PACIFIC San Diego Magazine, May 2019

Who makes San Diego’s

Best

Margarita?

30 venues compete to answer the question! #margaritamonth

May 2019

PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM

+

HIGH STAKES, SERIOUS STEAKS, FUNNY PEOPLE, STAGE PERFORMANCES, EPIC EVENTS AND CONCERTS TO ROCK OUT TO

Relax responsibly ®.

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EDITOR’S NOTE

I

may be dating myself a bit, but remember that Wendy’s commercial from the ’80s? In it, three sweetlooking blue-haired ladies examining a hamburger on a table and when more bun than meat is seen, one exclaims with some force, “Where’s the beef?!” (If you don’t know, YouTube it.) It used to be I couldn’t help but think of that very commercial every time I wanted to go out for a steak dinner in San Diego.

Lately, however, beef seems to be in abundance around town (sorry, my vegan and vegetarian friends). Steakhouses are popping up left and right and more are still to come.

And not only are the carnivorous choices more bountiful, but the level to which they are being elevated is highly noteworthy.

It would be a shame to write about San Diego steakhouses without first giving a nod to the old-school staples. Places like the Red Fox Room, Bully’s East and the now-departed Albie’s Beef Inn have provided countless quality steak dinners to diners with a full plate of retro vibes. Walk into these places and you can almost still see wisps of cigarette smoke of yesteryear swirling with the dim lighting above red-leather tufted booths.

Some of San Diego’s newest steakhouses have gone the way of their predecessors, with luxe seating nestled among rich wood trims and backdrops (see Born & Raised in Little Italy), but many are now choosing to shine a light on steaks with big, open dining areas with nearly floor-to-ceiling windows and large decorative chandeliers (see Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse on the waterfront or the new Bull and Bourbon at Sycuan Casino Resort, which we cover further on page 56).

To home in on the growing steakhouse movement around San Diego County, here are a few new-school and soon-to-come restaurants to put on your radar.

COWBOY STAR, East Village

Cowboy Star opened the door and set the bar for steakhouses in San Diego when the restaurant and butcher shop (that didn’t intend on being labeled a steakhouse) opened in the East Village. In a 2016 interview with its trio of owners, Jon Weber explained, “In 2008, we were putting linen on tables when everyone was taking them off and going bistro style.”

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E DUA RDO CON TRE RAS

A cut above STK

The recipe seems to have worked — very well in fact, as the restaurant pushes on through its 11th year in its ever-evolving downtown neighborhood.

640 10th Ave., East Village, 619.450.5880, cowboystarsd.com

BORN & RAISED, Little Italy

This swanky, no-expenses spared $6.5 million steakhouse from CH Projects (Polite Provisions, Craft & Commerce) was explained perfectly in a 2017 article from PACIFIC’s parent company, The San Diego UnionTribune, when food writer Michele Parente wrote, “It’s where the snazz-o-meter veers off the charts, as the city’s most dapper denizens clink martini glasses, toss around bon mots and revel in their good fortune of snagging a reservation at this clubby chophouse.”

1909 India St., Little Italy, 619.202.4577, bornandraisedsteak.com

THE BUTCHER’S CUT STEAKHOUSE, Gaslamp

Filling the space of the short-lived Route 29, this steakhouse is in good company among beef-forward sister restaurants Greystone and Osetra. Open just a short time now, the space boasts tall ceilings with iron and wood accents and plenty of opportunities for private party dining. The menu pulls from San Diego’s beer scene with an IPA Top Sirloin Steak on its dinner menu.

644 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.235.8144, butcherscutsteakhouse.com

STK, Gaslamp

After much delay, this steakhouse opened on the street-level floor of the Andaz hotel in 2017. The restaurant is part of The One Group, which has STK locations across the country including in Las Vegas, New York City and South Beach. The brightly lit space switches on the fuchsia mood lighting and turns up the music when the sun goes down.

Try the dry-aged Delmonico steak here.

