march 2016 PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM
F R I D A Y
M A R C H
2 5
T I C K E T S & V I P R E S E R VAT I O N S | O M N I A N I G H T C L U B . C O M | 6 1 9 . 5 4 4 . 9 5 0 0
Bringing our clients’ visions to life from start to finish Music Box, Downtown, San Diego
Builders & Construction Managers for office, industrial, retail, restaurant and hospitality spaces. Clients’ Portfolio:
Bracero, Holsem Coffee, Puesto Headquarters, Searsucker, Herringbone, Suja Juice, Kettner Exchange, Blue Ocean Sushi, Sky Free Shop at Cross Border Express, Chef’s Table at Hilton Bayfront 619. 2 69.13 20 | j ai m ep artn ers .co m
TULLAMORE DEW IRISH WHISKEY®, 40% ALC./VOL. (80 PROOF) ©2015 IMPORTED BY WILLIAM GRANT & SONS, INC. NEW YORK, NY.
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THE MAINE EVENT A fairy tail come true for lobster lovers
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crabhutrestaurant.com
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8280 Mira Mesa Blvd. Ste. E San Diego, CA 92126
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Experience Seafood The Way It Should Be.
editor’s note
Break Water Time Forth Training Season Rolls Cleaning Valley Chicken What follows “spring” is many a splendor thing. Whether yours is the birds, the bees, the brews or The Biebs, enjoy the buzz. Sincerely,
David Perloff, Editor-in-Chief
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PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • FEBRUARY 2016
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5 TAPAS “BITES” LUNCH
volume #10 issue #3 march 2016
IN SPAIN! EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
David Perloff C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R
Kenny Boyer MANAGING EDITOR
Catlin Dorset A S S O C I AT E E D I T O R
Jennifer Ianni CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
Michael Benninger CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Brandon Hernández, Brandon Matzek, David Nelson, Sarah Pfledderer
Enjoy 5 Tapas “Bites” Lunch for Only $14.50 Available Monday - Friday Starting at 11:30am
C O V E R I L L U S T R AT I O N
R. Black CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Kate Auda, Michael Auda, Brevin Blach, Paul Body, Brandon Matzek
PUBLISHER
David Perloff DIRECTOR OF SALES
Scott Fisk (scott@pacificsandiego.com) MARKETING DIRECTOR
Alyson C. Baker (alyson@pacificsandiego.com) ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Michael Christopher (mike@pacificsandiego.com) P R O M O T I O N S A S S I S TA N T
Daniela Ruz (daniela@pacificsandiego.com)
RESTAURANT & TAPAS BAR 353 Fifth Avenue, San Diego Gaslamp 619.233.5979 - CafeSevilla.com
619.296.6300 | pacificsandiego.com | @PACIFICSD Reach America’s Finest readers via print, web, social media, email, street team and events. Read, click, connect... BOOM!
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PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • march 2016
The Adios Felicia (pictured below) was Margarita Month 2015’s “Best Overall Taste” and “Best Name” winner, and it’s still on the menu at Sandbar Sports Bar & Grill in Mission Beach; try one ASAP.
margaritamonth.com
PHOTO BY SARA NORRIS
ENTER TO WIN AT
Because Cinco de Mayo lasts only one day, PacificSD presents
MAY 1 - MAY 31 Who makes San Diego’s best margarita? Don’t take it with a grain of salt. Sip, hashtag and cast your vote! Bars and restaurants countywide are competing for bragging rights and your pleasure, offering discount craft margaritas throughout the entire month of May. Sip, hashtag, repeat to vote for your faves and for your chance to win $1,000 worth of margaritas* in the form of gift certificates to every participating venue. *TIP: might want to mix in some water and the occasional taco.
DRINK RESPONSIBLY, OBVIOUSLY.
#margaritamonth
contents
MARCH 2016
FEATURES
58 You Ain’t Scene Nothin’ Yet
22
A look ahead at some of 2016’s biggest films
PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • march 2016
ON THE COVER: “The Biebs” by R. Black. (See story, page 92.) THIS PAGE: Seth Rogan stars in Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising, in theatres this May. (See story, page 58.)
Spring into March! SPRING BREAK BY THE BEACH!
Dive into Madness!
Join us for March Madness! Enjoy all the games with daily food and drink specials
The luck of the Irish!
Celebrate St Patrick's Day on March 17th Live DJ | $5 Wings all day 9pm-close -$2 Pacificos, $3 you-call-it
Join us for Easter brunch!
March 27th, open from 9am Easter brunch buffet including omelet station & prime rib carving station Bloody buddies and bottomless mimosas Make your reservation now!
contents
march 2016
Life’s Cool.
D E P ARTM E N T S CURRENTS 34 Three.Sixteen Event calendar
TASTE 72 Who New? Fresh fare for fickle foodies
100 Take a Spin Upcoming EDM and DJ performances
44 Laughing Stock March stand-up roundup
84 Loafing A Round The greatest thing since sliced bread
102 Cerveza with a Smile A seasoned Gaslamp mixtress spices things up in PB
86 Take It from the Tap A monthly taste of beer from here
LOVE 104 Hair of the Dog A blind dater returns to the scene of the K-9
PULSE 48 Art Beat March gallery and exhibition openings 56 Curtain Calls Performing arts preview
Pan-seared Mano de Leon scallops at Buona Forchetta. (See story, page 72.)
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PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • March 2016
GROOVE 92 Sounds Like a Plan March concert calendar
[Promotion]
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this section do not necessarily reflect the views of PacificSD
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PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • march 2016
is the american dream dead? By Craig Sewing
My question to the talking heads in the media who pose this ridiculous to drive senseless debate: Are you dead?! Wake up! How can anyone who lives in this country ask such a thing? You get one shot at life — and you’re going to make the excuse that your country doesn’t give you enough opportunity? Last time I checked, we have too many illegal immigrants breaking in, not a people-wanting-to-leave problem. The unfortunate truth is that negativity sells, but the American Dream is not dead. Far from it, in fact. It’s alive and well for anyone willing to work for it. Unfortunately, our politicians tend to deliver messages that demonize success and encourage more government. On that note, the American Dream will be dead if we start believing this stuff. Chin up and nose to the grindstone. In every market, even the down ones, opportunities exist. The trick is to keep up a good attitude, keep working and keep dreaming. The American Dream television show (broadcast Monday through Friday at 10:30 a.m. on Cox Channel 4, and all day long at craigsewing.com) goes against the grain of the negative messaging found in the media. Tune in for good news — not for a “blue sky” outlook, but for a realistic and optimistic discussion of how to find your big piece of the American Dream right here in America’s Finest City.
Speak out and join the conversation. Follow Craig Sewing on Facebook, Insta, Twitter and YouTube. Craig Sewing is a television and radio personality and consumer activist 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 2016 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM
29
[Promotion]
Featured Market:
Downtown 92101
Market Update This beautiful 1,305 sf loft features a large open space with 10’ 6” ceilings, high end Pella windows & doors, gourmet kitchen with granite counters, Sub Zero Fridge, GE appliances & quality Studio Becker Cabinetry. Entertain in expansive living & dining areas where guest have their own half bath. Parkloft features 24 concierge, fitness center, & courtyard.
(January 2016 data) # of homes for sale: 174 # of homes sold: 39 Highest price: $2,100,000 Lowest price: $193,000 Median home price: $439,000
Market Info
The Downtown real estate market remains very tight on inventory. Now more than ever, it matters who you work with. A large number of sales are not even making it to the MLS as the buyer demand is high. With two offices to serve you in Downtown and Little Italy, we can help you get access to the best properties. Working with a downtown expert has never been more important than now!
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. @welcometosandiego, #welcometosandiego @WelcometoSD
Business Spotlight
The Nolen rooftop lounge has 2,500 square feet of amazing skyline views, a communal fire pit, and lounge style seating. It caters to specialty drinks with good ingredients, high quality spirits and ranges from the classics to modern twists on traditional drinks. Enjoy drinks with a view at 453 6th Avenue in Downtown.
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
Featured Market:
North Park 92104
Market Update 4125-4127 Mississippi St. North Park 2 houses on 1 lot located in sought after neighborhood with private yards and a detached garage! Close to downtown, Balboa Park and uptown shopping with easy freeway access! Offered at $750,000 - $799,000
(January 2016 data) # of homes for sale: 45 # of homes sold: 7 Highest Price: $1,999,000 Lowest Price: $125,000 Median Home Price: $605,000
Market Info
The market is in full swing and many new buyers are out looking and multiple offers into play. Buyer and seller confidence is strong and optimistic!
Business Spotlight
Market Expert Melissa Tucci is the Official Real Estate Agent of the San Diego Padres. #1 ranked Century 21 agent in the nation, and ranked #2 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 Magazine’s November issue.
Carnitas’ Snack Shack
Located in the heart of North Park, the Snack Shack offers a variety of creative menu options for all! Daily specials are offered and they even have their own app to order. Great atmosphere with nice lighting, lush greenery and the vegetable gardens where their produce is grown onsite! Be warned the line can get long, but it is worth the wait! 619-294-PORK 2632 University Avenue San Diego, CA 92104
Melissa Goldstein Tucci Century 21 All Service 1820 Monroe Ave., San Diego, CA 92116, 619.787.6852, MelissaTucci.com, Sold@MelissaTucci.com
BRE # 01380034
[Promotion]
Street Smart Market Advice
Craig Sewing {CONSUMER Activist}
Craig Sewing’S
american dream on cox channel 4 saturday, 10a.m.
FEATURING SAN DIEGO’S REAL ESTATE & FINANCIAL ELITE
The
Craig Sewing
Show 1170 AM WEEKDAYS AT 6PM
ALSO LISTEN AT CRAIGSEWING.COM Twitter: @craigsewing, Facebook.com/craigsewing, Instagram: Craig_Sewing
Craigsewing.com
follow craig
currents three.sixteen march event calendar By Catlin Dorset
Best Coast Beer Fest
Embarcadero Marina Park South, Downtown bestcoastbeerfest.com Raise your glass (many times) for a cause and the chance to rub elbows with Will Ferrell at this annual beer event benefiting Cancer for College, a nonprofit founded by Ferrell’s BFF to grant university scholarships to cancer survivors. cont. on page 36
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PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • MARCH 2016
calendar 34 comedy 44
CUR R ENTS D enise T rusce l l o
CALENDAR cont. from page 34
3.1-5.8
The Flower Fields Carlsbad Ranch
theflowerfields.com Mother Nature’s unofficial spring-season commencement begins with millions of Technicolor Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers blooming across 50 acres of oceanview hills in Carlsbad.
3.4
Chippendales: Break The Rules tour House of Blues, Downtown
chippendales.com The chiseled chaps of Chippendales entertain America’s Finest cougars and cubs with a 75-minute Magic Mike-esque show that leaves little to the imagination.
3.5
Finish Chelsea’s Run Balboa Park
chelseaslight.org This annual run commemorates the life of Poway High School senior Chelsea King, who, in 2010, was tragically murdered while jogging alone around Lake Hodges.
3.5
Undy Run/Walk De Anza Cove, Mission Bay ccalliance.org Run this 5K to raise funds for the Colon Cancer Alliance and for the free pair of boxer shorts at the finish line. 36
PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • MARCH 2016
3.5
Flying Tomato Festival Qualcomm Stadium, Mission Valley tomatofestival.com This event proves that, whether you believe they’re fruits or veggies (they’re fruits, BTW), tomatoes are exponentially more fun when being hurled at strangers. cont. on page 38
CUR R ENTS
3.5-13
CALENDAR
San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering Petco Park, East Village
cont. from page 36
B rad l ey S c h w eit
lovestemsd.org
M e l issa Jacobs
This weeklong celebration of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) kicks off March 5 with Expo Day at Petco Park, where 20,000plus tech enthusiasts can see and interact with STEM-related products from 130 local businesses.
3.10-20
San Diego Latino Film Festival AMC Fashion Valley and Digital Gym Cinema in North Park
sdlatinofilm.com
3.5-6
Nearly 200 films showcasing Latin American stars and themes will be screened at two local theatres during this 11-day event, which features celebrity appearances, concerts and a wine-and-beer festival.
Busker Festival Seaport Village
seaportvillage.com Sword-swallowing, knife-throwing and firejuggling street performers from across the globe showcase their talents for tourists and locals alike during this annual event.
3.11-12
The Price is Right Live Harrah’s Resort SoCal, Valley Center priceisrightlive.com Traveling game-show host Jerry Springer will call a few lucky locals to “Come on Down!” for a chance to spin the big wheel and win even bigger prizes. cont. on page 40
3.10
Taste of Third Third Avenue, Chula Vista
thirdavenuevillage.com Feast on food and drink samples from a couple dozen South Bay eateries, peruse works by local artists and listen to live acoustic jams during this 20th anniversary event in Chula Vista.
