s best margaritas? (Don’t take it with a grain of salt, cast your votes.)

margaritamOnth.cOm

#margaritamOnth

Sa ra No rri s

Barrio Star’s Roasted Jalapeño Blackberry Margarita was named one of the nation’s five best margaritas by Orbitz.com.

San Diego

volume 9

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A issue 3

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march 2015

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF David Perloff

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kenny Boyer MANAGING EDITOR Catlin Dorset associate EDITOR Megan Looney CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Michael Benninger CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Danielle Directo-Meston, Jennifer Gunsaullus, Brandon Hernández, Tony Lovitt, Brandon Matzek, David Nelson COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Carlos Nunez CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Kate Auda, Michael Auda, Paul Body, Brandon Matzek, John Mireles, Sara Norris, Carlos Nunez, Kristina Yamamoto

PUBLISHERS David Perloff Simone Perloff MARKETING DIRECTOR Alyson C. Baker (alyson@pacificsandiego.com) CLIENT SERVICES MANAGER Ryan Jones (ryan@pacificsandiego.com) ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Michael Christopher (mike@pacificsandiego.com) Brennan MacLean (brennan@pacificsandiego.com) Kevin Sheehan (kevin@pacificsandiego.com)

Reach America’s Finest readers via print, web, social media, email, street team and events. Read, click, connect... BOOM! 619.296.6300 | pacificsandiego.com

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • MARCH 2015

MARCH 2015

FEATURES

FIGHT OR FLIGHT WWE Divas The Bella Twins touch down in San Diego

SPiNNING THE GLOBE An international array of megastar DJs are setting their sights on OMNIA San Diego

ON THE COVER: WWE’s The Bella Twins, Brie Danielson (left) and Nikki Garcia-Colace, were photographed at Montgomery Field Airport in Kearny Mesa by Carlos Nunez. Styling by Ali Dariotis with Wear It My Way. Hair and makeup by Eileen Sandoval. Ms. Danielson is wearing a Boohoo blouse, boohoo.com; Ronald skirt, houseofronald.com; Phillip Gavriel earrings, phillipgabriel.com; Charles Albert ring, charlesalbert.com; Saint Laurent shoes, ysl.com. Ms. Garcia-Colace is wearing a Ronald dress, houseofronald.com; Charles Albert ring and necklace, charlesalbert.com; Christian Louboutin shoes, christianlouboutin.com. THIS PAGE: Photo by Carlos Nunez. Brie is wearing an Ella Zahlan gown, ellazahlan.com; Charles Albert bracelet, charlesalbert.com; Phillip Gavriel earrings, phillipgabriel.com; Guiseppe Zanotti shoes, giuseppezanottidesign.com.

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • MARCH 2015

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MARCH 2015

DEPARTMENTS CURRENTS 32 Three.Fifteen Event calendar 36 Laughing Stock March stand-up roundup 40 In Full Swing A local fighter prepares for combat PULSE 42 Art Beat March’s museum and gallery openings

What a Trip Eye-opening innovations for and inspired by travel

TASTE 78 World Fare Globetrotting gastronomy, a San Diego staycation 96 Making the Rounds Enjoy PB&J, a yummy new way

46 Curtain Calls Performing arts preview

It’s Da Bomb! A St. Patty’s drink that’ll make you pinch yourself

48 The Reel World March motion picture preview

100 Take it From the Tap Finest City beer — scene and heard

52 Measuring Up Making the clothes fit the man

GROOVE 104 Sounds Like A Plan March concert calendar 116 Heaven’s Gate Meet a man who’s helping grounded travelers feel sky high LOVE 118 At First Blush A cheeky Q&A with a San Diego sexpert

KAR L LAG ER FEL D

120 Suite Dreams A blind date staycation… with reservations

“I collect a lot of clothes when I travel around the world.” —Theophilus London, pictured left, performs March 1 at Belly Up Tavern (See story, page 106)

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • MARCH 2015

See this and more than a dozen other travel apps and apparatuses on page 58.

[Promotion]

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • february 2015

SNAP, CRACKLE, PLOP On the decline of pop culture… I turned on the Grammys the other night and couldn’t believe what our society views as worthy of winning awards. Best Female Vocalist — realizing Miley Cyrus and Katy Perry were nominated in this category, I nearly threw up. Next up was a performance by the planet’s biggest ego (and the entertainment world’s smallest talent), Kanye West, who walked on stage when Beck won Album of the Year. How can a guy who uses Auto-Tune to sing his awful song have anything negative to say to about a brilliant mind like Beck, who writes all of his own music and can play every instrument? When Miley Cryus introduced “her bitch, Madonna,” who performed halfnaked at age 60, things went from bad to worse. The only good news was that it took me only five minutes to realize I had just wasted five minutes of my life. Other, less fortunate TV viewers devote

hours each day to watching this stuff. Years ago, I worked for MTV, waaay back when the “M” actually stood for “music.” Now it’s Guess Who’s Pregnant, Watch What I Can Eat and brainkilling stuff like that. And don’t get me started on the Kardashians. Who knew commercializing a topic as sensitive as gender modification could rake in so many millions? But maybe it’s the tail wagging the doggone lost days of pop culture. The garbage masquerading as television that’s being streamed and broadcast and hashtagged these days exists because our society consumes it as ferociously as the trillion fast-food burgers we Americans jam down our throats every day. We, the people, actually watch this anticultural manure, or at least enough of us do to drive its ratings and promote its existence. Even our “news” is just a glorified

ratings game, hence the Al Sharptons of the world having a voice. It’s no wonder older generations, who built this generation, think we young folk are a joke. iPhones, iPads and social media have their place in a modern world, but wouldn’t it be lovely if they could occasionally display real substance? Here’s my recommendation — go outside, walk or run up a hill, learn to play guitar. Just do something, anything, other than sit there consuming the novacaine for the brain that’s coming across the airwaves and Interwebs. When you come back inside, check out my website, craigsewing.com, tune-in to my TV show, The American Dream, or listen to my radio program, The Craig Sewing Show. Kanye West will never be one of my guests — I promise.

Craig Sewing is a television and radio personality and consumer advocate who confronts polarizing issues head-on. Forever focused on cutting through the media clutter, he states his views bluntly, making friends and enemies along the way. Tune-in to Sewing’s intriguing and sometimes controversial broadcasts on The American Dream every Saturday at 10 a.m. on Cox or Time Warner Channel 4, and on The Craig Sewing Show weekdays at 6 p.m. on KCBQ 1170-AM to hear his engaging and enlightening conversations with the region’s political, business and finance luminaries. Follow Craig at Facebook.com/CraigSewing or on Twitter @craigsewing.

march 2015 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

Feature Market:

[Promotion]

La Mesa 91941

Market Update

Move in ready 3 bedroom with loft/4th room, with over 2077 sq.ft, in sought after La Mesa, Serramar community. Breathtaking ocean views to Point Loma! Newer constructed and high end upgrades and well cared for landscaping! 7608 Seattle Drive, La Mesa 91941

(January 2015 data) Number of homes for sale: 19 Number of homes sold: 19 Highest price: $3,200,000 Lowest price: $352,000 Median home price $549,000 Market is in full swing picking up at the beginning of the year! Buyers are confident on the market place and interest rates remain strong. Multiple offers are being seen and sellers are putting more inventory on as well. Off to a great and productive, positive year!

Market Expert Melissa Tucci is the Official Real Estate Agent of the San Diego Padres. Awarded #5 global ranking for Century 21 worldwide, Tucci is a top producing professional and an experienced San Diego Realtor and Broker providing a superior level of informed, professional real estate services to buyers and sellers in San Diego County. She was also recently named Spotlight Agent in Zillow Nationwide and the Front Cover Winner of Top Agent Magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s November issue.

Listen to Melissa on The Craig Sewing Show Tuesday, March 3, at 6 p.m. on KCBQ 1170 AM and watch her on The American Dream on Saturday, March 7, at 10 a.m. on Cox or Time Warner Channel 4.

Melissa Goldstein Tucci Century 21 All Service 1820 Monroe Ave., San Diego, CA 92116, 619.787.6852, MelissaTucci.com, Sold@MelissaTucci.com

BRE # 01380034

Feature Market:

Oceanside 92049

Market Update

Market Experts

Enjoy the absolute breathtaking views of gorgeous mountain hills in this distinguished home nestled in the Arrowood Golf Course.

Glen Henderson and Shannon Keatley are the brokers and owners of Alliance Group Real Estate. They go beyond the scope of traditional real estate services by providing turnkey financial solutions through their network of professional partners. They are a valuable resource for buyers and sellers throughout San Diego.

(January 2015 data) Number of homes for sale: 73 Number of homes sold: 40 Highest price $725,000 Lowest price $79,900 Median home price $459,000

BRE # 01870483

Listen to Glen and Shannon on The Craig Sewing Show Tuesday, March 10, at 6 p.m. on KCBQ 1170 AM and watch them on The American Dream on Saturday, March 14, at 10 a.m. on Cox or Time Warner Channel 4.

Glen Henderson & Shannon Keatley Alliance Group Real Estate Services 3131 Camino Del Rio North, Ste. 1420, San Diego, CA 92108, 619.500.3222, AllianceGroupRE.com, info@alliancegroupre.com

[Promotion]

Feature Market:

Downtown 92101

Market Update Rustic and modern design converge in this beautiful two bedroom plus den luxury view condo at Parkloft. Enjoy panoramic ballpark and city views from just about every room of this exquisite property. Features a chef’s gourmet kitchen with professional series Viking appliances, custom cabinetry with generous storage, plus a huge island with six-burner range and hood. Exquisite walnut and glass barn-style sliding doors with modern hardware tastefully separate bedrooms and bathroom spaces. Includes one of the largest master suites in Downtown with resort style bathroom including dual vanity, premier relaxation tub, enormous shower and massive walk-in closet with high-end built-ins. A mix of crystal chandeliers and vintage Edison lighting add a refined contrast to the concrete ceilings and exposed pipes in true loft fashion.

(January 2015 data) Number of homes for sale: 195 Number of homes sold: 73 Highest price $2,350,000 Lowest price $244,000 Median home price $542,500 New condo developments are marking their way back to San Diego. For the latest new condo info, visit welcometosandiego.com/newcondos.

Market Expert Chad Dannecker is broker and owner of Welcome to San Diego Real Estate. He runs a team that has proven time and time again that they are the go-to professionals for downtown real estate. If you do any research on downtown, you’ll quickly find welcometosandiego. com, Chad and his team’s website, and their five-star client reviews on Yelp, Google and Zillow.

Listen to Chad on The Craig Sewing Show Wednesday, March 4, at 6 p.m. on KCBQ 1170 AM and watch him on The American Dream on Saturday, March 7, at 10 a.m. on Cox or Time Warner Channel 4.

Chad Dannecker Welcome to San Diego Real Estate - Dannecker & Associates 875 G. St., Ste. 108, San Diego, CA 92101, 619.356.3099, welcometosandiego.com, chad@welcometosandiego.com

BRE#01459513

Feature Market:

Carmel Valley 92130

Market Update Stunning Monte Claire home with hilltop location, impeccable pride of ownership throughout! Four bedrooms (optional fifth), 4.5 bathrooms, beautiful ocean views and endless custom upgrades.

(January 2015 data) Number of homes for sale: 124 Number of homes sold: 27 Highest price: $2,995,000 Lowest price: $265,000 Median home price: $969,000 Sales were down in the 92130 zipcode in 2014 with a total of 769 properties selling, while in 2013, there were 839, which is a decrease of around 8%. However prices remained decent and still went up over the course of the year. The average in 2013 was $899,681 while in 2014 it was $976,703 for an increase of about 8.6% overall.

Spectacular private backyard with custom free-form rock scape pool and spa, water slide, and waterfall features!

Market Expert Kurt Wannebo was ranked by the Wall Street Journal / Real Trends as the #1 Team Agent in San Diego for 2013 and 2014 out of more than 20K agents! With 250+ 5-star online reviews, and a 99.5% sales price ratio, not only does Kurt outsell most agents in the county, he does so for some of the highest prices along with the best customer service.

Listen to Kurt on The Craig Sewing Show Tuesday, March 17, at 6 p.m. on KCBQ 1170 AM and watch him on The American Dream on Saturday, March 21, at 10 a.m. on Cox or Time Warner Channel 4.

Kurt Wannebo San Diego Real Estate & Investments 3636 Nobel Dr., Ste. 170, San Diego, CA 92122, 858.412.5541, BrokerKurt.com, kurt@sdreai.com

BRE# 01520942

[Promotion]

Housing Affordability in San Diego

There has been much talk about housing affordability in San Diego as prices have climbed over the last couple of years. It is certainly true that prices have come up, which is a great thing overall for those still looking to purchase. Wouldn’t you rather buy knowing the market is stable and increasing rather than trying to time a bottom of a market. Being in the mortgage space and helping people finance their homes for over 15 years in San Diego, I have learned that it is human nature to want to time it all perfectly, interest rates and the bottom of the housing prices. It reality is that if you happen to hit these both right, you are truly just lucky. To me, the most important thing to realize is that affordability is driven is by payment first and what is going to be affordable to you, comparing it to what you are paying in rent, what your income is, what you can qualify for in the way of financing. All of these things come into play when buying a home and making that big decision.

So what influences the payment more, interest rates or the price of the home? Most think, that as prices go down, it will influence the payment to drop, which is true if interest rates stay the same. Regretfully we are heading into an economic environment where everything is pointing to interest rates climbing. This is what you need to watch more than anything else. For example, on a $500,000 purchase price, with a 20% down payment, using today’s interest rates, the all in estimated payment is only $2,448. Let’s compare that to this. Housing prices come down 10% and interest rates go up 1%, the all in estimated payment becomes, $2,682. You see, the interest rate is going to directly affect YOUR affordability, even IF prices come down, (and that is a BIG if)!. Do not let this amazing interest rate opportunity pass you by.

Jonathan Jerotz, known as “JJ”, is part of the elite team of professionals serving the San Diego real estate community. JJ’s expertise is in mortgages, and he has ranked in the top 1 percent of all mortgage professionals in the country since 2011.

Call JJ today for a FREE Rent to Own or Mortgage Analysis. www.ASKJJNOW.com Listen to JJ’s new show, The Answer, Wednesday nights at 8 p.m. on KCBQ 1170 AM. NMLS# 247008

JONATHAN (JJ) JEROTZ Synergy One Lending 990 Highland Drive, Ste. 302, Solana Beach, CA 92075, 760.522.2298, AskJJNow.com, jj@synergyonelending.com

three . fifteen event calendar

By Catlin Dorset

3/15 The US Grant Wedding Show

The US Grant Hotel, Gaslamp usgrant.net Meet nuptial know-it-alls — experts in hair and makeup, invitations, cakes and everything else — while previewing couture bridal collections and enjoying a three-course lunch at this annual wedding extravaganza at The US Grant Hotel.

(cont. on page 34)

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • march 2015

Your Corona Gets Us Closer to a Cure WHEN YOU BUY CORONA EXTRA OR CORONA LIGHT WE WILL DONATE PART OF YOUR PURCHASE* TO

*For each case equivalent (24 12 oz servings) of Corona Extra and Corona Light sold between March 1 and April 6, 2015, Corona will donate 5Â˘ to The V Foundation for Cancer Research to fund cancer research. Corona has committed to a minimum donation of $500,000 to The V Foundation.

