PACIFIC San Diego Magazine, May 2018

NEW RESTAURANTS A BAKER’S DOZEN OF FRESH SPOTS

BOUNCE BACK TRAMPOLINES HAVE DATERS FLYING HIGH

NEW BREWS AND UPCOMING CONCERTS, COMEDY SHOWS, MOVIES, STAGE PERFORMANCES, ART EXHIBITIONS AND EVENTS.

Who makes San Diego’s best margarita?

35 VENUES COMPETE TO ANSWER THE QUESTION!

MAY 2018

PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM

#margaritamonth

Relax responsibly®.

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Tequila can do what?!

Volume #12 | Issue #04 | May 2018

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / DIGITAL DIRECTOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Ladies (and maybe some men), you’ll know what I mean when I tell you that hairdressers are worth more than just a good cut and color.

For the past 13 years, I have been going to the same hairdresser in San Diego.

She has been with me through an evolving dating life, job transitions and moves to various places around San Diego. We talk about the best restaurants we’ve tried, the new shows we’re watching and everything going on in our lives. She is like a therapist and the friend that you only see once every few months, but pick right back up with.

As if that weren’t enough, she’s also a wealth of trivial knowledge. Case in point, when I told my hairdresser I wasn’t sure what to write in my editor’s letter for May, in which Margarita Month would be featured, she exclaimed: “Did you know you can kill a fish with tequila?!”

Say what?!

Of course I had to look it up (because I can’t just take something that crazy as truth), and sure enough, it’s true.

One bit of information that stood out was from a 2006 New York Times article titled “Sleeping With the Fishes,” about euthanizing a pet fish, in which the author said: “ ‘The fish will instantly be paralyzed and unconscious.’ … And if I felt regret afterward, it would be just like my college days.” A sentiment I can most certainly understand and bet fellow tequila-lovers can too.

So with that, I say, happy drinking, and don’t forget to tag your pics with #margaritamonth so we can follow along in your May-long shenanigans. We’ll look forward to seeing you at our Grand Tasting event on June 16 — unconscious, paralyzed or otherwise.

Cheers,

Leslie Hackett leslie@pacificsandiego.com

ON THE RADAR If you’re already in North County, the decision is easy, if not, the decision is still easy, but will require a little more driving. On May 5, Vista Village is the place to be for the San Diego Brewers Guild’s annual Rhythm & Brews Festival.

More than 100 beers from some 50 breweries will be on tap, plus music from recent top award winners from the San Diego Music Awards, Trouble in the Wind. More info on page 70.

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MANAGING EDITOR DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY COPY EDITOR CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

EDITORIAL INTERN

PUBLISHER VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES

Leslie Hackett Kenny Boyer Jennifer Ianni John McCutchen Monica Hodes-Smail Michael Benninger, Lisa Deaderick, James Hebert, Pam Kragen, Scott McDonald, Peter Rowe David Brooks, Jared Gase, Bradley Schweit, James Tran

Stacy Marquez

David Perloff Paul Ingegneri

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Lee De Lay III

MULTIMEDIA ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Lisa Marsolais, Laura J. Schwartz, Alyson Tietze

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Greg Johannsen

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CONTENTS MAY 2018

CURRENTS 18 Spotted San Diego Where locals were seen in April

PULSE 36 Art Beat May gallery + exhibition openings

22 Five.Eighteen Events calendar

44 Curtain Calls May performing arts preview

34 Laughing Stock May stand-up comedy shows

46 The Reel Deal May motion picture preview FEATURE 50 Margarita Month Who makes San Diego’s best margarita?

TASTE 62 Dig In A baker’s dozen of recently opened San Diego eateries from North to South counties and everywhere in between

70 Full Plate May food + drink events 74 Take it From the Tap A monthly taste of beer from here GROOVE 76 Sounds Like a Plan May concert calendar 86 Take a Spin Upcoming EDM and DJ performances LOVE 90 Something in the Air Blind daters bounce back after an agonizing drive on the I-5

ON THE COVER: The Volcán, a blood orange and cucumber margarita, will be one of the 35 drinks (see page 50) featured during May’s Margarita Month. OB Surf Lodge, the bar behind the colorful concoction, was last year’s Grand Tasting Event fan favorite.

(Photo by James Tran).

ON THIS PAGE: U.K. singer/songwriter George Ezra brings his tour to The Observatory North Park in support of his latest album, Staying at Tamara’s, on May 10. Other artists coming to San Diego in May include Kendrick Lamar, Bishop Briggs, Franz Ferdinand and more.

See page 76 for more.

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BREAKFAST

LUNCH

DINNER

2 4 H O U R S A D AY

SUN’S OUT, BUNS OUT. GETTING READY FOR SUMMER? HERE’S WHAT TO EAT BETWEEN WORKOUTS.

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R E A L E STAT E M A R K E T WATC H

RANCHO SANTA FE, 92127 Stunning 4-bed, 4.5-bath estate at the coveted Crosby. Open and bright floorplan features wood-tile floors, high ceilings, recessed lighting, arched doorways, stone fireplace, high-end fixtures and finishes. Gourmet kitchen offers abundant cabinet and counter space, island with breakfast bar, 6-burner gas range and SS appliances. Master suite is entry-level, with 2 upstairs bedrooms plus bonus loft/office/den. Casita with separate entry. 3-car garage. Oversized, 0.32-acre lot with lush landscaping perfect for entertaining, with fire pit, built-in BBQ and grassy area. Cul-de-sac location offers privacy and quiet in this desirable community.

16862 Stagecoach Pass, San Diego, CA 92127; $1,490,000 - $1,590,000

RANCHO SANTA FE MARKET UPDATE # of homes for sale: 29 # of homes sold: 3 (Mar.) Highest price: $5,995,000 Lowest price: $1,199,000 Average price: $2,123,587

The second quarter is starting off strong, and there’s confidence in the marketplace. Many new listings are on the market, and active buyers are making decisions to pursue purchases. There are many multipleoffer situations, and the market forecasts a positive, stable and rising market for 2018. The energy is felt throughout the city and county. It’s a great time to purchase and sell in San Diego.

MELISSA GOLDSTEIN TUCCI

MelissaTucci.com | Sold@MelissaTucci.com 1820 Monroe Ave., San Diego, CA 92116

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Spotted: San Diego VinDiego Wine-lovers raised a glass or two at VinDiego, San Diego’s classiest wine festival, at Liberty Station on Saturday, April 14. Photos by Bradley Schweit.

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SPOTTED: SAN DIEGO

VAVi Day at Petco Park San Diegans partied at Moonshine Flats before cheering for the Padres during VAVi Day at Petco Park on Friday, April 13. Photos by Jared Gase.

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See more photos of San Diego’s best events at pacificsandiego.com.

y a M

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CURRENTS WHAT’S HAPPENING RIGHT NOW

BY MICHAEL BENNINGER

22ND ANNUAL 5.12 NORTH PARK FESTIVAL OF ARTS University Avenue between 30th and 32nd streets, North Park, northparkmainstreet.com Join more than 40,000 attendees as North Park’s yearly arts and music festival returns boasting even more cuisine, creations and craft beer than ever before.

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CURRENTS | EVENTS

35TH ANNUAL FIESTA OLD TOWN CINCO DE MAYO 5.4-6 Harney Street and San Diego Avenue, cincodemayooldtown.com The city’s signature Cinco celebration returns with live music, a Lowrider Lane, and lots of lucha libre matches alongside food and drink specials at scads of bars and restaurants.

PHOTO BY NANCEE E. LEWIS

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5.4-6 SAN DIEGO TATTOO INVITATIONAL Golden Hall, downtown sandiegotattooinvitational.com Showcasing the creative diversity of some of the world’s top tattooists, this indelible ink fest will include live demonstrations of the subculture’s trendy and traditional techniques.

5.4-6 BEACH SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP Harbor Beach, Oceanside beachsoccerusa.org Put your best foot forward at this fun festival kicking off SoCal’s beach soccer season and raising funds for local youth programs.

5.5 27TH ANNUAL MAY PUG PARTY CINCO DE MAYO Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar pugsandiego.com Southern California’s largest pug-centric event returns with more than 400 of the scrunched-face canines competing in costume contests, a cupcake chomp, and a wet T-shirt showdown.

YOGA ON THE MIDWAY 5.5 USS Midway flight deck, downtown, downtownsandiego.org Arrive early and bring your mat to this free, all-levels yoga class aboard San Diego’s legendary aircraft carrier.

PHOTO BY NANCEE E. LEWIS

5.5 CINCO BY THE BAY Embarcadero Marina Park South, downtown, cincobythebay.com Celebrating Mexico’s rich heritage and culture, this 21+ event includes tastes of the nation’s cuisine and sips of agave spirits set to a soundtrack of traditional Mexican music.

5.5 FATHER JOE’S VILLAGES’ 34TH ANNUAL CHILDREN’S CHARITY GALA

5.6 10TH ANNUAL MIRACLE BABIES 5K

U.S. Grant Hotel, downtown my.neighbor.org Help children experiencing homelessness access the tools they need to build a better future by feasting on an exquisite three-course dinner paired with signature cocktails and world-renowned wines.

NTC Park at Liberty Station, Point Loma miraclebabies.org Don a cape and cowl when heading to this costumed 5K followed by a day full of entertainment, art demonstrations and obstacle courses all benefiting the babies cared for in San Diego NICUs.

5.5 NINTH ANNUAL ASIAN CULTURAL FESTIVAL OF SAN DIEGO 2018

5.6 44TH ANNUAL CARLSBAD VILLAGE FAIRE

Mira Mesa Senior Center, Mira Mesa asianculturalfestivalsd.com Celebrating the diversity of Asian and Pacific Island cultures and ethnicities, this fun, free and family-friendly festival aims to unify San Diego’s Asian populations and educate others about their arts and traditions.

5.5 WALK FOR ANIMALS NTC Park at Liberty Station, Point Loma sdhumane.org Do your part to make our city safer for companion animals and wildlife of all types by walking in this event raising vital funds for the San Diego Humane Society.

Grand Avenue from Carlsbad Boulevard to Jefferson Street, downtown Carlsbad carlsbad.org The one-day street fair returns to North County with 50 food booths, 800 merchants and an expected 100,000+ visitors from far and wide.

5.6 SAN DIEGO VINTAGE FLEA MARKET The Observatory, North Park sdvintagefleamarket.com More than 100 unique merchants display their very best vintage wares at this free, rain-or-shine event.

5.10 POSTSECRET LIVE Price Center West Ballroom, UCSD museumofman.org Listen to others share their deepest, darkest secrets — or step up and tell your own — as Frank Warren, the founder of PostSecret, brings his viral art project to life with an interactive talk that complements an exhibit at the Museum of Man.

5.10-13 GATOR BY THE BAY Spanish Landing Park (Across from Lindbergh Field) gatorbythebay.com It’s Mardi Gras all over again at this spirited 4-day festival featuring seven stages of Zydeco, blues and Cajun music along with free dance lessons and delicious creole cuisine including 10,000 pounds of live Louisiana crawfish.

5.6 SPRING SPRINT TRIATHLON, DUATHLON & AQUABIKE

5.11 COSTUME-CON 36

South Shores Park, Mission Bay kozevents.com Igniting San Diego’s triathlon season and marking the first event in the city’s annual Triple Crown Series, this serene swim, flat cycling course, and sea-level run is ideal for experienced athletes and first-timers alike.

DoubleTree by Hilton, Mission Valley cc36sandiego.org Look for cosplayers, historical re-enactors and hardcore fantasy fans to descend upon this international convention packed with panels, workshops and costume competitions.

@PACIFICSD

MAY 2018

25

CURRENTS | EVENTS

SPORTS HAY N E PA L M OUR I V

MOTHER’S DAY CELEBRATION 5.13 The Flower Fields, Carlsbad, theflowerfields.com Treat Mom to a Mother’s Day she’ll never forget by transporting her to 50 acres of extraordinary color overlooking the ocean before the Flower Fields of Carlsbad closes for the season.

PADRES HOME GAMES 5.4-6 vs LOS ANGELES DODGERS 5.7-9 vs WASHINGTON NATIONALS 5.10-13 vs ST. LOUIS CARDINALS 5.14-15 vs COLORADO ROCKIES 5.28-31 vs MIAMI MARLINS

NELVIN C. CEPEDA

20TH ANNUAL CELEBRITY CHAMPIONSHIP 2018 5.17-20 Morgan Run Club & Resort, Rancho, Santa Fe, celebritychampionship.com Rub elbows with high-profile celebs, and forge new friendships with the rich and famous during this 2-day, 36-hole golf tournament paired with nightly parties and free events throughout the week.

PHOTO BY JOHNAKIN RANDOLPH

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SD LEGION HOME GAMES 5.4 vs HOUSTON SABERCATS

R E A L E STAT E M A R K E T WATC H

DOWNTOWN, 92101 2 BD | 2.5 BA | 1,712 SQ FT | $1,349,900 Perched high upon Cortez Hill, this stunning penthouse-style property features dazzling 315-degree views of the San Diego Bay, Coronado Bridge, Balboa Park and amazing city lights. Enjoy gentle westerly breezes from the great-room-style living/dining/kitchen area, with 11-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows and 2 private balconies. Floorplan includes 2 oversized en-suite bedrooms, each with its own balcony (3 total) and generous walk-in closets, plus half-bath for guests. No shared walls makes for amazing privacy.

Features new wide-plank hardwood flooring, recently updated kitchen, custom lighting, architectural concrete, solar shades with black-out in master bedroom, 2 premium parking spaces and private 5’x15” storage room. With only 2 residences on this floor, this is as private as it gets for downtown living. Explore the sleepy Cortez Hill neighborhood or head over to the nearby Little Italy for fabulous restaurants, bars, shops and music. Cortez Blu has 20 stories. Amenities include 24-hour security, secured access entry and common area, motorcycle spaces and a bicycle storage room. With a just-remodeled lobby entrance and new hot water system in the building, Cortez Blu feels like new.