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PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • march 2016
HARD ROCK HOTEL SAN DIEGO | @SUNBURNSANDIEGO | SUNBURNSANDIEGO.COM | 858.352.6810
CUR R ENTS
CALENDAR cont. from page 38
M i k e N ic l ey
3.12
3.12
St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival Balboa Park
stpatsparade.org
St. Baldrick’s Brave the Shave The commons, downtown
stbaldricks.org
Billed as the “largest parade west of the Mississippi,” this procession of thousands of actual and honorary Irelanders along Fifth Avenue in Hillcrest will be amplified by two stages of live entertainment, Irish food and a beer garden.
Get a buzz cut or help those brave enough to do so in this annual drive to raise funds and awareness for kids with cancer.
3.17
ShamROCK Several blocks of the Gaslamp
sandiegoshamrock.com Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with more than 20,000 partygoers at this annual event featuring live Irish bands and DJs, an endless supply of green beer and nearly two acres of green grass (in the form of AstroTurf) covering the streets of the Gaslamp.
E m ilio A z evedo
3.19
Race for Autism Balboa Park
raceforautism.org
3.13
Puppy Love 5K Lake Poway
animalcenter.org Run a pet-friendly 3.1-mile course around Lake Poway before entering Fido in the canine costume contest in support of the Helen Woodward Animal Center.
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PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • march 2016
Run this 5K dressed as a superhero to become a real-life hero for local autism programs and services.
3.19
Color in Motion 5K Qualcomm Stadium, Mission Valley
colorinmotion5k.com Don your whitest whites during this 5K run, and then cross the finish line in neon-colored, biodegradable, cornstarch camouflage. cont. on page
42
CUR R ENTS
CALENDAR cont. from page 40
3.19-20
Cake Show Del Mar Fairgrounds
sandiegocakeshow.com
3.19
Berry Best Chocolate Fest Liberty Station
berrybestchocolatefest.com Chocolate fountains, cakes, cookies, cocktails and more will lure legions of chocoholics to Liberty Station.
See elaborate cakes decked out in this year’s “Off to Neverland” theme; choose from a variety of cake-decorating classes; and meet local cheflebrities Claudia Sandoval (MasterChef Season Six winner), Maeve Rochford (Holiday Baking Challenge winner), Nathan Odom (MasterChef Junior Season Three winner) and other cooking-show stars who’ve taken the cake.
G abe R ou x
3.20
Hot Chocolate 15K/5K Petco Park, East Village hotchocolate15k.com Complete a 15K or 5K to feel less guilty about guzzling the Finisher Mug filled with chocolate fondue (plus snacks for dipping and hot cocoa) at the finish line.
3.26
Mission Valley Craft Beer & Food Festival Qualcomm Stadium, Mission Valley mvcbf.com Enjoy unlimited beer and food samples from a few dozen breweries and local restaurants while supporting the It’s All About the Kids Foundation.
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PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • march 2016
3.24-27
Resort, Carlsbad
Kia Classic Park Hyatt Aviara
kiaclassic.com The LPGA tour’s top female golfers compete in four rounds at Aviara for a $1.7-million purse.
CUR R ENTS
COMEDY
3.3 & 3.4 Lewis Black
Laughing stock
march stand-up roundup
C l ay P atric k M c B ride
“Lactose intolerant milk, kiss my d**k. If you’re lactose intolerant, you can’t drink milk. So what’s in the f**king carton?” —Lewis Black on Black on Broadway 3/3: @ Balboa Theatre, sandiegotheatres.org 3/4: @ Pechanga Resort & Casino, pechanga.com
3.6 Mike Epps “Times have really changed. How did we go from ‘Ohhh girl, I’d be in trouble if I left you now’ to ‘I was gettin’ some head, I was gettin’ some head’? My grandmother is 80-somethin’-yearsold; she don’t know what ‘head’ means.” —Mike Epps on Under Rated and Never Faded @ Casino Pauma, casinopauma.com
Comedy curator: Catlin Dorset
3.3-5 Norm Macdonald “[A hypnotist] put me under a spell, and every time I had a craving for a cigarette, I would throw up. Very embarrassing right after sex, I’ll tell you that. Find it pretty hard to get that second date after that. Girls get all snobby after you barf on them, you know.” —Norm Macdonald on The A-List @ American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com
3.10-12 Rod Man “I wanted a daddy, but my momma felt like she could handle both roles. She’d be like, ‘I’m ya momma and ya daddy.’ But that’s too much pressure, you know? You go to her and be like, ‘Mom, you got a dollar?’ She be like, ‘Boy, I ain’t got no damn money.’ You be like, ‘What about daddy, then?’” —Rod Man on That Good Funny Vol. 1 @ American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com
3.12 Jeff Dunham “Kim and Kanye… the big ass who married the bigger ass.” —Peanut, aka Jeff Dunham, on Unhinged in Hollywood @ Viejas Arena, as.sdsu.edu
3.17-19 Sean Cullen T odd R osenberg
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PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • MARCH 2016
“Guns aren’t the problem. It takes a finger to pull a trigger. #banfingersusa” —Sean Cullen on Twitter @ American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com cont. on page 46
CUR R ENTS
COMEDY cont. from page 44
3.19 Anjelah Johnson
“I love Jesus. Yes, I do. But I will punch a ho. If you wanna say some curse words at me, say some curse words. I don’t even care. But if you are right here in my face, like if our eyelashes is braided together, I will cut you… in the name of Jesus.”
3.18-19 Andrew Santino “This asshole behind me just asked for sugar-free syrup for his pancakes. The thing you’re eating has ‘cake’ in the name, bro.” —Andrew Santino on Twitter @ The Comedy Store La Jolla, thecomedystore.com
—Anjelah Johnson on Not Fancy @ Pala Casino, palacasino.com
D a n D ion
3.19 Rita Rudner “They are introducing female Viagra. I didn’t know there was anything on me that should be standing up.” —Rita Rudner on Twitter @ Sycuan Casino, sycuan.com
3.25-26 Tamer Kattan “If you don’t think our legal system is f’d up, talk to an 18-year-old for 5 min, and stop and comprehend that it’s legal to have sex with it.” —Tamer Kattan on Twitter @ The Comedy Palace, thecomedypalace.com 46
PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • MARCH 2016
3.25-26 Dan Cummins “HIV sounded a lot cooler when Charlie was calling it Tiger Blood. #charliesheen #AIDSTiger” —Dan Cummins on Twitter @ The Comedy Store La Jolla, thecomedystore.com
See GullS
CATCH PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY ACTION AS THE SAN DIEGO GULLS TAKE THE ICE Visit SanDiegoGulls.com/PacificSD to receive 20% off Terrace Level tickets.
march home GameS
March 4: vs. Stockton Heat – $2 Beer Night March 5: vs. Stockton Heat – Super Hero Night, Pregame Tailgate March 11: vs. Bakersfield Condors – College Colors Night, $2 Beer Night, Postgame Skate March 16: vs. San Antonio Rampage – Skates and Shamrocks March 18: vs. Bakersfield Condors – Beach Blizzard Night, $2 Beer Night April 2: vs. San Jose Barracuda – Bar Olympics, Pregame Tailgate
Purchase tix and find more info at SanDiegoGulls.com march 2016 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM
47
pulse
ART BEAT 48 performing arts 56
MARCH gallery & exhibition openings
By Sarah Pfledderer
3.5-16
“Venus”
La Bodega Gallery & Studios 2196 Logan Ave., Barrio Logan 619.255.7036, instagram.com/ labodegagallery It’s ladies night at La Bodega as the gallery kicks off Women’s History Month with works by roughly 100 female artists from around the globe. cont. on page 50
“Fragments” by Michelle Romero 48
PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • MARCH 2016
PUL S E
ART BEAT cont. from page 48
3/2-4/11: “David Bowie Art Tribute” Mike Hess Brewing 3812 Grim Ave., North Park 619.255.7136, artbykami.com
3/2-28: “March Goes Round” San Diego Watercolor Society
The brewery displays artwork commemorating and celebrating the late music icon’s contributions to music, performance and fashion.
3/5-27: “Skullture” TPG2
2825 Dewey Rd., Ste. 105, Liberty Station 619.876.4550, sdws.org
1475 University Ave., Hillcrest 858.354.6294, tpg2.net
National Watercolor Society president Ken Goldman drops into his local chapter as a juror of this month’s Member’s Show, putting his own renowned works on display.
This group exhibition features paintings, illustrations and sculptures that channel the far-ranging symbolisms of the skull.
CLOCKWISE (from top left): “So Far Apart” by Ken Goldman; “Cracked Actor” by Brooke Snyder; “Opium” by Evgeniya Golik; canine and human teeth necklace.
3/5-TBD: “Cannibals: Myth & Reality” San Diego Museum of Man 1350 El Prado, Balboa Park 619.239.2001, museumofman.org Get a taste of cannibalism in this long-term exhibit, offering surprising insight into those with appetites for their same species. cont. on page 52
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PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • MARCH 2016
wild
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EVERY WEDNESDAY | JANUARY 13TH THROUGH MARCH 30TH
*SAN DIEGO RESIDENTS RECEIVE 20% OFF DEALS AT PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES.
*ID WITH SD COUNTY ZIP CODE MUST BE PRESENTED TO RECEIVE DISCOUNT.
Wild LAZ Parking Deal at 7th and Market | $3 Parking after 4pm with Coupon Code! Visit our website for Parking Coupon Code, Prepaid Parking and More Info. EastVillageSanDiego.com #eastvillagesd BOOTLEGGER 804 MARKET ST. BOOTLEGGERSD.COM
BUB’S AT THE BALLPARK 715 J ST. BUBSANDIEGO.COM
CAFFE PRIMO 1330 MARKET ST. ILOVEPRIMO.COM
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DRAGON’S DEN 315 10TH AVE. DRAGONSDENSD.COM
EARTHWISE PET SUPPLY 1051 MARKET ST. EARTHWISEPET.COM
EAST VILLAGE TAVERN + BOWL 930 MARKET ST. TAVERNBOWL.COM
5&A DIME 828 G ST. 5ANDADIME.COM
FOX SPORTS GRILL 1 PARK BLVD., SUITE 101 FOXSPORTSGRILL.COM
HALCYON 1429 ISLAND AVE. HALCYONCOFFEEBAR.COM
KNOTTY BARREL 844 MARKET ST. KNOTTYBARREL.COM
LEVEL 9 ROOFTOP BAR 509 9TH AVE. HOTELINSD.COM
LIBRARY SHOP 330 PARK BLVD. LIBRARYSHOPSD.ORG
LOTUS THAI 906 MARKET ST. LOTUSTHAISD.COM
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LUCKY’S LUNCH COUNTER 338 7TH AVE. LUCKYSLUNCHCOUNTER.COM
MAK CLEANERS 1031 MARKET ST. MAKCLEANERS.COM
MISSION BREWERY 1441 L ST. MISSIONBREWERY.COM
MONKEY PAW PUB & BREWERY 805 16TH ST. MONKEYPAWBREWING.COM
ROOSTERS MEN’S GROOMING CENTER 1350 MARKET ST. ROOSTERSEASTVILLAGE.COM
SAN DIEGO RESTAURANT SUPPLY 1202 MARKET ST. SDRS.COM
STELLA PUBLIC HOUSE 1429 ISLAND AVE. STELLAPUBLICHOUSE.COM
STYLE LOUNGE SALON 540 6TH AVE. STYLELOUNGESD.COM
TILTED KILT PUB & EATERY 310 10TH AVE. TILTEDKILT.COM
THE BLIND BURRO 639 J ST. THEBLINDBURRO.COM
THE DISTRICT 1021 MARKET ST. THEDISTRICTSD.COM
THE MISSION RESTAURANT 1250 J ST. THEMISSIONSD.COM
TRIBAL GEAR 465 17TH ST. TRIBALGEAR.COM
TAILORED HAIR 350 11TH AVE., #125 TAILOREDHAIRFORMEN.COM
EAST VILLAGE DENTAL GROUP 1455 G ST EASTVILLAGEDENTALGROUP.COM
MISSION: To support and promote East Village businesses by establishing our community as San Diego’s livable urban village.
*RESTRICTIONS APPLY. PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR FULL DETAILS. WWW.EASTVILLAGESANDIEGO.COM T H E E A S T V I L L A G E B U S I N E S S I M P R O V E M E N T D I S T R I C T I S P A R T I A L LY F U N D E D B Y T H E C I T Y O F S A N D I E G O ’ S S M A L L B U S I N E S S E N H A N C E M E N T P R O G R A M .