JimmyV.org/FindACure

C U R R E N T S {calendar} (cont. from page 32)

3/1-5/10

3/7-8

The Flower Fields Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad theflowerfields.com Pop a Claritin before stopping to smell the millions of multicolored Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers blooming across a 50-acre hillside in Carlsbad.

Koi Show Del Mar Fairgrounds koiclubofsandiego.org Learn more about koi fish, koi art and water-garden design than you could ever possibly need or want to know. Go, fish!

3/7-8 3/7

St. Baldrick’s Shave-a-Thon The Commons Bar, Gaslamp stbaldricks.org Catch a buzz before buzzing it all off for a cause. Proceeds from this annual event support childhood cancer research.

3/7

3/7-8

Spring Busker Festival Seaport Village seaportvillage.com Sword-swallowing, fire-breathing and unicycling street performers entertain crowds of tourists and locals during this annual two-day event. H e athe r Va n G a a le

Finish Chelsea’s Run Balboa Park chelseaslight.org In 2010, 17-year-old Poway native Chelsea King went out for a run and never returned. Complete this 5K in her memory and to raise money for the Chelsea’s Light Foundation Sunflower Scholarship Fund.

Vista Civil War Reenactment The Antique Gas and Steam Museum, Vista goldcoastfestivals.com Witness the Confederacy’s secession to the Union during this 1860s battle between the states, as reenacted by old timers of North County.

San Diego Half Marathon Begins at Petco Park, East Village sdhalfmarathon.com Run a scenic, 13.1mile loop through Downtown, Liberty Station, Mission Hills and Hillcrest.

3/7

Best Coast Beer Fest Embarcadero Marina Park South, Downtown bestcoastbeerfest.com Enjoy more than 70 craft brew samples and live local music while dining from a couple dozen food trucks and hoping for a Ron Burgundy sighting at what’s promoted as “Will Ferrell’s Beer Fest of Choice” (Ferrell’s BFF’s charity, Cancer for College, is the beneficiary).

3/7

The Undy Run/Walk Mission Bay Park ccalliance.org Strip down to your skivvies for this 5K and one-mile fun run, then pick up a brand-spankingnew pair of Undy Run boxers at the finish line.

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • march 2015

3/8

3/12-22

San Diego Latino Film Festival AMC Fashion Valley sdlatinofilm.com Now in its 22nd year, this annual cinematic ceremony spotlights Latino directors and actors in more than 150 films and shorts on six movie screens at Simon Fashion Valley.

3/23-29

Kia Classic LPGA Tournament Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Carlsbad kiaclassic.com More than 100 of the LGPA’s top female golfers tee off for bragging rights and a $1.7 million purse.

3/28

3/14

3/15

SUPERSEAL IX and SEAL Sprint VI Silver Strand State Beach, Coronado superfrogtriathlon.com Opt for the meek SEAL Sprint VI (500meter swim, 20K bike ride, 6K run) or the overachiever’s SUPERSEAL IX (1,500-meter swim, 40K bike ride, 10K run).

3/15

Puppy Love 5K Lake Poway Recreation Area puppylove5k.kintera.org Bring your two- and fourlegged friends to this 3.1-mile trot around Lake Poway to benefit the Helen Woodward Animal Center.

3/22

WWE Live! Road to WrestleMania Valley View Casino Center, Point Loma valleyviewcasinocenter.com John Cena, Brock Lesnar and other WWE Superstars pack on the drama in scripted battles and phony feuds leading up to WrestleMania 31, to be held at Santa Clara’s Levi’s Stadium.

3/22

P h i l i p D efa l c o

ShamROCK Several blocks in the Gaslamp sandiegoshamrock.com Don ye best green garb and grab an emerald ale (or a few) before joining the more than 20,000 honorary Irish gals and guys celebrating St. Patrick’s Day during this allnight bash boasting three stages of live music and EDM in the streets of the Gaslamp.

IndieFest City Heights Urban Village sandiegoindiefest.com Electro-indie rockers Bear Hands headline this celebration of all things independent, including more than 50 band performances, a spoken-word stage and an art wall.

Hot Chocolate 15K/5K Begins and ends at Petco Park, East Village, hotchocolate15k.com Run/walk for the chocolate chips, marshmallows and Tootsie Rolls dispersed from Sweet Stations along the course, then stick around for hot cocoa and chocolatefondue-dipped treats at the post-race party.

3/28

Bikes & Beers Begin and end at Quartyard, East Village bikesandbeers.org Pedal through several San Diego neighborhoods (making brewery pit stops along the way), following a 22-mile course that culminates in an outdoor music-andbeer festival at the finish line.

SoCal Battle of the Badges Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula socalbattleofthebadges.com Police officers, firefighters, members of the U.S. Armed Forces and others square off in the boxing ring to raise money for Cops 4 Kids, which supports at-risk youngsters.

3/29

Carlsbad 5000 Carlsbad Village Dr. and Roosevelt St., Carlsbad carlsbad.competitor.com Dubbed the “World’s Fastest 5K,” the 30th annual seaside race benefiting the Carlsbad Educational Foundation wraps up with a post-race health and fitness expo.

MARCH 2015 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

Currents {COMEDY}

BlondE Ambition

A model-turned-media-maven brings lewd ladies to America’s Finest By Michael Benninger

ince exploding onto the scene as Playboy’s Playmate of the Year in 1994, Jenny McCarthy has taken broadcast media by storm. Now, the actress, talk show host, author and activist — who’s also starring in a reality show alongside her newlywed New Kid, Donnie Wahlberg — is traveling the country with a collection of female comedians on her Dirty, Sexy, Funny tour, which arrives at Sycuan’s Live & Up Close stage on March 13. In advance of her San Diego appearance, the 42-year-old Chicago native talks with PacificSD about ambition, looking like Jimmy Carter and the beauty of Botox.

PacificSD: What led you to assemble some of the raunchiest female comedians in America for a group tour? JENNY MCCARTHY: I was sitting at an all-girls comedy night and I was laughing so hard, thinking to myself, “It’s a shame there’s no female troupe, when there are so many funny women out there.” I thought — why don’t I create a brand that’s, like, dirty and sexy and funny… and just call it that and try to find people with that same kind of sense of humor as me? It took about three years. I went from club to club to club to club to club, amateur night, you name it, and I sat there and wrote down names. And then I had a test night and interchanged some girls, and we’ve been on the road now for like a year. It’s been so great. We’re doing a TV show [Dirty, Sexy, Funny airs on A&E March 13, the same night the live show takes place at Sycuan], so people will be able to see behind the scenes of the show also. It’s turned into a bigger thing than I ever could hope.

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • march 2015

How do men in the audience typically respond to the show, compared to women? When I started this, I said I needed to find female comedians that men love just as much as women, and all the girls I picked had sets that men can relate to and that makes them howl. When I look in the audience, I see the men laughing just as hard as women, and it’s a 50/50 audience. It’s definitely aimed to make both sexes laugh. You’ve been married about six months and have spent much of that time on camera for Donnie Loves Jenny. What’s been the best part of doing the show so far? Have there been downsides? The best part is working together with a goal. We don’t book out other things, so we’re home more. That’s been a really wonderful thing; it kinda forced more intimacy, if you can believe it. And the other good part is, there’s always moments in your life where you’re like, “God, I wish that was captured on camera,” because it was just too good, and we have those moments. The downside, if there is one, is having to wear makeup when I’d rather not wear makeup. I mean, I look like Jimmy Carter without makeup, so I have to do something. In addition to your television projects, you recently started hosting a show on SiriusXM. How do you like being on radio? It’s the best job I’ve ever gotten. Even Donnie says to me, “I’ve never seen you so happy.” I love going to work; it’s a chance to sit down with people and experts and actually have a conversation that’s not phony. A lot of the time, people feel like they need to put on a certain act, if they’re also being televised. With radio, it gets really real, quick. People wonder why Howard Stern gets so much information out of people. It’s because, when you’re sitting there without any cameras, there is this kind of conversational flow. The only downside for me really is that I’m nocturnal, so I have a hard time waking up in the morning. And when you’re doing talk for two hours, your brain needs to be sharp. So I’m still adjusting from vampire ways. You have credits to your name in almost every medium. What keeps you going? Without a doubt, my motivation is having a son. I was a single mom for a very long time, without any type of support. So, it was, “I gotta feed the baby.” That’s really why I started writing books. I said, “I gotta break into another medium, because I can’t just rely on praying a pilot goes.” I’ve written 10 books since then, and now it’s not a matter of how to feed the baby right now, as much as about being picky with my time and what I want to do. It’s been 21 years since you were Playboy’s Playmate of the Year, but you look as amazing as ever. What’s your secret? Every day, I look in the mirror and cry, “Oh, what happened to me?” But I think there is a secret that many people don’t know about, and that’s being happy. Happiness, I think, does show on your face. And being in love... my husband’s kissing me right now, so [kissing noises] I love you [more kissing noises]... so that really does wonders for your complexion. But so does Botox, don’t get me wrong.

3/13

Jenny McCarthy’s Dirty, Sexy, Funny @ Sycuan’s Live & Up Close sycuan.com

MARCH 2015 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

Currents {COMEDY}

LAUGHING STOCK MARCH stand-up roundup

—Bo Burnham at the Rialto Theatre 3/1: Bo Burnham @ Balboa Theatre, sandiegotheatres.org

“Percentage wise, it is 100-percent easier not to do things than to do them, and so much fun not to do them, especially when you were supposed to do them. In terms of instant relief, canceling plans is like heroin.” —John Mulaney on New in Town 3/5: John Mulaney @ Balboa Theatre, sandiegotheatres.org

“Having a baby is like a DUI from the universe.” M a ndee J o hns o n

— Natasha Leggero on Comedy Central Presents 3/5-7: Natasha Leggero @ American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com

“I’m scared to pee in the bathroom if there’s a fly in there. Like, if there’s an active fly in the bathroom and it’s moving around a lot, I will abort mission every time, ’cause I don’t want it landing on my penis. I don’t want that happening. Have you ever just watched a fly when it lands? Have you ever just watched a fly? They always do something with their hands as soon as they land. What is that? Whatever that is, I don’t want it happening on my penis.” —Tony Baker on Mal Hal and Groovy Like a Movie Present 3/6-7: Tony Baker @ The Comedy Store, thecomedystore.com

—Kathleen Madigan on Shorties Watchin’ Shorties 3/6: Kathleen Madigan @ California Center for the Arts, artcenter.org

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • march 2015

“I’m sort of having a handsome as f**k day, guys. I looked in the mirror today and I was like, ‘Very f**kable.’ This is about as good looking as I get, though; I have some real homely days.” —Adam Devine at the South Beach Comedy Festival 3/7: Adam Devine @ House of Blues, houseofblues.com

“So I’ve heard every stereotypical joke you can hear about being half black and half Asian. Like, a person stopped me and was like, ‘Yo, you realize you’re the only guy who can steal a car and wreck it on the way home?’“ — Michael Yo at the Improv Comedy Club 3/19: Michael Yo @ American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com

“Blacking out is my spirit animal.” —Andrew Santino on Twitter 3/20-21: Andrew Santino @ The Comedy Store, thecomedystore.com

“We’re ready for a real black president, someone like Jay Z. Obama’s fine, just not all black. He’s our gateway Negro.” —Christopher Titus on Comedy Central Stand-Up 3/20-22: Christopher Titus @ American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com

“Let me tell you about my favorite state slogans in the world. Did you know that New Hampshire has theirs at the border? You drive across the border of New Hampshire, and it says ‘New Hampshire, Live Free or Die.’ I’m like, ‘Really? What about visit? Can I visit? Is that cool?’” —Brian Moote at Gotham Comedy Club 3/27-28: Brian Moote @ The Comedy Palace, thecomedypalace.com

“You know what the worst part about my drinking is? When I’m drunk, I slur. You know, like I say racial slurs. Wow, nobody likes that at a barbeque.” —Amy Schumer on Comedy Central Presents 3/29: Amy Schumer @ Pechanga Resort & Casino, pechanga.com

M er edi th Jenks

Natal ie Br asi ngton

“But you know who was out working in the blizzard? The crack whores. Seriously, I went walking around — people don’t think about how hard of a job that is. I would be the worst crack whore in the cold ever. I’d be like, ‘It’s free, just let me in the truck. I’m so cold, I don’t even want crack anymore, just a cigarette; that’s all I want.’“

Matt Hoyle

“Dicks and vaginas are like Coke and Pepsi. I strongly prefer one, but my dad thinks they taste the same.”

MARCH 2015 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

Currents {sports}

in full swing A local fighter prepares for combat

By megan looney Photos by sara norris

ixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Geoff “The One-Handed Bandit” Real was born with only one hand. “I’m always the underdog,” he says. “Everyone else has the upper hand… no pun intended.” Real spent much of his life as a military brat who moved from city to city. Now, having fought as an amateur for four years, he calls San Diego home and has

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • march 2015

one professional bout under his belt. He won the fight in the first round. On Monday, March 23, Real will enter the ring at FLUXX Fight Night, where 24 professional MMA fighters will compete in a cage located in the middle of the dance floor at FLUXX nightclub in the Gaslamp. “The type of life I’ve had, the struggles that I face, I think people get really excited seeing

someone like me enter the cage, someone who’s faced a lot of adversity,” says Real, who has grappled not only tough human opponents but also cancer. “With every fight, I want to recognize that I’m fighting for the less fortunate.” Another local fighter to appear at FLUXX is Parker “The Amazing Spider-Man” Reid, who started MMA training when he was 15 years old, after losing one too

many school-yard brawls. “I was [nicknamed] Spidey when I first started training, and was a bit of nerd, but still athletic,” says Reid. “The name stuck ’til I had my first amateur fight and won. The announcer called me The Amazing Spider-Man, so I guess I moved up in the world.” When he isn’t training or fighting, Reid, whose professional record is 6-1,

works behind the bar at downtown’s AD Nightclub. With 12 fights and one knockout after-party included with admission, FLUXX Fight Night is sure to be a hit. Find tickets and more info at fluxxsd.com. FLUXX Fight Night Monday, March 23 First fight: 9:30 p.m. 500 Fourth Ave., Gaslamp 619.232.8100, fluxxsd.com

MARCH 2015 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

MARCH’S museum and gallery openings

By Michael Benninger

ART BEAT

3/14-4/4 “In Vogue” by Scott Rohlfs Distinction Gallery, 317 E Grand Ave., Escondido 760.707.2770, distinctionart.com

High fashion and pop culture collide in Scott Rohlfs’ most recent works, depicting alluring women who were inspired by real and surreal imagery originating from the artist’s experiences and influences. (cont. on page 44)

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • march 2015

“Pour Yourself a Drink” by Scott Rohlfs

barleymash

Pulse {ARTS}

“So Many Hours in the Day” by Michelle Montjoy

(cont. from page 42)

3/7-4/17: Vicki Walsh Lux Art Institute 1550 S El Camino Real, Encinitas 760.436.6611, luxartinstitute.com This gifted oil painter — and seasoned forensic medical illustrator — shows off her newest series of emotive faces.

“Gisela” by Vicki Walsh

3/7-5/3: “So Many Hours in the Day” by Michelle Montjoy Art + Produce 3139 University Ave., North Park 619.584.4448, artproduce.org Using a continuous thread made of cut-up T-shirts sourced from thrift shops and friends, this artist’s interactive sewing station invites visitors to sit and knit at an enormous tabletop loom.