DOWNTOWN MARKET UPDATE # of homes for sale: 261 # of homes sold: 73 (Mar.) Highest price: $1,532,000 Lowest price: $310,000 Average home price: $600,000

Spring time has hit! The slump from the holidays is officially over and the inventory is rising. Pacific Gate has started to close sales, meaning some of the new owners will be unloading their previous properties.

We are going to see a good amount of growth in sales this quarter.

Opportunities exist, but representation matters, as does knowing all the listings available on and off the market. If you’re interested in exploring buying or selling a property in downtown, give us a call: 619-356-3099.

Chad@DanneckerandAssociates.com | @welcometosandiego.com #welcometosandiego | @WelcometoSD 875 G St., Ste. 108, San Diego, CA 92101

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619.356.3099

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BRE#01459513

CHAD DANNECKER WELCOME TO SAN DIEGO REAL ESTATE - DANNECKER & ASSOCIATES

CURRENTS | EVENTS

32ND ANNUAL BAY BRIDGE RUN/WALK 5.20 Coronado Bay Bridge, Coronado, navybaybridgerun.com Show support for the half-a-million members of San Diego’s military family at this one-of-a-kind run/walk across the majestic Coronado Bay Bridge from the Embarcadero to idyllic Tidelands Park in Coronado.

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5.11-12 VINTAGE MARKETPLACE The Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum, Vista, thevintagemarketplaceca.com Be immersed in more than 80 boutiquestyle booths curated by scores of masterful merchants selling the finest vintage, antique and handmade merchandise.

5.12 FESTIVAL OF COLORS OCEANSIDE PIER AMPHITHEATER, Oceanside Pier, festivalofcolorsusa.com The transformational event returns to San Diego with live music, yogic mantras, international cuisine and colorful cornstarch.

5.12 REGGAE SPLASH CRUISE Aboard the Inspiration Hornblower, San Diego Bay, reggaesplashsd.com This reggae boat party invites you to get irie aboard a luxurious yacht during this 3-hour cruise including three floors of music, five fully stocked bars and more than 1,200 guests.

5.12 SEVENTH ANNUAL WINE, WOMEN & SHOES

39TH ANNUAL FIESTA DEL SOL 5.19-20 Fletcher Cove, Solana Beach, fiestadelsol.net This free, 2-day music festival showcases an eclectic selection of live performances along with various vendors, oodles of art exhibits and gourmet food trucks galore.

PHOTO BY BILL WECHTER

Del Mar Plaza, Del Mar, speakupnow.org Enjoy an afternoon of fun, fashion and fine wine, then compete for “Best in Shoe” during this unique event focused on feet.

5.12-13 BALBOA PARK POW WOW Park Boulevard at Presidents Way, Balboa Park, sdaihc.org Peruse through thousands of products from various vendors selling jewelry, pottery, basketry and other wares at this free cultural event celebrating American Indian heritage and traditions.

5.17 BIKE TO WORK DAY

5.19 ARMED FORCES APPRECIATION DAY Oceanside Pier Amphitheater,Oceanside visitoceanside.org Express admiration for active-duty military and their families during this daylong celebration chock full of music, food and family fun.

5.19 2018 CHULA VISTA COMMUNITY FUN RUN

Throughout San Diego County, icommutesd.com Grab your helmet, pump up your tires and join the thousands of other San Diegans pedaling to their places of work on this day that aims to encourage more locals to consider biking as an affordable and environmentally friendly choice for commuting.

Elite Athlete Training Center, Chula Vista chulavistaca.gov Runners, walkers and parents with strollers are invited to weave through several sport venues at Chula Vista’s premier training facility.

5.18 INTERACTIVE DAY SAN DIEGO

Embarcadero Marina Park North, Downtown, intothehorizon.com Seamlessly blending beats, booze and mouthwatering bites, this hedonistic haven will be headlined by Thievery Corporation, with proceeds benefiting the Urban Angels foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to nourishing local homeless.

Venues in the Gaslamp Quarter and East Village, sandiegox.org Listen to marketing mavens, inspiring entrepreneurs and brilliant brand managers share their visions of the future of tech, then attend the enlightening after-party in East Village.

5.19 THIRD ANNUAL HORIZON MUSIC FESTIVAL

5.20 GRAND AVENUE FESTIVAL Grand Avenue from Centre City Parkway to Juniper Street, Escondido, visitescondido.com Browse through handcrafted wares from hundreds of merchants, treat your taste buds to bites of international cuisine, and swing your hips to loads of live music at Escondido’s famed festival.

5.25-6.3 FIFTH ANNUAL SAN DIEGO COMEDY FEST The Comedy Palace, Clairemont sandiegocomedyfest.com Touring headliners and hilarious comedians from around the world showcase their talent and compete for cash prizes during this weeklong event where whoever laughs last, laughs best.

5.26 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY ALL WHITE CRUISE San Diego Bay, saboronthebay.com Experience the true “sabor” (flavor) of Latin culture at the largest Latin-inspired boat cruise in America touting salsa dancing on the top deck and a laser light show on the Hip Hop-Latin Urban level.

@PACIFICSD

MAY 2018

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CURRENTS | EVENTS

SING DANCE CRAWL 2018 5.26 Various locations around downtown, singdancecrawl.com Round up your most patriotic pals for this high-energy Americanathemed party taking place at various downtown venues and bringing locals together for a good time and a great cause.

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MAY 2018 @PACIFICSD

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CURRENTS

Laughing Stock May Stand-up Roundup

BY MICHAEL BENNINGER

5.11-13 MATT MCCLOWRY @ The Comedy Club at Pechanga, pechanga.com

“I like kids, I just don’t like how people my age give their kids last names for first names. I have a friend who had three kids. She named them McKenna, Hunter and Finley. Those aren’t babies; that’s a law firm.”

— Matt McClowry at Gotham Comedy Club

5.3-6 STEVE TREVIÑO @ The Comedy Store, thecomedystore.com/la-jolla

“Sometimes I wish my wife would get hit by a truck.

That’s a horrible thing to say, I know. It’s horrible.

Sometimes I want out. Not all the time. Most of the time it’s good. But sometimes I want out. But I don’t get out. You know why I don’t get out? Cuz there’s another man waiting to sleep with her. And I could not imagine another man sleeping with my wife. So I stay in. I f**king stay in.

So if my wife gets hit by a truck, problem solved.”

— Steve Treviño on Relatable

5.16 JIMMY O. YANG @ The American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com

“Now don’t get me wrong. I’m all about animal rights. I’m all about free-range animals. But I still live in a one-bedroom apartment with two roommates. I’m not even a free-range human being, OK? I don’t need to eat a chicken that lived better than I do. The chicken’s on 20 acres in Napa; I’m in 200 square feet in Pacoima. That’s messed up.”

— Jimmy O. Yang at the Laugh Factory

5.4-6 NATE CRAIG

5.17-19 JAY CHANDRASEKHAR

@ The Comedy Club at Pechanga, pechanga.com

@ The American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com

“If anyone here designs Pilates studios, why you gotta make the windows so big? You trying to make me feel like predator?”

— Nate Craig at Gotham Comedy Club

5.10-12 BRYAN CALLEN @ The American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com

“Martin Luther King never told a fart joke. I guarantee it. Nobody was laughing during his speeches. Maybe racists were, but that’s it.”

— Bryan Callen at the DC Improv Comedy Club

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MAY 2018 @PACIFICSD

“The most frustrated animal on a farm is a ghost cow. Because it’s invisible, right, it has one job. Its one job is to sneak up on the other cows and scare them, right? So it sneaks up on the other cows and it’s like ‘Boooooooo.’ And the other cows, they don’t hear that well, they’re like, ‘Yeah, yeah, moo.’ And the ghost cow’s like, ‘No, I said, Boo! It’s frustrating being a ghost cow.’ …

Some of the jokes are just going to go that way.”

— Jay Chandrasekhar on Just for Laughs

5.18 TIM ALLEN @ Copley Symphony Hall, copleysymphonyhall.com

“Women do their own particularly weird stuff. Watch a woman do a bikini wax. Boy, there’s something you’ll never see a man do. Hell, no. ‘Honey, I’m afraid

that ball hair is going to sit right where it is.’ Even though, we’ll all agree that ball-area is pretty damn ugly. It’s like God had some elbow skin leftover.”

— Tim Allen on Tim Allen Rewires America

5.18-20 RICK INGRAHAM @ The Comedy Store, thecomedystore. com/la-jolla

“When white supremacists see an albino person do they think ‘lucky bastard?’”

— Rick Ingraham on Twitter

5.19 PAUL RODRIGUEZ @ Sycuan Live & Up Close, sycuan.com

“Trump says, ‘I’m gonna make the Mexicans build the wall.’ Yeah, big deal. We’re the only ones in construction. Of course we’re going to build that wall.”

— Paul Rodriguez on Paul Rodriguez: The Here and Wow

5.25-27 BEN GLEIB @ The Comedy Store, thecomedystore.com/la-jolla

“I’m tired of only having ‘yes’ people around me. It’s important to hear negative feedback too. Only reply if you agree.”

— Ben Gleib on Twitter

5.25-27 DARREN CARTER @ The Comedy Club at Pechanga, pechanga.com

“I used to rap way before Eminem. They called me ‘Skittles.’”

— Darren Carter on Comedy Time

5.11-13

ADAM RAY @ The Comedy Store, thecomedystore.com/la-jolla

You guys watch the Oscars? I was bummed to not see Tom Hanks there.

That’s my guy. I think arguably the greatest actor of all time. If they do a movie about Meryl Streep’s life, Tom Hanks will play Meryl Streep. I’m convinced of his skill set.

— Adam Ray on Platform

PHOTOS BY: STEVE TREVINO BY ALBERTO E. RODRIGUEZ/GETTY IMAGES; NATE CRAIG BY JLEVINE; BRYAN CALLEN

BY JASON MERRITT/ GETTY IMAGES; JIMMY O. YANG BY EMMA MCINTYRE/GETTY IMAGES; JAY CHANDRASEKHAR

BY KEVIN WINTER/GETTY IMAGES; TIM ALLEN BY MATT WINKELMEYER/ GETTY IMAGES; PAUL RODRIGUEZ BY MICHAEL SCHWARTZ/WIREIMAGE; BEN GLEIB BY VIVIEN KILLILEA/GETTY IMAGES; DARREN CARTER BY FRANKIE LEAL; ADAM RAY

BY FRAZER HARRISON/ GETTY IMAGES.

@PACIFICSD

MAY 2018

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PULSE ARTS | COOLTURE ART BEAT

BY LISA DEADERICK

5.12-13

Art Glass Guild Show & Patio Sale Spanish Village Art Center, 1770 Village Pl., Balboa Park, 619.233.9050, spanishvillageart.com More than 30 juried, local glass artists will display their work using various techniques, including blown, fused, torch, stained, cast, etched and mosaic art glass, as part of the Art Glass Guild’s nonprofit work to support local glass artists.

Starfish by Ivan Adaniva

Portrait of a Boy at the Spanish Court

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MAY 2018 @PACIFICSD

VISIT ONE OF OUR 7 LOCATIONS: TAJIMA EAST VILLAGE | TAJIMA NORTH PARK | TAJIMA HILLCREST TAJIMA CONVOY | TAJIMA MERCURY | TAJIMA LONG BEACH | TAJIMA TIJUANA

TAJIMASANDIEGO.COM

 /TAJIMARESTAURANTS



@TAJIMARESTAURANTS

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@TAJIMASANDIEGO

Untitled by Maddy Hill

PULSE

Art Beat

May gallery + exhibit openings

BY LISA DEADERICK

5.3-16 SPRING 2018 STUDENT ART EXHIBITION AND ART SALE San Diego Mesa College Art Gallery 7250 Mesa College Dr., Ste. D-101, Clairemont Mesa 619.388.2829, sdmesa.edu/art-gallery Students in Mesa College’s studio art classes have created more than 100 works in various media, including original art and handmade jewelry, ceramics, glass and works on paper.

5.4 ODE TO FRIDA June Rubin Studio/Gallery 2690 Historic Decatur Rd., Ste. 214, Barracks 19 (upstairs), Liberty Station, 858.229.4571, junerubin.com Artist June Rubin celebrates Frida Kahlo through various watercolor paintings of the Frida with Flowers in Her Hair

by June Rubin famed Mexican artist in her difficult marriage, and another in relation to Dia de los Muertos, with Kahlo in a colorful dress with a monkey and a paintbrush.

5.4-7.1 THE BIG WHITE DRESS: EVOLVING TRADITIONS OF THE AMERICAN WEDDING 5.4-27 3•UP: SPECIAL EDITION

Copper Penny by Czarina Scolari-Ortiz

The Studio Door, 3750 30th St., North Park 619.255.4920, thestudiodoor.com The spring edition of this popular exhibition features the works of artists Eleanor Bell, Czarina Scolari-Ortiz and Benjamin Dehart.

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MAY 2018 @PACIFICSD

Women’s Museum of California 2730 Historic Decatur Rd., Ste. 103, Liberty Station 619.233.7963, womensmuseumca.org See the evolving styles of American wedding dresses from the 1860s to the present, with a display of 12 dresses from varying decades.

Be yourself, only better!

Define your body InfraSCULPT 3-STEP PROGRAM California Body Sculpt’s 3-step InfraSCULPT™ program will not only ensure lasting, ... naturally non-invasive results, but also an overall sense of health and well being.