EAST VILLAGE ASSOCIATION, INC. | EASTVILLAGESANDIEGO.COM |
/eastvillagesd #eastvillagesd
PUL S E
“Sacrifice/Souvenir” by Geoffrey Cunningham
ART BEAT
3/12-4/17: “Sacrifice/ Souvenir” by Geoffrey Cunningham Art Produce Gallery
cont. from page 50
3139 University Ave., North Park 619.584.4448, artproduce.org The Oceansidebased painter and photographer’s newest installation presents ordered chaos in black and white, portraying how the intertwined complexities of life don’t always lead to resolution. “Apartment A, Unit 2, Corridor and Staircase, 348 West 22nd Street, New York, NY 10011, USA” by Do Ho Suh
3/18-7/4: Do Ho Suh Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) 1001 Kettner Blvd., Downtown 858.454.3541, mcasd.org
3/12-4/3: “The Scaffolding Effect” by Matthew Agcolicol Thumbprint Gallery
“Integration 1” by Matthew Agcolicol
Take a tour of Do Ho Suh’s New York apartment as MCASD is transformed into a maze-like installation of the artist’s living quarters, fashioned with fabric swaths and stainless steel.
920 Kline St., La Jolla 858.354.6294, thumbprintgallerysd.com Read between the lines of Michael Agcolicol’s prints, which are adorned with wavy, floral patterns and influenced by the artist’s culturally diverse upbringing in Hawaii.
3/19-4/30: “Gods of Suburbia” by Dina Goldstein Madison Art Gallery 1055 Wall St., Ste. 100, La Jolla 858.459.0836, madisongalleries.com Dina Goldstein’s latest photographic series analyzes religious faith in a contemporary context, placing archetypes such as Satan, Buddha and Darwin in environments driven by consumerism and greed. cont. on page 54
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PUL S E
ART BEAT
3/17-5/29: “I Want the Wide American Earth: An Asian Pacific American Story” New Americans Museum
cont. from page 52
3/19-9/5: “Whales: Giants of the Deep” San Diego Natural History Museum
2825 Dewey Rd., Ste. 102, Liberty Station 619.756.7707, newamericansmuseum.org The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center’s traveling exhibit examines how Asian Pacific Americans have influenced and been influenced by U.S. history.
1788 El Prado, Balboa Park 619.232.3821, sdnhm.org Sperm whale skeletons, whalebone treasures, a blue whale heart replica and other interactivities bring the world of whales to the surface. Dive in!
“Issei” by Laura Kina
“4533” by Margaret Griffith “Puma on Guard” by Arthur Putnam
3/26-5/28: Margaret Griffith Lux Art Institute 1550 S. El Camino Real, Encinitas 760.436.6611, luxartinstitute.org Reinterpret the concept of a gate as artist Margaret Griffith twists and billows pieces of handdrawn paper and water-jet-cut metal into large-scale sculptures representing impermanence.
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3/26-10/11: “Ferocious Bronze” by Arthur Putnam The San Diego Museum of Art (SDMA) 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park 619.232.7931, sdmart.org See 28 wildlife sculptures by Arthur Putnam (18731930), a celebrated California sculptor who created works using the lost-wax bronze-casting process.
OH, SHOOT! Remember that incredible photo you took last year of that guy who did that thing with the thing? Well, it’s time to turn that memory into cash and glory in conjunction with SEEN DIEGO, PacificSD’s (occasionally) annual photo contest. Winning submissions score dead presidents, bar and restaurant gift certificates, and the chance to be published in April’s ART ISSUE of PacificSD. Please submit photos shot in San Diego County since January 2015. Submissions must be received by midnight on March 15, 2016.
2014 SEEN DIEGO contest winner Kara Watkins won $1,000 in cash and prizes for her photo (above), “Pacific Beach from the Clouds,” which ran on the cover of PacificSD’s January 2014 issue.
seendiego.com UPLOAD AND VIEW PHOTOS AT
PUL S E
performing arts
curtain calls By Sarah Pfledderer
Ke v in B erne
MARCH performing arts preview
3/11-13: The Little Mermaid California Center for the Arts
3/10-4/3: R. Buckminster Fuller: THE HISTORY (and Mystery) OF THE UNIVERSE San Diego Repertory Theatre
340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido 800.988.4253, artcenter.org Get your childhood fix with this onstage adaptation of the Disney classic, which tells the story of a young mermaid who falls head over tail for a lad on land.
79 Horton Plaza, Downtown 619.544.1000, sdrep.org
3/15-20: The Wizard of Oz San Diego Civic Theatre 1100 Third Ave., Downtown 619.570.1100, sandiegotheatres.org Forget about El Niño for a moment and let a Midwest tornado take you over the rainbow to the Land of Oz instead.
This acclaimed one-man show orbits home to the San Diego Rep, where it premiered in 2000, presenting 20th-century inventor and visionary Richard Buckminster “Bucky” Fuller’s perspective on the universe.
3/4-6: Balanchine Masterworks 2016 Spreckels Theatre 121 Broadway, Downtown 619.235.9500, spreckels.net One of the few dance companies in the country permitted by The George Balanchine Trust to perform these masterworks, City Ballet of San Diego presents legendary choreography with orchestral accompaniment.
3/4-4/10: The Miracle Worker Lamb’s Players Theatre 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado 619.437.6000, lambsplayers.org
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4040 Twiggs St., Old Town 619.337.1525, cygnettheatre.com When two naïve lovers wind up in a cross-dressing mad scientist’s castle, what happens next is a tale best told by this satirical tribute to B-list horror movies of the 20th century.
3/12-13: Romeo & Juliet Balboa Theatre
3/24-27: Seussical The Musical California Center for the Arts
868 Fourth Ave., Downtown 619.570.1100, sandiegotheatres.org
340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido 760.751.3053, starrepertorytheatre.com
Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers come together at Balboa Theatre in California Ballet Co.’s hour-long adaptation of the romantic tragedy.
STAR Repertory Theatre presents this youthful mashup of Dr. Seuss’s most memorable characters such as The Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant and all the Whos of Whoville.
3/11: Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games San Diego Civic Theatre 1100 Third Ave., Downtown 619.570.1100, sandiegotheatres.org Michael Flatley leaves it all on the stage, modernizing the final few performances of his 20-yearold Irish dance franchise with holograms, dancing robots and acrobats.
3/24-5/1: Rain The Old Globe 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park 619.234.5623, theoldglobe.org
B rian D o h erty
Blind, deaf and on track to being institutionalized, a young Helen Keller finds saving grace in her teacher Anne Sullivan, who shows her how to persevere in the face of incredible misfortune.
3/10-5/1: The Rocky Horror Show Cygnet Theatre
A missionary vacationing with his wife suffers from weakening morals when trying to save a prostitute from her demons in this story set at a boarding hotel in the South Pacific in 1924.
YOU AIN’T SCENE NOTHIN’ YET A sneak peek at some of 2016’s biggest upcoming films By Michael Benninger With a collective budget in the billions, the sequels, reboots, adaptations and original features premiering over the next few months have the potential to make this Hollywood’s hottest year yet. To help plan your cinematic schedule, here’s a glimpse of some of the top films coming to theatres this spring and summer. EDITOR’S NOTE: Movie-opening dates subject to change.
OPENING IN MARCH WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT Comedy | War Directors: Glenn Ficara, John Requa Starring: Tina Fey, Margot Robbie, Billy Bob Thornton Opening: March 4 In this witty flick based on actual events, a journalist escapes her everyday life by accepting an assignment in war-torn Afghanistan and winds up finding friends, lovers and adventure amid the Middle East’s unrest.
LONDON HAS FALLEN Prepare for bloody hell. Crime | Thriller Director: Babak Najafi Starring: Gerard Butler, Morgan Freeman, Aaron Eckhart Opening: March 4
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D av id A pp l eby
When merciless terrorists attack the British Prime Minister’s funeral, the lives of the world’s most powerful leaders are at risk — none more so than the U.S. President, who works alongside his most skillful Secret Service agent to survive the assault and bring down the bad guys.
10 CLOVERFIELD LANE Monsters come in many forms. Mystery | Sci-Fi Director: Dan Trachtenberg Starring: John Goodman, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, John Gallagher Jr. Opening: March 11 Upon awakening in an underground bunker after a car accident, a young woman doubts her captor-slash-savior’s claim that chemical warfare erupted while she was unconscious, as she contemplates an escape to Earth’s supposedly unlivable surface.
THE BROTHERS GRIMSBY Behind every hero is an embarrassing sibling. Action | Adventure Director: Louis Leterrier Starring: Sacha Baron Cohen, Mark Strong, Rebel Wilson Opening: March 11 On the lam after uncovering an evil plan, a government assassin teams with his estranged, boneheaded brother in order to evade death and clear his own name.
MIDNIGHT SPECIAL He’s not like us. Sci-Fi | Drama Director: Jeff Nichols Starring: Kirsten Dunst, Michael Shannon, Joel Edgerton Opening: March 18 In this thrilling mystery, government agents and religious extremists hunt the family of a boy whose astonishing powers could alter the course of civilization.
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PRIMARY RESIDENTS America’s Finest famous folks By Michael Benninger
Annette Bening, actress Films: American Beauty, Mars Attacks! Local connection: attended Patrick Henry High School in San Carlos and Mesa College Doug Benson, comedian and podcaster Comedy specials: Super High Me; Chronic-Con, Episode 420: A New Dope Local connection: born and raised in S.D.; attended Grossmont College Mayim Bialik, actress TV shows: Blossom,
The Big Bang Theory Local connection: born and raised in S.D. Jolene Blalock, actress Films: Star Trek: Enterprise, Sex Tape Local connection: born and raised in S.D. Nick Cannon, actor Films: Drumline, Chi-Raq TV show: America’s Got Talent Local connection: raised in Lincoln Park; attended Monte Vista High School in Spring Valley
Eric Close, actor TV shows: Without a Trace, Nashville, Local connection: raised in S.D. from age seven Holly Marie Combs, actress TV shows: Charmed, Pretty Little Liars Local connection: born in S.D. Cameron Crowe, writer and director Films (writer and director): Jerry Maguire, Almost Famous Local connection: raised in S.D. Ted Danson, actor TV shows: Cheers, CSI, Fargo Local connection: born in S.D. Cameron Diaz, actress Films: Charlie’s Angels, The Other Woman Local connection: born in S.D. Adam Driver, actor Films: Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens, This is Where I Leave You TV show: Girls Local connection: born in S.D. Dennis Hopper, actor Films: Easy Rider, Speed Local connection: attended Helix High School in La Mesa; studied at the Old Globe Mario Lopez, actor TV shows: Saved by the Bell, Extra Local connection: born and raised in S.D.; graduated from Chula Vista High School
Adam Driver and Joanne Tucker, arriving at the Star Wars: The Force Awakens world premiere in Hollywood, December 2015.
PRPHOTOs.COM
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Danica McKellar, actress Films: Crown for Christmas, Love at the Christmas Table TV show: The Wonder Years Local connection: born in La Jolla
Silas Weir Mitchell, actor TV shows: Prison Break, Grimm Local connection: attended UC San Diego Matthew Modine, actor Films: Full Metal Jacket, The Dark Knight Rises Local connection: attended Mar Vista High School in Imperial Beach Kathy Najimy, actress Films: Sister Act, Hocus Pocus TV shows: King of the Hill, Veep Local connection: born in S.D.; attended Crawford High School in El Cerrito Raymond Ochoa, voice actor Films: The Good Dinosaur, The Angry Birds Movie Local connection: born in S.D. Sara Ramirez, actress TV show: Grey’s Anatomy Local connection: raised in S.D.; attended the School of Creative & Performing Arts near Bonita Autumn Reeser, actress TV shows: Entourage, The O.C. Local connection: born in La Jolla; graduated from Carlsbad High School Susanna Thompson, actress TV shows: Kings, Arrow Local connection: graduated from SDSU Bitsie Tulloch, actress Films: Concussion, The Artist TV show: Grimm Local connection: born in S.D. Michelle Williams, actress Films: Brokeback Mountain, Blue Valentine Local connection: grew up in S.D.
THE DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT Break the boundaries of your world. Fantasy | Sci-Fi Director: Robert Schwentke Starring: Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Ansel Elgort Opening: March 18 The first of two films chronicling this franchise’s final chapter focuses on the fate of Chicago, which hangs in the balance as a young woman and her supremely capable cohorts are tasked with saving the dystopian society.
BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE Fantasy | Sci-Fi Director: Zack Snyder Starring: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Jesse Eisenberg Opening: March 25
c l ay enos
After deeming the Man of Steel humanity’s biggest threat, a pissed-off Caped Crusader is out for Kryptonian blood, but the two heroes reluctantly join forces when an even more menacing monster emerges.
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OPENING IN APRIL THE JUNGLE BOOK Fantasy | Drama Director: Jon Favreau Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Bill Murray, Idris Elba Opening: April 15 In this liveaction retelling of Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale, a ferocious tiger forces an orphan raised by wolves to abandon his home. Then, with the help of his creepy, crawly, cuddly companions, the boy embarks on an eyeopening adventure.