3/10-4/24: “Gone but Not Forgotten” by Clay Walker Meyer Fine Art 2400 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy 619.358.9512, meyerfineartinc.com A pal of Picasso’s and a contemporary of Warhol, Rothko and Pollock, this abstract expressionist spent the last four decades of his life in North County San Diego, although his work has rarely been displayed since the ’60s. “Reclining Fig” by Clay Walker “Ink Splash” by El Anatsui

3/5-6/28: “Gravity and Grace” by El Anatsui Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego 1100 Kettner Blvd., Downtown 858.454.3541, mcasd.org Drawing inspiration from the staggering mountains of trash he witnessed in West Africa, world-renowned artist El Anatsui created his most recent exhibition, 11 enormous sculptures composed of discarded objects, which challenge the viewer to question the art’s origin.

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • march 2015

“Hills of Majesty” by Hanson Puthuff

3/22-5/3: “Art in Nature: Legacy of the Land” California Center for the Arts 340 N Escondido Blvd., Escondido 760.839.4178, artcenter.org This exhibition and sale — sponsored by the Plein-air Painters of America (PAPA), an organization of artists committed to painting from first-hand observation — showcases 120-plus paintings created by 20 PAPA members. “Neptune” by Hendrick Goltzius

“Tenemos Una Medida Precisa de

3/28-5/2: San Diego Art Prize Show Tiempo” by Marianela de la Hoz Athenaeum Music & Arts Library 1008 Wall St., La Jolla 858.454.5872, ljathenaeum.org Committed to the concept that visual arts are an essential aspect of any modern metropolis, the San Diego Visual Arts Network presents this show that pairs established artists with emerging ones, the latter of whom receive cash prizes and the opportunity to exhibit elsewhere.

3/28-6/30: “Divine Desire: Printmaking, Mythology and the Birth of the Baroque” The San Diego Museum of Art 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park 619.232.7931, sdmart.org Gods and goddesses of Greek and Roman mythology served as muses for this show’s more than 70 exquisite engravings, all of which were produced in Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries.

3/28-8/4: “Photographs” by Lalla Essaydi The San Diego Museum of Art 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park 619.232.7931, sdmart.org Ten meticulously composed large-scale photos serve as this Moroccan artist’s commentary on the role of women in Arab culture and western European art.

“Les Femmes du Maroc #30” by Lalla Essaydi

MARCH 2015 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

Pulse {performing aRTS}

CURTAIN CALLS MARCH’s performing arts PREVIEW By Michael Benninger

2/25-3/22: Love, Loss and What I Wore The Lyceum Theatre 79 Horton Plaza, Gaslamp 619.544.1000, sdrep.org Written by sisters Nora and Delia Ephron, this set of monologues focuses on five women and the fashion they wear during dramatic and hilarious moments in their lives.

M a x P u c c i a r iell o

3/6-8: City Ballet’s Balanchine Spectacular Spreckels Theatre 121 Broadway, Downtown 858.272.8663, cityballet.org City Ballet invites dance lovers to this show featuring “The Four Temperaments,” “Rubies from Jewels” and the “Walpurgisnacht Ballet,” three pieces by George Balanchine, one of the 20th century’s most influential choreographers.

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • march 2015

3/13: MOMIX Alchemia Spreckels Theatre 121 Broadway, Downtown 858.459.3728, ljms.org Air, earth, fire and water inspire the dancer-illusionists in this scintillating multimedia production that is evocative of the enchantment, evolution and sensuality of the natural elements. 3/14-22: Nixon in China San Diego Civic Theatre 1100 Third Ave., Downtown sandiegotheatres.org This musical take on President Richard Nixon’s history-making trip to Beijing includes diplomatic discussions, an outrageous banquet scene and a fantastical skit about Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.

Da ren S cott

3/7-29: Oedipus El Rey San Diego Repertory Theatre 79 Horton Plaza, Gaslamp 619.544.1000, sdrep.org

D a le S t o kes

3/5-4/26: My Fair Lady The Old Town Theatre 4040 Twiggs St., Old Town 619.337.1525, cygnettheatre.com A linguist bets he can help an unrefined flower girl climb the social ladder by improving her eloquence, but he can’t predict what he’ll end up learning from her.

Set in the low-income barrios of modern-day Southern California, this Chicano adaptation of ancient Greece’s greatest literary tragedy has Oedipus behind bars for cheating Costco — while his mother, whom he’ll soon marry, is home watching soaps.

3/6-22: Annie San Diego Center for Jewish Culture 4126 Executive Dr., La Jolla 858.362.1348, sdcjc.org A delusional orphan’s dreams come true when a war profiteer nicknamed “Daddy” takes her back to his mansion.

Pulse {MOVIES}

THE REEL WORLD MARCH motion picture preview By Michael Benninger

The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (PG) Comedy, Drama Starring: Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Richard Gere, Bill Nighy In theatres: March 6 That guy from Slumdog Millionaire and those people you recognize from every British movie ever made reunite amid song and dance as they open a second location of their hotel for snarky oldsters.

J ess i c a M i gli o

Unfinished Business (R) “Best business trip ever.” Comedy Starring: Vince Vaughn, Dave Franco, Tom Wilkinson In theatres: March 6 Hijinks and hilarity ensue when a new business owner, whose back is against the wall, travels to Germany with his less-than-stellar employees in an attempt to secure a life-changing contract. Cinderella (PG) Adventure, Drama, Family, Fantasy Starring: Lily James, Hayley Atwell, Helena Bonham Carter, Cate Blanchett In theatres: March 13 A servant girl with low self-esteem is surrounded by haters until her fairy godmother delivers her to the ball she’s always dreamt of in this live-action adaptation of the classic childhood tale.

My les Ar on ow it z

Run All Night (R) Action, Crime, Drama, Mystery Starring: Liam Neeson, Genesis Rodriguez, Joel Kinnaman In theatres: March 13 When a hit man feels compelled to kill his dangerous associate’s son, he goes on the lam with his own estranged son, who has become his enemy’s target.

Chappie (R) Action, Thriller Starring: Hugh Jackman, Sigourney Weaver, Sharlto Copley In theatres: March 6 An innocent and self-aware robot fights against a society that fears it in this fastpaced film that promises to change the way viewers regard artificial intelligence.

(cont. on page 50)

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • march 2015

Pulse {MOVIES} (cont. from page 48)

A NDR EW COO PER

The Divergent Series: Insurgent (PG-13) “One choice can destroy you.” Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller Starring: Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort, Theo James In theatres: March 20 In the second cinematic installment of this series based on the dystopian books, Beatrice Prior tries to save her loved ones while struggling to find her place in the world.

Serena (R) “Some loves can never let you go.” Drama Starring: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Rhys Ifans In theatres: March 27 When a woman unable to bear children learns that her husband has fathered a son with another woman, baby-mama drama propels her to try to slaughter the bastard’s mom.

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • march 2015

The Gunman “Armed with the truth.” Action, Crime, Drama, Mystery Starring: Idris Elba, Sean Penn, Javier Bardem In theatres: March 20 To prove his innocence, a highly trained military specialist with posttraumatic stress disorder must traverse Western Europe and save the woman he loves.

Get Hard (R) “An education in incarceration.” Comedy Starring: Will Ferrell, Kevin Hart, Alison Brie In theatres: March 27 After a middle-age white dude is found guilty of corporate fraud and sentenced to San Quentin, he spends 30 days preparing for prison by befriending a black man who he assumes spent time behind bars.

Home (PG) “Worlds collide.” Animation, Adventure, Fantasy, Sci-Fi Starring: Jim Parsons, Rihanna, Steve Martin In theatres: March 27 While eluding the bumbling extraterrestrials that have overtaken Earth, a young girl establishes a friendship with an intergalactic outcast who dances uncontrollably anytime he hears music.

Pulse {STYLE}

Measuring Up Making the clothes fit the man By Danielle Directo-Meston Photos by Sara Norris

eet Bonobos, the menswear store that provides shoppers with ice-cold beers from Stone Brewery when they walk in, and then sends them packing sans baggage. Now open at Westfield UTC, the e-tailer’s minimalist-hip Guideshop reinvents traditional retail therapy. “Shopping should be fun,” says Ron Thurston, Director of Retail for Bonobos, which operates 12 U.S. showrooms, including three in California. “And as long as you’ve got a beer in your hand, you’ll be in the store for as long as it takes to finish it.” At Bonobos’ newest brick-and-mortar location, located by UTC’s second-floor food court, guys can browse and try on casual chinos, beach-ready blazers, sleek shirts, stylish suits and more, all with the help of a personal stylist. “Guys often wear clothes that are too big,” says Thurston, adding that every Bonobos style is available in a range of lengths and fits, eliminating the need for tailoring. After the one-on-one styling sesh, shoppers place an order in-store (or later online), and then leave empty-handed. In a few days, a box of well-fitting clothing arrives straight to their door. Shipping is free, even for returns, which are accepted for up to one year. To show S.D. gents how to dress for the season the Bonobos way, Vice President of Design Dwight Fenton styled PacificSD model Christian in four Cali-cool looks from the brand’s Spring 2015 line. “Phasing out a winter wardrobe can be tricky when coastal breezes still mean sweater weather,” says Fenton. A Hawaiian floral print over a crisp collared shirt and shorts is an effortlessly cool way to stay warm when the temp drops at night. Aloha floral sweatshirt, $98; Rhodes collar oxford shirt, $78; utility cord short, $85.

(cont. on page 54)

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • march 2015

Pulse {STYLE} (cont. from page 52)

Tapping into spring’s tonal trend, Fenton styled Bonobos’ lightweight-cotton linen v-neck sweater with a travel jean, which adds a rugged-yet-finished touch to the look. The brand’s versatile denim offers “a hint of stretch,” Fenton says, making it a cinch to wear a new pair without breaking them in first.

Right: Wool linen birdseye V-neck, $198; premium natural selvage denim, $175. Below: Wool linen shawl cardigan, $228; jersey knit T-shirt, $45; travel jean, $98.

(cont. on page 56)

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • march 2015

Pulse {STYLE} (cont. from page 54)

Casual dressers can step up their spring wedding guest game in Bonobos’ cotton navy herringbone suit, which pairs well with dress shoes or slip-ons. “Menswear, as a whole, is taking a more casual approach to dressing now more than ever, especially with suiting,” Fenton says. “[This look] isn’t nearly as formal as a classic black tux, [and the light fabric] makes it breathable and easy to wear all night long.” Bonobos Guideshop 4545 La Jolla Village Dr., UTC 858.226.1373, bonobos.com

First-Timer’s Tip: Ready to get fitted? Free consultations are available on a walk-in or byappointment basis. Schedule your date at bonobos.com/guideshop

Navy cotton herringbone tuxedo, $740; French cuff Americano dress shirt, $148; silk necktie, $78.

MONKEYING AROUND: A bonobo, aka pygmy chimpanzee, is an endangered great ape.

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • march 2015

[ Promotion]

Head in the

Clouds How a top-tier Realtor is taking his clients sky-high B y H erb B ernstein

San Diego-based Realtor Seth O’Byrne helps prospective homebuyers reach their loftiest aspirations, giving them aerial views of homes from a helicopter. “We aren’t just selling homes anymore, we are selling San Diego on a whole,” says O’Byrne, whose growing number of international clients often know little about the city. “Shortening the time it takes to understand what you are considering buying is a very powerful thing.” While closing deals certainly helps O’Byrne’s bottom-line, his high-flying success may also be a boon for San Diego. With California dreams on their minds, many of his global clients have considered laying roots in Orange County, Los Angeles and San Francisco, but O’Byrne

has been steering them — and his helicopter pilots — toward America’s Finest. “I have had CEOs, entrepreneurs and visionaries in those helicopters before, and the common conversation is whether to bring or keep their business and their talent in San Diego,” says O’Byrne. “If I can show someone a dozen homes from Coronado to Carlsbad and show them how close Petco Park is to Balboa Park, all in the same ride, it drives home what our city has to offer.” Reaching new heights comes with a price tag, but it’s one O’Byrne covers for his clients, whether they’re buying downtown condos or palatial Rancho Santa Fe estates. “This service is completely complimentary to all of our

clients,” O’Byrne says. “It’s not about price, it’s about service. We’re thrilled to fly our clients 3,000 feet above the coastline from the Coronado Bridge to Solana Beach and into Encinitas. It really shows each community the way it really is.” With four bedrooms, three bathrooms and soaring ceilings — not to mention soaring over the rooftops — your dream home may finally be in sight. For more information, visit sethsold.com. Seth O’Byrne O’Byrne Team of Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty 7855 Ivanhoe Ave., Ste. 110, La Jolla 858.500.4488, sethsold.com

MARCH 2015 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

Pulse {tech}

KEEPIN’ IT WHEEL Built with speed in mind and employing DAHON’s LockJaw hinge — which creates a barely noticeable bulge on the bike’s frame — this contorting two-wheeler provides one of the most stable steering experiences available on a foldable bike. DAHON CLINCH D10 FOLDABLE BIKE | $TBD | dahon.com (Available later this year)

WHAT A TRIP

Eye-opening innovations for and inspired by travel By Michael Benninger

Whether you’re heading out of town or need a gift for someone on the go, these new products are sure to make getting there half the fun.