TM

STEP#1: InfraSCULPT™ Our InfraSCULPT™ machine heats up the fat cell and creates a small opening in the cell and empties the fat in the body. Using lipo laser technology, the fat is then emptied into the body to be metabolized via the lymphatic system and then secreted out through your urine.

STEP #2: Whole Body Vibration The lymphatic system moves cellular waste and debris out of the body, through a network of lymph vessels that carry the harmful components to the bloodstream for elimination. Muscle contractions from the Whole Body Vibration machine stimulate flow.

1.800.558.3953 #HealthIsBeauty #GetSculpted

STEP #3: Infrared Sauna Far infrared light is a wavelength that is emitted through an organic carbon based panel. This wavelength will penetrate into the body and bio-stimulate your cells together to release toxins from the body.

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$ Only

per treatment* *Must be new client, first time treatment promotion special only.

PULSE | ART BEAT 5.5-6 25TH ANNUAL “REFLECTIONS OF NATURE” EXHIBITION AND SALE

Hummingbird by Don Rambadt

Fallbrook Art Center 103 S. Main Ave., Fallbrook 760.728.1414, fallbrookartcenter.org This annual showcase of wildlife art and landscapes features artwork in oil, acrylic, watercolor, charcoal, pastels, scratch board, photography and bronze in multiple styles.

5.20-6.17 SEVENTH ANNUAL FALLBROOK ART CENTER’S ARTIST GUILD SHOW EXHIBITION Fallbrook Art Center 103 S. Main Ave., Fallbrook 760.728.1414, fallbrookartcenter.org More than 90 works of art in a variety of media are on display, including paintings, printmaking, jewelry, ceramic sculptures, photography, mixed media and more.

Juniper, Obeche & Wenge wood vase

by Joe Devinny

5.12-6.2 MICHAEL MANARES “DEPTH AND DIMENSION”

American Woman

by Michael Manares

Distinction Gallery, 317 E. Grand Ave., Escondido 760.781.5779, distinctionart.com Self-taught artist Michael Manares traded in his electrical and engineering work for the visual art talent that he’d unlocked when he was five, building images with computer software, using stencils on canvas and using multiple layers of resin, ink, dye and pigment to complete his pieces.

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5.19-8.19 STUDENT CRAFT: FORM AND FUNCTION Mingei International Museum 1439 El Prado, Balboa Park 619.239.0003, mingei.org This biennial, juried exhibition features work created by local high school students over the past school year, making beautiful art with a functional purpose.

Photo by Katie Gardner

5.26 SOLANA BEACH GRAND OPENING Madison Galleries 320 S. Cedros Ave., Ste. 200, Solana Beach 858.459.0836, madisongalleries.com The opening of this second Madison Gallery location features its inaugural exhibition, New Generation, featuring the work of artists James Verbicky and Olivia Steele, focusing on the evolving methods of conversation and communication between artist and viewer.

Mindsteam by James Verbicky

@PACIFICSD

MAY 2018

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PULSE | ART BEAT

5.31-6.30 CONNECTIONS: JURIED ART SHOW Poway Center for Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Rd., Poway, 858.668.4693, sdmaag.org The San Diego Museum of Art Artists Guild will feature two-dimensional works in all media, juried by Ariel Plotek, curator of modern and contemporary art for the museum, with an Row of Trees by Jackie Dotson expertise in 19th- and 20th-century painting and sculpture.

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PULSE | CURTAIN CALLS

Curtain Calls

5.16-6.10 THE WIND AND THE BREEZE Cygnet Theatre 4040 Twiggs St., Old Town 619.337.1525, cygnettheatre.com Nathan Alan Davis’ world-premiere play centers on a young rap emcee in Rockford, Ill., and explores the “unspoken expectations of friendship and what happens when we choose to stand our ground on shifting sands.”

May performing arts

BY JAMES HEBERT

5.29-6.03

5.18-7.01 AVENUE Q

LES MISÉRABLES

New Village Arts Theatre 2787 State St., Carlsbad 760.433.3245, newvillagearts.org Puppets go wild as NVA rolls out the sometimes raunchy and yet Sesame Streetsweet ode to diversity, family and Gary Coleman.

Broadway/San Diego San Diego Civic Theatre 1100 Third Ave., downtown 619/858/760.570.1100, broadwaysd.org One more day ... or five, actually, as the beloved musical about love, war and redemption in 19th-century Paris returns to town for a quick tour swing.

5.5 ONE AMAZING NIGHT San Diego Opera, Balboa Theatre 868 Fourth Ave., Gaslamp 619.232.7636, lyceumevents.org A pair of opera dynamos, Lise Lindstrom and Greer Grimsley, return to town for an evening of favorite selections performed with the San Diego Symphony.

5.5 BRIAN STOKES MITCHELL 77th Annual Stars and Stripes Gala San Diego Marriott Marquis and Arena 333 W. Harbor Drive, downtown 619.235.6503, usosandiego.org The San Diego-bred actor, a Tony Awardwinning star of such Broadway shows as Ragtime and Kiss Me, Kate returns for a one-night performance benefiting the USO.

5.12-6.17 A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS Old Globe Theatre Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park 619.234.5623, theoldglobe.org 44

MAY 2018 @PACIFICSD

5.23-7.10 NATHAN GUNN: FLYING SOLO

The Globe stages the Southern California premiere of Ursula Rani Sarma’s play, based on the Khaled Hosseini novel about three generations of Afghan women in warravaged Kabul.

5.12 PEPPERLAND Mark Morris Dance Group San Diego Civic Theatre 1100 Third Ave., downtown 619/858/760.570.1100, sdcivic.org The acclaimed choreographer uses the music of the Beatles — and Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band in particular — as a fab forum for a series of new dances.

San Diego Repertory Theatre 79 Horton Plaza, downtown 619.544.1000, sdrep.org Hershey Felder, the accomplished pianistplaywright-actor and frequent Rep collaborator, returns with this new solo show starring and centered around Gunn, the celebrated operatic baritone.

5.24-6.24 THE LONELIEST GIRL IN THE WORLD Diversionary Theatre 4545 Park Blvd., University Heights 619.220.0097, diversionary.org The LGBTQ-centered Diversionary stages the world-premiere musical about how the orange-juice spokesmodel and conservative crusader Anita Bryant helped spark the gay-rights movement.

5.26-6.24 NATIVE GARDENS 5.13-6.10 THE MADRES Moxie Theatre 6663 El Cajon Blvd., Rolando District 858.598.7620, moxietheatre.com Moxie stages the “rolling” world premiere of Stephanie Alison Walker’s play, which centers on three generations of women confronting the fallout of the 1979 “dirty war” in Argentina.

Old Globe Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park 619.234.5623, theoldglobe.org The new comedy by Karen Zacarías portrays the culture clash that ignites when a young married pair move into upscale digs and promptly go to battle with their neighbors over a property line.

Offers expire May 31, 2018. Not valid with other offers. Must mention when booking. Offers are subject to change and may be discontinued at any time. Owned and Operated by Vishal Verma, MD. and Vinita Parekh, DDS.

Spanish Landing Park Across From San Diego Airport

7 Stages Huge Dance Floors! 100+ Performances! Zydeco, Cajun, Blues, Swing, Tickets Salsa & New Orleans Jazz! Delicious Louisiana Food! 10,000 Lbs of Live Crawfish!

Gen Admission: Thurs $35 - $95 Fri $35; Sat & Sun $40/day; Kids 17 & under Free w/ paid adult Hosted Patron Pass: Sat & Sun $120/day

Outstanding oceanfront dining in the heart of Del Mar. Since 1968.

For Event Schedule and Ticket Info!

GatorByTheBay.com

1670 Coast Blvd., del Mar | (858) 755-9345 |

poseidonrestaurant.CoM @PACIFICSD

MAY 2018

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PULSE

The Reel Deal

May motion picture preview

BY MICHAEL BENNINGER

DEADPOOL 2 Prepare for the second coming.

Action | Comedy Directed by David Leitch Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Josh Brolin and Morena Baccarin In theaters: 5.18 America’s favorite wisecracking mercenary returns to face a new set of foes while battling to save a boy’s life.

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MAY 2018 @PACIFICSD

TULLY See how the mother half lives.

Drama | Comedy Directed by Jason Reitman Starring: Charlize Theron, Mackenzie Davis and Ron Livingston In theaters: 5.4 An exhausted mother of three struggles to accept the support of an intriguing “night nanny” who arrives to care for the children so their mom can have a life again.

LIFE OF THE PARTY Give life the old college try.

Comedy Directed by Ben Falcone Starring: Melissa McCarthy, Debby Ryan and Gillian Jacobs In theaters: 5.11 After a devoted housewife finds herself suddenly single, she enrolls in the same college as her daughter and goes all-in on the campus experience.

BREAKING IN Payback is a mother.

Thriller Directed by James McTeigue Starring: Gabrielle Union, Billy Burke and Richard Cabral In theaters: 5.11 During a weekend getaway at her latefather’s high-tech home, a mother fights to protect her two kids from four evildoers attempting to rob the estate.

FIRST REFORMED

MEASURE OF A MAN Sometimes we have to fall down to grow up.

Comedy | Drama Directed by Jim Loach Starring: Blake Cooper, Donald Sutherland and Judy Greer In theaters: 5.11 A pudgy victim of relentless bullying finally learns to defend himself during a tumultuous summer full of fear of family drama.

SHOW DOGS Unleashed and undercover.

Adventure | Comedy, Directed

by Raja Gosnell Starring: Will Arnett, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Natasha Lyonne In theaters: 5.18 Following the theft of a baby panda, a crime-fighting rottweiler goes undercover to expose the prestigious dog show serving as a front for an animal smuggling ring.

BOOK CLUB Comedy Directed by Bill Holderman Starring: Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda and Candice Bergen In theaters: 5.18 Four senior citizens find sexual awakening after reading 50 Shades of Grey for their monthly book club.

Drama | Thriller Directed by Paul Schrader Starring: Ethan Hawke, Amanda Seyfried and Cedric the Entertainer In theaters: 5.18 A grief-stricken pastor in upstate New York loses his connection with reality after an unstable activist and his pregnant wife join the congregation.

ON CHESIL BEACH This is how the entire course of a life can be changed: by doing nothing.

Drama | Romance Directed by Dominic Cooke Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Billy Howle and Anne-Marie Duff In theaters: 5.18 Set in England during 1962, a pair of twenty-something virgins struggle to consummate their marriage despite enjoying a fairy-tale courtship.

SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY Sci-Fi | Fantasy Directed by Ron Howard Starring: Alden Ehrenreich, Emilia Clarke and Donald Glover In theaters: 5.25 Discover the history behind science-fiction’s most famous scoundrel in this origin story set in a sinister criminal underworld in a galaxy far, far away.

@PACIFICSD

MAY 2018

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AG AV E

EX P R ESS IO N ISM

PLEASE ENJOY MILAGRO RESPONSIBLY. Milagro Tequila, 40% Alc./Vol. (80 Proof) ©2017 William Grant & Sons, Inc. New York, NY.

MILAGRO MEANS MIRACLE

Because Cinco de Mayo lasts only one day, PACIFIC and Milagro Tequila present

MAY 1- MAY 31 ORDER, HASHTAG, WIN $3,500!*

Who makes San Diego’s best margarita?

Sip, hashtag and cast your vote.

Bars and restaurants across the county are teaming up to celebrate the fourth annual Margarita Month, offering their signature versions of San Diego’s original craft cocktail.

Visit the 35 participating venues showcased on the following pages to taste as many margaritas as you can throughout the month of May, and then join 1,500 people at the Grand Tasting Event (Saturday, June 16, at Horton Grand Hotel) to try all the margaritas in one place, meet and mingle with dozens of San Diego’s top bartenders and savor a smattering of tacos magnificos while rockin’ out to DJ beats and mariachi mayhem. *PACIFIC is giving away a $50 Margarita Month gift certificate on Facebook every day in May. Plus, one margarita lover who samples margaritas and posts photos of them to Instagram (using #margaritamonth and the venues’ hashtags) will win $1,750 in the form of a $50 gift certificate from each of the 35 participating venues. The more hashtags you post, the better your chances of winning.

SEE ALL THE MARGARITAS AT

margaritamonth.com 50

MAY 2018 @PACIFICSD

margaritamonth.com

DRINK RESPONSIBLY, OBVIOUSLY.

#margaritamonth

#bootleggersd

#bubspb

Mi Familia

Spicy Cucumber

Milagro Silver Tequila, chili liqueur, lime juice, basil, cucumber, olive oil, agave and sea salt.

Milagro Silver Tequila, muddled cucumbers with diced jalapeños, fresh lime juice, triple sec, splash of sour; topped with H20.

the b

ea c h

Bootlegger, 804 Market St., East Village 619.794.2668, bootleggersd.com

Bub’s at the Beach, 1030 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach 858.270.7269, bubspb.com

#cervezajacks

#cloakandpetal

Passion the Thyme

Haru

Milagro Silver Tequila, triple sec, passionfruit juice, lime, thyme.

(Japanese for “Spring”) Yuzu-infused Milagro Silver Tequila, lime juice, honey syrup, pinch of salt, rosemary sprig and orange bitters.

Cerveza Jack’s, 1165 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach 858.999.0158, cervezajacks.com

Cloak & Petal, 1953 India St., Little Italy 619.501.5505, cloakandpetal.com

#margaritamonth @PACIFICSD

MAY 2018

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#coastersaloon

#coasterrawinsmargaritamonthÂ

Barbie-Q Margarita

Blood Orange Margarita

Milagro Silver Tequila, agave nectar, fresh lime juice, Golden Road Brewing Tart Mango Cart Ale, bacon slice and house-made BBQ seasoning.