600 F St., Gaslamp, 619.354.5988, stksteakhouse.com/venues/san-diego

LOU & MICKEY’S, Gaslamp

By no means a newbie to the San Diego steakhouse scene, it’s worth a mention that this Gaslamp restaurant, which opened in 2002, recently add a state-of-the-art dry-aging room where steaks will be butchered in-house then aged for up to 60 days.

224 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.237.4900, louandmickeys.com

DEL FRISCO’S DOUBLE EAGLE, Embarcadero Floor-to-ceiling windows with views overlooking the San Diego Bay is part of the luxe atmosphere at this recently opened steakhouse inside the InterContinental Hotel.

The high-end restaurant has several locations along the Eastern Seaboard, throughout Texas and scattered west of the Rockies. The signature dish here is “The Double Eagle” 45day dry-aged double bone prime ribeye.

901 Bayfront Ct., Suite 105, Embarcadero, 619.272.5060, delfriscos.com/steakhouse/sandiego

HUNTRESS, Gaslamp San Diego’s RMD Group (Side Bar, Rustic Root) will open a “sophisticated steakhouse and whisky society” led by executive chef James Montejano (formerly of Cardiff Seaside Market). With a planned opening sometime this summer, the restaurant’s website promises “every steak goes through a special dryaging process for mouth-watering texture, and is butter-poached for tenderness before being cooked to perfection using a Japanese Binchotan coal-fired grill.”

376 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.955.5750, huntresssteak.com Get out and steak your claim!

Cheers,

Leslie Hackett leslie@pacificsandiego.com

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2019

We’ve been nominated for San Diego’s ‘Best Of’ for BRUNCH! Come try our Brunch & Nominate us by May 8

Volume #13 | Issue #5 | May 2019

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / DIGITAL DIRECTOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR MANAGING EDITOR

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

Since 1968.

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BaY F FE Es st tIIVa Vall !!

STAFF WRITER COPY EDITOR CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

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CONTRIBUTING DESIGNERS

Leslie Hackett Kenny Boyer Jennifer Ianni Sara Butler Monica Hodes-Smail Michael Benninger, Lisa Deaderick, James Hebert, Scott McDonald, Michele Parente, Peter Rowe David Brooks, James Tran Ani Arambula, Gregory Schmidt, Anthony Tarantino

MUSIC, DANCE FOOD & FUN! 4 Days of Live Music & Good Food!

100+ Performances on 7 Stages!

7,500+ sq feet of Dance Floors

Delicious Cajun Food Louisiana Specialties!

110,000 lbs of Fresh Crawfish!

Gumbo Cook-Off!

MAY 9–12 SPANISH LANDING PARK

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES

Paul Ingegneri

SALES MANAGER

Katie Musolf

MULTIMEDIA ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES CAMPAIGN COORDINATOR DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

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MAY 2019 @PACIFICSD

CONTENTS MAY 2019

CURRENTS 14 Five.Nineteen

May events calendar 32 Laughing Stock

May stand-up

comedy shows PULSE 38 Art Beat

May gallery +

exhibition openings 44 Curtain Calls

May performing

arts preview

TASTE 56 High Steaks

Sycuan Casino

hits the jackpot

with swanky new steakhouse 64 Full Plate

May food +

drink happenings 66 Take it From the Tap

A monthly taste of

beer from here GROOVE 68 Sounds Like a Plan

May concert calendar 86 Take a Spin

Upcoming EDM +

DJ performances LOVE 88 Getting Lucky

A pair of blind

daters go all in

at Sycuan

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ON THE COVER: In 2018, Volcano Rabbit’s Passionfruit Margarita wowed the crowd and took home the coveted People’s Choice prize at the Margarita Month Grand Tasting Event. This year, as part of their prize, their Pinche Gonzalez margarita is our cover, made with Milagro Tequila, housemade cinnamon infused orgeat, fresh lime juice, Piloncillo simple syrup, Naranja Mexican Orange Liqueur and a float of Deadhead Mexican Chocolate Rum. See all of the competing Margarita Month drinks on page 47 and visit margaritamonth.com for more information.

ON THIS PAGE: May brings DJs like Audien, Rich the Kid, Steve Aoki, Diplo and Mihalis Safras (pictured) to San Diego’s nightclubs. See the full EDM lineup on page 86.