IT’S IN THE BAG Toss one of these palm-sized products into your suitcase to keep tabs on your baggage after it leaves your hands. The handy GPSenabled device provides real-time data about your luggage’s location, so whether you’ve just packed dirty undies or Aunt Doris’ ashes, you can relax knowing right where your stuff is. In the unfortunate — and inevitable — case that the airline does lose your luggage, you can give the airport details about its exact whereabouts. TRAKDOT LUGGAGE TRACKER | $49 | trakdot.com

(cont. on page 60)

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • march 2015

Pulse {tech}

OFF THE CUFF

(cont. from page 58)

This cutting-edge fashion accessory is perfect for airports, hotels or anywhere else you might need to share your connection to the Interwebz. One of the polished silver cufflinks serves as 2GB of storage space, while the other turns your laptop into the hottest hotspot in Terminal 2. RAVI RATAN WIFI & 2GB USB CUFFLINKS | $250 | cufflinks.com

ON THE FLY The aviation-obsessed husband-andwife team behind this collection of first-class, airport-inspired prints believes airports are sacred gateways to be celebrated. Having already recreated more than 350 terminals and runways, they remain committed to making art of any airport for which they’re commissioned. 08 LEFT AIRPORT POSTERS | $23 | 08left.com

WHATEVER SUITS YOU

GO, BOLTS! Next time you’re away, grant friends, family and that weird dogsitter access to your pad with a few taps on your touchscreen. Controlled by a companion app, the August Smart Lock employs Bluetooth technology, enabling you to monitor and control who gets into your home and when. The wireless installation is a snap, and a deadbolt extension that works with existing door hardware means you don’t need to be Bob Vila to have the first smart lock on your block. AUGUST SMART LOCK | $249 | Available at Apple Stores and august.com

Ditch the unwieldy suit bags and pick up one of these wrinkle-repellant cases instead. Designed to support a suit’s structure during travel, SuitPack’s light, sturdy, crease-conscious construction means it can be carried on its own or packed in a larger suitcase. SUITPACK | $149 | suit-pack.com

SAY ANYTHING Quit lamenting the French you’ve forgotten since high school. Turns out, you’ll never need it again anyway thanks to this diminutive device that knows 25 languages. Promising to change how you communicate with foreign-language speakers, Sigmo translators feature intuitive bidirectional controls that seem straight out of Star Trek. Each speaker presses down one of two buttons while talking, and then the device audibly translates the message into the second language. SIGMO UNIVERSAL TRANSLATOR | $65 | sigmo.co

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • march 2015

POUR GUY This do-it-yourself cocktail kit includes everything needed to fix a couple of in-flight Old Fashioneds (not counting the bourbon). Use the spoon-slashmuddler to mix-in small-batch bitters and unrefined sugar. A linen coaster adds an air of class to enjoying the robust flavor while trying to forget about the kid kicking the back of your seat. THE CARRY ON COCKTAIL KIT | $24 | carryoncocktailkit.com

PIN THERE, DONE THAT Track your global domination and dream destinations with this puncturable planet. Held in place by a stainless steel base, the 12-by-10inch sphere rotates for your pinning pleasure, includes five thumbtacks and makes a great gift for worldly winos (’cause it’s made of cork). CORK GLOBE | $129 | cb2.com

JUST-IN CASE Recognized as the travel industry’s highest-grossing crowdfunded product-launch, the space-age, waterproof Trunkster suitcase touts zipper-less entry, a built-in scale, GPS-tracking capability, an easy-access sliding door and a USB charging station with enough juice to power a smartphone nine times over. Set a custom fourdigit code on the TSA-friendly Travel Sentry lock to keep its contents safe from shady characters. TRUNKSTER | $300-$350 | trunkster.co

KEEP YOUR SHIRT ON Made with a combination of bamboo cotton and microscopic zinc-oxide particles that block 98 percent of UVA and UVB rays, this airy and stylish pullover feels smooth against the skin. The neck expands into an exaggerated hood for further sun protection, while long sleeves with thumbholes ensure your entire arm’s solar safety. A variety of garments are available for men and women. ZNO COWL NECK PULLOVER | $59 | coolibar.com

PUSHING ALL THE RIGHT BUTTONS

Invaluable travel apps

GATEGURU Your best friend on the day of your flight, GateGuru assists with navigating to airports, notifications about estimated wait times, locations of nearby restaurants and much more. If your gate changes, or your flight is delayed, GateGuru ensures that you’ll be the first to know. A partnership with Avis means rental car reservations are a couple taps away. Available in the App Store, Google Play and the Windows Store | gateguru.com HOTEL TONIGHT Built for spontaneous, thrillseeking types, Hotel Tonight offers rock-bottom prices for last-minute rooms at handpicked, highly rated hotels. Rooms are categorized as Basic, Hip or Luxe, and the Hotel Tonight team provides valuable insights to guide your decisionmaking. Your next hotel room is only three taps and a swipe away, no matter where you are. Available in the App Store, Google Play and the Windows Store | hoteltonight.com HOPPER Hopper compiles massive data sets derived from the complex flightpricing system, helping users find and make the best arrangements for upcoming trips. Get up-tothe-minute notifications about the ideal time to purchase tickets to maximize savings and feel good about the deal you’re getting. Available in the App Store SITORSQUAT RESTROOM FINDER Owned by Charmin, this app lets users find, view and rate more than 100,000 public restrooms worldwide. An interactive map makes it easy to run, tiptoe, or waddle to the nearest potty, where you can snap pics and review the facilities. Rate a restroom as “Sit,” if you had a blast, or “Squat,” if it was a less than pleasurable experience. Available in the App Store and Google Play | sitorsquat.com

MARCH 2015 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • march 2015

ON BRIE (right): Blouse by Boohoo, boohoo.com; skirt by Ronald, houseofronald.com; earrings by Phillip Gavriel, phillipgabriel.com; ring by Charles Albert, charlesalbert.com; shoes by Saint Laurent, ysl.com. ON NIKKI: Dress by Ronald, houseofronald.com; ring and necklace by Charles Albert, charlesalbert.com; shoes by Christian Louboutin, christianlouboutin.com.

FIGHT or

f l i g h t WWE Divas The Bella Twins touch down in San Diego

By Tony Lovitt

Their theme music blares from loudspeakers, fog fills the arena, and a sellout crowd greets them with a thunderous ovation and a galaxy of camera flashes. It’s showtime once again for The Bella Twins, world-renowned WWE Divas and San Diego natives Nikki and Brie, who enter the professional wrestling ring by performing their signature move, a backflip over the top rope.

Photography by Carlos Nunez Styling by Ali Dariotis, Wear It My Way Hair & makeup by Eileen Sandoval Hair & Makeup assistant Allison Gutierrez Photographer’s assistant Chip Morton Helicopter provided by Corporate Helicopters Limousine provided by Epic Limousine

MARCH 2015 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • march 2015

Corporate Helicopters, which provides helicopter services ranging from charters to tours to aerial filming for major motion pictures, now offers flights from its home base at Montgomery Field to Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens in Escondido. Visit corporatehelicopters.com for more info and to book exclusive UberCHOPPER flights to the Coachella music festival.

IT’S

a scene the 31-year-old identical twins repeat before their matches at 320 live WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.) events throughout the year, approximately 65 of which take place beyond U.S. borders. The road warriors travel 52 weeks annually. “I have to say my favorite [destination], internationally, is Paris,” says Nikki, the reigning WWE Divas Champion (sister Brie was a WWE Divas Champion in 2011) and parttime La Jolla resident. “I got to be there with my boyfriend, John [Cena, a WWE Superstar]. He took me to the Lover’s Bridge and the Eiffel Tower, and we ate dessert and drank wine at night. So, I had the total Paris experience and I will never forget it.” “We have been lucky enough with WWE to see so many beautiful countries, but I have to say, here in the United States, we’re so blessed to have so many amazing places to go see,” says Brie, who’s married to WWE Superstar Daniel Bryan and recently moved to Arizona. “San Diego, I have to say, is Number One on the destination list.” Well before their WWE debut in 2007, Nikki (the eldest by 16 minutes) and Brie displayed the athleticism, competitiveness and tenacity that characterize their identities as WWE Divas. Both were outstanding soccer players at Chaparral High School in Scottsdale, Arizona. In fact, Nikki had an opportunity to play professional soccer in Italy, but fate took a sudden turn. “When I saw WWE Divas on television, I instantly thought, ‘Oh, gosh, that’s our calling,’” Brie says. “So, I actually called Nikki and [told her], ‘There’s a thing called Diva Search coming to Los Angeles. You and I need to go, because I think this is for us.’”

ON BRIE: Top and skirt by Endless Rose, endlessrose.com; bracelet and ring by Charles Albert, charlesalbert.com; shoes by Christian Louboutin, christianlouboutin.com; bag by Louis Vutton, louisvuitton.com.

MARCH 2015 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • march 2015

sooN

after, the twins were driving crosscountry to a WWE developmental center in Tampa, Florida, where, rather than bicycle-kicking soccer balls into nets, they were dropkicking opponents into submission. And, while (spoiler alert!) WWE matches are scripted sports entertainment with predetermined outcomes, the athleticism is very real indeed. “My go-to workout is heavy squatting, but I’ve really fallen in love with weightlifting and I try to do three workouts [per week] with heavy weights,” Nikki says. “For me, I love to create a very long, lean body type,” says Brie, who prefers Pilates, yoga and barre class to lifting. “I also like the idea of mentally decompressing.” The twins perform five times per week — three nights of non-televised shows; Monday Night Raw on USA Network; and WWE SmackDown, Thursday nights on Syfy. Sundays, they appear on Total Divas, a reality program on E! Entertainment Television that provides a behind-the-scenes look into the lives of various WWE Divas. March highlights for Nikki and Brie include WrestleMania 31 (“Our Super Bowl,” says Nikki), March 29 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. On March 22 at 7 p.m., they’ll perform at San Diego’s Valley View Casino Center, a stop on the WWE LIVE! Road to WrestleMania tour. Out of the public eye, The Bella Twins — born November 21, 1983, as Brianna and Stephanie Nicole GarciaColace — lend their time to a variety of altruistic endeavors. Nikki is involved with WWE’s anti-bullying “Be a STAR” campaign, while Brie favors animal -rights and environmental causes. But when the camera turns on again, they light up the ring and millions of TV sets before flying off to their next WWE fight in style. Que Bella!

ON NIKKI: Top and skirt by Endless Rose, endlessrose.com; bracelet and ring by Charles Albert, charlesalbert.com; shoes by Jimmy Choo, jimmychoo.com; bag by Marc Jacobs, marcjacobs.com.

MARCH 2015 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • march 2015

(LEFT) ON BRIE: Skirt by Jad Ghandour, jadghandour.com; blouse by See You Soon, see-u-soon.fr; choker by Charles Albert, charlesalbert.com; shoes by Christian Louboutin, christianlouboutin.com. ON NIKKI: Skirt by Growze, growze.la; blouse by See You Soon, see-u-soon.fr; choker by Charles Albert, charlesalbert.com; shoes by Christian Louboutin, christianlouboutin.com. (ABOVE) ON BRIE: Gown by Ella Zahlan, ellazahlan. com; bracelet by Charles Albert, charlesalbert.com; earrings by Phillip Gavriel, phillipgabriel.com; shoes by Guiseppe Zanotti, giuseppezanottidesign.com ON NIKKI: Gown by Xcite, xciteprom.com; earrings by Phillip Gavriel, phillipgabriel.com; bracelets by Charles Albert, charlesalbert.com; shoes by Christian Louboutin, christianlouboutin.com.

MARCH 2015 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

SPANNING THE GLOBE

An international array of megastar DJs are setting their sights on omnia San Diego DADA L I F E

E VA S H AW DV B B S

N I CK Y R OMER O A FROJACK

T HE C HA IN S MO K E R S

MA R T I N GA RR I X

K R E W E LLA ST E V E AO K I

CH U CKI E

OL I V ER H EL DEN S S H OW T EK

B y D a v id P e r lo f f

W &W

As electronic dance music’s appeal reaches a global crescendo, America’s Finest EDM scene is poised to host some of the world’s top talents. Many of the planet’s stadium-filling headliners will take the main stage at Hakkasan Group’s new OMNIA NIGHTCLUB, opening in downtown San Diego this spring. In advance of their spinning the city into cosmic oblivion, six* of these megastars took a few moments to speak with PacificSD about their music, their careers and their upcoming local performances.

A R MI N VA N B UUR EN

AFROJACK Real Name: Nick Van de Wall D.O.B.: September 9, 1987 Nationality: Netherlands Twitter followers 1,600,000 Facebook likes: 8,300,000 Instagram followers: 1,000,000 DJ Mag 2014 global rank: 12 YouTube highlight: “Ten Feet Tall,” 38,000,000 views

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • march 2015

ABOVE & BEYO N D

PacificSD: What’s the coolest part of being one of the top DJs on the planet? AFROJACK: That I can do something I love very much and that I can show it to everybody in the world. How do you describe your music? What genre or genres does it fit, if any? Since I like a lot of different music genres, I use some influences to produce new music. I can’t really say it is one genre; I just call it Afrojack music. What are your professional and/ or artistic goals? Making music that I really like, and to make some new albums. But mostly I just want to keep doing what I love the most, and that’s entertaining people. Who’s your favorite EDM artist at the moment? I have a lot of favorites, actually. I don’t want to say a name, because then I will probably forget

N ERVO

*Names that appear in color on the map above represent artists interviewed for this story. Those listed in white are also among the roster of acts set to perform at OMNIA San Diego.

somebody else. With which artist or artists would you most like to collaborate? Kanye West, Jay Z, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Katy Perry. I would love working with them. They are some of the biggest artists in the world. If you could see only one more live performance by any band or musical act, whether living or dead, whom would you choose? Michael Jackson — one of the best performers, artists, musicians who has ever lived. In what ways are you looking forward to performing in San Diego? SD has always been good to me, and I have a lot of fans out there. I can’t wait to show them the new Afrojack experience. Where on the planet would you most like to travel to next? I like the U.S., because I’m

there most of the time. And I always like to come back to my home country, the Netherlands, to see my family and friends again. What should your millions of fans know about you that they don’t already? I think they already know everything, since I’m a quite an open book to my fans. You just won the $250 million Powerball jackpot — what are you doing for the rest of the day? Keep doing what I’m doing now. Making more music and fly all over the world to entertain all of my fans — and do it bigger and better. And, of course, bring all of my friends and family over to see every show. Complete this sentence: I wish the world of EDM had more “blank” and less “blank.” More talents on all the festivals’ main stages, and less use of the term EDM.

F oto F loo r

S UN N ERY JA MES & RYA N MA R CI A N O

CHUCKIE

Real name: Clyde Narain D.O.B.: June 25, 1978 Nationality: Suriname Twitter followers: 580,000 Facebook likes: 1,100,000 Instagram followers: 151,000 YouTube highlight: “Let the Bass Kick,” 12,000,000 views

PacificSD: What’s the coolest part of being one of the top DJs on the planet? CHUCKIE: The most satisfying part is having the opportunity to find new music that inspires me. I use Dirty Dutch Music as a platform for discovering new artists. There’s a new generation of DJs and producers that I want to collaborate with — whether it’s within techno, dancehall, trap, reggae... the list goes on. My recent productions have all been centered around this sort of musical expansion.

Who’s your favorite EDM artist at the moment? There are several players I’m currently digging. The first is ChildsPlay. Traphall is our core business, and we’re trying to spread the Traphall sound as far and wide as possible. There’s a reason why “Chiefin’” was the first Dirty Dutch track released this year. Dirty Audio knows how to make a down-home banger that counts. There’s plenty more to come, including a remix with the king of Melbourne Bounce himself — I’ll let you try and guess who that is. With which artist or artists would you most like to collaborate? You might have heard of one or two of these guys: Jay Z or Kanye, but not on a dance music track, necessarily. Being able to fully cross into hip-hop again would be a nostalgic trip down my roots.

If you could see only one more live performance by any band or musical act, whether living or dead, whom would you choose? It would have to be The Awesome 3. “Don’t Go” is one of my all-time favorites. Listening to this record was the first time I really discovered a passion and love for electronic music. Breakbeat and drum-andbass will always be a part of my beginnings as a DJ/producer. In what ways are you looking forward to performing in San Diego? San Diego has always been great to me — the fans; diverse range of venues; weather, of course. I could go on all day.

playing around with Melbourne Bounce. I love that sound, since it blends so well with Dirty Dutch. What should your millions of fans know about you that they don’t already? I started off as a barber to pay for records. This was when I was around 15; still love it. You just won the $250 million Powerball jackpot — what are you doing for the rest of the day? Going to Amoeba [independent record stores in California] and buying every vinyl I could possibly want. Then again, I might as well just buy Amoeba. That’s like every music-lover’s dream.

Where on the planet would you most like to travel to next? Australia. I want to continue

Ruud B a a n V r i jstaa nd

How do you describe your music? What genre or genres does it fit, if any? My music reflects anything that has influenced me as an artist. It’s never been about labeling the Dirty Dutch sound as one particular style. I want to keep it fresh. If I had to narrow it down to specific genres, my roots came from hip-hop and drum-and-bass. As I began exploring house more and more, Dirty Dutch simply came about naturally. Since the beginning, I’ve made it a point to create music that never limits itself to one spectrum.

What are your professional and/ or artistic goals? I want to work with a lot of new names and, musically, I want to take the label in a lot more directions.