Milagro Sliver Tequila, blood orange sour, Mandarine Napoleon orange liqueur, rosemary salt rim, blood orange and rosemary garnish

The Coaster Saloon, 744 Ventura Pl., Mission Beach 858.488.4438, thecoastersaloon.com

Coasterra, 880 Harbor Island Dr., Harbor Island 619.814.1300, cohnrestaurants.com/coasterra

#corvettediner

#curaderosd

Unicorn Margarita

Butterfly Margarita

Milagro Silver Tequila, triple sec, lemon juice, lime juice, agave nectar, fresh raspberries and blueberries, magical pixie-stick rim.

Milagro Silver Tequila, agave, lime juice, butterfly-peaflower-infused Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur.

The Corvette Diner, 2965 Historic Decatur Rd., Point Loma 619.542.1476, cohnrestaurants.com/corvettediner

Curadero, 1047 Fifth Ave., #100, Gaslamp 619.515.3003, curadero.com

MAY 2018 @PACIFICSD

margaritamonth.com

#firehousepb

#florentsd

Amigo Down!

Fallin’ for Cali

Serrano-chili-infused Milagro Silver Tequila, Aperol orange liqueur, fresh pineapple juice, fresh lime juice, cinnamon prickly pear syrup.

Avocado-infused Milagro Silver Tequila, peppercorn and grapefruit house-made sweet-and-sour, house-made orange liqueur, pink-Himalayan-salt rim; garnished with watermelon radish.

Firehouse American Eatery + Lounge, 722 Grand Ave., Pacific Beach 858.274.3100, firehousepb.com

Florent Restaurant & Lounge, 672 5th Ave., Gaslamp 619.595.0123, florentsd.com

#hellobetty

#hobsandiego

El Sandia

Spicy Pink Paloma Margarita

Milagro Silver Tequilla, Aperol orange liqueur, agave, honey, lime juice, watermelon pieces; black-salt rim.

Hello Betty Fish House, 211 Mission Ave., Oceanside 760.722.1008, hellobettyoceanside.com

Milagro Silver Tequila, Cointreau, sour, ruby red grapefruit, orange juice, lime, Rose’s lime juice, dash of El Yucateco Green Chile Habanero Hot Sauce.

House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp 619.299.2583, hob.com/sandiego

#margaritamonth @PACIFICSD

MAY 2018

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#indigogrill

#islandsburgers

La Zanahoria

Makaha Maggie

Milagro Silver Tequila, Ancho Reyes poblano liqueur, carrot juice, pineapple juice, agave nectar; served up with a sprig of cilantro.

Handcrafted pineapple-infused Milagro Silver Tequila, Grand Marnier, crushed pineapple, fresh-squeezed lime juice, agave nectar; garnished with cinnamon-sugar rim.

Indigo Grill, 1536 India St., Little Italy 619.234.6802, cohnrestaurants.com/indigogrill

Islands Restaurants, ten locations countywide islandsrestaurants.com Small Use

#jcmc

#lapuertasd Large Use Small Use

Small Use

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Jengibre Margarita

Never Been to Spain

Milagro Silver Tequila, fresh-pressed ginger, orange liqueur, fresh lime and lemon juice, sweet TajĂ­n rim.

Milagro Reposado Tequila, Greenbar orange liqueur, Yzaguirre Rojo Spanish vermouth, fresh lemon, roaster orange garnish.

Jimmy Carter’s Mexican Cafe, 3172 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill 619.295.2070, jimmycartersmexicancafe.com

La Puerta, 560 Fourth Ave., Gaslamp 619.696.3466, lapuertasd.com

MAY 2018 @PACIFICSD

margaritamonth.com

#miguelscocinasd

#obsurf lodge

Proceed with Caution

VolcĂĄn

Milagro Silver Tequila, Grand Marnier, Cointreau, fresh orange and lime juice; Chamoy-Lucas rim and edible Szechuan-button garnish.*

Milagro Reposado Tequila, mezcal, fresh tangerine and blood orange juice; black salt and sweet-smoked paprika rim; blood orange slice and fresh cucumber garnish.

Miguel’s Cocina, six locations countywide miguels-cocina.com

*CAUTION: When consumed, this product may cause temporary tingling or a numbing sensation in your mouth. Eat in small amounts with caution.

O.B. Surf Lodge, 5083 Santa Monica Ave., Ste. 1F, Ocean Beach 619.955.5475, obsurflodge.com

#oceanacoastalkitchen

#onthebordersd

Natural Red Head

Exotic Prickly Pear

Milagro Silver Tequila, Cointreau, house sour mix, red bell pepper syrup.

Silver tequila, orange liqueur, fresh citrus mix, prickly pear juice.

Oceana Coastal Kitchen, 3999 Mission Blvd., Pacific Beach 858.539.8635, catamaranresort.com

On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, four locations countywide otbsd.com

#margaritamonth @PACIFICSD

MAY 2018

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#pacificadelmar

#parkandrec

“La Naranja” Margarita

Sangre del Sol

Milagro Reposado Tequila, honey simple syrup, lemon juice, dried-orange Tajín rim, Grand Marnier float.

Blood-orange-infused Milagro Silver Tequila, house-made curaçao (blend of agave and Cointreau), fresh lime juice, blood-orange, salted rim.

Pacifica Del Mar, 1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar 858.792.0476, pacificadelmar.com

Park & Rec, 4612 Park Blvd., University Heights 619.795.9700, parkandrecsd.com

#pbshoreclub

#sea180coastaltavern

Great White Margarita

Melon Margarita

Silver tequila, Giffard Pamplemousse grapefruit liqueur, fresh lime, grapefruit juice, simple syrup; garnished with pink Himalayan rock salt, grapefruit rose and mint.

Milagro Silver Tequila, house-made honeydew sour, Combier orange liqueur, spicy salt rim, melon cube.

PB Shore Club, 4343 Ocean Blvd., Pacific Beach 858.272.7873, pbshoreclub.com

Sea 180°, 800 Seacoast Dr., Imperial Beach 619.631.4949, cohnrestaurants.com/sea180

MAY 2018 @PACIFICSD

margaritamonth.com

#eatgrubbys

#sidecarbarsd

Mexican Candy Margarita

Rhubarbarita

Milagro Silver Tequila, watermelon juice, Tajín chili salt, fresh-squeezed lime juice, muddled jalapeño.

Milagro Silver Tequila, Montelobos, lime juice, rhubarb and Guajillo Chile simple syrup.

Señor Grubby’s, 377 Carlsbad Village Dr., Carlsbad 760.729.6040, eatgrubbys.com

Sidecar Bar, 1310 Morena Blvd., Morena District 619.230.5715, sidecarsd.com

#theblindburro

#deckpic

Fruitero Margarita

The Day Spa

Milagro Silver Tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice, agave nectar, fresh pineapple, Chamoy and Tajín.

Cucumber-infused Milagro Silver Tequila, lime juice, agave; topped with soda water; garnished with salt and cucumber wheel.

The Blind Burro, 639 J St., East Village 619.795.7880, theblindburro.com

The Deck at Moonshine Flats, 335 Sixth Ave., East Village 619.255.7625, moonshineflats.com/thedeck

#margaritamonth @PACIFICSD

MAY 2018

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#theduckdive

#pradobalboapark

Berry White

Jalisco Nectar

Milagro Silver Tequila, coconut/vanilla syrup, lime juice, lemon juice, cinnamon syrup, fresh blackberries and agave.

Milagro Silver Tequila infused with blood orange tea blend, lemon juice, honey, Fruitlab jasmine liqueur, dried-fruit garnish.

The Duck Dive, 4650 Mission Blvd., Pacific Beach 858.273.3825, theduckdive.com

The Prado, 1549 El Prado, Balboa Park 619.557.9441, cohnrestaurants.com/theprado

#therailsd

#tinroofsd

The Alebrije

El Jefe

Milagro Silver Tequila, Cointreau, agave, house-made blackberry mint purĂŠe, house-made sweet and sour.

Milagro Silver Tequila, lime juice, agave nectar, blackberry liquor, Ballast Point Sculpin float and muddled cucumber.

The Rail, 3796 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest 619.298.2233, thebrassrailsd.com

Tin Roof, 401 G St., Gaslamp 619.557.8437, tinroofsandiego.com

MAY 2018 @PACIFICSD

margaritamonth.com

#volcanorabbitsd

#voltairebeachhouse

Passionfruit Margarita

The Jalisco Flamingo

Milagro Silver Tequila, passionfruit purée, Giffard passion fruit liqueur, lime juice, Monin ginger syrup.

Habenero-infused Milagro Silver Tequila, house-made pomegranatehibiscus-infused agave, fresh organic lime juice, fresh organic grapefruit juice, Giffard Orgeat; Tajín and sea salt rim.

527 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp 619.232.8226, volcanorabbitsd.com

Voltaire Beach House, 4934 Voltaire St., Ocean Beach 619.955.8840, voltairebeachhouse.com

#wonderlandob

TASTE ALL THE MARGARITAS IN ONE PLACE,

Wondy Marg Milagro Silver Tequila, simple syrup, lime juice, orange juice.

SATURDAY, JUNE 16, AT THE GRAND TASTING EVENT AT HORTON GRAND HOTEL.

¡MARIACHIS, MEXICAN MUNCHIES Y MUCHO MAS (LIKE DJS + LIVE MUSIC)!

Wonderland Ocean Pub, 5083 Santa Monica Ave., Ocean Beach 619.255.3358, wonderlandob.com

#margaritamonth @PACIFICSD

MAY 2018

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NICE PROMOTION

PB SHORE CLUB

THE RAIL BARLEYMASH

PA C I F I C B E A C H S H O R E C L U B

BARLEYMASH

THE RAIL

Pacific Beach has an abundance of patios ideal for dining outdoors, but none of them compare to PB Shore Club, with unobstructed ocean views and plenty of seating for intimate groups or larger gatherings. Sunny San Diego weather and Shore Club go together like a burger and fries, so enjoy the sun on your back as you bite into the beach bar’s Fajita Burger. Made with grilled onion, mushrooms and bell peppers, Swiss cheese and 1000 Island dressing all sandwiched between a toasted brioche bun, you won’t find a burger (or patio) like this anywhere else.

Take a mid-workday lunch break or rest from downtown sightseeing and grab a seat on barleymash’s front patio. Located within the bustling Gaslamp District, posting up outside is perfect for people watching. This iconic restaurant and bar strives to source as local, organic and as natural as possible. In doing so, they’ve created some of the best tasting burgers in the city, including their classic All American. Served on a homemade barley-beer bun, this burger consists of a grilled beef patty, American cheese, baby greens, tomato, red onion, pickles and ale-aioli. Pair it with a cold beer, sit back and enjoy.

Searching for a savory bite to brighten your sunny day? Snag a seat on the sun-lit patio at The Rail, a longstanding icon of food and drink found in the heart of Hillcrest. Featuring charming postProhibition Era decor and outdoor patio seating along the vibrant epicenter of the Hillcrest community, The Rail promises an ideal setting for digging into the sliders of your dreams. Order up a steaming set of the Steak Sliders, made with balsamic-marinated top round steak, a house bleu cheese sauce, grilled onion, arugula, and balsamic reduction between warm brioche buns for a perfectly portioned plate with a side of Vitamin D!

619-255-7373 | barleymash.com

619-298-2233 | thebrassrailsd.com

858-272-7873 | pbshoreclub.com

PROMOTIONAL

BEST PATIOS + BURGERS WN E ISOT N R OGOATS LT A AM V EP R N U

PB ALEHOUSE

FA R M E R ’ S TA B L E

W E S T R O O T TAV E R N

W E S T R O O T TAV E R N

PA C I F I C B E A C H A L E H O U S E

FA R M E R ’ S TA B L E L A M E S A

Soak up the sun at genuine, neighborhood-driven WESTROOT Tavern, nestled inside the charming retail and lifestyle center, The Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch. Infused with distinctive Southern California flair and an unbeatable modern sports bar ambiance, WESTROOT’s large patio overlooking the Santa Barbara-inspired Village speaks for itself as a destination to dine the day away in the sunshine.

Heat up your afternoon on the patio with the En Fuego Burger, a mouthwateringly fiery burger piled high with ghost chili cheese, sambal cream, roasted serrano chiles, onion rings and a spicy citrus guacamole to help you break a sweat!

Experience Pacific Beach’s eclectic beach vibes to their fullest with a gentle sea breeze on the patio of local favorite and neighborhood gem, Pacific Beach AleHouse. Characterized by its fusion of modern-American cuisine and coastal scenery, this quintessential dining destination offers supreme views of the scintillating Pacific, matched with their coveted Beer Cheese Burger. Sink your teeth into this hearty creation piled high with a toothsome brisket ribeye blend, creamy AleHouse beer cheese, crispy fried onions and bacon, all cradled by a warm brioche bun.

Savor something farm-fresh at Farmer’s Table in the heart of La Mesa, and relax in an inherently charming setting, adorned with all of the accoutrements tailored to yield rustic farmhouse vibes and foodie allure. Their patio is expansive, yielding an airy space for patrons to unwind and dine. Bring on the buns with their scrumptious Burger, expertly crafted from 100% Angus beef, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, baby kale and fried egg on a brioche bun.

858-720-6645 | phrvillage.com

858-581-2337 | pbalehouse.com

619-724-6465 | farmerstablelamesa.com

TASTE EAT | DRINK | PUFF DINING OUT

BY PAM KRAGEN

DIG IN

A baker’s dozen of recently opened San Diego eateries from North to South counties and everywhere in between.

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JRDN, PACIFIC BEACH

In March, Eat.Drink.Sleep. hospitality group reopened its JRDN fine-dining restaurant at Tower23 Hotel in Pacific Beach after a remodel and menu revamp.

The new interior features a glass-enclosed sushi kitchen and an updated “elevated beach chic” interior. But the biggest change is the menu. The new sushi/raw bar menu has been expanded with new rolls and a build-your-own poke bowl concept.