CURRENTS WHAT’S HAPPENING RIGHT NOW

BY MICHAEL BENNINGER

5.3

PARTY LIKE GATSBY

Observatory, North Park partylikegatsby.us Stand in awe of more than 20 circus, cabaret and vaudeville performers at this immersive, 1920s-themed experience where guests are expected to dress in their finest Gatsby-inspired duds.

T O W IN T IC K E T S , S E E PA G E 2 3 !

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Now Open NORTH PARK

LA MESA

3028 University Ave, San Diego, CA, 92104

ENCINITAS

8325 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA, 91942

IMPERIAL BEACH

805 Ocean Lane, Imperial Beach, CA 91932

COMING SOON PACIFIC BEACH

SORRENTO VALLEY

www.citytacossd.com Follow us!

citytacossd

@citytacos

C URRENT S | EV E NTS

5.1 THE GREAT LOVE DEBATE WITH BRIAN HOWIE

Music Box, downtown, greatlovedebate.com One of America’s leading dating enthusiasts hosts an episode of his hit podcast, pitting guys versus gals during a series of interactive improv sketches about love, sex and romantic relationships.

5.3 SECRET SOCIETY OF ADULTOLOGISTS: GARDEN PARTY

San Diego Natural History Museum, Balboa Park, sdnhm.org Discover what makes San Diego’s flora so special by chatting with scientists, artists and gardeners at this adults-only, after-hours garden party peppered with croquet, crafts and creative cocktails.

5.2-6 WEST COAST WEEKENDER

Viejas Casino & Resort, Alpine, westcoastweekender.net World-class talent from San Diego’s underground scene perform at this boutique music festival filled with engaging panels, creative workshops and live performances from dusk till dawn.

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ABOUT BROADSTONE MAKERS QUARTER Bearing the name of its surrounding neighborhood,

townhomes. Residents of this community will enjoy

Broadstone Makers Quarter is a community of

a vast array of custom-designed amenities, courtesy

entrepreneurs, artists and makers, situated in the

of BASILE Studio. These include an outdoor oasis

heart of San Diego’s East Village and inspired by

featuring a zero-edge pool, hot tub and cabanas,

the Maker Movement.

a state-of-the-art fitness center with Technogym,

This highly anticipated 265-unit development

TRX and Peloton Equipment, and a creative work/

includes a combination of studios, one- and

maker space boasting 3D-printing stations

two-bedroom apartments, and innovative 3-story

and collaborative work tables.

619.595.1601

FORGE DON’T FOLLOW

1601 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101

BROADSTONEMAKERSQUARTER.COM

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CINCO DE MAYO!

5.4 CINCO BY THE BAY

Embarcadero Marina Park South, Marina District jamn957.iheart.com Celebrating Mexico’s rich heritage and culture, this 21+ event includes tastes of the nation’s incredible cuisine alongside sips of agave spirits, all set to a soundtrack of traditional tunes.

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5.5 THIRD ANNUAL CHULA VISTA CINCO FEST

H Street at Marina Parkway, Chula Vista, chulavistaca.gov Get your fill of food, music and interactive experiences at this festival focused on Mexican culture and history, which is expected to attract 15,000 attendees.

5.3-5 36TH ANNUAL OLD TOWN CINCO DE MAYO

Throughout Historic Old Town cincodemayooldtown.com The city’s signature Cinco celebration returns with live music, a Lowrider Lane and loads of lucha libre matches, along with food and drink specials at dozens of bars and restaurants.

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

DOWNTOWN, 92101 1BR | 1 BA | 871 SQ FT | $498,900

Sleek, modern, clean. No detail forgotten in this beautifully remodeled Petco Park stunner. Enjoy unobstructed views into Petco Park from this pristine home in Diamond Terrace!. All New wood floors, kitchen appliances, granite counters, ‘smart touch’ kitchen faucet, finished cabinets, LED lighting and fresh paint throughout. Immense closet space throughout with custom walk-in closet, kitchen with walk-in pantry, and additional space-saving features include in-wall safe and in-wall ironing board. Smart home design features voice controlled lighting, thermostat and door lock, plus automated blinds. One parking and storage unit. Explore the endless dining and entertainment options that Downtown has to offer, take in a game or walk your furry friend at Park at the Park. Diamond Terrace is named for its view into the “Baseball Diamond” infield of Petco Park. A spectacular view of home plate from the common area roof terrace, appointed with dining areas and a community BBQ, Fitness Center, and Community Lounge.