MARCH 2015 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

KREWELLA

harmony that should set an example for the entire world to coexist. Real Names: Jahan (right) and Yasmine Yousaf (sisters) How do you describe your music? D.O.B.: Jahan, August 27, 1989; What genre or genres does it fit, Yasmine, February 18, 1992 if any? Nationality: U.S.A Dance, at the core. Now regaining Twitter followers: 492,000 touch with our rock roots and Facebook likes: 2,200,000 Instagram followers: 230,000 focusing on sharing the story of our DJ Mag 2014 global rank: 33 lives through the songwriting. We YouTube highlight: “Alive,” call it “Rock ‘n’ Rave.” 40,000,000 views What are your professional and/ or artistic goals? To transcend genres; move people PacificSD: What’s the coolest part emotionally through our music; of being one of the top DJs on the empower youth and those in the planet? shadows; encourage listeners to face KREWELLA: Experiencing different their demons; spread the message of cultures and people with different acceptance, love and ethnic backgrounds coming together peace, globally. at global dance festivals. It is an unforgettable image of

Who’s your favorite EDM artist at the moment? Pegboard Nerds, I See Monstas and Modestep. With which artist or artists would you most like to collaborate? Our fantasy collaborations are System of a Down, Linkin Park and Kanye. If you could see only one more live performance by any band or musical act, whether living or dead, whom would you choose? Bloc Party. We call this our “family band,” because everyone in our family is a fan. We grew up listening to them, so their older releases are nostalgic and remind us of our early teenage years when we were still figuring shit out and discovering our identity. In what ways are you looking forward to performing in San Diego?

We actually talk about how it would be cool to live in San Diego someday. It’s like a less hustleand-bustle version of Los Angeles, plus it’s on the water. And besides enjoying and exploring the city during our time off, we are stoked to see the crowd there, since we haven’t performed in over a year. The party scene is alive and thriving in San Diego, so we are certain it will be a crazy crowd. Where on the planet would you most like to travel to next? We are half Pakistani and haven’t been there since we were kids. It’s sad to feel so out of touch with our culture and our people. We also have such an affinity for Europe, which is where the other half is from. We cherish the old charm, historical buildings and museums, creamy cappuccinos and natural beauty of cities like Salzburg, Paris and Stockholm. These are a few of the places we will never get tired of visiting. What should your millions of fans know about you that they don’t already? No gossip. There is power in silence. You just won the $250 million Powerball jackpot — what are you doing for the rest of the day? Flying our family and loved ones out to Los Angeles to come over for a home-cooked meal. Spending the whole night brainstorming what global issues we are passionate about and strategizing how to address funding and investment in those areas that desperately need attention. Complete this sentence: I wish the world of EDM had more “blank” and less “blank.” More diversity and less cliques.

Ni kko L aMe re

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • march 2015

MARTIN GARRIX

Real name: Martijn Gerard Garritsen D.O.B.: May 14, 1996 Nationality: Netherlands Twitter followers: 1,500,000 Facebook likes: 10,000,000 Instagram followers: 2,100,000 DJ Mag 2014 global rank: 4 YouTube highlight: “Animals,” 486,000,000 views

PacificSD: What’s the coolest part of being one of the top DJs on the planet? MARTIN GARRIX: The best thing is that I get to do what I love most, producing music, performing all over the world, meeting new people. When I’m on stage and see all these amazing people in the crowd having the time of their lives, I feel like the happiest guy on the planet. How do you describe your music? What genre or genres does it fit, if any? I don’t really care for genres. Some call it “EDM,” some call it “pop.” I just try to make good music. What are your professional and/or artistic goals? I’m a perfectionist. I still want to get better and better in everything I do. I produced most of my music in my bedroom at my parents’ place, but I was in L.A. last week and got to work in some of the best studios in the world, with some of the best musicians. That was such an amazing experience; I got so much new inspiration for my music. And also my performances, I really want to

have a massive show in the future where everything comes together — the music, sick visuals, lights, fireworks, et cetera. Who’s your favorite EDM artist at the moment? I really admire Calvin Harris. It’s incredible what he’s achieved as a producer. With which artist or artists would you most like to collaborate? I have a ton of names I would love to work with, from Calvin Harris to Lana Del Rey. If you could see only one more live performance by any band or musical act, whether living or dead, whom would you choose? I would love to see a comeback of Swedish House Mafia. Their live shows are the best. In what ways are you looking forward to performing in San Diego? I always love to play San Diego. The city has a great vibe, and I love the people there. Where on the planet would you most like to travel to next? I always love to go home, actually, to see my friends and family. You just won the $250 million Powerball jackpot — what are you doing for the rest of the day? Ha! I have no idea. I don’t really care for money or expensive stuff, to be honest. I’m just living my dream and I feel very honored that there are so many people around the world who are supporting me.

MARCH 2015 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

NERVO

Real names: Miriam (right) and Olivia Nervo (twins) D.O.B.: February 17, 1987 Nationality: Australia Twitter followers: 782,000 Facebook likes: 3,300,000 Instagram followers: 461,000 DJ Mag 2014 global rank: 21 YouTube highlight: “You’re Gonna Love Again,” 12,000,000 views

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • march 2015

And then we would have the biggest afterparty ever! Everyone would be invited, and we would charter our friends in from all over the world.

If you could see only one more live performance by any band or musical act, whether living or dead, whom would you choose? We love all types of music, so it’s hard to list only one. We’d love to bring back Kurt Cobain and Frank Sinatra. We have also never seen Dolly Parton perform, so that would be great to witness.

Complete this sentence: I wish the world of EDM had more “blank” and less “blank.”

More affordable ticket prices and less shows where we have to leave cities so quickly, as we’d love to hang around and explore.

In what ways are you looking forward to performing in San Diego? We don’t see our fans as much in San Diego, so it will be great to play for them more often. Where on the planet would you most like to travel to next? We are traveling to Monterrey, Mexico tomorrow — super excited for that, as we love Mexico. We always have such great shows down there. What should your millions of fans know about you that they don’t already? We love to eat; we are big foodies. We used to breed guinea pigs and budgies when we were kids. You just won the $250 million Powerball jackpot — what are you doing for the rest of the day? If we have a scheduled show, we would be there.

Chl oe Paul

PacificSD: What’s the coolest part of being one of the top DJs on the planet? NERVO: We get to make and play music for a living. Plus, we get to go to great parties around the world. How do you describe your music? What genre or genres does it fit, if any? We play big room house and love vocal house. We like to mix older classics with modern-day bangers. We like to read the crowd to see what they respond to, and then we tailor our sets to suit the evening and the vibe of the room. What are your professional and/or artistic goals? We just want to create music that we enjoy. Hopefully, others enjoy it, too. Who’s your favorite EDM artist at the moment? We think Calvin Harris is super talented. He makes great crossover records, banging remixes and he sings. The talent is boundless. With which artist or artists would you most like to collaborate? We would love to work with Imogen Heap. She’s such an incredible writer and producer, plus

we love her vocals. If we could bring Kurt Cobain back from the dead, it would be great to get in the studio with him, too.

NICKY ROMERO

Real name: Nick Rotteveel D.O.B.: January 6, 1989 Nationality: Netherlands Twitter followers: 1,600,000 Facebook likes: 6,000,000 Instagram followers: 1,200,000 DJ Mag 2014 global rank: 8 YouTube highlight: “Toulouse,” 214,000,000 views

PacificSD: What’s the coolest part of being one of the top DJs on the planet? NICKY ROMERO: The coolest thing is to be able to do what I love for a living. I also get to visit some of the sickest places in the world with a bunch of people I couldn’t live without. How do you describe your music? What genre or genres does it fit, if any? I like to experiment with music and blur the lines of genres. My music has a clear progressive-house foundation, but I love to dip in and out of other styles, too. What are your professional

and/or artistic goals? I want to continue building up Protocol Recordings and work with new and interesting artists. I want to keep surprising people by thinking outside the box in terms of my musical releases and projects. Who’s your favorite EDM artist at the moment? I have to say Calvin Harris. He’s killing it left, right and center. With which artist or artists would you most like to collaborate? I am just finishing up a track with Nile Rodgers; and for me, it’s the dream come true. I have so much respect for him and everything

that he’s done. If you could see only one more live performance by any band or musical act, whether living or dead, whom would you choose? Michael Jackson — he is a legend, and I believe he had so much left to give to the music world. I would love to see him perform… but I would be super jealous of his dance moves. In what ways are you looking forward to performing in San Diego? California is one of the best places on the planet. I am really looking forward to

being back in San Diego. There’s nothing better than a good crowd who loves the music, and I have a feeling that, as per usual, these guys are going to bring the energy. Where on the planet would you most like to travel to next? I just spent a week in Dubai in January, and it was amazing. I would love to go back there to kick back and relax. What should your millions of fans know about you that they don’t already? I don’t drink a lot of alcohol, just the occasional beer. During my sets, I like to drink coconut water to keep me hydrated and to keep me on top of my game. You just won the $250 million Powerball jackpot — what are you doing for the rest of the day? As you may or may not know, I am a huge motorbike fan. I would definitely set up my own Protocol Moto GP team. That would be sick! Complete this sentence: I wish the world of EDM had more “blank” and less “blank.” More understanding and less criticism.

MARCH 2015 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

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DINING OUT

WORLD Globetrotting gastronomy, a San Diego staycation

By David Nelson / Photos by Kate and Michael Auda

If business class tickets to Paris boggle the budget, take a trip to the banks of the Seine by ordering duck confit at La Jolla’s new French restaurant instead. The 17-hour time difference between San Diego and Japan can keep world travelers up at night, so fly across town to Mission Beach’s new Cannonball, which promises world-class sushi without the jetlag. Forget the Danish and coffee — an intercontinental breakfast is the new bill of fare. The city’s sizzlingest new restaurants offer a passport to international flavors, not to mention the comfort of sleeping in your very own bed (turn-down service not included). Bon voyage and buon appetito!

Heirloom village salad at Meze Greek Fusion.

(cont. on page 80)

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • march 2015

taste {dining out} (cont. from page 78)

ABOVE: Meze Greek Fusion’s Shrimp and Ouzo Saganaki. BELOW: Inside the Gaslamp’s new Meze Greek Fusion.

Meze Greek Fusion

Meze co-proprietor Raymond Davoudi accomplished moving this Greek Fusion restaurant from the Gaslamp to East Village simply by crossing Sixth Avenue. The impressive space runs deep into the block, rising a couple of floors to accommodate private parties and overflow from the high-ceilinged, super-charged main dining room. Fun Greek references entertain the eye everywhere, especially the black-and-white “photo” of Medusa, the snake-haired monster who turned men to stone. On a chalkboard, the “Ten Reasons that Greeks Are Better at Life” includes No. 1, “Two words – fried cheese,” and No. 6, “We’ve never let tentacles scare us.” A menu rich in mezes, or savory small plates, is supplemented by occasions like Taco Tuesdays, which features tortillas wrapped around falafel and gyros. Belly dancers gyrate Fridays and Saturdays. Opened in January 345 Sixth Ave., Gaslamp 619.550.1600, gaslampmeze.com (cont. on page 82)

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • march 2015

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taste {dining out} (cont. from page 80)

Pizza Mare at Catania. LEFT: Catania executive chef Vince Schofield.

Catania

Whisknladle Hospitality, the plucky group that routinely transforms challenging spaces into destination restaurants (like Del Mar’s Prepkitchen and La Jolla’s Whisknladle), relies on Beatrice to work wonders at Catania, the vast new upstairs eatery slated for a March 16 opening at the corner of Girard Avenue and Wall Street in downtown La Jolla. Beatrice, a 5,000-pound wood-burning oven, centers a kitchen that turns out a selection of traditional Italian dishes that are otherwise unknown in San Diego. Specialties from Catania, the ancient Greek region of southernmost Italy known for extremely satisfying food, highlight the menu. Inspired by a lengthy Italian road-trip shared by Whisknladle proprietor Arturo Kassel and executive chef/partner Ryan Johnston, Catania overlooks both town and ocean. Chef Vince Schofield, who offers dishes including rabbit alla cacciatora and a salad of oranges, pistachios and olives, says, “Dining at Catania, you can be transported from Venice to Puglia to Sicily. We’re drawing inspiration from all regions of Italy, especially the vast coastline.” Opening mid-March 7863 Girard Ave., Ste. 301, La Jolla 858.551.5105, wnlhosp.com (cont. on page 84)

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • march 2015

MARCH 2015 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

taste {dining out} (cont. from page 82)

Little Lion Cafe

Tour the beautiful Belgian coast by driving to Ocean Beach early enough to snag a breakfast, brunch or lunch table at Little Lion. This Sunset Cliffs restaurant-in-miniature is a labor of love presented by the third generation of San Diego’s culinary dynasty, the Coulon family, whose former Belgian Lion was an OB landmark. Sisters Anne-Marie, Jacqueline and Dominique Coulon bake sweet and savory Belgian pastries and amazing fruit tarts, pile sandwiches high with fillings that delight Belgian-born grandfather Don (think wild Mexican shrimp with remoulade sauce and capers), and on weekends dazzle with existential eggs Benedict. Best of all are the crisp-but-buttery frites (deepfried potato slices), a classic staple of Belgian cuisine. “Since we grew up as Coulons, we’ve learned all the techniques of Belgian cooking,” says cook-in-chief AnneMarie. “There is a simple elegance that Belgians like, and since we’ve traveled there, we know the contemporary food trends, too.” Opened in December 1424 Sunset Cliffs Blvd. Ocean Beach 619.756.6921, thelittlelioncafe.com (cont. on page 86)

CANNONBALL How amped is the cool factor of dining on a rooftop with sweeping ocean views? It’s up there, as are diners brushed by breezes atop Cannonball, the soon-to-open Belmont Park mega-eatery that offers three distinct — and highly distinctive — dining experiences. In the modern bar and lounge, the emphasis is on sake, Japanese beers and “beach craft” cocktails meant to complement the menu of small and share plates. Given the communal fire pits, share tables and social layout, executive chef Brad Wise will present what he describes as “Pacific Riminspired” dishes that are very approachable. “I wanted to give people food that sparks conversation,” he says, adding that he likes to include “ingredients that are surprising.” Such surprise is evidenced by dishes like his takoyaki, tasty octopus “meatballs” with katsuo sauce. Cannonball’s glass sushi cube, a truly amazing space, features what Wise says is “only the best fish,” presented so it can “speak for itself.” Opening in April 3105 Ocean Front Walk, Mission Beach 858.228.9304, belmontpark.com 84

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • march 2015

ABOVE: Belgian Lion Potatoes with housemade aioli and tomato compote at Little Lion Café. BELOW: Little Lion Café’s Potato Sorrel Soup.

taste {dining out} (cont. from page 84)

Cannonball

How amped is the cool factor of dining on a rooftop with sweeping ocean views? It’s up there, as are diners brushed by breezes atop Cannonball, the soon-to-open Belmont Park mega-eatery that offers three distinct — and highly distinctive — dining experiences. In the modern bar and lounge, the emphasis is on sake, Japanese beers and “beach craft” cocktails meant to complement the menu of small and share plates. Given the communal fire pits, share tables and social layout, executive chef Brad Wise will present what he describes as “Pacific Rim-inspired” dishes that are very approachable. “I wanted to give people food that sparks conversation,” he says, adding that he likes to include “ingredients that are surprising.” Such surprise is evidenced by dishes like his takoyaki, tasty octopus “meatballs” with katsuo sauce. Cannonball’s glass sushi cube, a truly amazing space, features what Wise says is “only the best fish,” presented so it can “speak for itself.” Opening in April 3105 Ocean Front Walk, Mission Beach 858.228.9304, belmontpark.com (cont. on page 88)

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • march 2015

CLOCKWISE (from left): Cannonball’s sashimi platter; Cannonball executive chef Brad Wise (left) and sushi chef Hugo Arreguin; Seared Ahi Tostadas.