The main has been fully refashioned into a shareable format with small plates of items like smoked maitake mushroom tempura to large plates, serving up to three people, with items like glazed halibut and Wagyu New York Strip steak.

Tower23 Hotel, 723 Felspar St., Pacific Beach, 855.901.0002, t23hotel.com/jrdn

OP E N I NG S P R I N G 2 01 8 A joint venture between esteemed Chef Claudette Zepeda-Wilkins and San Diego’s Rise & Shine Restaurant Group, El Jardín Restaurant & Bar is coming soon to Liberty Station. The highly anticipated addition will showcase Zepeda’s culinary prowess, as her inspiration stems from the flavors she experienced while growing up merged with the seven culinary regions of Mexico, where Zepeda’s passion for food was first cultivated. As such, El Jardín has ultimately become an expression of her culinary journey as a chef. With her experience as a former contestant on Top Chef Mexico Season 2 and as a recent competitor on Top Chef Season 15, Zepeda continues to harness inspiration from her ongoing research and travels to Mexico’s culinary regions to hone her craft!

LIBERTY STATION 2885 Perry Road, San Diego, CA 92106 | eljardinrestaurantbar.com |  /eljardinsd  @eljardin.sd

TASTE | DINING

SUCKERFREE SOUTHERN PLATE AND BAR, GASLAMP

The latest concept from the creators of North Park’s StreetCar Merchants offers a tongue-in-cheek mix of Southern cuisines, including New Orleans po’boys and gumbo, Nashville-style hot fried chicken and down-home soul food. The central dish at this spot, which opened in late January, is the fried organic free-range chicken perfected by StreetCar, sold by the piece or the whole bird ($28).

Specialties include catfish, hush puppies, fried green tomatoes and a mac ’n’ cheese flight.

751 Fourth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.892.7744, eatsuckerfree.com

SUCKERFREE SOUTHERN PLATE AND BAR (PHOTO

BY HEARTWORK HILL PHOTO); THE FRIENDLY (PHOTO BY PAM KRAGEN)

THE FRIENDLY,

NORTH PARK Operators of San Diego’s Caliano wood-fired pizza food truck opened their first brick-and-mortar restaurant in January in North Park. The no-frills, quick-service pizzeria serves slices for $3.50 and a $5 Dirty Flat Top cheeseburger that fans say rivals that of In-N-Out (but no substitutions allowed). It’s also doing occasional sandwich, rib and dessert specials and guest chef pop-ups.

4592 30th St., North Park, 619.892.7840, facebook.com/thefriendlySD/

ANTHEM, NORTH PARK

Patrick Murray’s popular farmers market vegan deli stand opened its first brick-andmortar location in February. The vegan restaurant, deli and market expands on the menu found at the Ocean Beach, Hillcrest and SDSU market stands, with a wider variety of plant-based brunch items, salads, wraps, burritos, bowls and sandwiches.

Murray said the restaurant is known for its burgers, faux meats, breakfast dishes and its made-from-scratch sauces, which are also available for sale. Closed on Mondays.

2611 El Cajon Blvd., North Park, 619.268.4367, anthemvegan.com 64

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CLASSIC COCKTAILS | LOCAL CUISINE FOOD UNTIL MIDNIGHT HOURS 5PM-1AM FOOD SERVICE UNTIL MIDNIGHT - 7 DAYS A WEEK 3175 INDIA STREET (AT SPRUCE), SAN DIEGO, CA 92103 619.358.9766 | WWW.STARLITESANDIEGO.COM

TASTE | DINING

WORKING CLASS AMERICAN DINER + BAR,

WORKING CLASS AMERICAN DINER + BAR; SHANK AND BONE (PHOTOS BY PAM KRAGEN)

SHANK AND BONE,

NORTH PARK This new quick-service Vietnamese restaurant, which opened in February, serves a mix of classic and modern dishes. There are a dozen varieties of pho, including the signature Shank & Bone Bowl, which replaces noodles with bones and bone marrow in a beef bone broth. Other specialties include banh mi (sandwiches), Saigon chicken wings, bun bowls (rice noodle salad) and rice plates.

2930 University Ave., North Park 619.458.9085, shankandbone.com

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5TH AVENUE KITCHEN & TAP,

HILLCREST This new hamburgers-of-theworld bar and grill opened in March, replacing the shuttered Spitz Mediterranean restaurant in Hillcrest. Chef and co-owner Andrew Boyer butchers and grinds all his own meat for burgers and sausage in-house.

He’s also making his own bacon, potato chips, fresh-cut fries, sauces and marinades. Burger buns are baked to order and the French bread is shipped from New Orleans. Among the unique burger offerings is the Parisian, topped with grilled pears and blue cheese; the Surf and Turf, with fried shrimp and tomato bacon jam; and the Porkinator, with ham, house sausage and pork belly.

3515 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest 619.578.2873, 5thavesandiego.com

COVO LA JOLLA,

LA JOLLA Owner Michael Viscuso (On Broadway Event Center) recently took over the longshuttered Amaya/Bijou restaurant on Prospect Street to create a multiuse venue that opened in March for live entertainment and a late-night menu on Friday and Saturday nights only. A street-side coffee cafe is now open daily. Breakfast and lunch service will begin at the cafe in late May. The onsite chef is Jeremy Fleming.

1205 Prospect St., La Jolla 858.246.6767, covolajolla.com

NORTH PARK In keeping with its name, Working Class is a rough-hewn neighborhood bar and grill, with a front dining deck, indoor sports bar and illuminated side patio filled with picnic tables.

Opened in February, the pub serves brunch plus breakfast all day, and a lunch/dinner menu of American comfort food items like wings, salads, burgers and sandwiches. There are menus for children (all dishes $7) and dogs ($6 buys Fido a beef patty or chicken breast with brown rice). The bar serves an ever-changing tap list of 25 local and regional craft beers.

4095 30th St., North Park 619.642.0114, workingclasssd.com

FOCUS BBQ,

KEARNY MESA The L.A.-based Northern Chinese barbecue chain opened its first San Diego location on Convoy Street in March. Focus specializes in serving skewered meats and vegetables grilled over charcoal. Other specialties are noodle bowls, roasted noodles, spicy crawfish and casseroles and authentic items like sheep kidneys, pork feet and chicken gizzards. Focus BBQ serves dinner only, with the kitchen open from 4 p.m. until 3 a.m. daily (closed Tuesdays).

3904 Convoy St., #101, Kearny Mesa 858.430.6186

NOLITA HALL, LITTLE ITALY Partners Anthony Viveros and Douglas Hamm of the Black Swan Hospitality Collective (based in Marina Del Rey) named their “elevated beer hall” for its location in North Little Italy (known by locals as Nolita). The 180-seat glass-topped restaurant/ bar, scheduled to open in early May, gives a Southern California twist to Italian cuisine. The bar, overseen by Brian Prugalidad (formerly of Polite Provisions and Bracero), serves a dozen Italian-inspired custom cocktails, 22 beers on tap and 10-15 beers in bottles and cans. Chef Jordan Herigstad is using an Italian Forza Forni brick oven to turn out wood-fired pizzas topped with roasted seasonal local veggies and proteins, as well as entrée salads and desserts.

2305 India St., Little Italy nolitahall.com

@PACIFICSD

MAY 2018

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TASTE | DINING

VERANDINA,

OB GARDEN CAFÉ, OCEAN BEACH

From the operators of the Ocean Beach People’s Organic Food Market comes this new two-story indoor/outdoor restaurant/ pub with a vegetarian/vegan menu, wine and beer, and Sunday morning yoga classes on the roof deck. Specialties of the house, which opened in March, include a BBQ jackfruit bowl, black bean and quinoa burger, vegan pot pie, Portobello tacos and veggie noodle dishes. There are also smoothies, freshsqueezed juices, breakfast dishes and coffee drinks.

4741 Voltaire St., Ocean Beach, 619.255.1193, obgardencafe.coop

PREP KITCHEN, SAN MARCOS

Prep Kitchen, the La Jolla-born farm-to-table restaurant company, will open its fourth location by month’s end. Prep Kitchen replaces the 3,000-squarefoot San Marcos commercial space recently vacated by the short-lived Stella Public House and Halcyon Coffee Bar in Block C, part of the North City mixeduse community near Cal State San Marcos. Founded in 2009 by Whisknladle Hospitality, the Prep Kitchen restaurants are now owned by IAM Hospitality of Las Vegas. Service includes brunch, lunch, happy hour and dinner as well as beer, wine and cocktails.

Block C at North City, 250 N. City Dr., San Marcos 760.798.8778, prepkitchenlajolla.com 68

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IMPERIAL BEACH The couple behind Lemon Grove’s just-opened Giardino Neighborhood Cucina expanded into Imperial Beach in April with Verandina, another Italian neighborhood eatery. Sicilyborn chef native Marco Provino and his wife, Karina Kravalis, have created a coastal Italian-inspired menu for lunch, dinner and brunch.

Specialties include octopus a la plancha, truffle arancini, linguine ai Ricci, swordfish alla Palermitana, orecchiette cime de Rapa and salmon and veal burgers. The twostory restaurant offers ocean views from the upstairs deck and a street-side patio on the ground floor.

710 Seacoast Dr., Imperial Beach 619.271.6795, verandinarestaurant.com

BREAKFASTS AT SHORE CLUB

S ERVED DAILY OPEN AT 8AM SATURDAY & SUNDAY

4343 ocean blvd pacific beach, ca | 858.272.surf | pbshoreclub.com |

�/pacificbeachshoreclub | ��@pbshoreclub

TASTE | EVENTS

Full Plate

May food + drink happenings

BY MICHAEL BENNINGER

JDIXX PHOTOGRAPHY

5.7 CHEF-DRIVEN BAKE SALE Herb & Eatery, Little Italy, friendlyfeast.org Carb-lovers unite at this inaugural event showcasing signature treats from a baker’s dozen of San Diego’s top pastry chefs.

5.3 TASTE OF CARDIFF Cardiff-by-the-Sea Town Center, Cardiff-by-the-Sea cardiff101.com Celebrating the culinary flavors and local libations that make Cardiff and Restaurant Row so spectacular, this tasting event highlights local restaurants, retailers, brewers and vintners.

5.5 SECOND ANNUAL NIIGATA SAKE FESTIVAL BeShock Ramen and Sake Bar, East Village be-shock.com Sample several varieties of Niigata Sake, which has been described as “mellow and balanced with a clean, crisp finish” from the Northwest coastal region in Japan.

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5.5 RHYTHM & BREWS

5.6 TACOS & BEER 5K

Historic Vista Village, Vista, sdbeer.com The San Diego Brewers Guild’s annual festival returns to the heart of historic Vista Village with live music and plenty of pours from more than 50 of the county’s best breweries.

Embarcadero Marina Park South, downtown tacosnbeer5k.com Kick off a fun and festive Cinco weekend with a 5K followed by tacos, beer and live entertainment including mariachi music, a mechanical bull and a piñata-bashing party.

5.5 SEEDLING SOIREE Olivewood Gardens, National City olivewoodgardens.org Sam “The Cooking Guy” Zien is emceeing this event showcasing local chefs as they create dishes utilizing organic and sustainable ingredients grown right here in San Diego.

5.5 18TH ANNUAL FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL La Jolla Cove, La Jolla, jlsd.org Join the Junior League of San Diego as they host their biggest fundraiser of the year, dishing up the ultimate outdoor foodie experience to more than 1,200 guests at this year’s Kentucky Derby-themed festival.

5.11 27TH ANNUAL MAMA’S DAY Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine, La Jolla, mamaskitchen.org This annual event held near Mother’s Day features more than 50 local chefs who will prepare bites for guests all while helping raise awareness about Mama’s Kitchen, a nonprofit that provides meal delivery services to patients with critical illnesses.

5.12 TASTE OF JULIAN Throughout Julian visitjulian.com Explore some of Julian’s many hidden gems on this self-guided culinary tour of one-ofa-kind restaurants, wineries and breweries.

5.17 MASTERS OF FOOD & WINE

Anthem Vegan, North Park facebook.com/anthemvegan Indulge in incredible vegan eats at this one-night-only engagement that also includes drinking, dancing and live entertainment.

Park Hyatt Aviara, Carlsbad mastersfoodandwine.com Engage in a master class tasting of Don Julio Tequila followed by a dinner prepared by several leading chefs from Mexico, including Javier Placencia (Tijuana) and Poncho Cadena (Guadalajara).

5.12 FOURTH ANNUAL SAN DIEGO READER TACOTOPIA

5.19 SAN DIEGO TACO FEST

Golden Hill Park, Golden Hill readertacotopia.com Five dozen of the finest taco shops in San Diego, Los Angeles and Tijuana compete for the top prize at this event offering live entertainment, unlimited taco tastings and beer samples from 20 local breweries.

Waterfront Park, Little Italy sdtacofest.com More than 30 of the city’s best Mexican restaurants offer a slew of top-notch tacos at this festival featuring chihuahua races, live lucha libre matches and headliners SaltN-Pepa with Spinderella.

5.12 FOURTH ANNUAL SAN DIEGO PAELLA FESTIVAL

5.19 STONE LIBERTY STATION FIFTH ANNIVERSARY

Embarcadero Marina Park South, downtown, paellawinefest.com Sixty local and international chefs will prepare 130 paellas to feed more than 3,000 attendees at downtown’s Spanishstyle celebration that also includes live music, lots of booze and the largest paella ever cooked in California.

NTC Park at Liberty Station, Point Loma stonebrewing.com It’s already been five years since Stone Brewery opened its Point Loma location, and what better way to celebrate than by commemorating the occasion with specialty beers and other awesome offerings from Liberty Station’s beloved businesses.