BARBERSHOP: THE NEXT CUT Everybody’s back for a fresh cut. Comedy Director: Malcolm D. Lee Starring: Ice Cube, Nicki Minaj, Cedric the Entertainer Opening: April 15 More than a decade after the original flick, the stylists from Calvin’s Barbershop continue keeping it real, but as their neighborhood grows more dangerous, they take it upon themselves to turn things around.
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THE HUNTSMAN: WINTER’S WAR Fantasy | Drama Director: Cedric Nicolas-Troyan Starring: Charlize Theron, Chris Hemsworth, Emily Blunt Opening: April 22 This prequel to the Snow White story focuses on two wretched and royal sisters striving to build the world’s deadliest army, which can be stopped only by two brave heroes who happen to love each other.
OPENING IN MAY
CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR Divided we fall. Fantasy | Sci-Fi Directors: Joe Russo, Anthony Russo Starring: Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson Opening: May 6 As the government attempts to impose regulations on when and how the Avengers can operate, the formerly united team of heroes splits in two, with Iron Man fighting for the Feds, and Captain America insistent on independence.
FREE STATE OF JONES Drama | Action Director: Gary Ross Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Keri Russell Opening: May 13 Set in Mississippi during the Civil War, this film tells the true story of an indignant soldier who leads a band of farmers and slaves in a revolt against the Confederacy, later marrying a former servant and founding the South’s first mixed-race settlement.
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NEIGHBORS 2: SORORITY RISING
New neighbors. Comedy Director: Nicholas Stoller Starring: Seth Rogen, Zac Efron, Rose Byrne Opening: May 20 When a hard-partying sorority moves in next door, an expectant couple recruits their former fraternity foe to sabotage the sisterhood and restore peace to the neighborhood.
D a niel M c Fa dden
THE NICE GUYS Nice pair. Mystery | Crime Director: Shane Black Starring: Ryan Gosling, Russell Crowe, Matt Bomer Opening: May 20 In this offbeat buddy movie set in 1970s Los Angeles, a ruthless enforcer and an underemployed investigator team up to solve the seemingly separate mysteries of a young girl gone missing and a porn star’s suspicious suicide.
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X-MEN: APOCALYPSE Only the strong will survive. Fantasy | Sci-Fi Director: Bryan Singer Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Sophie Turner, Michael Fassbender Opening: May 27 Upon awaking from a millennia-long hibernation, Apocalypse, the world’s original and most omnipotent mutant, recruits a jaded Magneto and other sinful super-humans to annihilate mankind and usher in a new era.
ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS It’s time for a little madness. Fantasy | Adventure Director: James Bobin Starring: Johnny Depp, Mia Wasikowska, Alan Rickman Opening: May 27 In this follow up to Alice’s initial adventures in Wonderland, the perky protagonist must travel back in time to save the Mad Hatter, ultimately exposing a malevolent scheme to return the Queen of Hearts to power.
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OPENING IN june WARCRAFT
FINDING DORY
Two worlds. One home. Fantasy | Action Director: Duncan Jones Starring: Travis Fimmel, Paula Patton, Ben Foster Opening: June 10
She just kept swimming... Adventure | Animation Director: Andrew Stanton Starring: Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Ty Burrell Opening: June 17
Aggressive orcs abandon their collapsing civilization and attack the home of harmonious humans in this fiery fantasy film gamers have been waiting for.
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE
Saving the world takes a little Hart and a big Johnson. Action | Comedy Director: Rawson Marshall Thurber Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Aaron Paul Opening: June 17 A fun-loving but lethal CIA agent finds an old friend on Facebook and convinces the timid accountant to partner with him on a daring and deadly case.
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An absent-minded fish yearning to reconnect with her long-lost parents makes her way to a marine-life facility where she befriends a new crew of aquatic creatures who help reunite the family.
INDEPENDENCE DAY: RESURGENCE We had twenty years to prepare. So did they. Action | Sci-Fi Director: Roland Emmerich Starring: Jeff Goldblum, Liam Hemsworth, Bill Pullman Opening: June 24 Twenty years after unleashing a worldwide attack on civilization, evil extraterrestrials return to Earth in even greater numbers, testing the new defenses that mankind has put in place and challenging humanity’s ability to survive an even more atrocious onslaught.
HOT SHOTS San Diego scenes that make the city slicker By Michael Benninger
Almost Famous (2000) Cameron Crowe’s music-driven masterpiece rocks with scenes shot in O.B., near the Sports Arena, around Balboa Park and at the former USD High School.
Babel (2006) This Golden Globe winner starring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett includes scenes captured along the border in San Ysidro.
Almost Heroes (1998) This Chris Farley/Matthew Perry film includes a sequence shot at Black’s Beach.
Bring It On (2000) This Kirsten Dunst cheerleading flick was filmed entirely in San Diego and features locations across the city.
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004) Just kidding — contrary to popular belief, this Will Ferrell comedy was not shot in San Diego. Antwone Fisher (2002) Scenes from this Denzel Washington flick were shot in Coronado and Point Loma. Attack of the Killer Tomatoes (1978) Watch for sequences shot at Qualcomm Stadium and the Star of India.
Bruce Almighty (2003) The final scene of this Jim Carrey movie was filmed on Harbor Drive. Citizen Kane (1941) Look for shots of yesteryear’s Balboa Park in Orson Welles’ masterpiece. Demolition Man (1993) Sylvester Stallone’s drive to Taco Bell in this must-see classic includes shots of S.D.
Freaky Friday (1976) The pre-Lindsay Lohan version of this tale includes bits shot in and around Mission Bay. Hot Shots! (1991) Charlie Sheen’s Top Gun spoof features a San Diego scene or two. My Blue Heaven (1990) Steve Martin’s offbeat comedy includes scenes shot at City Hall and Hotel Del Coronado. Paranormal Activity 1 & 2 (2007, 2010) These horror movies were shot at a haunted house in Rancho Penasquitos.
Top Gun (1986) Classic scenes from this starstudded blockbuster were shot at Naval Air Station Miramar (now Marine Corps Air Station Miramar) and the Red Fox Room in University Heights. The Hunt for Red October (1990) Some of the submarine shots featuring Sean Connery and Alec Baldwin were filmed along S.D.’s waterfront. Traffic (2000) La Jolla, Downtown and Balboa Park serve as backdrops in this Oscar winner starring Michael Douglas, Benicio Del Toro and Catherine Zeta-Jones.
Some Like It Hot (1959) Marilyn Monroe stars in this classic comedy set in large part at the Hotel Del.
OPENING IN juLY Fantasy | Family Director: Steven Spielberg Starring: Mark Rylance, Bill Hader, Rebecca Hall Opening: July 1 A young girl who stays up past her bedtime befriends a gentle giant who’s been alienated from his community for refusing to eat young children.
Jonat h an O l l ey
THE BFG
THE LEGEND OF TARZAN Action | Adventure Director: David Yates Starring: Alexander Skarsgård, Margot Robbie, Christoph Waltz Opening: July 1 Long after leaving Africa, Tarzan is tricked into returning to the jungle to inquire about a newly minted mining operation.
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MIKE AND DAVE NEED WEDDING DATES
GHOSTBUSTERS
They needed hot dates. They got hot messes. Comedy Director: Jake Szymanski Starring: Zac Efron, Anna Kendrick, Adam DeVine Slated opening date: July 8
Who you gonna call? Fantasy | Sci-Fi Director: Paul Feig Starring: Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon Opening: July 15
After two boisterous brothers place ads to find dates for their sister’s tropical wedding, two even more rambunctious sisters respond, and the boys get far more than they had bargained for.
When ghosts invade Manhattan, it’s up to two unsuccessful authors, an engineer and a transit worker to apprehend the apparitions and save the city.
STAR TREK BEYOND Fantasy | Sci-Fi Director: Justin Lin Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana Slated opening date: July 22 After an unidentifiable alien race sets its sights on the U.S.S. Enterprise, Captain Kirk, Spock and the rest of the ship’s crew find themselves stuck on an unwelcoming planet.
JASON BOURNE You know his name. Action | Thriller Director: Paul Greengrass Starring: Matt Damon, Alicia Vikander, Julia Stiles Opening: July 29 Taking place 12 years after the events transpiring in the The Bourne Ultimatum, the fifth installment of this thrilling franchise features the return of an amnesiac assassin who has spent several years off the grid.
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OPENING IN AUGUST
c l ay enos
SUICIDE SQUAD Worst. Heroes. Ever. Fantasy | Sci-Fi Director: David Ayer Starring: Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Jared Leto Opening: August 5 Set in the same cinematic universe as Batman v Superman, this film pits bad guys against worse guys as a high-ranking government official tasks a crew of super villains with a series of dangerous missions they stand little chance of surviving.
OPENING IN SEPTEMBER SNOWDEN Drama | Political Director: Oliver Stone Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Shailene Woodley, Nicolas Cage Opening: September 16 See the inside story about the former NSA contractor who rocked the world by exposing far-reaching surveillance operations the U.S. government conducts to keep track of enemies, allies and even its own citizens.
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LUCKY STARS How an educational sequel led to celebrity encounters By Brennan Maclean
My name’s Brennan. I used to work in advertising sales for PacificSD and loved it, but I left about two years ago, when UC Berkeley admissions offered me a free ride to finish school. I had been a student at San Diego City College nearly a decade earlier, but dropped out when my girlfriend and I had a baby during freshman year. In 2012, I was a struggling single father. I worked and went to school full-time, trying to provide a better life for my son and myself. I applied to the impossible-to-get-into Berkeley, because I thought getting their rejection letter would be cool. The impossible happened: I got accepted. Then, reality set in, and I realized that leaving my job just wasn’t in the cards for me, financially. In 2013, I reapplied, and the impossible happened again.
This time, the offer included a complete free ride with full scholarships. I was one of the unimaginably lucky ones that not only got into Berkeley, twice, but also was selected to study there for free. A couple months later, my son, Sebastian, and I bid a sad but temporary adieu to our PacificSD family, headed north to Berkeley and settled in. Now 32 years old, I’m one of the oldest college sophomores I know. Soon after arriving back at school, I felt like a kid again, only this time more eager to learn and grow. And it didn’t take long for me to find my niche as an aspiring writer/director and president of a film-networking organization called Berkeley Film Friends (BFF), which led me to another opportunity — the chance to attend, report on and create a web series surrounding the Sundance Film Festival.
The festival requires all redcarpet reporters to have an official media property submit applications for their press credentials, so I reached out to my old boss at PacificSD to see if he’d write a letter to Sundance on my behalf. He said yes. Then, so did Sundance. It gives me the chills just to think about it. It was mid-September, and the January 2016 film festival was fast approaching, so I hit it hard. First, I hosted a recruitment event, hired 28 students for a production crew, raised $17,000 through crowdfunding and set out to take Sundance by storm. The next thing I knew, I was on the red carpet, interviewing celebrities. On the first day, I talked with director Kevin Smith about his new movie Yoga Hosers. The next day, I had brunch with Danny Glover and met Spike Lee. Then,
Katie Couric talked with me about gun control, and Nick Jonas and I had a serious conversation about the rising violence in frat houses across America. I also met the likes of Elijah Wood, Robert Redford and Jack White, and I’ll never forget the thrill of those priceless moments. In the end, the feeling I’m left with is gratitude — gratitude to Berkeley for giving me another chance, gratitude to my PacificSD family for sticking by me, and gratitude to my son for helping me grow to become the father he deserves. Hey, that actually gives me an idea for a movie script… Pictured here are highlights from my trip to Sundance with the Berkeley Film Friends crew. Meeting and interacting with celebrities and some of my Hollywood heroes was over-thetop cool.
CLOCKWISE (from top left): The heart of the silver screen action at Sundance; me with Danny Glover; Daisy of Berkeley Film Friends (and reppin’ PacificSD) with director Chris Nolan; Robert Redford, Jack White, T Bone Burnett (far right) and other cool people on the red carpet; me with Elijah Wood.