MARCH 2015 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

taste {dining out} (cont. from page 86)

ABOVE: Roasted California quail with winter root vegetables at Tapenade. BELOW: Tapenade chef Jean-Michel Diot.

Tapenade Bistro Du Marche

On July 1, Tapenade proprietors Jean-Michel and Sylvie Diot will introduce San Diego to bistronomie, a contemporary French concept that defines an establishment’s cooking as a hybrid of traditional bistro fare and gastronomie, the ultra-refined cuisine served by Michelin star-laden restaurants. The experienced restaurateurs will open a 60-seat eatery on upper Girard Avenue, right where La Jolla’s enormously popular farmers market draws crowds every Sunday. Tapenade Bistro du Marche is named to reference the market, which Jean-Michel expects to supply much of his produce. “It will be a typical bistro like in Paris,” says Jean-Michel, a chef who was born into the business. “It will be decorated in the Art Deco style of the 1920s and ’30s and will have a zinc bar. The menu will be small, but will change every two weeks, following the creativity of chef Christophe Santos.” Casual yet chic, as only the French can do. Moving to new location in July 7612 Fay Ave., La Jolla (current location) 858.551.7500, tapenaderestaurant.com (cont. on page 90)

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • march 2015

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Poseidon on the beach 1670 Coast Blvd., Del Mar | (858) 755-9345 | poseidonrestaurant.com MARCH 2015 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

taste {dining out} (cont. from page 88)

Bracero: Cocina De Raiz

In a sleek Little Italy tower, restaurateurs Luis Pena and Javier Plascencia (the latter super-chef ’s Misión 19 in Tijuana has an international rep) will open Bracero: Cocina de Raiz in May. Offering another compelling reason to dine out while vacationing at home, the restaurant owes its theme and cuisine to the Mexican farm workers who came to California as part of the Bracero Program, a 1942-1964 conglomeration of laws and diplomatic agreements between the U.S. and Mexico. (cont. on page 92)

Salt-crusted and baked bone marrow with charred octopus at Bracero: Cocina de Raiz.

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • march 2015

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taste {dining out} (cont. from page 90)

“[The workers] converted the California fields into the biggest fields on the planet,” says Pena. “We are bringing to the table a broader picture of what Mexican food is. I think people will be amazed.” The forward-thinking design combines elements that are simultaneously rustic, modern and nostalgic, quite a showcase for Plascencia’s menu of contemporary Mexican small and large plates. “Everything will be made from scratch,” says chef Plascencia. “That’s the way it’s supposed to be.” Opening in May

Bracero: Cocina De Raiz 1490 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy bracerococina.com

ABOVE: Restaurateur and chef Javier Plascencia. RIGHT: Bracero’s local yellow fin tuna sopes.

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • march 2015

[ Promotion]

S pring F orward A prominent chef gives new life to the local harvest

B y I da R osenber g / p hotos by sara norris

CLOCKWISE (from above): Grant Grill Chef de Cuisine, Sam Burman; Burman’s local pink grouper and clams, paired with Sauvignon Blanc from France; Burman’s local porkchop and fresh produce, served with a smoked, Oktoberfest-style Bavarian dark beer.

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • MARCH 2015

Acclaimed chef Sam Burman may not have a green thumb, but he does have fresh vegetables on the brain. “I enjoy working with local, West Coast ingredients, however I take a Midwestern approach — I cook from my roots,” says Burman, who helms the famed Grant Grill inside downtown’s historic U.S. Grant Hotel. “When I wake up, I am meeting with fish mongers, farmers and other local artisan producers to source the best ingredients possible.” What Burman sources from the city’s top farms and local purveyors each morning finds its way onto the utterly simple, yet magically refined dishes he serves at Grant Grill for lunch and dinner the same day. “We’re always in search of the perfect ingredient,” Burman says. “Since we’re in San Diego, we’re truly blessed with beautiful produce year round, which is a luxury. We try to buy in small quantities and put the freshest items on the plate that we can.” Fresh additions to Burman’s ever-changing menu include local pink grouper and clams, which he plates with asparagus, snap peas and pea tendrils, which are sourced locally. “When grouper caught off the San Diego shoreline meets vegetables that were in the ground this morning,” Burman says, “I can’t imagine how you could go wrong.” Grant Grill sommelier Jeff Josenhans recommends pairing the dish with Comte Lafond Sancerre Grande Cuvée. “It’s a classy Sauvignon Blanc from France,” Josenhans says. “Drinking this wine while eating this entrée creates a dining experience that feels elegant and unpretentious at the same time. The wine’s from France, but everything else is from around town or right off the local coastline.” For a more carnivorous occasion, Burman’s porkchop, which he sources from Cook Pigs Ranch in San Diego and serves with local English peas, hedgehog mushrooms and peppercress makes Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Märzen (smoked Oktoberfest-style beer) the perfect accompaniment. Despite his passion for gastronomical perfection, Burman says celebrating life at Grant Grill isn’t all about the food. “You can have multiple experiences in the same restaurant,” he says. “We have a wonderful dining room, a lounge for small bites with friends, and live music Thursday through Saturday.” The times, they are a-changin’ (the clocks spring forward March 8), making this the perfect time to taste what’s in season at Grant Grill.

[ Promotion]

MARCH 2015 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

taste {what’s cooking}

Making the Rounds Enjoy PB&J, a yummy new way Recipe and photos by Brandon Matzek

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • MARCH 2015

Easy Recipe

follow me!

classic on-the-go eat, the peanut butter and jelly sandwich, gets a delectable dessert makeover in this recipe for Peanut Butter & Jelly Hand Pies. The filling starts with a mix of cream cheese, sugar, honey, milk, salt and peanut butter flecked with small bits of chopped peanut. Creamy and crunchy, the rich insides are offset by glistening spoonfuls of sweet-tart grape jelly. Store-bought puff pastry encases the contents in airy layers of crisp, golden flakes. Contrasting textures and familiar flavors make these hand pies utterly irresistible. The filling for these hand pies is adaptable. Replace grape jelly with strawberry or raspberry jam or any other fruit preserve, or opt instead for fresh berries mashed with a little sugar and lemon juice, or ripe banana sprinkled with brown sugar. (Chopped, candied bacon goes well with the banana-peanut butter variation.) Or, instead of peanut butter, try other nut butters like almond, pecan or walnut.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Hand Pies Ingredients 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature 1/3 cup chunky peanut butter 3 tbsp. sugar 1 tbsp. honey 1 tbsp. milk, plus a splash for the egg wash Pinch of kosher salt 1 17-ounce package puff pastry, thawed in the refrigerator 9 tsp. grape jelly (1 teaspoon per pie) 1 egg Turbinado sugar, for sprinkling Process Quick Filling. Add cream cheese, peanut butter, sugar, honey, milk and salt to a medium bowl, mixing with a spatula to combine. Set aside. Pie Prep. Roll out a sheet of cold puff pastry into an 11” x 11” square. Using a 3” round cookie cutter or similar-sized glass or bowl, cut out 9 circles of pastry, and set on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon 1 tablespoon of peanut butter filling and 1 teaspoon of grape jelly into the middle of each round. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg with a splash of milk (this is an egg wash). Brush the egg wash on the edges of the rounds (surrounding the filling). Roll and cut a second sheet of puff pastry using the same method above. Place these rounds over the filled rounds to form the pie. Using a fork, crimp the edges of each round to seal the pies. Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer, and let the pies chill for 30 to 60 minutes. Finish and Bake. While the pies are chilling, preheat an oven to 425°F. Place a rack in the middle of the oven. Take the baking sheet from the freezer and brush the tops of each pie with egg wash. Cut 2 slits in each pie, then sprinkle each pie with turbinado sugar. Bake the pies for 15 minutes at 425°F, drop the heat to 400°F, and then bake until the pies are golden brown and bubbling (5 to 10 minutes more). Let the pies cool for 10 minutes before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm.

MARCH 2015 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

taste {DRINK}

It’s

Bomb

A St. Patty’s drink that’ll make you pinch yourself By David Nelson, PHOTOS BY SARA NORRIS

utside the Tilted Kilt next to Petco Park, a chalkboard features arrows pointing in opposite directions, the upper labeled “Beer,” the lower “Reality.” Somewhere between these two paradigms, and just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, exists this updated version of the ubiquitous Irish Car Bomb cocktail. “I didn’t invent it, but I drink a lot of them,” says kilted bartender Christina Tejada. “They’re my version of a milkshake.” To bring the boys to the yard*, Tejada combines 3/4 of an ounce of Bailey’s Irish Cream with the same measure of Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey in a shot glass, which she serves alongside a pint glass holding five ounces of Guinness. “Drop the glass in the Guinness and chug,” she says. The Irish Car Bomb, a popular Tilted Kilt specialty year-round, is sure to flow in rivers on March 17, the restaurant’s seventh anniversary. Have two, then celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with mirrors on the tops of your shoes. Good luck! Titled Kilt Pub & Eatery 310 10th Ave., East Village 619.814.5458, tiltedkilt.com

*My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard, And they’re like It’s better than yours, Damn right it’s better than yours, I can teach you, But I have to charge —Lyrics from Kelis’ “Milkshake”

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • MARCH 2015

taste {BEER}

By Brandon Hernández

Tap

Take it from the Finest City Beer

— scene & heard

PA U L B O D Y

Coming to a Head What’s new in brew or coming soon

Wavelength Brewing Company The main drag in Vista’s Old Town area already had a lively local brewery in Mother Earth Brew Co., but the owners of this newly opened, showmanship-focused nanobrewery figure twice as much is twice as nice. Located a few storefronts from Mother Earth, stage-lighting and audio expert Hans Haas’ tasting room is spacious and built to offer a wide range of non-style-specific brews in tandem with live music performances and concert footage. Rock on! 236 Main St., Vista, wavelengthbrewco.com PA UL BO DY

Border X Brewing Company Few brewing companies are as well-suited for their ’hoods as this operation. Run by a family proud of celebrating its Hispanic heritage in tandem with the ingredients often used by our neighbors to the south, this brew biz recently celebrated the grand opening of a tasting room (a satellite to its Otay Mesa brewery) replete with colorful local art to match avant garde house beers such as Abuelitas Chocolate Stout, Tamarindo Blonde and Horchata Golden Stout. 2181 Logan Ave., Barrio Logan, borderxbrewing.com (cont. on page 102)

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For this beer, our brewmaster Keith Villa reached back to his roots and found inspiration in the traditional agua de horchata. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an ale with a taste of cinnamon for a sweet ďŹ nish and natural long-grain rice for a creamy texture.

taste {BEER} (cont. from page 100)

Brewmaster Q &A Carli Smith, Head Brewer Rock Bottom Brewery and Restaurant, La Jolla rockbottom.com

After a decade-and-a-half of creating awardwinning beer in the same brewhouse, brewmaster Marty Mendiola departed Rock Bottom’s La Jolla brewpub to open his own brewery. In doing so, he handed the reins to protégé Carli Smith, an ambitious 25-yearold who, despite her youth, has racked up an impressive brewing pedigree.

PA U L B O D Y

Brandon Hernández: What made you want to get into the brewing industry? CARLI SMITH: I enrolled in USD’s business program. I was good at math, so I studied finance. I interned at several places, but didn’t find anything I loved. While studying abroad in Austria, I fell in love with the beers there and in Germany. There were so many different styles to discover. How did you break into the brewing game? I was a hostess at Gordon Biersch in Mission Valley, and their brewmaster, Doug Hasker, asked for volunteers to help him out. I raised my hand and he gave me a chance. Pretty soon, I was helping him out, representing Gordon Biersch at festivals and meeting many people in the local beer scene. San Diego has an amazing beer community. It’s so cohesive, and I wanted to be a part of it.

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Doug Hasker is known as the best lager guy in San Diego County, and Marty Mendiola has won many awards for his ales. Those are some pretty good teachers to come up under. Thanks to Doug, I have training on the lager side and the ale side. And Marty is great. He’s sure to explain why things are done a certain way and never micromanaged me. Before he left, I’d been doing all the physical brewing for six months. And when I wanted to try brewing a berry white-tea-infused honey ale, he let me try it and helped me to refine it after we tasted it. Now that you’re the one calling the shots, what types of beer do you plan to brew? The berry white-tea honey ale is a good example of what I like to do. It’s not high in alcohol and has bright flavors. I recently added loose-leaf chai tea to Marty’s recipe for Moonlight

Let’s Go to the Hops MArch BEER EVENTS

Renaissance

EC Craft Beer Invitational

You know a beer event in a county awash with suds soirees is something special when the geekiest of beer nerds will line-up outside an establishment in the darkest hours of the early morning just to get first crack at the wealth of rare libations waiting on the other side of the door. Such is the case with Churchill’s Renaissance, which features not only more than 50 hard-to-come-by IPAs, sours, stouts and strong ales, but also a full menu of specially composed, one-day-only dishes built to pair with — and sop up — all those fine fermentables. March 7, 11 a.m., Churchill’s Pub & Grille, 887 W. San Marcos Blvd., San Marcos, churchillspub.us

Though it’s happened rather quietly, as things tend to on the inland side of Interstate 8, East County has built itself a nice little brewing scene with URBN St. Brewing, Twisted Manzanita Ales, Bolt Brewery, BNS Brewing & Distilling and more opening up in the past few years. Now, those forces are banding together and inviting some of their favorite brewing compatriots to come out for the biggest beer festival the region’s ever seen. March 15, 12 p.m., Corner of Magnolia Avenue and Main St., El Cajon, eccraftbeer.com

PA U L B O D Y

Do Me a Flavor New beers to cheers and brews to peruse

Pizza Port Saisian Persuasion

Porter. That gave it a nice spiciness without making it too sweet, and adding naked oats gave it nice body. And I just brewed my first IPA using Simcoe and lots of Chinook. I’m excited to see how that turns out. Most of all, I love working at a brewpub, because I get to interact with regulars and find out what they want. I plan to brew for the people. Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery 8980 Villa La Jolla Dr., La Jolla 858.450.9277, rockbottom.com

What happens when a world-class brewpub incorporates a handful of traditional Far East ingredients in a traditional, Belgian-style farmhouse ale? This citrusy, spicy masterpiece, that’s what. This Asian saison (Belgianstyle ale) is the lemonpepper libation of the beer world, marrying yuzu (extremely tart Japanese lemons), lemongrass, ginger and green peppercorns with vibrantly fruity, bitingly spicy Belgo yeast esters. Get it while it lasts at the Port’s original pie place. Pizza Port, 135 N. Highway 101, Solana Beach, pizzaport.com

Aztec / Barley Forge Lupulin Against Lupus Brewers from North County San Diego and South Orange County teamed together to brew another multicultural brew involving Belgian character. Fittingly, it involves what both regions are best known for — hops (SD) and citrus (OC). Brewed with wheat, this slightly cloudy, intensely hoppy IPA gets extra earthen, fruity character from coriander and orange peel. The latter is a nod to the color orange, the official hue of lupus awareness, for which this charity beer was brewed. Aztec Brewery, 2330 La Mirada Dr., Ste. 300, Vista, aztecbrewery.com; Barley Forge Brewing Co., 2957 Randolph Ave., Costa Mesa, barleyforge.com

Brandon Hernández is a native San Diegan with a fervent passion for craft beer and the talented individuals who produce it. He is a Senior Communications Specialist for Stone Brewing Co., an editor for Zagat, has served as a consultant to Food Network and contribautes to national and San Diego-based magazines including The Beer Connoisseur, Imbibe, Wine Enthusiast, San Diego Reader and more. The first publication for which he ever wrote about beer was PacificSD. Follow him on Twitter: @sdbeernews and @offdutyfoodie.

march 2015 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

103

SOUND DECISIONS

maceo plex

chromeo

Justin Martin

pete Tong

D e r r i c k S ant in i

T i m Sac c enti

Waterfront Park, crssdfest.com SoCal party promoters FNGRS CRSSD and Goldenvoice have joined forces to bring more than 50 DJs to San Diego Bay’s new Waterfront Park March 14 and 15. Catch electro funk duo Chromeo, Aussie EDMers Empire of the Sun, deep house producer Maceo Plex and dozens of others performing on three stages during the two-day event, which rages into the night with craft beers, cocktails and booming beats.