5.19 SECOND ANNUAL OMBAC OTL BEERFEST Mariners Point, Mission Bay ombac.org The Old Mission Bay Athletic Club — known for its infamous annual Over-the-Line Tournament — hosts this drinking event showcasing some of the city’s finest breweries and food trucks along with a mini tournament to get people fired up for the main event in July.

5.20 SAN DIEGO DONUT RUN 5.17 NINTH ANNUAL EAT.DRINK. READ: A CULINARY EVENT FOR LITERACY San Diego Air and Space Museum, Balboa Park, literacysandiego.org Some of San Diego’s most popular chefs will create culinary pairings inspired by their favorite literary characters at this bookish bash that aims to celebrate reading through connection, consumption and commitment.

Crown Point Park, Mission Bay gigisplayhouse.org You donut want to miss this Pacific Beach fun run that includes 5K, 1-mile dash and kids dash options with proceeds going to GiGi’s Playhouse, a nonprofit that supports individuals with Down syndrome.

RON PA RE JA

5.12 VEGAN STREET FAIR

5.22 NINTH ANNUAL I LOVE POKE FESTIVAL Bali Hai, Shelter Island onoyum.com Thirty-plus chefs from San Diego, Hawaii and beyond each provide tastings of their signature poke styles during this competitive cooking event where the attendees are the real winners.

5.27 VISTA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL Vista Chamber of Commerce, Vista vistastrawberryfest.com Once considered the “Strawberry Capital of the World,” Vista continues to celebrate the florid fruit during this day of live entertainment, local craft brews and several strawberry-centric events, including a Strawberry Run 10K and 5K.

5.27 38TH ANNUAL ETHNIC FOOD FAIR House of Pacific Relations, Balboa Park sdhpr.org Sample culinary creations from dozens of diverse cultures, and enjoy spectacular acts performing in traditional costumes during this annual fun-filled feast.

@PACIFICSD

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PROMOTION

BY MICHAEL BENNINGER PHOTOS BY JARED GASE & BRADLEY SCHWEIT

MONKEY SHOULDER’S COLOSSAL COCKTAIL SHAKER STARTS ITS NATIONWIDE TOUR IN SAN DIEGO If you were among the thousands of San Diegans who flocked to Coachella last month, you might’ve spotted an enormous spinning cocktail shaker serving Mixed-Up Monkeys, the finest concoction to ever flow down a cement mixer’s chute. Created

by Monkey Shoulder whisky, and capable of holding a whopping 12,100 bottles of the blended scotch, this playful vehicle is currently on a cross-country tour, stopping at some of the nation’s biggest and best events. But before it was up in Indio quenching Coachellans’ thirst, the aptly named “Monkey Mixer” kicked off its crazy adventure right here in San Diego.

After debuting during Arizona Cocktail Weekend this past Presidents’ Day, the one-of-a-kind truck arrived in San Diego in late March, parking and partying at four of the city’s top venues, including Coasterra, Mavericks, Park & Rec and George’s at the Cove. Since then, the chrome-plated curiosity has turned heads at Coachella’s Vestal Village and at the Food & Wine Festivals in LA and Austin.

“Whoever came up with this idea nailed it,” says Simon Dekleva, the man trusted with driving the Monkey Mixer across the country. “People follow me off the highway just to ask questions about this thing.

And it confuses the hell out of truckers, who often assume it’s normal cement mixer.”

Aside from the vibrant paint job and 2,400-gallon capacity, a few other differences distinguish this rig from most other vehicles on the road. Namely, the 2,500-watt soundsystem and the fact that it has its own liquor license.

“People can’t believe we can run a real cocktail right down the chute,” says Tobias Schopf, brand associate for Monkey Shoulder. “Having a full-size giant shaker embodies our brand’s fun-loving nature and underscores our core values of breaking the rules and playing with your whiskey. This is the perfect vehicle for us.”

There’s no word yet on when the Monkey Mixer will return to San Diego, but keep your eyes peeled for the unmistakable shaker at any event where the masses come together for a good time. Cheers!

monkeyshoulder.com, #playwithyourwhisky

TASTE | BEER

Take it from the Tap

A monthly taste of beer from here

BY PETER ROWE

A NEW BREW IN TOWN Go: Fourpenny House Know: While revered for its whiskeys, Scotland has produced sturdy ales for centuries. Fourpenny’s owner, Peter Soutowood, salutes that tradition at his new brewpub.

Whoa!: With one of the region’s tiniest commercial breweries, head brewer Davey Landeros makes his Scottish Pub Ale (5.5% ABV) on a two-and-a-half-barrel system.

Pro: Four or five house beers augment an impressive bottle list, which has a Eurocentric tilt: the highlights include Saison Dupont, Tripel Karmeleit and the Duchesse de Bourgogne. The full bar also offers wine and — was there any doubt? — Scotch.

Land ho: There may be no peat bogs or windswept moors in East County, yet Fourpenny’s staff brings a touch of the U.K. to La Mesa’s Village. Soutowood’s family roots are in Scotland, while general manager, Dave Pressly, is a British import.

Fourpenny House 8323 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa 619.825.8805, fourpennyhouse.com

THIRST QUENCHING A local beer to spend some time with

Beer: Tony Gwynn Junior’s IPA From: AleSmith Brewing Why: Show your Padres pride by hoisting this liquid riff on the Tony Gwynn-inspired .394 Pale Ale. Released late last month, Jr.’s IPA was created by head brewer Ryan Crisp and a former major leaguer whose name may sound familiar: Tony Gwynn Jr. Geeking out: 4.3% ABV; 40 IBUs (International Bittering Units).

Seeking out: Jr.’s IPA is on tap at Petco Park, several local restaurants and taverns, plus the taproom at AleSmith Brewing (9990 AleSmith Ct., Miramar, 858.549.9888, alesmith.com).

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ANTHONY’s

FISH GROTTO Beautiful & Unique Setting SD’s Favorite Seafood Dog-friendly Outdoor Dining & Play Area

La Mesa 1210

Awesome Happy Hour and Drink Specials Mon-Fri

619-463-0368 • 9530 Murray Drive, 91942

→ANTHONYSFISHGROTTO.COM←

@PACIFICSD

MAY 2018

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GROOVE MUSIC | NIGHTLIFE SOUND DECISIONS

BY SCOTT MCDONALD

5.13 @ Mattress Firm Amphitheatre, livenation.com This show is technically billed as Top Dawg Entertainment: The Championship Tour, but everyone knows it’s really all about K-Dot. The rapper, winner of multiple Grammys and, recently, a Pulitzer Prize, will be joined by label mates SZA, Schoolboy Q, Jay Rock, AbSoul and SiR and Lance Skiiiwalker.

PHOTO BY MATT WINKELMEYER/GETTY IMAGES

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GROOVE

SOUND DECISIONS May Concert Calendar

BY SCOTT MCDONALD

5.3

@ SOMA, somasandiego.com Brooklyn rapper Joey Bada$$ (aka Jo-Vaughn Scott) released his sophomore studio album, ALLAMERIKKKAN BADA$$, last year.

Led by platinum single Devastated, the album debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200. Scott will also reprise his role of Leon on the upcoming new season of USA’s show Mr. Robot.

PHOTO BY THEO WARGO/GETTY IMAGES

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5.2 JOHN DOE & EXENE

5.4 LIL DICKY

5.4 LUIS MIGUEL

@ Belly Up, bellyup.com The one-time couple and founders of L.A. punk legends X were last here in December with Meat Puppets and Mike Watt. They switch things up, as well as slow things down, for this special performance.

@ Parq, parqsd.com Lil Dicky (aka rapper/comedian David Burd) first made his name on YouTube with the song Ex-Boyfriend. Burd proved it wasn’t a fluke when his 2015 studio debut album cracked the top 10 on the U.S. Billboard 200 and featured guests like Snoop Dogg and T-Pain. In March, his Chris Browncollaborative single Freaky Friday hit the top spot on the UK charts and made it to No. 5 on the U.S. Billboard’s Hot R&B/HipHop Songs Chart.

@ Mattress Firm Amphitheatre, livenation.com The Puerto Rico-born Mexican superstar has sold over 100 million records and is the youngest male Grammy-winner in history. His current México Por Siempre tour celebrates the release of his 2017 double-platinumselling 20th studio album of the same name.

5.3 KINKY @ House of Blues, houseofblues.com/sandiego Originally part of the Monterrey, Mexico Avanzada Regia musical movement, this long-running electro-rock quintet celebrates their 20th anniversary this year. The band’s sixth studio album, Nada Vale Más Que Tú, was released in 2017.

5.5 OF MONTREAL @ SOMA, somasandiego.com Songwriter and front man Kevin Barnes keeps his Athens, Ga., psych-rock outfit going strong with the release of their 15th studio album, White Is Relic/Irrealis Mood, in March.

5.4 KHRUNAGBIN @ Belly Up, bellyup.com The Houston-born (mostly) instrumental trio takes inspiration from the global funk and psychedelic rock of multiple eras. Their sophomore album, Con Todo El Mundo, was released in January. Local twin-sibling, jazz powerhouse The Mattson 2 open this long sold-out show.

5.5 @ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com After a pair of successful EPs, London-born, L.A.-based singer and musician Bishop Briggs (aka Sarah McLaughlin) released her studio debut album, Church of Scars, last month.

PHOTO BY MATT COWAN/GETTY IMAGES

@PACIFICSD

MAY 2018

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GROOVE | SOUND DECISIONS

5.6 DESERT DAZE CARAVAN @ House of Blues, houseofblues.com/sandiego On the heels of announcing the lineup for October’s 3-day Desert Daze Festival in Lake Perris, the touring contingency of the brand heads to San Diego featuring performances from Ariel Pink, DIIV, Suuns, Nick Hakim and JJUUJJUU.

5.8 K.FLAY @ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com K.Flay loves the Observatory! The Chicago-based hip-hopper and multi-instrumentalist was last at the venue in January supporting her Grammy-nominated second album and major-label debut, Every Where Is Some Where. Now she’s back for an encore.

5.8 ERIKA WENNERSTROM @ Casbah, casbahmusic.com After fronting Cincinnati-born, Austin-based garage rockers Heartless Bastards for the last 15 years, the gravelly-voiced Wennerstrom tries things on her own. Wennerstrom’s solo debut, Sweet Unknown, was released last month.

5.9 BUILT TO SPILL + AFGHAN WHIGS @ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com Two indie rock stalwarts unite for a super-sized double bill. While BTS haven’t released an album in three years, the Greg Dulli-led Afghan Whigs dropped their eighth album, In Spades, last May on Sub Pop Records.

5.9 TAIMANE GARDNER @ Belly Up, bellyup.com The virtuoso ukulele player and composer was discovered by Don Ho and has shared the stage with Earth Wind and Fire, Chris Isaak and more.

In addition to a handful of self-produced albums, Gardner also released the 2015 instructional guide, Ukulele Songbook With Taimane

5.10 GEORGE EZRA @ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com The English singer-songwriter’s 2014 debut, Wanted on Voyage, has already been certified four times platinum in his home country, and once claimed the top spot on Billboard’s U.S. Folk Chart, as well as the U.K. Albums Chart. The 24-year-old’s highly anticipated follow-up, Staying at Tamara’s, was released in March.

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5.18 @ Moonshine Beach, moonshinebeachsd.com Grandpa Jimmy Bryant played with Roy Orbison and Waylon Jennings, while uncles Jeff and Junior founded country band Ricochet. Now it’s 24-year-old Chase’s turn. Bryant’s debut single, Take It On Back, spent nearly four months on the CMT Hot 20 Countdown in 2014. He hasn’t released any music in 2018, but Bryant did drop a new single, as well as appear on one from Blind Sparrow, last year.

PHOTO BY JASON KEMPIN/GETTY IMAGES

PROMOTION

ACHIEVE YOUR

SUMMER BODY WITH

I

6 STEPS

f you’re like me, you’ve probably struggled with losing those last few pounds or hitting your other self-discipline goals. In fact, most people have and it’s because our bodies are actually wired against us when it comes to weight loss. But, don’t let that stop you – use these six tips to empower

1. UNDERSTAND YOUR BODY REALLY IS OUT TO GET YOU Our bodies crave sugar and carbs because they’re a source of quick energy that also kicks up our insulin levels. Insulin does three important things: it shuttles extra calories quickly into fat for storage, it shuts off all fat burning for energy and it lowers blood sugar. Overeating or eating too many sweet or high carb foods works against us because insulin spikes, causing us to store more fat – and proving the struggle really is real.

2. YOU LEARNED THE FORMULA FOR WEIGHT LOSS IN KINDERGARTEN

It’s simple math – eat less calories than your body burns in a day and you’ll lose weight. *Insert mic drop. No matter how the fact is that even if you stayed in bed without moving for a month to do anything, if you ate a calorie-restricted diet, you would lose weight. No matter how hard your body tries to hang onto body fat, it’s always a calorie equation, so calculate how many a day your body actually needs and stay under that number to see results.

3. THINK “FAST”

Nobody can lose weight without fasting. But fasting is just one way of saying you have to deprive your body of enough calories that it’s burning fat and glycogen (a fancy word for carbs in storage mode) instead of just running off the new calories you eat in a day.

The uncomfortable truth is you just can’t lose weight without going a little bit hungry. Embrace your hunger as getting you closer to your goals, one calorie at a time.

BY DARREN FARNESI, MD

4. SKIP THE #TRENDYDIETPLAN There are hundreds of different diet plans out there. They all work as long as you eat fewer calories than you burn in a day. Just pick the one that works best for you or make your own healthy eating plan that makes you happy and stick with it long-term. And count calories on your own or using a plan – it’s the only way you can balance the scales, pun intended.