427 9th Ave #704, San Diego, CA 92101

D A N N E C K E R & A S S O C I AT E S Chad Dannecker | Broker | CalBRE#01459513 619.356.3099 | Chad@WelcomeToSanDiego.com

VISIT US ONLINE AT WELCOMETOSANDIEGO.COM WELCOME TO SAN DIEGO REAL ESTATE - DANNECKER & ASSOCIATES

C URRENT S | EVE NTS

5.4-5 SPRING SPRINT TRIATHLON, DUATHLON & AQUABIKE

Throughout Mission Bay, springsprinttri.com Now spanning two days, this event, which is suitable for experienced athletes and first-timers alike, ignites San Diego’s triathlon season and marks the first of the city’s annual Triple Crown Series.

5.3-5 BEACH SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP

Harbor Beach, Oceanside beachsoccerusa.org Teams of children, adults and professional athletes put their best feet forward during this beach soccer festival that’s focused on raising funds for local youth programs.

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5.5 PENDRY POOL HOUSE OPENING

Pendry San Diego, Gaslamp Quarter, poolhousesd.com Pendry San Diego opens its Fifth Avenue rooftop oasis by playing host to a series of relaxed daytime and evening events, revolving around an unforgettable bar experience.

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

POINT LOMA, 92106 Four newly constructed 3 bed 3.5 bath townhomes with stunning rooftop decks & panoramic/bay views in Point Loma! Open & bright floorplan features European Oak floors, custom matte white cabinets, Thermador appliances, central air & heat, ceiling fans, George Nelson fixtures, solid wood doors, palatial master retreat, all rooms- en suite, separate laundry area, huge walk-in closets & private 2 car garage. Enjoy the spacious rooftop deck with 360° views! Highly walkable location with shops, dining, harbor/marina & beach closeby!

Point Loma, 3020 Fenelon St, San Diego, CA 92106 $1,149,000 - $1,440,000

SAN DIEGO MARKET UPDATE # of homes for sale: 65 # of homes sold: 21 (Mar) Highest price: $24,995,000 Lowest price: $269,500 Average price: $1,702,164

In the 1st & 2nd quarter, rates hit 12 month lows and have remained there. With the increasing rise in rents and the growing inventory as we head into the Spring and Summer months, there could not be a better time to buy. A perfect time for sellers to list their homes as the need for inventory remains and buyers tend to become more active in their home search during these seasons. San Diego is predicted to be one of the hottest housing markets for 2019 and as the monthly rents quickly outpace monthly mortgage payments, there is no better time to make this monumental investment.

MELISSA GOLDSTEIN TUCCI

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

|

619.787.6852

|

BRE # 01380034

No. 1 ranked Coldwell Banker agent/broker and official real estate agent of the San Diego Padres.

BROKER/REALTOR (R)

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TO WIN TICKETS, SEE PAGE 23!

5.9-12 GATOR BY THE BAY

Spanish Landing Park, Harbor Island gatorbythebay.com It’s Mardi Gras all over again at this spirited four-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.

5.10-19 SIXTH ANNUAL SAN DIEGO COMEDY FESTIVAL

5.5 CARLSBAD VILLAGE FAIRE

Carlsbad Boulevard at Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad, carlsbad.org The one-day street fair returns to North County with more than 750 unique merchants, an international food center and more than 100,000 visitors from far and wide.

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Comedy Palace, Clairemont Mesa sandiegocomedyfest.com Touring headliners and hilarious comedians from around the world showcase their talent and compete for cash during this weeklong laugh-fest.

It’s a Gift

Actually, it’s a bunch of prizes Register to win tickets to these May events and more at pacificsandiego.com/contests.