(cont. on page 106)

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g roove {sound decisions} (cont. from page 104)

Sounds Like A Plan March concerts & EDM shows BY Catlin Dorset 3/1: Black Veil Brides @ House of Blues, hob.com This five-piece rock group wraps its North American Black Mass tour on this night in America’s Finest.

3/4: Galactic @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com In 2012, this New Orleans jazz band performed “Hey Na Na” on Conan.

3/5: Enslaved @ Brick by Brick, ticketfly.com On March 10, these heavy metalers will release their new studio album, In Times.

3/1: Theophilus London @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com Kanye West produced this rapper’s most recent album, Vibes, which dropped in October.

3/5: Umphrey’s McGee @ House of Blues, hob.com Progressive rockers touring the U.S. to promote Similar Skin, their album from last summer.

3/3: Don Williams @ Balboa Theatre, sandiegotheatres.org Songs by this Country Music Hall of Famer have been covered by the likes of Johnny Cash, Eric Clapton and Alan Jackson, to name a few.

3/5: Bingo Players @ Bassmnt, bassmntsd.com This Dutch electro house DJ dropped a new single, “Nothing to Say,” in mid-February.

3/5: Billy Ocean @ Sycuan Casino, sycuan.com Grammy Award-winning artist most known for his ’80s hits “Caribbean Queen (No More Love on the Run),” “Suddenly” and “Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car.”

3/4: Broods @ The Irenic, theirenic.com Brother and sister indie pop duo out of New Zealand.

3/5: A$AP Ferg @ Observatory North Park, observatorynp.com Darold Ferguson, aka A$AP Ferg, is featured on Ariana Grande’s track, “Hands on Me.”

theophilus london

3/7: Agent Orange @ The Casbah, casbahmusic.com The Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4 video game features this punk rock band’s single, “Bloodstains.” 3/7: Johnny Richter @ Ramona Mainstage, ramonamainstage.com Former Kottonmouth Kings rapper fresh off his winter Hotbox Holidaze tour.

BLACK VEIL BRIDES

Pa ul H a rr i es

t r a c y b aile y

NAHKO AND MEDICINE FOR THE PEOPLE

3/6: Río Roma @ House of Blues, hob.com Brothers José Luis and Raúl Ortega Castro front this Latin pop duo from Mexico.

3/7: Nahko and Medicine for the People @ Observatory North Park, observatorynp.com Acoustic jammers on their Water is Life tour.

A$AP FERG

C . Tay lor Cr other s

(cont. on page 108)

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PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • march 2015

Are you a Lucky Bastard? Beer Pong | Pool | Shuffleboard | Live DJs | Daily Specials 840 fifth ave

San Diego, Ca 92101

Call to reserve a table!

619.233.0023

luckybastardsaloon.com

g roove {sound decisions} (cont. from page 106)

3/8: Gary Valenciano @ Pechanga Resort & Casino, pechanga.com This gospel singer-songwriter is a 12-time winner of the Awit Awards (the Philippines’ version of the Grammy Awards). 3/8: Stick to Your Guns @ SOMA, somasandiego.com These Orange County-natives released their newest hardcore punk album, Disobedient, in February.

3/8: Baeza @ UCSD’s Porter’s Pub, porterspub.com Baby Bash’s recent single “Certified Freak” features this hiphopper.

3/10: Joshua Radin @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com TV shows Scrubs, House, One Tree Hill and others have featured songs by this acoustic folk singersongwriter.

3/9: Craig Wayne Boyd @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com Blake Shelton received his fourth big win on The Voice when this country rocker took the Season Seven title in December.

3/10: Walk the Moon @ House of Blues, hob.com Esquire magazine’s 2011 list of “30 Summer Songs Every Man Should Listen To” included this indie pop band’s hit, “Anna Sun.”

3/9: Kongos @ House of Blues, hob.com Alt. rockers most known for their 2011 hit, “Come With Me Now.”

3/10: Uriah Heep @ Ramona Mainstage, ramonamainstage.com A character from Charles Dickens’

book David Copperfield inspired this hard rock outfit’s moniker. 3/11: A Place to Bury Strangers @ The Casbah, casbahmusic.com On February 17, this psychedelic rock band released its fourth studio album, Transfixiation. 3/11: Bayside @ House of Blues, hob.com These punk rockers covered Sean Kingston’s “Beautiful Girls” on the Punk Goes Pop 2 album.

Alexe y Makh ov

Teaghan McGinn is

datsik 3/11: Datsik @ SOMA, somasandiego.com This dubstep DJ recently collaborated with Linkin Park, deadmau5 and Diplo, among many other artists. 3/12: Snoop Dogg @ FLUXX Nightclub, fluxxsd.com Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., aka D-O-Double-Gizzle, plans to release his new Pharrell-produced album, Bush, sometime this spring.

eric prydz 3/12: Comeback Kid @ The Epicentre, epicentreconcerts.org Last May, founding band mate and drummer Kyle Profeta left this hardcore punk band to pursue culinary endeavors in South Africa. 3/12: Eric Prydz @ Bassmnt, bassmntsd.com DJ Mag’s 2014 “Top 100 DJs” list ranked this Swedish house music producer at No. 60.

3/13: Rebel Souljahz @ House of Blues, hob.com Reggae quartet from Honolulu, Hawaii.

3/13: Twin Shadow @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com This new-wave artist drops his new album, Eclipse, on March 17.

3/13: Motionless in White @ SOMA, somasandiego.com Metalcore band headlining the Beyond the Barricade tour with For Today, New Years Day and Ice Nine Kills.

3/14: Andre Nickatina @ UCSD’s Porter’s Pub, porterspub.com Before choosing the hip-hop career path, Andre Nickatina attended the Galileo Academy of Science and Technology in San Francisco. He dropped out in 1992. (cont. on page 110)

g roove {sound decisions} (cont. from page 109)

3/14: Ringo Starr @ Pala Casino, palacasino.com One-fourth of the “Fab Four,” this former Beatle will release his 19th solo studio album, Postcards From Paradise, on March 31. 3/14: Set It Off @ The Epicentre, epicentreconcerts.org In 2012, the debut album from these pop rockers, Cinematics, debuted at No. 174 on Billboard’s “Top 200 Albums” chart. 3/15: The Expendables @ House of Blues, hob.com This band’s Facebook page describes the band’s musical genre as, “Reggae had sex with metal, punk got in the mix and ska videotaped it all. Then out pooped The Expendables.”

3/15: Doro @ Ramona Mainstage, ramonamainstage.com German heavy metalers touring internationally through May.

3/19: Dan and Shay @ House of Blues, hob.com In 2014, this country duo opened for Blake Shelton and Hunter Hayes on their respective tours.

3/15: Gondwana @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com Chilean reggae group that performs en Español.

3/19: Trampled By Turtles @ Observatory North Park, observatorynp.com Indie rockers from Duluth, Minnesota, doncha know.

3/16: Ani DiFranco @ House of Blues, hob.com Folk rock singer and guitarist with her own label, Righteous Babe Records. 3/17: Shpongle @ House of Blues, hob.com Psychedelic musicians from across the pond. 3/17: J Boog @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com When reggae artist J Boog was nine years old, his mom made him sing Whitney Houston’s “One Moment in Time” at a family reunion.

3/19: This Will Destroy You @ The Casbah, casbahmusic.com Alt. rock band touring to promote its recent album, Another Language, which dropped in September. 3/20: Tony Junior @ Bassmnt, bassmntsd.com Progressive house beatmaker most recognized for his 2014 collaboration with Carnage on the track “Michael Jordan.” 3/20: YelaWolf @ House of Blues, hob.com This hip-hopper released his new single “Whiskey in a Bottle” on February 17.

trampled by turtles

bakermat

3/21: Lee DeWyze @ House of Blues, hob.com AMC’s The Walking Dead features this American Idol Season Nine alum’s single “Blackbird Song.” 3/21: Bakermat @ Bang Bang, bangbangsd.com Deep house producer Lodewijk Fluttert, aka Bakermat, is expected to drop his debut album sometime in 2015.

M ar lous Dir ks

set it off

3/20: Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea @ Copley Symphony, ljms.org Christina Aguilera, John Mayer and Paul Simon are among the A-list celebs with whom jazz pianist Herbie Hancock has collaborated.

Chr i s M a rt i n

shpongle

3/20: Lonestar @ Sycuan Casino, sycuan.com Country foursome most known for their hits “Mr. Mom,” “I’m Already There” and “Amazed,” among many others.

(cont. on page 112)

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g roove {sound decisions} (cont. from page 110)

3/21: Cash Cash @ Bassmnt, bassmntsd.com The 2013 smash hit “Take Me Home” featuring Bebe Rexha has been this EDM trio’s biggest single to date. 3/21: Railroad Earth @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com Americana bluegrass sextet out of New Jersey. 3/23: Jake Shimabukuro @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com This jazz musician had his first ukulele lesson at age four. 3/23: The Ting Tings @ House of Blues, hob.com British indie rock duo most known for their 2008, “That’s Not My Name.” 3/24: Pete Rock @ UCSD’s Porter’s Pub, porterspub.com In 2012, this hip-hop artist and producer won a Grammy Award for

3/24: Talib Kweli @ Observatory North Park, observatorynp.com Brooklyn-based rapper expected to drop his new album, Radio Silence, sometime in 2015. 3/24: David Choi @ House of Blues, hob.com This YouTube sensation has garnered more than 117 million views of his pop song covers.

porterspub.com Hardcore rockers headlining the Stripped Down to the Bone U.S. tour with Courage My Love, Mark Rose, Shane Henderson and Dayseeker. 3/27: Chelsea Grin @ SOMA, somasandiego.com Deathcore band on the road in support of recent album, Ashes to Ashes, which dropped in July. 3/27: Young Thug @ Observatory North Park, observatorynp.com Birdman says this rapper from the ATL looks “like an animal locked in a cage, ready to eat the world up.”

3/25: Marie Osmond @ Sycuan Casino, sycuan.com This pop/country star ditched her brother Donny Osmond for a month-long solo tour called An Intimate Evening With Marie, My Life Through Music.

3/28: The Color Morale @ SOMA, somasandiego.com These rockers performed on the Monster Energy stage during 2014’s two-month-long VANS Warped Tour.

3/26: Weedeater @ The Casbah, casbahmusic.com Stoner metal trio from North Carolina. 3/26: Hawthorne Heights @ UCSD’s Porter’s Pub,

3/29: Echosmith @ House of Blues, hob.com Indie rockers enjoying mainstream success with their current hit, “Cool Kids.” 3/29: Ricardo Arjona @ SDSU’s Viejas Arena, sdsu.edu Nearly 17 million fans “like” this Latin pop star on Facebook. 3/31: SoKo @ UCSD’s The Loft, theloft.ucsd.edu Indie artist Stéphanie Sokolinski (aka SoKo) is set to release her sophomore album, My Dreams Dictate My Reality, in March.

soko

pepe aquilar

C arl o s Latap i

talib kweli

Do r oth y Hong

cash cash

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • march 2015

3/29: IAMSU! @ Observatory North Park, observatorynp.com Wiz Khalifa, 50 Cent and 2 Chainz are just a few of the hip-hop giants with whom this rapper has collaborated.

3/28: Pepe Aguilar @ Pala Casino, palacasino.com In 2012, this Grammy Awardwinning singer-songwriter received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

J i mmy F o nta i ne

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his contributions to Kanye West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy album.

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[ Promotion]

T icket to R ide All aboard the Club Train! B y I da R osenber g

RA PID EY E PH OT O

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PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • MARCH 2015

meet and mingle with their fellow passengers at 9:00 p.m., no doubt checking out each other’s cabooses as they receive their wristbands for the all-access night on the town. When it’s time to get rolling, the party conductor will lead the Club Train — a group strictly limited to 100 people — to the next station, F6ix. F6ix is the Gaslamp’s hip-hop underground, where booming beats shake the entire block. Here, the wheels of steel — those on the train and at the DJ’s fingertips — make taking a ride on the crazy train an explosive, bass-blasting adventure. At 11:30, the Club Train is full-steam-ahead

SIDE BAR

RAP I D E Y E P H O T O

If you’d like to make stops at some of the Gaslamp’s hottest venues without paying cover or waiting in line, your nightlife is finally on thae right track. Introducing Club Train, a next-level VIP tour of some of the city’s most popular (and hardest to get into) lounges and nightclubs. On Friday, March 27, PacificSD invites you to the after-dark fast-track, which begins with a pre-party and complimentary cocktail (PacificSD is covering the tab) at Don Chido, acclaimed chef Antonio Friscia’s new culinary headquarters on Fifth Avenue. At Don Chido (Spanish for “Mr. Cool”), ticket-holders will

once again, this time headed to Side Bar Ultra Lounge. Entering Side Bar half an hour before midnight — with no lines (although there’s sure to be one out front), no cover and no hassle — Club Train passengers will be treated to discounted drinks and over-the-top entertainment. With scorching go-gos dancing on the bar and hanging from the birdcage encasing some of the city’s hottest DJs, weekend nights at Side Bar are on fire. Then, as the Club Train reaches maximum speed at 12:30 a.m., the conductor

rounds up the passengers for the group departure to the epicenter of the downtown scene, FLUXX, winner of the coveted Lamplighter Award for being the city’s top club five years in a row. To say this place is hard to access is an understatement, but riding the Club Train means walking past all the pretty people waiting in line. Inside… well, you’ll just have to see for yourself. A final note from the conductor: please keep your hands up in the air, inside the Train (and to yourself) at all times.

[ Promotion]

SIDE BAR

fLUXX

RAP I D E Y E P H O T O

Club Train tickets are typically $30 per person. During the exclusive PacificSD trip on Friday, March 27, tickets are $20 and come with a cocktail at Don Chido, plus VIP (no-line) instant access and discounted drinks at Side Bar, F6ix and FLUXX. Only 100 tickets are available for this event. To reserve a hot-seat on the Club Train, call 619.780.3250 or visit clubtrainsd.com.