5. WANT TO EAT MORE? PICK UP A DUMBBELL!

Your metabolism is a calorie-burning machine that can be boosted two ways: through eating and exercise. Sadly, we can’t eat more and expect to lose weight by boosting our metabolism.

Exercise is the secret to keeping your metabolism at a high, healthy level, plus staying active will keep you feeling happier too. The cherry on top is the more you exercise and burn calories, the more calories you’ll earn back for your plate while still balancing your daily intake.

and what they are, what it will feel like when you reach your goal, what people will say, and what you will say to yourself.

At Medical Age Management, our team works together with people just like you to achieve their health and wellness goals by helping you look and truly feel younger. We welcome the opportunity to speak with you about your own health goals and choices so you can get the most out of life every single day starting today.

6. DON’T LET YOUR BODY PUT YOU IN THE DOGHOUSE

Staying healthy and losing weight is a journey, one that’s much like a relationship with yourself. If you can learn to calmly and gracefully accept the challenges your body poses, you are more likely to successfully be in control. Research has shown that you are actually more likely to be able to say “no” to temptation if the fact that you are craving something doesn’t make you stressed. If you slip up, the best thing you can do is show yourself kindness and compassion like a friend would – it’ll make you less likely to screw up again.

WILLPOWER FOR THE WIN!

Start every day psyching yourself up about your weight loss goals. When you have the sudden urge for something sweet or fatty, stop and do some and cravings, understand why they are there, remember why you have goals

3911 Normal St. San Diego, CA 92103 (619) 795-6700 ManageYourAge.com

GROOVE | SOUND DECISIONS 5.10 SLAYER @ Valley View Casino Center, valleyviewcasinocenter.com Metal’s most dangerous band is hanging it up after 37 years of incessant head-banging and mosh pits. This farewell world tour also features performances from Anthrax, Lamb of God, Testament and Behemoth.

5.11 HOT SNAKES @ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com After taking over the Casbah two months ago, San Diego rock godfather Swami John Reis and longtime collaborator Rick Froberg bring their long-running band to a much larger venue. The first Hot Snakes studio album in 14 years, Jericho Sirens, was released in March.

5.11 TECH N9NE @ House of Blues, houseofblues.com/sandiego Tech N9ne, aka Kansas City rapper Aaron Dontez Yates, returns to San Diego in support of his 18th studio album, Planet.

Released in March, the 19-song collection features collaborations with one-time San Diegan Snow Tha Product, Machine Gun Kelly, King Iso and more.

5.11 CHANNEL 933 KICKOFF @ Mattress Firm Amphitheatre, livenation.com After headlining the Valley View Casino Center one year ago by themselves, the Chainsmokers’ Andrew Taggart and Alex Pall grab some friends to join them at this star-studded summer kick-off show. Also scheduled to perform are Ne-Yo, Miguel, Meghan Trainor, Troye Sivan, Iggy Azalea, Lauv and In Real Life.

collaborative debut album, Get Up!, Harper and harmonica legend Musselwhite followed it up with last month’s No Mercy In This Land.

5.24 RUFUS WAINWRIGHT 5.13 FRANZ FERDINAND @ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com Although founding guitarist Nick McCarthy left the band, the Scottish rockers returned with their fifth studio album, Always Ascending, in February. It was produced with help from Cassius’ Phillippe Zdar.

5.17 TRICKY @ Music Box, musicboxsd.com Trip-hop pioneer Tricky, aka Bristol-born musician and producer Adrian Thaws, returns to San Diego on the heels of releasing his 13th studio album, Ununiform, last year. In additional to a long list of guest contributors, it reunites Thaws with longtime collaborator and former partner Martina Topley-Bird.

5.19 MGMT @ Civic Theatre, sandiegotheatres.org The electro-rock duo of Ben Goldwasser and Andrew VanWyngarden released their fourth album, Little Dark Age, in February.

It is the pair’s first album of new material in over five years.

@ Music Box, musicboxsd.com Still fronted by founder David Longstreth, the long-running, Brooklyn-based indie rockers return to San Diego. The band’s self-titled seventh studio album was released last year.

5.12-13, 15-16 BEN HARPER & CHARLIE MUSSELWHITE @ Belly Up, bellyup.com Damn, dudes! Four sold-out nights?!

You guys go on with your bad selves.

After winning a Grammy for their 2013 82

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@ Belly Up, bellyup.com The erudite composer and piano man hasn’t released an album since 2016’s Take All My Loves — 9 Shakespeare Sonnets, but he did drop a perfectly droll cover of Stevie Wonder’s Signed, Sealed, Delivered last year.

5.24 BILLY IDOL @ Harrah’s, harrahssocal.com It’s weird to think that Bill Gates, Bill Nye and Billy Idol are all the same age. But the blondest and most rock and roll of that triple Bill continues to fist-pump, snarl and cry for “More, more, more!” night after night. How? He stays in shape with all that dancing by himself.

5.25 GEORGE CLINTON & PARLIAMENT FUNKADELIC @ Music Box, musicboxsd.com The captain of Parliament Funkadelic’s spaceship was just here in March for a solo excursion. It went so well that he’s returning just two months later with the pioneering Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-inducted collective that he founded and has led since 1968.

5.26 KIMBRA & SON LUX 5.22 GODSPEED YOU! BLACK EMPEROR @ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com While they took a hiatus between 2003 and 2010, this Canadian experimental collective released their sixth studio album, Luciferian Towers, last September.

@ Belly Up, bellyup.com The Grammy-winning New Zealand siren released her third studio album, Primal Heart, last month. She joins forces with New York post-rock trio Son Lux, who released their fifth studio album, Brighter Wounds, in February.

5.27 SOFI TUKKER 5.22 THE HEAD AND THE HEART

5.12 DIRTY PROJECTORS

more than five years now and just released the band’s third album, Whatever It Takes, on Daptone Records in February.

@ Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, as.sdsu.edu/calcoast The Seattle-based folk-pop sextet released their third album, Signs of Light, last September. After releasing two albums with Sup Pop Records, the band’s recent 13-song collection was released by Warner Bros.

@ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com Riding the success of their song Best Friend, which was featured in Apple’s iPhoneX commercials last September, the New York-based EDM duo hits San Diego after releasing their debut studio album, Treehouse, last month.

5.23 JAMES HUNTER SIX

5.31 LORD HURON

@ Belly Up, bellyup.com English soul singer James Hunter has released a slew of records on his own, and also with Howlin’ Wilf & The Vee-Jays. He’s performed as the James Hunter Six for

@ House of Blues, houseofblues.com/sandiego The L.A.-based indie folk quartet released their third studio album, Vide Noir, last month.

5.24 @ Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, as.sdsu.edu/calcoast New York dream-pop duo Phantogram joins forces with NorCal chillwave composer Tycho for a bi-coastal double dip of electro goodness.

ANGELA WEISS/AFP/GETTY IMAGES

@PACIFICSD

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5.28 @ Valley View Casino Center, valleyviewcasinocenter.com One of last year’s KAABOO headliners, Pink (aka Alecia Moore) returns to America’s Finest City on her Beautiful Trauma World Tour.

The 40-date run is named after the singer’s seventh studio album released last October.

PHOTO BY KEVIN WINTER/GETTY IMAGES

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GROOVE

Spin Cycle May EDM and DJ performances

BY SCOTT MCDONALD

5.4 BARELY ALIVE @ Bassmnt, bassmntsd.com The Massachusetts-based dubstep duo appeared on Rampage Recordings’ Sampler 03 EP in February, and followed it by teaming with Ghastly on the Aprilreleased single Fake U Out.

TRITONAL 5.4

@ OMNIA, omnianightclub.com David Reed and Chad Cisneros, the Texas-based DJ/producer duo who partnered with The Chainsmokers on 2015’s Until You Were Gone, have made music together for more than a decade. Their latest single, February’s Out My Mind (feat. Riley Clemmons), was released as a club mix last month.

5.5 VICE

5.11 RUSKO

@ OMNIA, omnianightclub.com It’s a Cinco de Mayo party with L.A.-based DJ Vice, aka Eric Aguirre, who also owns the CRSVR clothing/shoe boutiques located in Santa Barbara and Las Vegas.

@ OMNIA, omnianightclub.com When British DJ/producer Rusko was in San Diego last April, he was happily getting pelted by paint at Life in Color’s 10-year anniversary show. It must’ve provided some inspiration, because he’s already released five singles — Guérilla, Look Out!, Kolamaya, Flash Gordon and Hot — so far in 2018.

5.5 ANDREA OLIVA @ Bang Bang, bangbangsd.com The Swiss DJ, producer and one-time Ibiza wunderkind released his three-song single, Preset the Reset, last December with remixes from Philip Bader and Reset Robot.

5.6 CLAPTONE @ Quartyard, quartyardsd.com Celebrate Quartyard’s new location with a set from this CRSSD Fest veteran. The mysterious, masked German house DJ and producer is sure to play plenty of fresh cuts from his upcoming new album, Fantast, set for release in June.

5.11 ZAYTOVEN @ Parq, parqsd.com The German-born, Atlanta-based Grammywinning producer and DJ has worked with the likes of Usher, Future, Migos, Lil Uzi Vert and Gucci Mane. In March, he collaborated with Waka Flocka Flame and Big Bank on the eight-song album, Brick House Boyz.

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5.11 PAN-POT + LEE K @ Bang Bang, bangbangsd.com German tech-house duo Pan-Pot (Tassilo Ippenberger and Thomas Benedix) teams up with San Diego’s own Lee K for a sweet double bill.

5.25 ARMIN VAN BUUREN @ OMNIA, omnianightclub.com Last at OMNIA in September, the veteran Dutch DJ, producer, Grammy nominee and co-founder of Armada Music has been DJ Mag’s No. 1 DJ a record five times. His latest release, the two-disc, 42-track mix, A State of Trance 2018, came out last month.

5.25, 26 MY LED USA @ Valley View Casino Center, valleyviewcasinocenter.com The kids are fast, man. Tickets for this two-night, 18+, Memorial Day weekend extravaganza featuring Galantis, RL Grime,

3LAU, Habstrakt, Hotel Garuda, ARMNHMR and more, are long sold out.

5.26 STAFFORD BROTHERS @ Parq, parqsd.com The Australian-born, L.A.-based DJ siblings have already collaborated with the likes of MAKJ, Timmy Trumpet, Lil Wayne, T.I. and Rick Ross. Their January-released single, The Money (feat. Waka Flocka Flame), got its own 3-track remix EP last month.

5.27 BENNY BENASSI @ Bassmnt, bassmntsd.com After releasing a handful of new singles last year, the globe-hopping Grammy-winning Italian DJ and record producer collaborated with UK singer/rapper Yxng Bane on the pair’s April-released latest single, Vroom.

5.27 NGHTMRE @ OMNIA, omnianightclub.com Connecticut-born/L.A.-based producer Tyler Marenyi follows up his latest encore performance with another. After helping shut down 2017 at OMFG!’s NYE two-day extravaganza at Valley View Casino Center, the trap DJ hit S.D. again in January. He’s back once again, this time on the heels of his April-released collaboration with Dillon Francis, Another Dimension (YOOKiE Remix).

5.27

NIPSEY HUSSLE

@ Fluxx, fluxxsd.com After spending the last decade dropping four mixtapes, L.A. rapper Nipsey Hussle finally released his official debut album, Victory Lap, earlier this year. It features guest appearances from Kendrick Lamar, Puff Daddy, CeeLo Green, YG and more.

PHOTO BY JEROD HARRIS/GETTY IMAGES

@PACIFICSD

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LOVE | BLIND DATE

SOMETHING IN THE AIR

Blind daters bounce back after an agonizing drive on I-5

BY MICHAEL BENNINGER | PHOTOS BY DAVID BROOKS | MATCHMAKER JESSICA PELLIGRA

Pacific Beach locals Brittany and Nate are about to meet for the first time in what might be the longest car ride of their lives. First, the EPIC Limo picked up Brittany, a budding event planner. And minutes later, it arrived at Nate’s place, where the jetpack instructor’s roommates strummed guitars and serenaded Brittany as their fun-loving friend climbed inside the luxurious ride.

With the ice now sufficiently broken, the daters buckle up and crack open a couple beers to enjoy during the drive to tonight’s first destination: Carlsbad’s House of Air trampoline park. While Brittany and Nate spend some time getting to know each other in the limo, let’s review their pre-date interviews to learn more about each of them.

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Where are you from, and where do you live now?

BRITTANY: I’m originally from a little town in Maryland called St. Michaels. I moved to Pacific Beach about three and a half years ago and definitely plan on staying in California.

NATE: I’m from Oregon. Now I live in Pacific Beach.

What do you do for a living?

BRITTANY: I’m an administrative assistant, but I’ve recently started transitioning into events. I just threw my first event at the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego. It was called Canines & Cocktails, and it benefited the organization I adopted my pup from. It was a huge success!

NATE: I film and fly jetpacks at Mission Bay Sportcenter.

Why are you going on a blind date in PACIFIC? BRITTANY: Well, this isn’t something I would normally do, but 2018 is all about trying new things.

NATE: PACIFIC’s matchmaker wants to laugh at me.

What do you do for fun?

BRITTANY: I recently started becoming more of a morning person, so I love waking up early and going to yoga. That really helps to start my day off right! But my favorite thing to do since getting my dog Roo back in December is taking her to the dog park with friends.

NATE: I love to surf, and I try to play drums in my roommates’ band, but they say I’m not good enough to join.

LOVE | BLIND DATE What are you best at?

BRITTANY: I may or may not be a pro at making sandwiches.

NATE: It wasn’t chosen, but I’m best at the technological side of the world. But I still think my Creed impression is the most talented thing I can do.

What do you suck at?

BRITTANY: Keeping up with the Kardashians.