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The Skinny, starring Nina Hosseinzdeh, Jessie Kahnweiler, Sadie Calvano and Fabianne Therese
P AT R I C K G O O K I N
One of my favorite interviews from the festival was the one I had with YouTube star Jessie Kahnweiler, whose web series “The Skinny” made history by being the first webisodes ever to premiere at Sundance. Kahnweiler writes her own stuff, stars, directs and produces. Plus, she lived in San Diego for a year and had this to say about her experiences: San Diego will always have a special place in my heart. I plan on returning there again when I’m old, rich and fat, and ready to die. I followed my ex boyfriend there right after college… got an apartment in Golden Hill that was like walking
distance from the Turf Club. My roommate and I would split a drink — because we were too broke to each get our own — and plan our epic world-takeover. Being an east coast Jew, I was initially not used to the SD vibe: everyone was tan and friendly and just chillin’. I thought they put Xanax in the water. It was lovely to spend my first year as an ‘adult’ in San Diego. The whole place just feels like one long hug. Unfortunately, after a few months of making lattes and movies, I found out that my boyfriend was putting his carne asada in some tacos all over town. I was both devastated and empowered at the same time, and soon after got a U-Haul and booked it for L.A. to chase my dreams. I’ll cherish my time in San Diego, from dancing my ass off at Scolari’s Office to eating my face off at Big Kitchen. I’d like to come back soon for a visit, maybe hit up the Turf Club, but this time I’d get my own drink. —Jessie Kahnweiler Kahnweiler is hilarious, and her story is so cool, so I wanted to share a portion of the interview…
Jessie Kahnweiler: I am so sorry, I have no excuse [she had missed our original interview time]. I was writing, but then I wanted to go write at the pool, and then I had therapy. Me: I thought you made films because you couldn’t afford therapy? JK: No, I got to change that. I actually have two therapists. Me: That’s probably good. Well, I watched the premiere of “The Skinny.” I loved it. JK: Oh, my god. You were the only white guy in the audience. [Much of the interview deleted here for space.] Me: The difference between those people and you is that you actually have the balls to say it. And not only say it, but freaking film it for millions of people to see. That’s ballsy.
JK: I do have a mustache, but I don’t actually have balls. Me: I know, I saw it, it looks nice. [We both laugh] Just playing. Where is this chin hair you keep referencing? I’m not seeing that. You must have a really good, uh— JK: Oh, honey, I’m glad you’re not, because I’ve got a date tomorrow. Wait, so where do you live in San Diego? Me: Right now, I live in Berkeley, actually. JK: Oh. I thought… isn’t this for San Diego something? Me: Yeah, you’re gonna love it. Let me show you the magazine. Have you seen it? JK: Oh, it’s an actual magazine. Cool! See a webisode of this and other celebrity interviews from Sundance on the “BFF at Sundance” channel on YouTube.
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TASTE
DINING OUT 72 what’s cooking 84 beer 86
Sketch of what will be Tasting Room Del Mar.
Fresh fare for fickle foodies By David Nelson
If you like being the first to try what no one knew, check out these new restaurants opening around the county in the coming weeks and months. cont. on page 74 72
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Brunch Saturday & Sunday 10am-2pm
$5 BLOODY MARYS • $15 BOTTOMLESS MIMOSAS LIVE MUSIC ON SUNDAYS
LIVE MUSIC. CRAFT COCKTAILS. GREAT FOOD. 401 G St, San Diego
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619.230.8606
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tinroofsandiego.com
TAST E CLOCKWISE (from top left): Red Velvet Bomb at Heaven Sent Desserts; Miss B’s Coconut Club partner Rob McShea (left) and owner Pete Cich; Pokewan owner and executive chef James Pyo; Moto Deli’s Turketta sandwich; interior rendering of One Door North.
DINING OUT cont. from page 72
Er i n J a c k s o n
Heaven Sent Desserts
(opening in March) A branch of this North Park mainstay will be sweet news for North County when it opens in Poway in March. The purebutter bakery specializes in swoonable sweets so good they’re also served at Neiman Marcus.
Miss B’s Coconut Club
(opening in March) A confection from the beach-savvy owners of The Duck Dive and PB Shore Club, this coming-soon Mission Beach party house will pour tiki cocktails to accompany an islands-inspired menu.
3704 Mission Blvd., Mission Beach, missbcoconutclub.com
12655 Danielson Ct., Ste. 312, Poway, heavensentdesserts.com
One Door North
K C AL F R ED
(opening in March/April) One eatery’s closure is another’s opportunity, in this case for The Smoking Goat, which has opened a spacious restaurant next door, in what used to be Mosaic. Approachable, locally sourced fare is the focus.
3422 30th St., North Park, onedoornorth.com
Pokewan (opening in March) Moto Deli
(opening in April) Hell on wheels for the sandwich set, this motorcycle-themed shop in Leucadia also serves elaborate salads and sides (and pickled eggs) in a racy environment. Dine in, take out or order for delivery… by motorcycle.
810 N. Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas, motodeli.com
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Okie-dokie, try the poke at this new sibling of downtown Carlsbad’s eversizzling Blue Ocean Robata & Grill. Think crudo, think ceviche — poke is highly seasoned raw fish with a clean finish on the palate.
2958 Madison St., Ste. 104, Carlsbad, pokewan.com
Sally’s Seafood by the Water (reopening in April) One of the few truly gourmet restaurants on the waterfront, this long-running seafooder near Seaport Village reopens in March after a lavish renovation that adds floor-to-ceiling windows and an expanded deck with fire pits.
1 Market Pl., Downtown, sallyssandiego.com
FROM TOP: Rendering of the renovated dining room and bar at Sally’s Seafood by the Water; the Snack Shack Burger at Carnitas’ Snack Shack; the Tortuga cocktail at False Idol.
Carnitas’ Snack Shack – Embarcadero (opening in early 2016) This little piggy really gets around, with location number three opening on the downtown waterfront this spring (existing locations are open in North Park and Del Mar). It’s where slow-food-inspired, “pork-centric” fare meets fine wines and craft beers. 1004 North Harbor Dr., Downtown, carnitassnackshack.com
Craft & Commerce + False Idol
675 W. Beech St., Little Italy, craftcommerce.com
cont. on page 76
Ar l e n e Ib a rr a
(reopening in early 2016) Little Italy braces for the spring reopening of the renovated Craft & Commerce, which, true to Consortium Holdings’ gift for the arcane, will include a new “hidden” tiki bar. (Pssst: “Rum” may be the password.)
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cucina SORELLA (opening in early 2016) Tracy Borkum reopens Kensington’s former Fish Public this spring with a “neighborhood-focused” menu of handcrafted pastas et al designed by chef Joe Magnanelli of Borkum’s growing chain of Cucina restos.
CLOCKWISE (from above): Ricotta and parmesan agnolotti at cucina SORELLA; bar area rendering of North Park’s incoming Et Voila!; rendering of La Jolla’s dining complex at 1250 Prospect Street, which houses The Hake, George’s at the Cove and Donovan’s; sketch of the Tasting Room Del Mar; Pop Pie Co.’s Red Chile Pork Pie.
4055 Adams Ave., Kensington, cucinasorella.com
Pop Pie Co. (opening in early 2016) “Eat Pie & Be Happy” will be words to live by starting this spring, when banker (he’s a banker first, a baker second) Steven Torres’ creatively delicious and individual-sized “hand pies” launch a trendperfect eatery in University Heights.
4404 Park Blvd., University Heights, facebook.com/poppiecosd
Tasting Room Del Mar
Et Voila! (opening in early 2016) Terrific news for North Parkers and everybody else who loves classic French fare, this beguiling charmer on Adams Avenue is headed by Tapenade graduates Ludo Misfud and Vincent Viale, superb talents who do everything right. 3015 Adams Ave., North Park, etvoilabistro.com
(opening in early 2016) With sustainable boutique wines and craft beers, artisan chow and a bull’s-eye location in downtown Del Mar, this specialist in frequently changing, enjoy-on-site and retail-to-go good stuff pretty much has it all.
The Hake Kitchen & Bar (reopening in early 2016) As part of the mammoth overhaul of La Jolla’s landmark complex (which houses George’s at the Cove and Donovan’s), this Latin-inspired seafood spot will expand, and add a raw bar and outdoor seating.
1435 Camino del Mar, Del Mar, tastingroomdelmar.com
1250 Prospect St., Ste. B10, La Jolla, thehake.com
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cont. on page 78
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CLOCKWISE (from top left): Sketch of Del Mar’s incoming Vigilante Brewing Company; Carmel Valley’s new Westroot Tavern; rendering of Barbusa; The Grill at Torrey Pines’ famous Drugstore Hamburger; rendering of Cohn Restaurant Group’s incoming Coin Haus in La Mesa; interior rendering of Campfire.
Westroot Tavern (opening in early 2016) Hyper-talented in the tavern trade, the Verant Group creates a casual, neighborhood-style joint in the upscale Village at Pacific Highlands. Details include 30 HDTVs, local craft beers, a chef-driven menu and music that promises to amplify life in Carmel Valley. 5965 Village Way., Ste. 106, Carmel Valley
Vigilante Brewing Co.
(opening in early 2016) Finally, Del Mar gets its very own brewery, in a former pottery store near the Fairgrounds. Owner/head brewer Charles Koll adds fizz to the biz with an indoor/outdoor bar, communal dining and a patio overlooking San Dieguito River Park.
2201 San Dieguito Dr., Del Mar, vigilantebrewing.com
Barbusa (opening in mid-2016) Combine “bar” and “Busalacchi” to get Barbusa, secondgeneration restaurateurs Joey and PJ Busalacchi’s reimagining of Little Italy’s Po Pazzo as a hipster haunt with family-rooted “Modern Sicilian” cuisine. 1917 India St., Little Italy, barbusa.com
Campfire
(opening in mid-2016) The well-experienced John Resnick gifts downtown Carlsbad an inspired eatery and craft-cocktail destination. Located inside a handsomely transformed former auto repair shop, the custom-built wood-fired grills are dedicated to South American-style barbecue cuisine.
2725 State St., Carlsbad, campfireprovisions.com
8361 Allison Ave., La Mesa, cohnrestaurants.com
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keoni rosa
Coin Haus (opening in mid-2016) Adjacent to its popular BO-beau kitchen + garden, Cohn Restaurant Group’s newest La Mesa venture will offer 50 self-serve taps pouring local brews and rare barrels in a “retro-game” arcade setting. The grub’s next door at BO-beau.
The Grill at Torrey Pines (reopening in June 2016) Slated to reopen this summer after a complete remodel, the luxury hotel’s casual dining room returns with chef Jeff Jackson’s five-star Drugstore Hamburger, other excellent eats, fine service and amazing golf course views. 11480 N Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla, lodgetorreypines.com cont. on page 80
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Plant Power Fast Food (opening in mid-to-late 2016) New in OB and opening mid-to-late 2016 in Encinitas, this ambitious vegetarian spot specializes in speedy but custom fare like raw tortillas stuffed with walnut-pecan “taco meat,” tasty wraps and homemade ice cream.
411 Santa Fe Dr., Encinitas, plantpowerfastfood.com
Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers
CLOCKWISE (from above): Veggie hummus sandwich at Plant Power Fast Food; Rum Punch at The Grass Skirt; Fig Tree Cafe’s Lobster and Crab Benedict; buildyour-own-burger at Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers.
(opening mid-2016) With more than 100 brewskis and mucho cheeseburger variations, this prime Gaslamp venue will answer many dudes’ daily prayers when it opens late spring as the first of several San Diego County locations.
1495 Pacific Hwy., Little Italy, figtreeeatery.com
910 Grand Ave., Ste. 101, Pacific Beach, thegrassskirt.com cont. on page 82
Fig Tree Cafe
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jorg
(opening in mid-2016) Restaurant impresarios Johan Engman and Alberto Morreale will have nearly a grove of Fig Trees when they open No. 4 in Little Italy this summer. Expect unfussy, flavorful fare from breakfast through the day.
The Grass Skirt (opening late 2016) A new Tiki Bar concept by SDCM (Firehouse, Kettner Exchange, Vin de Syrah, Analog), will open on the former site of Good Time Charlie’s in Pacific Beach. Expect high design, secret entrances and an adjoining fresh-fish joint called Good Time Poke. SDCM’s corporate chef, Brian Redzikowski, will run the kitchen; Kettner Exhange’s beverage director, Steven Tuttle, will oversee the cocktail menu.
322 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, coldbeers.com
Ocean Views... as far as the eye can sea.
RESTAURANT WINE BAR
D E L I V E R Y
Outstanding oceanfront dining in the heart of Del Mar. Since 1968.
Poseidon on the beach 1670 Coast Blvd., Del Mar | (858) 755-9345 | poseidonrestaurant.com
V E G E T A R I A N
A V A I L A B L E
F R I E N D L Y
“BEST THAI” 2013 San Diego Home/Garden Magazine
DOWNTOWN (EAST VILLAGE) 906 Market St. San Diego, CA 92101
HAPPY HOUR Mon. - Fri. 5pm - 7pm Sat. & Sun. 12pm - 7pm Lunch Specials Mon. - Fri.
HILLCREST 3761 6th Ave. San Diego, CA 92103
619.595.0115
619.299.8272
OPEN FOR LUNCH & DINNER
LOTUSTHAISD.COM
HH AA NN DD CC RR AA FF TT EE DD M EE RR II CC AA NN VV O O DD KK AA AAM
THE TRUE HANDCRAFTED VODKA
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@blueicevodkausa march 2016 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM
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LIBERTY PUBLIC MARKET With ambitions to rival Pike Place Market in Seattle and the fabled food halls at Harrod’s in London, this expansive, multivendor food emporium in the original building of Point Loma’s former Naval Training Center is the brainchild of David Spatafore of Blue Bridge Hospitality and expected to open in March. Pack an appetite when heading over. libertypublicmarket.com
FROM TOP: Sautéed Santa Barbara prawns at Buona Forchetta; rendering of Liberty Station’s new Liberty Public Market; bacon-wrapped asparagus and pork belly kimchi from Fireside by The Patio’s yakitori menu; The Lot theatre; Breakfast Republic’s chocolate chip pancakes.