Life’s cool in San Diego. Here’s proof:

OLD TOWN TEQUILA FACTORY & CANTINA (buffet style) 2467 Juan St., Old Town (across from Heritage Park) 619.260.8124 | oldtowntequilafactory.com A spectacular scenic hillside spot for your Saturday or Sunday Champagne brunch with panoramic views from the Coronado Islands, over Old Town to Mission Bay. This traditional Mexican buffet, served 9 a.m. to 2 p.m, features sizzling steak, shrimp, carnitas or chicken fajitas and includes favorites like fresh menudo and pozole, cheese enchiladas, homemade chile rellenos, agave glazed ribs, flowing Champagne and more. At $26.99 (kids under 12, $12.99), it’s perfect for bridal/baby showers, birthdays, anniversaries, holiday parties and reunions. ............................................................................................................................................................

KAISERHOF GERMAN AMERICAN RESTAURANT

(table service) 2253 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., Ocean Beach 619.224.0606 | kaiserhofrestaurant.com Enjoy Sunday brunch in Kaiserhof’s award-winning and quaint German American restaurant. Served from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. the brunch menu features dishes such as German pancakes, eggs benedict, Kaiserschmarren, steak & eggs, poached salmon, omelets and more. Includes a glass of Champagne, mimosa or orange juice and fresh rolls and butter. From $12.95. ............................................................................................................................................................

PATRON’S CORNER

94TH AERO SQUADRON (buffet style)

8885 Balboa Ave., Kearny Mesa 858.560.6771 | 94thsandiego.com Join 94th Aero Squadron Sunday for their Champagne buffet brunch. Buffet includes omelet bar and eggs benedict, Belgian waffle station, carved meats, fajita station, pasta station, dessert station, chocolate fountain and much more. Served from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with an early brunch special from 9 a.m to 10 a.m. Early pricing is $29.95 and regular pricing is $34.95 (per adult). Children ages 4-10 are $16.95.

Celebrate Memorial Day like the true ’Merican that you are at Sing Dance Crawl, a U.S.A.themed party that takes place at three yet-tobe-announced venues. Enter for a chance to win a pair of tickets. Winners chosen on May 22.

May 26 at venues throughout downtown

You Up?

Nikki Glaser, stand-up comic and host of the You Up with Nikki Glaser podcast, entertains America’s Finest City when she stops at American Comedy Co. Enter to win a pair of tickets to her May 26 show. Winners chosen on May 22.

May 26 show at American Comedy Co.

Muchos Margaritas DAVID BROOKS

(table service) 332 J Street #102, San Diego 619.255.0492 | PatronsCorner.com Patron’s Corner offers traditional recipes from Mexico like huevos rancheros or chilaquiles and American favorites like, orange cranberry pancakes and brioche French toast using fresh and organic ingredients (when possible), served on the patio or indoors in San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter. Bottomless mimosas are $12 with the purchase of an entrée. Their full service bar emphasizes tequila and mezcal, and also offers craft cocktails. An extensive vegan brunch menu is available upon request. They are also available for private events and buyouts. Served Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. and Saturday to Sunday from 9 a.m. ............................................................................................................................................................

It’s time to bring a little Louisiana to sunny San Diego at this music, food and crawfish festival, featuring dance lessons, musical performances, creole and Cajun delicacies and more. Enter for a chance to win a pair of passes to Gator by the Bay. Winners chosen on May 6.

May 9-12 at Spanish Landing Park

America, F**k Yeah

FRED ERICK M. BROWN/ GETTY IMAGES

(table service) 2660 Calhoun St., Old Town 619.297.1874 | oldtowncosmopolitan.com A blend of American and Mexican favorites served in their uniquely historic setting, either on the patio or indoors. Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with entrees starting at $7.95 and $7 mimosas and Champagne. Kids under 12 eat free (one per paid adult). Additional kids, $5.95. ............................................................................................................................................................

Gator Done

JARED GASE

OLD TOWN COSMOPOLITAN HOTEL & RESTAURANT

Grab your most dapper duds, old sport, and get ready to Party Like Gatsby at this decadent night of entertainment and music around the theme of “Spectacle Extraordinaire.” Enter for a chance to win a pair of tickets. Winners chosen on May 1.