PacificSD’s Club Train Schedule Friday, March 27 First-class ticket pick-up/meet-up: Don Chido 9:00 – 10:30 p.m. Stop 2: F6ix 10:30 – 11:30 p.m. Stop 3: Side Bar 11:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. Final destination: FLUXX 12:30 – 2 a.m.

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G R O O V E {BARTENDER}

H e av e

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n ’ s

G at e

Meet a man who’s helping grounded travelers feel sky high BY MEGAN LOONEY PHOTO BY KRISTINA YAMAMOTO

orthern California native Casey Paulson, who flew into town in 2012 and recently landed a bartending gig at the new Bankers Hill Bar + Restaurant in San Diego International Airport’s Terminal 1, won’t say whether he’s a member of the mile-high club. “I’ve only hooked up with one person that I’ve met while working at the airport,” he says. “And I’m happy to say we’re still together.” Once they’ve cleared security, the customers Paulson serves by Gate 7 represent a more diverse group — one that starts drinking soon after the bar opens at 5 a.m. “It’s everyone from a business group headed to a convention, to a grandmother headed home from visiting her grandkids in the military,” he says. Not counting the fact that he never subjects Bankers Hill patrons to full-body scans, the primary reason Paulson is more popular than his fellow airport employees, the TSA agents: he doesn’t limit flyers to three ounces of liquid. Happy travels! Bankers Hill Bar + Restaurant 3225 North Harbor Dr., Midway District bankershillsd.com

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L O V E {sex}

At First

Blush A cheeky Q&A with a San Diego sexpert

By Jennifer “Dr. Jenn” Gunsaullus, PhD

Dear Dr. Jenn, How long should sex last? My girlfriend says that our five minutes is too short, and that a guy should be able to go 20 to 30 minutes. Is that true? —Five-minute Man, Pacific Beach Dear Five-minute Man, There is a myth that sexual intercourse should last for hours, and that women pine for this kind of lovemaking. Not true. You could have a long session of sexual play, foreplay, but intercourse is generally a much shorter part of that. Intercourse generally lasts from three to 13 minutes. Gently ask your girlfriend why she thinks it should go 20 to 30 minutes. Is that what she was told is normal? Or is she trying to orgasm through intercourse and needs, or thinks she needs, that amount of time? Does she love the feeling and want it to last as long as possible? Understanding her motivation can help bridge this gap. Logistically, many women don’t enjoy longer intercourse because they become sore, tired, bored or just know they won’t orgasm. But if you both want longer sessions, slow things down. Play with other sexual activities, different positions and changing tempo to prolong your ability to last. —Dr. Jenn

Dear Dr. Jenn, My boyfriend is frustrated and hurt that I don’t initiate sex. I DO want sex, but feel ridiculous when I try to initiate. How can I be more comfortable? —Scared to Initiate, Poway Dear Scared to Initiate, From your boyfriend’s point of view, it feels good to be desired by another. He feels attractive, worthy and sexy. But if he’s always the initiator, and is sometimes turned down, he can feel vulnerable, rejected and undesirable. If you grew up a “good girl” in America, you probably carry some shame around sexual expression and initiation. As uncomfortable as it might be, ask your boyfriend how he likes to be “seduced.” Get details about areas of his body, types of touch, what to wear, things to say and time of day. Then create a plan in your head, outlining the first few “moves” you’ll make. It’s okay if it feels awkward initially. Try to be playful and not so serious. After a few tries, it will feel more natural, and you can make it your own. It can also feel more natural if you arouse yourself ahead of time and don’t fake your own sexual feelings. So touch yourself, fantasize or read erotica to get your juices flowing. —Dr. Jenn

Jennifer “Dr. Jenn” Gunsaullus, PhD, is a sociologist, sexuality speaker, and relationship and intimacy counselor. Read more at DrJennsDen.com.

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love {blind date}

suite dreams A blind date STaycation… with reservations By David Perloff / Photos by John Mireles

he Clash’s 1982 album Combat Rock poses the existential question: “Should I stay or should I go?” In a few hours, tonight’s blind daters will have to answer that question, deciding whether to stay in a hotel suite at Harrah’s Resort Southern California or return home in the limo that’s about to drop them off by the casino entrance. Before they arrive, let’s review their pre-date interviews. PacificSD: Where are you from and where do you live now? LORI: Navy brat, born in Honolulu. I grew up in Missouri, I went to school in Arizona and I now live in San Diego, by the beach. KEN: I was born and raised in beautiful sunny San Diego. I currently reside around the College Area.

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What do you do for a living? LORI: Event and floor manager for Puesto. I’ve been in hospitality for the past 13 years; it’s a big part of my life, and I love it. KEN: I work as an antenna engineer for a private company in Sorrento Valley. Currently, I am in my ninth year with the company.

trying out a new restaurant. KEN: I enjoy hiking and taking my dog to Fiesta Island. Surfing is also a big part of my life, and paddling out into the water is a great way to clear my mind. I also enjoy visiting local breweries around San Diego with friends. Family and hanging out with my nephew bring me a lot of joy.

Why are you going on a blind date in Pacific Magazine? LORI: Because I am single, I am always looking to meet fun and interesting people and I love boys. KEN: A friend recommended me, and I thought it would be a great experience.

What are you best at? LORI: Dancing, helping friends, conversation, photography, getting dressed. KEN: It’s hard to say; I am a pretty balanced person. I’ve always had a way to make people laugh.

What do you do for fun? LORI: Any art project I can get my hands on; hang out with my dog, Stevie; let loose on the dance floor;

What do you suck at? LORI: Hiding the way I really feel. Honesty is the best policy… most of the time. KEN: Driving behind slow cars in

the fast lane. What are you looking for in a date, physically and/or otherwise? LORI: Confidence, not arrogance, great style and a great smile. Hopefully taller than me. Charisma and care for people. Witty and smart, always a must. KEN: Someone that can have an intellectual conversation as well as being goofy. Easy on the eyes never hurts. Describe your special brand of sex appeal in five words or less. LORI: Sweet. Salty. Soft. Simple. Stylish. KEN: Confidence, compassionate, easygoing, trustworthy. (cont. on page 122)

love {blind date} (cont. from page 120)

What do you like least about yourself? LORI: Sometimes I give too much of myself to my work and the people that I care about, and then I don’t have enough for myself. KEN: I tend to overthink things.

exhibit that would be complete deal-breakers? LORI: Insecurity, bad style, lack of respect, lack of manners, stupidity. KEN: Someone who is shallow and stagnant. Also, if she’s a Raiders fan — GO CHARGERS!

Rate yourself on a scale from one to 10 for looks. LORI: Eight. KEN: Seven.

How many people have you slept with? LORI: None of your damn business. KEN: Life brings you lemons; why not make lemonade?

How about for personality? LORI: Ten. KEN: Eight. What traits could your date

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Fill in the blanks: I want my blind date to be “blank” and “blank.”

LORI: Stylish and confident. KEN: Comfortable and interesting.

Will the night end with a kiss, something more or something less? LORI: Depends on the chemistry. If it’s a friend vibe, they get a hug. If it’s more, maybe a kiss. KEN: The night will end, hopefully, with a connection. What’s the most important thing in the world? LORI: Taking care of each other — pay it forward. KEN: Family is the most important thing in the world.

When the couple arrives, they head to the hotel registration desk to check in. They know they’re getting a room, but they’ve been told it’s just to put down their things, as they’ve both brought a change of clothes in case they decide to hop into one of the resort’s hot tubs or take a ride around the Lazy River. THANK YOU! Harrah’s Resort Southern California 777 Harrah’s Resort Southern California Way, Valley Center 760.751.3100, harrahsresortsocal.com (cont. on page 124)

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love {blind date} (cont. from page 122)

high Steaks

Cocktails, gambling and Kobe beef

fter walking arm-in-arm to their hotel room and dropping off their bags, Lori and Ken head back down to the casino to have a couple drinks before trying their luck at gambling. At Spiked, they sit close to each other, laughing as they talk over craft cocktails. About half an hour later, as a casino host arrives to let them know he’s cleared a roulette table for them, they step into the heart of the gaming action. With color-coded chips in front of them, the daters begin to place their bets. Lori’s stack dwindles more quickly than Ken’s, but he shares the wealth, and the two hit a winning streak.

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Once they’ve had the chance to celebrate hitting a couple lucky numbers — and the pit boss comes over to help sop up Lori’s spilled drink — the couple heads to Fiore Steakhouse for a decadent dinner on the house. Fiore’s high-roller menu offers a full deck of gourmet options, several of which arrive at the couple’s table with paired wines and champagne. In addition to an array of side dishes, Lori and Ken order an eight-ounce Kobe beef steak, a 16-ounce lobster tail, lamb chops, crab cakes and a shrimp appetizer. [Editor’s note: We told the daters the sky’s the limit. They shot for the moon and hit it — with a $409 tab. Sorry,

Harrah’s. And thank you!] Somewhere between the steak and lobster, the couple kisses in the booth at the restaurant, but refuses to do so for the camera. After the opulent meal, they head up to their hotel room, where they’re split for mid-date debriefings. PacificSD: How’s it going so far? LORI: It’s going really good, and Ken is awesome. KEN: I think the date’s going very well. I mean, she’s easy to talk to and she’s definitely got a lot of qualities that I enjoy being around. She’s very easygoing, upbeat — go with the flow, you know? It couldn’t have worked out any better.

What were your first impressions? LORI: I noticed that he looked really nice and has nice style. KEN: Beautiful. Her eyes were stunning, and as soon as she opened her mouth, it was very easy to be able to talk with her. How was the limo ride here? LORI: Amazing. It was a lot of fun. We got to know each other quite a bit in that time, had a little bit of Milagro, and we both agreed that we were going to make this a great night together. KEN: Initially, it was just filled with laughs; and at the end, it was still filled with laughs. (cont. on page 126)

love {blind date} (cont. from page 124)

How was Spiked? LORI: Spiked was great. We both decided we were going to have whiskey drinks, and I suggested the Soho for him. I usually drink a Manhattan, so that’s what I had. It was great. KEN: The atmosphere was definitely something that I would like to go back to and enjoy again. How was the gambling? LORI: It was really fun; we had a blast. We came out one dollar above — we put in a total of fifty-five dollars and came out at fifty-six. KEN: Awesome. We had a lot of fun with that. How was dinner at Fiore Steakhouse?

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LORI: It was amazing, delicious. The food was great. I went through the wine pairings, and it was great. And he was, like, flabbergasted by all of it. KEN: The dinner was phenomenal. It was great being able to experience all the different styles of foods and to be able to expand our palates. We tried different things, and I let her order. I wanted to see what she enjoyed. That way I could see if I enjoyed the same things, you know? What’s the most attractive thing your date has done so far? LORI: Be, just, the nicest guy. He’s just been an amazing person the entire time. KEN: Everything.

Rate your date on a scale from one to 10 for looks. LORI: I’m goin’ for a nine. KEN: I think she’s a ten. I mean, everything about her — she’s got her little quirks, but everyone’s got their quirks, and I think that she’s just a very beautiful person. How about for personality? LORI: Nine. KEN: Ten. Do you want to kiss your date now? LORI: Yeah, we’ve already kissed. KEN: I’ve already kisser her. Does your date want to kiss you? LORI: Yes, he does. KEN: She’s already kissed me.

If you had an opportunity to keep this room for the evening or go home, which would you choose? LORI: I’ll keep it… in my pajamas. KEN: I think we’d probably enjoy the casino a little bit more and see where the night leads us. I feel that having the room here might just be a place to sleep. That’s all it would be. THANK YOU! Spiked and Fiore Steakhouse Harrah’s Resort Southern California 777 Harrah’s Resort Southern California Way, Valley Center 760.751.3100, harrahsresortsocal.com (cont. on page 128)

love {blind date} (cont. from page 126)

inn Decision

Time to decide whether or not to stay overnight

fter the mid-date break, the PacificSD crew informs the daters that they can actually keep the room at Harrah’s if they choose. We wait in the hallway while they deliberate (or whatever it is they’re doing) inside their room. The question to contemplate, as posed by another stanza from the Clash’s rock anthem: “Should I cool it or should I blow?” About 10 minutes later, Ken sticks his head out of the door and announces they’ll be heading home. Having bet they’d stay the night (the kisses at dinner seemed to tilt the odds in our favor), the PacificSD crew finally leaves the daters alone to enjoy the rest

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of their evening away from the camera. The next morning, we call to see what we missed. PacificSD: What did you think of Harrah’s Resort Southern California in general? LORI: The place seemed huge. We got kind of turned around right when we got there — kind of embarrassing, because I was doting on my excellent sense of direction on the way to the casino. We went to their craft cocktail bar, which was a nice start to the evening. Nothing like a whiskey cocktail to get you feeling warm and fuzzy. KEN: The casino was very nice, and the food was amazing.

What led you to the decision not to stay in the hotel room? LORI: We decided not to stay, because we both had things to do the next day, and the limo ride back into town was about an hour. We also had just met that night and, although Ken was an amazing date, staying in a casino hotel room together on our first date was a bit much. KEN: It was a first date. The pressure of staying in the room was not necessary.

cocktail and waited for the limo to arrive. KEN: Took the limo back to San Diego to end the night.

Where did you go and what did you do for the rest of the evening after the magazine crew left? LORI: We checked out of the hotel room and hung out in the lobby lounge for a bit together. We had a

Was there a kiss or romantic exchange? LORI: Maybe. KEN: There was a kiss.

How was the limo ride home? LORI: We snuggled a bit, and I fell asleep. Ken woke me up when we pulled up to my house. KEN: The limo ride was excellent, and Linda, the driver, was very accommodating. My date and I talked and drank.

(cont. on page 130)

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love {blind date} (cont. from page 128)

What was the best part of the date? LORI: The ride to the casino was actually really fun. We both had no idea what was in store for us, but Ken was very welcoming and sweet. We got to know a lot about each other in that one hour. Also, the roulette table was a lot of fun. We came out one dollar on top. KEN: The best part was just hanging out with my date. She had such a great sense of humor. What was the worst part of the date? LORI: The worst part of the date was having to decide whether or

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not to stay at the hotel at the end of the night. We made the right choice but after we did, I was like, “Wait! Should we stay?” KEN: I felt very pressured to not let the magazine down with a good story. Will there be a second date? LORI: I would love to see Ken again. He was such a gentleman, not to mention very good-looking. We had a blast together. KEN: Yes, there will be. She is an awesome woman, and I look forward to hanging out again. What’s one thing your date

should know before going on another date? LORI: My advice would be to continue doing what he’s doing. He mentioned in the limo ride that he usually dresses a bit more casual, but I thought he looked great on our date. Please continue looking so dapper for ladies — we love it. KEN: I’m not as fancy as I look. What could have made this date better? LORI: Winning millions of dollars at the casino. KEN: A helicopter ride to a private island.

AFTERMATCH: Although (or maybe because) the daters had reservations about staying in their fantasy suite last night, a second date seems like a sure thing. As the Clash song goes, “If I go, there will be trouble. And if I stay, it will be double.” The latter might have made for a better story, but hitting the blind date jackpot happens only so often. Of course, we’d love to have been able to work in an “Ace in the Hole” joke, but we’ll have to settle for the kiss we saw… and hold out hope that Lori will end up being Ken’s Queen of Hearts. Place your bets.

S E K A M S R E E B R E H T O

N E E R GITH ENVY W