Buona Forchetta
(opening in March) Will the lines follow Matteo Cattaneo from his South Park original to his new, much larger location? Probably, and not the least because BICE chef Mario Cassineri is contributing formal entrées to Cattaneo’s irresistible pizzas. buonaforchettasd.com
Fireside by The Patio finch
(opening in March) Chef Antonio Friscia plans family-style and wood-grilled fare for this soon-to-open, neighborhood-centric eatery in Liberty Station’s original firehouse. Gather around the fire pits to chow down and toast s’mores.
Mess Hall
(opening in March) Blue Bridge chef Tim Kolanko envisions the restaurant centerpiece of Liberty Station as a “genuine marketto-table concept,” since most menu ingredients will be sourced from the market’s impressively varied vendors.
libertypublicmarket.com
firesidesd.com
Breakfast Republic
The Lot
(opening in mid-2016) Liberty Station’s original theater will be repurposed in June as a twin to La Jolla’s The Lot, a nearly life-changing experience that shelters luxurious cinemas, fine dining and deluxe cocktails under one sophisticated roof. thelotent.com
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(opening in early 2016) Another Johan Engman contribution to keep San Diego witty and wise, this lively, motto-driven place will pour cocktails all-day long to accompany all-American pancakes and a raft of clever, satisfying breakfast creations.
breakfastrepublicca.com
SATURDAY
APRIL 16TH 2016
TICKETS AVAILABLE AT FABULOUSHILLCREST.COM
Recipe and photos by Brandon Matzek
The greatest thing since sliced bread
LOAFING A ROUND TAST E
What’s COOking
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E asy R ecipe
S
follow me! oda bread, Irish or otherwise, is a perfect introduction to homemade bread-making because minimal time and effort are required to produce a golden, aromatic loaf; no special equipment is needed; and most ingredients can be found in the pantry. In its simplest form, Irish soda bread is a mixture of flour, baking soda, buttermilk and salt. This recipe amps up flavors with the addition of orange zest, fennel seeds and a heap of dried currants plumped with aromatic whiskey. San Diego’s own Henebery rye whiskey is used here, but any whiskey will work (especially Irish whiskey). Enjoy this soda bread simply with salted butter or pair with sliced apples and Irish cheddar.
Skillet Soda Bread Ingredients 1 cup dried currants 1/4 cup whiskey 4 tbsp. cold unsalted butter, cubed, plus more for greasing the skillet 4 cups flour, plus more for sprinkling 1/4 cup sugar 1 tsp. baking soda 1 1/2 tsp. fine grain sea salt 1 3/4 cup buttermilk (shake the carton and then measure), plus more for brushing 1 egg, lightly beaten 1 tsp. orange zest 1 tbsp. fennel seeds
Process Get prepped. Place currants in a small bowl with the whiskey and let sit for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Lightly grease an 8-inch cast iron skillet with butter. Dough works. In a large bowl, whisk together 4 cups flour, sugar, baking soda and sea salt. Using your fingertips, work 4 tablespoons cubed butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a
medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg and orange zest. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Don’t overmix. Stir in the currants with whiskey and fennel seeds. Shape and bake. Preheat an oven to 400°F, and place a rack in the middle position. Scrape dough out onto a floured work surface. The dough will be wet. Sprinkle dough with flour and knead a
couple times to form a round loaf, adding more flour as needed if the dough sticks. Place the loaf in the prepared skillet, then, using a sharp knife, score an “X” shape into top of dough, about 1 1/2 inches deep. Brush the top of the loaf with buttermilk. Bake until the top of the bread is golden brown, and a skewer inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean (40 – 45 minutes). Transfer the loaf to a cooling rack and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
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BEER
Take It from the tap
A monthly taste of beer from here By Brandon Hernández
meet your maker Brewmaster Q&A with WInslow Sawyer
Brewmaster at Pure Project Brewing, Miramar
P
Brandon Hernández: You’re new to San Diego. Where did you come from? WINSLOW SAWYER: When I turned 21, I was able to get a job milling grain, scrubbing tanks and cleaning, cleaning, cleaning Boulder Creek Brewery in the Santa Cruz Mountains. After a year, the head brewer left, and I was handed the reins. Because it was a little seven-barrel 86
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system, I was able to brew a couple hundred different beers including Sahtis [a Finlandian style of beer] and lots of funky Brettanomyces [wild yeast] beers; and put redwood, silver and flannel in our 25th anniversary beer. Best of all, the Mountains were a Pinot Noir winery region, and I could get all the barrels I wanted and use them to age Flanders-style red ales, fruited lambic-style
PAUL BODY
ure Project Brewing opened just over a month ago in Miramar. Incorporating into such a sudssaturated part of town is akin to touching down in a jungle overflowing with long-bearded brewers and stainless steel foliage. That’s apt, considering Pure was originally sited in the rainforests of Costa Rica. Fortunately, utility issues led them to relocate, allowing youthful yet experienced NorCal transplant Winslow Sawyer to get in on the action. Get to know this newcomer to the local suds scene and some of his liquid contributions to it.
ales and dry-hopped Brett beers in the style of Denver’s Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project. Most of all, I learned about hard work and patience on their 30-year old JV Northwest brewing system. What is your approach to brewing at Pure Project? Here at Pure, we focus on ingredients. This means starting with the purest,
highest-quality ingredients and designing beers around them rather than starting with styles and sourcing ingredients for them. We feel every beer has a story and, although a lot of our beers have spices or other untraditional ingredients, my brewing style relies on subtlety and clean flavors. We are definitely not making extreme beers, and they are cont. on page 88
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meet your maker
(Cont.)
all designed to pair well with food instead of overpower it. What Pure Project beers are you especially proud of? Well, they’re all my children, so I can’t really pick favorites, but I am really happy with Milagro, our dry stout on nitro with organic Madagascar vanilla beans and Costa Rican coffee. It smells like a cup of coffee, but is delicately smooth and creamy. I am also really pleased with all the hoppy beers. I was trying to go for that huge, hoppy nose without any of the lingering bitterness or maltiness a la Cellarmaker Brewing in San Francisco, and they all came out great. What barrel goodness do you have on tap for the future? Our first release will probably be our Flandersstyle red ale aged in Pinot Noir barrels, which is coming along really nicely and is close to my heart, because I drank a lot of the classic Flanders archetype, Rodenbach Grand Cru, when I lived in Bordeaux, France. We also have an 11-percent version of our imperial porter, Midnight in Moscow, aging in whiskey barrels from our friends at Breckenridge Distillery in Colorado. And, last but not least, a variety of fruited lambic-style beers in Pinot Noir barrels. I’ve been breeding my sour cultures for six-plus years, so they will definitely have a unique taste that you won’t want to miss. What are some of your favorite local breweries so far? Granted, I’ve only been down here for six months and been really busy with this project, so I haven’t even scratched the surface, especially North County. I really enjoy Societe, Modern Times, Toolbox, Intergalactic and our conjoined twin, Amplified Ale Works. I also am lucky to live right by Fall Brewing. I have an existential experience every time I see their gorgeous brewhouse. Alpine reminds me a lot of the Santa Cruz Mountains, and you really can’t beat their Nelson rye IPA. What’s the one thing, first and foremost, you want people to know about Pure Project? We are a 1% for the Planet company, which means one percent of sales, not profit, goes to supporting local nonprofit organizations like Surfrider. No matter what happens to this industry, when you buy a pint of Pure beer, your money will not only go to good beer. It will go to good causes and good people.
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Thorn Brewing Co. You’ve likely heard of Thorn St. Brewery, especially if you live in North Park, whose denizens regularly pack the place. The small operation is the archetype for a successful community brewery, but the owners have greater aspirations and hope to appeal to a broader audience when they take over a Barrio Logan warehouse (which previously housed the San Diego Public Market) and convert it into a production brewery complete with a full-scale tasting room and a store selling assorted merch. ETA: Year’s end. thornstreetbrew.com
COMING TO A HEAD What’s new in brew or coming soon
Kensington Brewing Co. Okay, so this business isn’t actually in Kensington… yet. But it’s close, and someday the owners hope to find just the right space to make them a true namesake brewery. For now, Mission Valley’s Grantville area will have to do — and it’s doing quite well early on. A pair of IPAs, two imperial stouts (one loaded with coffee from neighboring biz, West Bean, and the other unleaded), a light and lovely apricot-infused wheat ale and more go down nicely in a snazzily rustic tasting room that includes a San Diego first: its own antique display area. kensingtonbrewco.com cont. on page 90
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LET’S GO TO THE HOPS MARCH beer events
March 5 Festival of Funk Breweries specializing in sour ales are few and far between, figuratively and geographically. So, the chance to have beers from a bunch of the country’s foremost funkmasters at one event is a big deal. Prepare to drink (and pucker) up! Golden Hall, 202 C St., Downtown, moderntimesbeer.com
DO ME A FLAVOR New beers to cheers
March 20 | Oakquinox Stone Brewing Co. is the county’s largest brewery, so these gargoyles have sway. Rather than abuse it, they use it to get hold of barrels and barrels of oak-aged beers spanning nearly every style known to mankind. Then they tap them all and let decadence and debauchery ensue. Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens, 1999 Citracado Pkwy., Escondido, stonebrewing.com
Brandon Hernández is a native San Diegan with a fervent passion for craft beer and the talented individuals who produce it. He is the author of Complete Guide to San Diego Breweries, Marketing Manager for AleSmith Brewing Co. and contributes beer-centric content to national and San Diego-based publications. The first publication for which he ever wrote about beer was PacificSD. Follow him on Twitter: @sdbeernews and @offdutyfoodie.
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O’Sullivan Bros. Our Father’s Stout Bless us, father, for we need beer! It will soon be St. Patrick’s Day, after all, and what better place to spend it than downing suds at San Diego’s very own Irish-themed brewery. Owned by an Eire-y clan, this neighborhood spot specializes in dark beers, including this sultry, chocolaty brew, which took a silver medal at last year’s San Diego International Beer Festival. More in the mood for a Bohemian Pilsner? They’ll debut one March 17… right before their annual kilt contest. O’Sullivan Bros. Brewing Co., Scripps Ranch, osullivan-brothers.com
Half Door Pot O’ Golden Ale There’s no need to follow a leprechaun somewhere over the rainbow — at least not when a pot of artisanal beer gold can be found at this homey, Irish-owned brewpub, where brewmaster Dan Drayne mixes styles tracing back to his familial homeland with brewing that’s in line with the top-notch craftspeople in America’s Finest City. Eschew dyed-green lagers for this brilliantly refreshing session ale, the antithesis to nitrogenized Guinness (though there’s a house Irish stout if you’re into that sort of thing). Half Door Brewing Co., East Village, halfdoorbrewing.com
GROOVE 3.29
sound decisions 92 spin cycle 100 bartender 102
Justin Bieber
@ Valley View Casino Center, valleyviewcasinocenter.com
In November, Canadian singer-songwriter Justin Bieber dropped his fourth studio album, Purpose, which features his recent chart-topping hits “What Do You Mean,” “Sorry” and “Love Yourself.” The 22-year-old (born March 1, 1994) pop star, who broke into the biz when his R&B song covers on YouTube caught Usher’s attention, will perform live for millions of “Beliebers” worldwide as the Purpose World Tour kicks off March 9 in Seattle, Washington and runs through a final show on November 29 in the U.K. cont. on page 94
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Your Corona Gets Us Closer to a Cure WHEN YOU BUY CORONA EXTRA OR CORONA LIGHT WE WILL DONATE PART OF YOUR PURCHASE* TO THE V FOUNDATION
Relax responsibly.
®
Corona Extra® Beer. Imported by Crown Imports, Chicago, IL
* For each case equivalent (24 12 oz. servings) of Corona Extra and Corona Light sold between March 1 and April 4, 2016, Corona will donate 5¢ 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.
groove
sound decisions cont. from page 92
Sounds Like a Plan MARCH CONCERT calendar
3.6 311
By Catlin Dorset
@ House of Blues, hob.com
3/1: Matisyahu @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com Reggae hip-hopper Mathew Paul Miller is best known by his Hebrew name, Matisyahu, which means “Gift of God.”
3/1: Joe Satriani
Canadian country artist best known for singles “Dirty Girl” (2007), “Girls Lie Too” (2004), “I Just Wanna Be Mad” (2002) and others.
3/4: Wavves
@ Balboa Theatre, sandiegotheatres.org
@ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com
In 2011, this rock guitarist appeared as himself, performing the National Anthem, in the flick Moneyball, starring Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill.