May 3 at The Observatory North Park.

KENNETH RAY SEALS

CHINA MAX (table service) 4698 Convoy St., Kearny Mesa 858.650.3333 | chinamaxsd.com Experience the true delight of an authentic Chinese dim sum brunch, dozens of varieties (from $2.45) and their famous regular menu. Served Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. ............................................................................................................................................................

A Little Party Never Killed Nobody

Find out what happens after you taste 30 minimargaritas and get a chance to vote on the city’s top margarita at PACIFIC’s Margarita Festival and Grand Tasting Event! Enter for a chance to win a pair of tickets, which includes tasters, food, live music and more. Winners chosen on May 27.

June 1 at Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier.

Register to win at pacificsandiego.com/contests @PACIFICSD

MAY 2019

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5.11 NIGHT NATION RUN

Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar nightnationrun.com Blending a music festival and a fun run, this one-of-a-kind athletic experience includes live DJs, confetti guns, light shows, bubble zones and a surprise headliner at the ďŹ nish line after party.

5.11 CULTURA FEST SD

California Center for the Arts, Escondido, artcenter.org Attend an indigenous Aztec blessing ceremony and dance to traditional Cumbia tunes, including from Lila Downs, at this Latino festival showcasing Spanish rock bands, authentic arts and a beer garden featuring SoCal cervezas.

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5.11 23RD ANNUAL SDCCU FESTIVAL OF ARTS IN NORTH PARK

University Avenue at 30th Street, North Park northparkmainstreet.com Join more than 40,000 attendees as North Park’s yearly arts and music festival returns boasting even more mouthwatering cuisine, artistic creations and craft beer than ever before.

5.19 GRAND AVENUE FESTIVAL

Grand Avenue, downtown Escondido escondido chamber.org 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.

5.16 29TH ANNUAL BIKE TO WORK DAY

Throughout the 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 encourages locals to consider biking as an affordable and environmentally friendly choice for commuting.

5.18-19 40TH ANNUAL FIESTA DEL SOL

Fletcher Cove, Solana Beach, fiestadelsol.net This free, two-day music festival showcases an eclectic selection of live performances along with various vendors, oodles of art exhibits and gourmet food trucks galore. @PACIFICSD MAY 2019

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5.19 33RD ANNUAL BAY BRIDGE RUN/WALK

Tidelands Park, Coronado, navybaybridgerun.com Show support for San Diego’s Navy personnel during this 4-mile, one-of-a-kind run-walk across the iconic Coronado Bay Bridge toward the Island’s Tidelands Park.

5.25 11TH ANNUAL SANTEE STREET FAIR & SIXTH ANNUAL CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL

Town Center Parkway & Riverview Parkway, Santee, santeestreetfair.com Join more than 30,000 attendees at one of East County’s biggest annual events featuring local breweries, 300 food vendors and live entertainment.

PADRES HOME GAMES

5.3-5 vs Los Angeles Dodgers 5.6-8 vs New York Mets 5.16-19 vs Pittsburgh Pirates 5.20-22 vs Arizona Diamondbacks 5.31-6.2 vs Florida Marlins

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T O W IN T IC K E T S , S E E PA G E 2 3 !

5.25 SING DANCE CRAWL

Various venues around downtown San Diego singdancecrawl.com Round up your most patriotic pals for this high-energy Americana-themed party taking place at three downtown venues and bringing locals together for a good time and a great cause.

5.30-31 CONCENTRATION 2019

Pala Resort & Casino concentration2019.com Cannabis extractors and analytical scientists problem-solve, collaborate and advance solutions for conquering core challenges during this breakthrough event assembling the industry’s brightest minds for two days of exclusive content, keynote seminars and interactive exhibits.

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5.31-7.4 SAN DIEGO COUNTY FAIR — OZSOME!

Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar sdfair.com Following a theme inspired by The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the county’s signature summer event returns to Del Mar with an impressive lineup of concerts, comedians and deep-fried cuisine.