I’m not really your go-to person for celebrity gossip or pop culture.

NATE: I’m usually the guy that ruins it for the team in Flip Cup. My heart is racing just thinking about it.

What are you looking for in a date, physically and/or otherwise?

BRITTANY: I’m a sucker for tall men with dark hair and pretty eyes, but if you’re driven, have a sense of humor and don’t take yourself too seriously, then looks don’t really matter. Bonus points if you’re active and enjoy doing things outdoors! Oh, and you have to love animals.

NATE: I sometimes have a dark sense of humor, so it would be great if that doesn’t make it awkward. Physically, I like feminine necks, which sounds weird…

Describe your special brand of sex appeal in five words or less.

BRITTANY: Umm, what?

NATE: Easy. Mysterious.

What do you like least about yourself ?

BRITTANY: My indecisiveness. Trying to work on it!

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NATE: Putting too many eggs in too many baskets. That isn’t sexual innuendo, I just seem to spread myself pretty thin with too many “great” ideas that I think I have.

How many people have you slept with?

BRITTANY: (Laughs) Nice try! A lady never tells.

NATE: Enough to know where that pesky clitoris thing is.

Rate yourself on a scale from one to 10 for looks.

BRITTANY: Well, damn, I don’t know, an eight?

NATE: I was pretty hot, like 10 years ago, now I’m sliding down the scale. Currently at a seven and falling.

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

BRITTANY: Weird and fun.

NATE: Fun and quick-witted.

Rate yourself on a scale from one to 10 for personality.

BRITTANY: Probably also an eight. Honestly, who would write 10s for these questions?

NATE: I can be pretty hard-headed at times, so I’m going with a seven.

What’s your biggest fear?

BRITTANY: Shark-infested tidal waves. I’m not afraid of the ocean or anything, but I have these strange recurring nightmares where giant waves with sharks swimming in them are about to drown me on a beach.

NATE: What if you just lost your mind and were living a nightmare you couldn’t stop? Try to sleep now, I dare ya.

What traits might your date exhibit that would be complete deal-breakers?

BRITTANY: How they act in a restaurant. If they don’t know how to treat a waitress, then they definitely don’t know how to treat a woman.

NATE: If she begins every sentence with “me” or “I.” I won’t leave the date, but you’ll see me ordering a lot more alcohol.

Will the night end with a kiss, something more or something less?

BRITTANY: If there’s a spark, then a kiss might be on the table. Who knows!

NATE: My wife is going to hate me, but I’m usually OK with a kiss if sparks fly.

What’s the most important thing in the world?

BRITTANY: Family and my friends who have become my family. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them!

NATE: Is this question mocking me for not being in love? Very funny.

What’s typically a 30- to 40-minute drive in light traffic from P.B. to Carlsbad stretches to well beyond an hour thanks to the countless other cars on the road. The once colorful sky is now darkening shades of blue, and Nate’s bladder is about to bust from all the beer he’s imbibed. Who could’ve guessed traffic on the 5 would be this bad during rush hour?

Finally, though, the red river of brake lights thins and the limo arrives at the House of Air in time for Nate to relieve himself. Now it’s time for the daters to slip into some grippy socks before the bouncing begins.

JUMPING FOR JOY

Brittany and Nate test their aerial acrobatics Carlsbad’s House of Air is a recreational facility offering indoor rock climbing, ninja obstacle courses and tons of trampoline-centric activities including trampoline dodgeball and a trampoline dunk zone.

It doesn’t take long for Nate to find his footing and start flipping across dozens of connected trampolines surrounded by equally elastic angled walls. Brittany is also quick to get the hang of things, though she’s a bit more reserved than her adrenaline-addicted date. The two spend the better part of an hour jumping and rock climbing, and they ultimately attempt the House of Air’s unforgettable 20-foot freefall experience.

When Brittany and Nate are equally exhausted (and the House of Air is about to close for the night), the daters quickly change into their evening attire and get back into the limo for a short trip to Pisco Rotisserie & Cevicheria, Carlsbad’s hot new Peruvian restaurant.

Upon arrival at Pisco, Brittany and Nate

are whisked away to a cozy table, where they begin to feast on a world of flavors known as Novoandina, an emerging style of Peruvian cuisine that puts a fresh spin on indigenous ingredients. After the daters have time to throw back a few drinks and nosh on some shared plates, we split them up for mid-date debriefings.

How’s it going so far?

BRITTANY: It’s going really well. I’m having fun.

NATE: It’s going very well. I think she’s a nice lady.

What were you first impressions of your date?

BRITTANY: Well, he brought out his roommates to play guitar and serenade me. So I could tell he had a sense of humor, so that was good. That was funny.

NATE: My first impression is that she was very pretty and she seemed down to earth.

Is this the type of person you’d normally date?

BRITTANY: Um, yeah. I would think so, I guess.

I haven’t really figured out exactly my type of person, but they have to be funny and adventurous, and he seems to be both of those things.

NATE: No. She’s kind of a “downtown girl,” it seems like. She works downtown, chills downtown.

So probably not normally, because I would never run into her.

What do you think of the way your date is dressed?

BRITTANY: I like the way that he’s dressed. I will say, I came prepared for the trampoline park first, so he appeared overdressed at first. But he brought a change of clothes, so he has good style.

NATE: I don’t like her shoes. No, I’m just kidding, I’ve never seen her shoes. I have no idea what she’s wearing… She is dressed lovely, I like her dress right now. And she came in workout clothes, which is cool. @PACIFICSD

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LOVE | BLIND DATE How was your experience at House of Air? BRITTANY: It was really fun! It was cool that we had the place pretty much to ourselves. I liked the big drop part; that was fun. And rock climbing at the end was really fun too, because I haven’t done that in a while.

NATE: It was so much fun! I feel like I ignored her most of the time. I was just having so much fun that I didn’t even pay attention to her. I felt kind of bad. I wanted to do flips and tricks and stuff. I feel like I could have paid more attention to her.

How is your experience at Pisco so far?

BRITTANY: It’s awesome. The Prickly Pear Pisco Sour is pretty amazing and the ceviche is awesome. I like Peruvian food. I haven’t had it in a long time. It’s really good.

NATE: It’s good, I’m full, sitting at the table right now and I’m very full.

What’s the most attractive thing your date has done so far?

BRITTANY: Hmm... He always lets me go first when we go through a door. I feel like that’s important.

NATE: I felt like the most attractive thing is that she just took that big leap off of that big drop, and I thought that was really, really attractive because she wasn’t scared to take risks.

What’s the least attractive thing your date has done so far?

BRITTANY: I don’t know if I would say anything is least attractive. Now that I’m thinking about it… I don’t know.

NATE: ( Jokes) She farted really loud and that was a little bit weird. Oh, she does do the whole, “I,” “I,” “I,” “me,” “me,” “me,” “me” thing. Like, I feel like I’m asking all the questions, and she’s like, “Oh, me,” “Oh, I,” “Oh, me,” “Oh, I,” “Oh, me,” “Oh, I.” It’s never like, “Oh, how did you do with that thing?” I just keep asking her questions about everything that she does, and she doesn’t. That’s the least attractive thing, but she doesn’t do it that much.

FROM TOP: Nate and Brittany pose outside of House of Air in Carlsbad; the exterior of Pisco Rotisserie & Cevicheria, a Peruvian restaurant in Carlsbad; the ceiling of Pisco is covered with colorful umbrellas.

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Rate your date on a scale from 1 to 10 for looks BRITTANY: I would say a 9.

NATE: 9.

And for personality?

BRITTANY: I’d say a 9 too.

NATE: She has a great personality. I’d say a 9.

What’s your date’s most attractive physical quality?

BRITTANY: Physically? He has good hands.

NATE: Just physical? She has nice teeth.

What’s your date’s least attractive quality?

BRITTANY: Least attractive quality?

That’s a hard one. Well, I don’t know… I would say, that he did reveal to me that he kissed a guy, and that it hurt because he had a beard and it was prickly.

NATE: I don’t find her unattractive, except for the “I,” “I,” “I” thing.

Do you want to kiss your date right now?

BRITTANY: Maybe after I drink one more drink… I don’t know, I might be a little prickly. Maybe after the fried rice, I could handle it.

NATE: Like, with you staring at me? I’d probably kiss her. I’m a slut.

Does your date want to kiss you?

BRITTANY: I don’t know. We might have to get one more drink in us before we figure out the vibe.

NATE: I don’t really know.

How and when will the date end?

BRITTANY: Probably after one of us finishes the “brown hole”? (Editor’s note: The “brown hole” became an inside joke on the date after the daters were served cotton candy with cinnamon on top that looked like a brown hole.)

NATE: I hope we can have some beers in the limo. And then have anal sex in there on the way back.

Anything you’d like to add?

BRITTANY: I have a tip for next time: Maybe don’t do beer and long car rides plus traffic so the date doesn’t have to potentially pee out the window. That didn’t happen, but he wanted to. He was close.

He asked me to finish my beer so just in case, he could have two bottles, because he didn’t think he could stop at just one.

NATE: I recommend the Capitan cocktail. It’s quite nice.

AS PERU USUAL

Brittany and Nate finish dinner at Pisco before heading back to P.B.

With thoughts of cotton candy and the “brown hole” swirling around, are Nate’s back-door ambitions about to take shape? The daters return to their seats to finish what’s left of their meal and, since it’s getting late, we give the daters some space and follow up the next day to find out what we missed.

How was your experience and dinner at Pisco?

BRITTANY: It was great. Everything was really good, the food was really different and interesting.

It was cool. It was a good change of pace.

NATE: Good! The food was really, really good.

I had a really good drink. I think they stopped serving alcohol at 9:30 or 10, I can’t remember.

That was the only thing.

What did you eat and drink there?

BRITTANY: We had the ceviche, and we had empanadas. We also had a pork-fried rice with a sunny-side up egg on top that was really good.

And we had the grilled octopus, and I got the Prickly Pear Pisco Sour, and that was awesome.

NATE: I had the Capitan, which was basically a whiskey drink. And then we had the empanadas,

and the ceviche was really good. And then they brought out cotton candy.

Where did you go and what did you do for the rest of the evening after dinner?

BRITTANY: After dinner, it was kind of late, so I ended up going back to my friend’s benefit in Mission Beach. Her dad passed away of prostate cancer, so she had a charity fundraiser at Single Fin Surf Grill. Nate went home.

NATE: Afterward, she had a memorial thing to go to. She invited me to go to that, but I don’t know, that’s kind of morbid. So we drank some tequila in the car and parted ways.

When did you get home?

BRITTANY: I got home probably at midnight.

NATE: I think 11? Maybe 10:30?

Was there a kiss or romantic exchange?

BRITTANY: No kiss, but there was a hug.

NATE: No, she gave me her number. That was it.

What’s the funniest thing that happened during the date?

BRITTANY: Funniest thing was probably when we had the super long car ride in traffic and he had to pee really bad. It was kind of funny watching him struggle through that.

NATE: The funniest thing was at my own expense. There was a car on the way there that had a flag on it, and it was waving a lot in the distance, and I thought it was a bird. I was like, “What is that bird doing?” And she was like, “That’s a flag.” And I was like, “OK, I’m dumb.”

What was the best part of the date and why?

BRITTANY: The best part was definitely the freefall part at the trampoline park. That was really fun and something I’ve never done before.

It was cool because it was kind of scary and it puts you out of your comfort zone. But I kind of went ahead and jumped. I didn’t really give myself enough time to think about it.

NATE: I thought the best part was the jump thing at House of Air, where it’s a big fall, like 15 feet. I thought that was cool because I got to see how she’s cool with pushing her limits and she’s a risk taker. @PACIFICSD

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What was the worst part of the date and why?

BRITTANY: Honestly, probably sitting in traffic on the long car ride.

NATE: The worst part was the drive up to House of Air, because I almost peed my pants.

Will there be a second date? Why or why not?

BRITTANY: Probably. I’ve talked to him today.

He was a cool guy, so hopefully we’ll link up again after. He lives near me, too, so we’ll most likely run into each other anyways.

NATE: Maybe. I don’t really know. We just texted, we’re kind of texting already. I’ll probably ask her on a second date.

What’s one thing your date really should know before going on another date?

BRITTANY: Use the restroom before getting in the car.

NATE: I think she did fine. I only have positive things to say. She’s down to earth and cool to talk to. She should be like how she was on our date.

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CLOCKWISE (from upper left): The Prickly Pear Pisco Sour, a drink consisting of Pisco Quebranta, prickly pear purée, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, egg whites and Chuncho bitters; Nate and Brittany enjoy cocoa-dusted cotton candy for dessert; beef empanadas made with panca, red onion, mozzarella and huancaina sauce; the Plancha Marina, consisting of salmon, octopus, seasonal vegetables, fingerling potatoes, chimichurri and spicy nikei sauce.

What could have made this date better?

BRITTANY: Colder beers and more tequila.

NATE: I felt like we didn’t really get a whole lot of alone time, I guess, like, the drive back and the drive there, really. But there wasn’t really alone time, you know what I mean? We were always around somebody. We didn’t really have alone time to hang out. I mean, we could have obviously done it afterwards, but I didn’t really want to go to a funeral thing.

Anything else you’d like to add?

BRITTANY: It was really fun, it was an awesome idea for a date. It was cool. I think it’s fun. Something that people don’t normally do, so it was a good experience.

NATE: No, I think that pretty much sums it up.

AFTERMATCH: It’s a shame Brittany’s charity fundraiser killed Nate’s buzz, otherwise who knows how this date would’ve ended. It sounds like they’re both already thinking about

date number two, though, so perhaps talk of the “brown hole” is still on the table. Hopefully, Nate will keep us posted. Bottoms up!

EDITOR’S NOTE:

Daters’ answers may have been edited for length and clarity.

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