Alt. pop San Diego-based foursome on the road to promote its new album, V, which dropped in October.
3/2: Little River Band
3/5: Cody Johnson
@ Sycuan Casino, sycuan.com
@ Moonshine Flats, moonshineflats.com
Soft rock Aussies best known for their 1978 hits “Lady” and “Reminiscing.”
In 2011, country singer Cody Johnson quit his gig at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to focus on music.
3/2: Mutemath @ House of Blues, hob.com
3/5: Atreyu
On November 13, this alt. rock trio dropped its fourth studio album, Vitals.
@ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com
3/3: Anuhea @ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com
3/3: Terri Clark @ Sycuan Casino, sycuan.com
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3/6: Johnny Marr @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com Former member of The Smiths and Modest Mouse, alt. rocker Johnny Marr wraps his California Jam tour with this show in San Diego.
@ House of Blues, hob.com Five-piece rock band founded by Pennsylvanian Benjamin Burnley.
3/9: Waka Flocka Flame @ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com Drake, Lil Wayne and T.I. are a few of the artists with whom this hip-hopper has collaborated.
3/10: Loreena McKennitt @ Spreckels Theatre, spreckels.net The Santa Clause (1994) features this Celtic musician’s song “The Bells of Christmas.”
3/10: Cannibal Corpse @ House of Blues, hob.com Death metal quintet headlining a North American tour with Obituary, Cryptopsy and Abysmal Dawn. cont. on page 96
3.2 TYGA
@ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com This 26-year-old rapper is best known for his on-again, off-again relationship with 18-year-old Kylie Jenner.
P ame l a Litt k y
Anuheake’alaokalokelani Jenkins, Anuhea for short, is a pop/reggae singer-songwriter out of Hawaii.
These heavy metalers covered Bon Jovi’s “You Give Love a Bad Name” on the Mr. & Mrs. Smith movie soundtrack.
3/8: Breaking Benjamin
This alt. rock band’s moniker references the police code for indecent exposure (311).
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3.11 Gary Clark Jr.
sound decisions cont. from page 94
F ran k M addoc k s
groove
@ House of Blues, hob.com
In May, this blues rocker opened for the Rolling Stones at San Diego’s Petco Park.
3/12: Yanni
3/13: Julio Iglesias
@ San Diego Civic Theatre, sandiegotheatres.org
@ Harrah’s Resort SoCal, harrahssocal.com
Contemporary music composer touring worldwide through July in support of his recent album, Sensuous Chill, which dropped in January.
3/12: I See Stars @ Lamppost Warehouse, sodabarmusic.com Electro hardcore musicians on the road with Chunk! No, Captain Chunk!, Get Scared and others.
3/12: Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers @ Sycuan Casino, sycuan.com Larry, Steve and Rudy Gatlin compose this country threesome best known for hits “All the Gold in California” (1979) and “Broken Lady” (1975).
3/12: Born of Osiris @ SOMA, somasandiego.com Metal group out of Chicago.
Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross and Willie Nelson are just a few of the big names with whom this Latin pop star has recorded songs.
3/15: José González
3/18: August Burns Red
3/18: UFO
@ California Center for the Arts, artcenter.org
@ House of Blues, hob.com
@ Ramona Mainstage, ramonamainstage.com
This metalcore band’s single “Identity” earned a Best Metal Performance nomination at the 2016 Grammy Awards.
Hard rock outfit from across the pond.
Many songs by this indie folk Swede were featured on the soundtrack for the movie The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, starring Ben Stiller.
3/15-16: The String Cheese Incident @ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com In June, Skrillex joined these bluegrass rockers onstage at the Electric Forest Festival for a live cover of The Doors’ “Break on Through (to the Other Side).”
3/18: Tonight Alive @ SOMA, somasandiego.com The Australian fivesome drops its new pop rock album, Limitless, on March 4.
3/18: Smokey Robinson @ Pechanga Resort & Casino, pechanga.com R&B superstar William “Smokey” Robinson Jr. penned the iconic hit “My Girl” for The Temptations.
3/19: A Great Big World @ The Irenic, theirenic.com Pop rockers best known for their 2013 chart-topping hit “Say Something,” featuring Christina Aguilera.
3/20: Natalia Lafourcade @ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com This pop rocker’s most recent album, Hasta la Raíz, picked up five Latin Grammy Awards in 2015. cont. on page 98
3.20
DISTURBED @ House of Blues, hob.com
Heavy metal foursome touring internationally in support of its new album, Immortalized, which dropped in August.
T r avis S h inn
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groove
sound decisions cont. from page 96
3/22: Ra Ra Riot @ The Irenic, theirenic.com A Honda commercial and an episode of USA Network’s Royal Pains features this indie rock group’s single “Boy.”
3/22: Issues @ House of Blues, hob.com
WOLFMOTHER @ House of Blues, hob.com
Australian rockers on their Gypsy Caravan tour through May.
P iper F erguson
This metalcore band covered Justin Bieber’s “Boyfriend” on the Punk Goes Pop 5 compilation album.
3.23
3/23: David Crosby @ Balboa Theatre, sandiegotheatres.org By way of artificial insemination, this folk rock singer-songwriter is the biological father of Melissa Etheridge’s two children.
3/23: Reverend Horton Heat @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com Songs from this psychobilly (punk rock + rockabilly) band have been featured in video games Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3, Guitar Hero Smash Hits and Hot Wheels Turbo Racing.
3/24: Citizen @ Lamppost Warehouse, sodabar.com In July, this emo pop group’s recent album, Everyone Is Going to Heaven, reached No. 2 on Billboard’s “Vinyl Albums” chart.
3/24: Vince Gill
3/25: Olivia Newton-John
3/27: They Might Be Giants
@ Copley Symphony Hall, sandiegosymphony.org
@ Pala Casino, palacasino.com
@ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com
The Grease star and pop singer has a residency at Flamingo Las Vegas through the end of 2016.
Alt. rockers on the road to promote their forthcoming Phone Power album.
3/26: Yonder Mountain String Band
3/29: Santigold
@ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com
This electro indie rocker dropped her third album, 99 Cents, on February 26.
Reba McEntire, Kelly Clarkson and Dolly Parton are a few of the artists with whom this Grammy Award-winning country musician has collaborated.
3/24: Daughter @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com Grey’s Anatomy, The Vampire Diaries, Arrow and other TV shows have featured tracks from by this indie folk trio.
3/24: Melvins @ The Casbah, casbahmusic.com Sludge metal foursome based in Los Angeles.
Each member of this acoustic bluegrass band sings and plays a different stringed instrument on stage — bass, banjo, guitar, fiddle and mandolin.
@ House of Blues, hob.com
3/30: Il Volo @ San Diego Civic Theatre, sandiegotheatres.org In 2015, this Italian pop trio won the Sanremo Music Festival singing competition in Italy.
3.25
SECRETS San Diego-based posthardcore group on its Everything That Got Us Here tour with Palisades, Too Close to Touch and Picturesque.
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PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • MARCH 2016
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3/2: Black Tiger Sex Machine @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com This Canadian electro trio is known for performing in elaborate tiger helmets.
3/4: Lookas
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S P IN EDM & pcoming U DJ performances in Dorset By Catl
@ Bassmnt, bassmntsd.com In January, Rolling Stone included this trap DJ on its “10 New Artists You Need to Know” list.
3/5: Ephwurd @ Bassmnt, bassmntsd.com
Steve Aoki
3.4
@ OMNIA San Diego, omnianightclub.com
Borgore, NERVO, Afrojack and others collaborated with this EDMer on his recent Neon Future Odyssey album, which dropped in October.
Producers Datsik and Baishaus compose this house music duo.
3/5-6: CRSSD Festival @ Waterfront Park, crssdfest.com
3/17: Borgeous
Electronic DJs Jamie Jones, Loco Dice, Chet Faker, Odesza and many others perform at this semiannual electronic music festival along the downtown waterfront.
@ OMNIA San Diego, omnianightclub.com In November, this house music producer dropped two new singles: “Souls” and “Sins.”
@ Bang Bang, bangbangsd.com
@ Bassmnt, bassmntsd.com These L.A.-native electronic musicians are signed to A-Trak’s Fool’s Gold label.
3/12: Tritonal @ OMNIA San Diego, omnianightclub.com In January, this electro house twosome released its new single “Blackout.”
3/25: Fedde Le Grand @ OMNIA San Diego, omnianightclub.com
3/18: Uner
3/11: Gladiator
This electro pop trio covered Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” on the Punk Goes Pop 5 compilation album.
House/techno DJ on his Solar Distance tour.
3/19: Ashley Wallbridge
On February 26, Dutch House DJ Fedde Le Grand dropped his Something Real album.
@ OMNIA San Diego, omnianightclub.com
3/26: New World Sound
Trance remixer out of Stoke-on-Trent, England.
Brothers Tyrone and Jesse Taylor compose this EDM twosome from down unda.
3/19: Meaux Green @ Bassmnt, bassmntsd.com Bassnectar, Jack Ü and Lil Jon have supported this trap artist.
3/24: Andrew Rayel @ OMNIA San Diego, omnianightclub.com DJ Mag ranked this trance music turntablist at No. 40 on its most recent “Top 100 DJs” list.
3/25: Breathe Carolina @ Bassmnt, bassmntsd.com
3.11 Chuckie
@ Bassmnt, bassmntsd.com
3/26: Cut Snake @ Bang Bang, bangbangsd.com In November, these tech house beatmakers dropped their new Life’s A Beach EP.
3/31: Cash Cash @ OMNIA San Diego, omnianightclub.com EDM trio most known for its 2013 hit “Take Me Home,” featuring Bebe Rexha.
@ OMNIA San Diego, omnianightclub.com
David Guetta, Diddy and Michael Jackson are a few of the artists for whom this “dirty house” DJ has remixed tracks. 100
PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • MARCH 2016
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groove
BARTENDER
CERVEZA WITH A SMILE
A seasoned Gaslamp mixtress spices things up in PB By Michael Benninger Photos by Kate and Michael Auda
S
ay hola to Vanessa Huerta, bartender extraordinaire at P.B.’s zesty new restaurant and grill, Cerveza Jack’s. Raised in NorCal, Huerta moved to San Diego eight years ago and has since been mixing downtown denizens’ drinks at hot spots including FLUXX, Moonshine Flats and Hard Rock Hotel San Diego. Today, Huerta finds herself behind this impossible-to-miss bar (on the corner of Garnet Avenue and Everts Street) that recently replaced Pacific Beach’s long-standing Fred’s Mexican Cafe. Between pours, she takes a break to discuss machetes, Emma Stone and scrapbooking. PacificSD: How did you get into bartending? VANESSA HUERTA: I started working in the industry as a server to pay the bills when I was in cosmetology school at Paul Mitchell downtown. I got a job at Taste & Thirst cocktailing, and they offered to train me
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once I had a taste of the people and being behind the bar. I was hooked and haven’t looked back since. Bartending also allowed me to indulge in my other passion, which is music. How would you describe the vibe at Cerveza Jack’s? It has that sunshine, rustic, backyard-BBQ, bring-your-puppyto-the-patio and wow-your-tastebuds-with-the-menu vibe. What distinguishes the place from other bars in P.B.? Cerveza Jack’s has a unique new spin on Mexican food, with several items that you don’t typically find in Mexican restaurants, such as our machetes. We also have specialty drinks that come in little buckets and are garnished with souvenirs. Our tequila exchange runs all day, every day and operates in a similar fashion to the stock market — which basically means that the prices will fluctuate depending on who’s drinking what. What drinks do you suggest first-time visitors to try? Being a bourbon lover, I
recommend the Country Cooler. It is a bucket drink made with Bulleit Rye, barrel-aged bitters, lime and pineapple soda, and garnished with two oversized straws and a rubber ducky. When I’m feeling tequila, I grab one of our margaritas. The cucumber watermelon is refreshing and my favorite. What are a couple of your favorite entrées? I would definitely suggest ordering the fajita machete, which is a long, quesadillastyle entrée that has a delicious handmade tortilla that we make in-house. We also recently added a jalapeño shrimp popper plate to the menu that I recommend. What are some of your other favorite bars around town? I’m a sucker for a jukebox and a traditional whiskey sour, so you can usually catch me at El Dorado or Pop’s Liquor Cabinet downtown. What motto do you live by? I have the words “Give” and “Take” tattooed on my wrists. It symbolizes balance. It’s my way of life and something I practice every day.