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a opt your forever frien JOIN US AT THESE A OPTION EVENTS THIS MAY! M AY 1 ST | 6 - 9 P M AT MAVERICKS

MAY 22 N D | 6-8PM AT DUCK DIVE

CURRENTS

Laughing Stock May stand-up roundup

BY MICHAEL BENNINGER

BEN GLEIB thecomedystore.com/la-jolla

5.24-26

I’m addicted to “ Instagram. … All I do now is try to find beauty in the world. Never saw beauty anywhere, but I can get ‘likes’ on it, so all I do is convert beauty into likes.

That’s all I do. … Yesterday, I pulled up in my car at a red light, and I saw this adorable 4-year-old girl by a mailbox in a ballerina costume. I started taking a picture, and I realized everything I’m doing is very inappropriate right now. Her father was like, ‘What are you doing?’ I got nervous and sped off. But, in my defense, 63 likes.

”

— Ben Gleib on Neurotic Gangster

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arguably

the Best Buns

Beach!

CURRENTS | COMEDY 5.2-4 RICKY VELEZ @ American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com

I went to Europe. F**k Europe. I hate Europe, Europe “ doesn’t know how to do shit. Someone tried to rob me the second day I was there. They don’t do it like America. They don’t do it. It’s not gun-knife-give me your s**t. No, they got these things called gypsies, and they carry fake babies, and then they wait till you’re drunk and high outside a museum, and they throw a fake baby at you and try to steal your bookbag, and that’s a weird way to rob somebody. You shouldn’t rob somebody that way. I’m a Puerto Rican from Queens, New York. I’m not catching a baby that’s not mine.

I’m not f**kin’ doing it, I’m not. I chest-bumped that motherf***er right to the floor. And then I kicked it.

— Ricky Velez on Just for Laughs PHOTO BY MARK DAVIS/GETTY IMAGES

”

5.3 SETH MEYERS @ Balboa Theatre, sandiegotheatres.org

President Trump “ claimed in a tweet this morning that Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s report from the Russia investigation is ‘the highest level of presidential harassment in U.S. history.’ I guess he’s not counting the time Abraham Lincoln got harassed at that play.

”

— Seth Meyers on Late Night with Seth Meyers PHOTO BY LLOYD BISHOP/ NBC/NBCU PHOTO BANK VIA GETTY IMAGES

5.3-5 JERMAINE FOWLER @ The Comedy Store, thecomedystore.com/la-jolla

I’m going back home for the “ holidays to see my family, and I’m excited to see my twin brother, Jerome. But, growing up, Jerome and I had a sibling rivalry, ’cause of our names. Jerome was named after my father, Jerome Sr., which is cool. That’s fine. I’m all for people naming your kids after you, but why would you do it if you had twins? … That’s rude. You don’t do that. That’s favoritism. At least name me something more creative like ‘Jerome 2.0’ or ‘I Can’t Believe He’s Not Jerome.’

”

— Jermaine Fowler on The Late Late Show with James Corden PHOTO BY JOHN SCIULLI/GETTY IMAGES FOR VULTURE FESTIVAL

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5.9-11 BRAD WILLIAMS @ American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com

People are always happy “ when they see midgets.

You can’t help it. A lot of you don’t know who I am, don’t know what TV shows I’ve been on, when I walk on stage, you’re like, ‘This is going to be good.’ You see a midget, you’re happy.

You can’t help it. No one’s ever seen a midget and yelled out, ‘Well, now my day has gone to hell.’ That has not happened. You see this, you’re smiling, you’re laughing. You know there’s a good shot you got a parade and some candy coming your way. You’re happy as hell.

”

5.9 AMANDA SEALES @ The Observatory, observatorysd.com

I believe there is such a thing as ‘whiteface’ because whiteface is what you put “ on as a black person when you’re trying to get a loan. That’s how that happens. ’Cause if you come in there like, ‘Yo, ’sup, bro?’ Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.

No. ‘Hello! My credit is amazing as you can tell by the smile on my face and this ensemble I have put on to let you know I don’t know anyone in a gang.