Who’s your biggest celebrity crush? Emma Stone — she’s beautiful, talented and has a sexy sense of humor. What’s something most people don’t know about you? I’ve been journaling-slashscrapbooking my life for the last 16 years. I think my 2000 journal has a black and white cat on the front, fully equipped with a chrome lock and key. Classic. Got any hidden talents? Besides being a pretty face behind the bar that completely crushes it? Ha! Just kidding… kinda. I’m a stylist who loves to help you fall in love with yourself and lives to keep you beautiful. My crafts go hand in hand. Feel (and maybe even look) good with Huerta’s help at Cerveza Jack’s Tuesdays through Fridays from 3 p.m. ’til 1:30 a.m., and weekends beginning at noon. Cerveza Jack’s 1165 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach 858.999.0158 cervezajacks.com
LOV E
blind date
HAIR OF THE DOG
A blind dater returns to the scene of the K-9 By David Perloff | Photos by Brevin Blach | Matchmaker: Jessica Pelligra
I
f you’re among the millions (or so) of PacificSD blind date fans, you remember last month’s six-way datea-palooza (“Threeway of Love,” Feb. 2016 issue), which brought two sets of friends together for one big night on the town. During the evening, no love was found, but some was rekindled — that between Casey and Titan (Casey’s dog). That Casey would act rambunctiously during the date, go AWOL without warning, and then reappear towards the end of the date with his four-legged DFF was surprising. That he’s
back for more this evening is also surprising — a surprising lack of judgment by both Casey and the PacificSD matchmaker. That said, Casey is now rolling (sans Titan) in an Epic Limo bound for Valley View Casino Center to watch a San Diego Gulls professional ice hockey game with Nikala, whom he met about half an hour ago. Before the couple arrives, let’s review their pre-date interviews. PacificSD: What do you do for a living? NIKALA: I currently am a fulltime nanny and a bartender
while finishing up school to apply to the police academy. CASEY: I own a company that specializes in digital marketing services for the real estate industry. Why are you going on a blind date in PacificSD? NIKALA: I’m going on this date because [the matchmaker] is good at convincing people to do things. CASEY: I was told the girl I’m being set up with is amazing. What do you do for fun? NIKALA: Beach, hang out with
dogs, try out new restaurants and go to new places. Everything I do is fun. CASEY: I love to travel; I go on a vacation pretty much every month. Other than that, I like to mix it up — dinner parties, music festivals, trips to the dog beach with Titan or just kicking back with some friends and watching Netflix and ordering takeout. What are you best at? NIKALA: I’m pretty good at making friends. CASEY: I’m an epic dog dad. cont. on page 106
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LOV E
blind date cont. from page 104
What do you suck at? NIKALA: Anything that requires any kind of artistic talent. CASEY: Waiting in lines. What are you looking for in a date, physically and/or otherwise? NIKALA: Somebody who can make me laugh and hold a conversation. I definitely wouldn’t mind him being physically attractive and taller than me. CASEY: I’m looking for someone with an adventurous spirit who laughs often and is an excellent conversationalist. Describe your special brand of sex appeal in five words or less. NIKALA: Fun and down to earth. CASEY: Poor man’s Kim Jong-un.
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What do you like least about yourself? NIKALA: That I can be very impulsive. CASEY: I wish I could be more patient sometimes. Rate yourself on a scale from one to ten for looks. NIKALA: Six or seven? CASEY: No way I’m rating myself. Rate yourself on a scale from one to ten for personality. NIKALA: Twelve… I’m kind of awesome. CASEY: See above. What’s your biggest fear? NIKALA: Birds. CASEY: The untimely death of a
close friend or family member. What traits could your date exhibit that would be complete deal-breakers? NIKALA: Chewing with your mouth open. It’s just gross. CASEY: Being mean-spirited, not liking my dog. How many people have you slept with? NIKALA: Well, that’s personal… but four. CASEY: My lips are sealed. Fill in the blanks: I want my blind date to be “blank” and “blank.” NIKALA: Funny and smart. Good looking wouldn’t hurt. CASEY: Fun and memorable.
Will the night end with a kiss, something more or something less? NIKALA: Probably not. CASEY: Your guess is as good as mine. What’s the most important thing in the world? NIKALA: Family… and dogs. Dogs are pretty important. CASEY: Developing and maintaining deep, satisfying relationships with high-quality people. THANK YOU! Epic Limo 858.270.LIMO (5466) epiclimo.com cont. on page 108
LOV E
blind date cont. from page 106
ON THIN ICE
Footloose and friction-free
A
s Nikala and Casey arrive at Valley View Casino Center, they find their seats and begin to watch the hard-hitting hockey action. Five minutes later, the “Kiss Cam” catches them (the Gulls knew they were coming), displaying their faces on the Jumbotron above the ice. They smooch and the crowd goes wild. When the buzzer sounds the end of the first period, the couple is invited onto the ice to compete against another duo in a race to see who can stuff a larger-thanlife rubber burrito with toppings in the form of pom-poms in the least amount of time. Nikala oversees tortilla operations while Casey runs up and down the ice collecting faux-ingredients. In the nick of time, they snatch burrito victory from the grasp of their frozen foes.
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Having watched and participated in the evening’s entertainment, the daters jump back into their Epic Limo and head to dinner at Harney Sushi in Old Town. Once they arrive and have the chance to look over the menu and order drinks, they’re split for mid-date debriefings. PacificSD: How’s it going so far? NIKALA: It’s going pretty good. He’s funny — not as funny as me. We’ve had more fun than I thought I was going to have. CASEY: Great, she’s awesome. What were your first impressions? NIKALA: My first impressions were he was cute, this might not be terrible, and I hope there’s alcohol in this limo. CASEY: Well, she said she was very awkward at the beginning, which I didn’t get that vibe at all,
so I was kinda looking for that. She’s awesome. Is this the type of person you’d normally date? NIKALA: No, he’s very pretty and I usually don’t date pretty. I like rugged, like, almost-don’tknow-if-you-have-a-home-type of person. CASEY: No, not at all. She’s a cop, or she’s studying to be a cop, I would never… What do you think of the way your date is dressed? NIKALA: He’s dressed very nice. His boots saved me from having to run on the ice at the game. CASEY: She’s cute, she looks great. Describe your experience in the limo. NIKALA: It was great for a minute. Then we had our first
fight — about root beer candies and his poor choice in music. So, thank you, Milagro [tequila], for supplying the cure to awkwardness. CASEY: That’s where I first learned that Nikala has terrible taste in music. When I asked her what she wanted to listen to, she said “country music.” I threw up a little in my mouth, but I quickly washed it down with tequila before she noticed. How was it being on the ice during the Gulls game? NIKALA: It was fun. We were totally about to kill them, and then somehow we got gypped out of winning and we didn’t get a prize. CASEY: It was fun; it was a great time. By the way, this was actually my favorite part of the whole date: she’s like, “Hey,
we should just give the prize to them, even though we won.” I was like, “Cool.” And then, ten seconds later, she’s like, “Unless the prize is really cool.” And then we’re walking away and she’s like, “Wait, what the f*** is our prize?” That turned really quickly from “We don’t need this” to “Where the f*** is it?” What did you have to eat and drink during the game? NIKALA: Shots of Jameson. They sent us over glasses of white wine, too. CASEY: We didn’t do any eating. She takes the wheel on food orders, drink orders, everything. She orders Jame-O; it’s not my favorite drink, but I’m so bowled over by the fact that a girl would just order shots and not ask my opinion that I will drink whatever she’s giving me. I’m impressed by that.
What’s the most attractive thing your date has done so far? NIKALA: He’s hilarious and he has not made this awkward, and that’s attractive because this is very awkward. CASEY: See previous answer. What’s the least attractive thing your date has done so far? NIKALA: He asked for a chaser for his shot. CASEY: She doesn’t like sushi. She says she can’t eat raw fish, but it’s not a big deal. What would your parents say if you brought your date home? NIKALA: They’d be shocked that I brought a date home. They’d probably just be really happy that there’s a man in their house, I don’t know. They would be happy because he’s very cute and has his sh!t together.
CASEY: Oh, they’d love her, because she has a tattoo that says “Faith,” which my parents are big f***ing faith heads. And second of all, she’s studying to be a cop, which my parents’ biggest beef with me is always that I break the law. They’d like her more than me, guaranteed. Rate your date on a scale from one to ten for looks. NIKALA: He’s like an eightpoint-nine… I don’t think he tied his shoes. CASEY: Ten. How about for personality? NIKALA: A twelve; he’s kinda cool. CASEY: Ten. Do you want to kiss your date now? NIKALA: I wouldn’t tell you…
if I wanted to. CASEY: Yeah, absolutely. I mean, we already did that [on the Kiss Cam], but I woulda done that. I wish it was a Blow Job Cam. Next time. Does your date want to kiss you? NIKALA: We did, because [the matchmaker] made us on a Kiss Cam. CASEY: I think so. Anything else you want to say? NIKALA: I’m glad we came; we’re having fun. CASEY: The matchmaker deserves a raise. THANK YOU! San Diego Gulls Valley View Casino Center 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., Point Loma 619.359.4700, sandiegogulls.com cont. on page 112
march 2016 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM
109
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LOV E
blind date cont. from page 109
WHAT THE PUCK?
A surprise (and perhaps happy) ending
A
fter the mid-date break, the magazine crew finally leaves Nikala and Casey alone to enjoy the rest of their evening away from the camera. The next morning, we call to see what we missed. PacificSD: How was Harney Sushi? NIKALA: The staff at Harney was so awesome, and the fish tank was great. I really loved the yellow fin fish. Although I don’t eat sushi, the food was really good, so I’d go back. CASEY: A lot of fun. I thought it was really cool the way they have a photographer come over and take pictures of you all night, and how there’s a reporter that pulls you aside and asks you how your date is going. Very unique.
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What did you eat and drink there? NIKALA: Sake bombs, and lots of them. We ordered the whole menu: Flaming Hot Lip roll, it was a ten out of ten; chicken Katsu, Miso Crunchy roll, bacon edamame and some raw fish. CASEY: Chef ’s sampler sashimi platter was epic. Also, the Flaming Lip roll is insanely tasty. Where did you go and what did you do for the rest of the evening after Harney? NIKALA: Our date took a left turn and ended up at the liquor store with a bottle of Crown and donuts. May or may not have ended up at Pacers. The world will never know. CASEY: We picked up playing cards and a bottle of Crown Royale and went back to my place. She “taught” me a card
game, where the loser had to take shots. Basically, she just made me take a lot of shots. I was okay with that. When did you get home? NIKALA: Who said I made it home? CASEY: Twelve-ish. Was there a kiss or romantic exchange? NIKALA: Yeah, a super romantic one in front of thousands of people. Then, you see, I met his dog. And once I met Titan, Casey no longer got any attention from me. CASEY: Yup. We were on the Jumbotron Kiss Cam within two minutes of meeting each other, so our first kiss was in front of ten thousand people. It was super intimate and romantic.
How and when did the date end? NIKALA: I don’t know; it was dark outside. CASEY: Honestly, after the roofies, it’s all kind of a blur. Fill in the blanks. I wish my date had a bigger “blank” and a smaller “blank.” NIKALA: I don’t know where you want me to go with this question. CASEY: I wish my date had a bigger dog and a smaller penis. What’s the funniest thing that happened during the date? NIKALA: Seeing as how I’m hilarious and he is kinda funny, too, this is a tough question. CASEY: Finding out about the penis was alarming at first, but then we had a good laugh about it. cont. on page 114
LOV E
blind date cont. from page 112
What was the best part of the date and why? NIKALA: Definitely the matching tattoos. CASEY: Nikala totally made some four-year-old girl cry by screaming profanities at her. It was hilarious. What was the worst part of the date and why? NIKALA: Worst part of the date was the burrito competition we were forced to do during intermission at the hockey game. Why? Because we won and we didn’t get a prize. CASEY: Having to grease the security guys at the hockey game not to call the cops because
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Will there be a second date? NIKALA: I would be surprised if he didn’t want one, seeing as how he proposed already. CASEY: We’re getting married next weekend. I guess that will technically be our “second date.”
date better? NIKALA: Besides us getting our prize at the Gulls game, I don’t know. The date was pretty awesome. CASEY: Honestly, I’m not sure. This date had everything — senseless cruelty, gratuitous violence, gender-bending sexual assault. It was a magical evening.
What’s one thing your date really should know before going on another date? NIKALA: I really just want your dog. Just kidding CASEY: The STDs. I should probably tell her about those.
What did you learn about yourself last night? NIKALA: That I’m a terrible influence on people, but they enjoy it. CASEY: Penis — not a dealbreaker. That surprised me a bit.
What could have made the
AFTERMATCH: Ummm…
Nikala assaulted a man in a wheelchair.
we’re kinda speechless on this one. Did Nikala yell at a child and assault a man? Well, it wasn’t on the Jumbotron. Did the couple go to Pacers? Probably. Did Nikala sleep over at Casey’s? We think yes. Does she have non-deal-breaking male genitalia, or is Casey just a clown? Since his first blind date ended with his dog showing up for dinner, perhaps the answer can be found in a joke: Why is it unfortunate to meet a clown on a Blow Job Cam? Answer: They taste funny. THANK YOU! Harney Sushi 3964 Harney St., Old Town 619.295.3272, harneysushi.com