— Brad Williams in Fun Size

— Amanda Seales at The Stand Comedy Club

GERRY BROOME/AP PH OTO

PHOTO BY LLOYD BISHOP/NBC/NBCU PHOTO BANK VIA GETTY IMAGES

”

5.10 JERRY SEINFELD @ San Diego Civic Theatre, ticketmaster.com

I’m left-handed. Left-handed people “ do not like that the word ‘left’ is so often associated with negative things. Two left feet, left-handed compliment. ‘What are we having for dinner?’ ‘Leftovers.’

You go to a party, nobody’s there.

‘Where did everybody go?’ ‘They left.’

— Jerry Seinfeld on Jerry Before Seinfeld

”

PHOTO BY MANNY CARABEL/GETTY IMAGES

@PACIFICSD

MAY 2019

35

5.10-11 HANNAH GADSBY-DOUGLAS

CURRENTS | COMEDY

@ Balboa Theatre, sandiegotheatres.org I got a letter on Facebook

“ recently. And I say ‘letter,’ ’cause I’m very bold. Controversial.

But I call it a letter because it said, ‘Dear Hannah,’ comma, new line … ‘Bit of feedback.’

And it said, ‘You owe it to your community to come out as transgender.’ Now, all jokes aside, I really do want to do my best by my community, I really do, but that was new information to me. I don’t identify as transgender. I don’t. I mean, I’m clearly ‘gender not normal,’ but I don’t think even lesbian is the right identity-fit for me. I really don’t. I may as well come out now. I identify as … tired. I’m just tired.

”

— Hannah Gadsby-Douglas on Nanette PHOTO BY BEN KING, NETFLIX

5.10-11 JEFF ROSS @ The Comedy Store, thecomedystore.com/la-jolla

I went to the gym “ today for three hours.

I did 45 minutes of Instagram, one minute of cardio, then I went to the smoothie bar for the rest of the afternoon.

”

— Jeff Ross on Bumping Mics PHOTO BY ETHAN MILLER/GETTY IMAGES

5.11 TREVOR NOAH @ Viejas Arena, as.sdsu.edu/viejas_arena/

Alright, let’s kick it off “ with the Mueller Report. In many ways, it’s like the movie Roma. The thing everybody’s talking about, but no one has actually seen.

”

— Trevor Noah on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah PHOTO BY EMMA MCINTYRE/GETTY IMAGES

5.16-18 MICHELLE WOLF @ American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com

Of course, Trump isn’t here if you haven’t noticed. “ He’s not here, and I know, I know, I would drag him here myself, but it turns out the President of the United States is the one pu**y you’re not allowed to grab.

”

— Michelle Wolf at the 2018 White House Correspondents’ Dinner PHOTO BY NEILSON BARNARD/GETTY IMAGES

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MAY 2019 @PACIFICSD

5.16-17 SEBASTIAN MANISCALCO @ Humphrey’s by the Bay, humphreysconcerts.com

My wife … she grew up in a family where they just — they have a lot “ of time on that side. They’ve got a lot of money. … They’re the type of family that when they graduated college, they took a year off to go find themselves. Do you know people like this? They graduate and they go backpacking through Europe and stay at hostels like they’re broke? They go find themselves. That s**t don’t fly on my side. When I graduated college, I couldn’t tell my father, ‘Dad, I’m gonna go to Europe to find myself.’ ‘What do you mean go find yourself? I found you, you’re right here in my house. Where are you gonna go? You wanna see you? Go look in the mirror. You got no job, and you’re in my house. I found you. You’re here.’

”

— Sebastian Maniscalco on Stay Hungry PHOTO BY TODD ROSENBERG

5.17-19 GREG BEHRENDT @ The Comedy Store, thecomedystore.com/la-jolla

Candy is awesome. I “ love it. Candy is f**king

the greatest. … And I make this promise, and, if you ever come to my house for Halloween, let me just say this. Fun size? Fun size? Fun size? Let me say it again: Fun size? What is fun about a third of a candy bar? Yeah, tell you what, why don’t you write ‘f**k you’ on it, and then put it into the bag.

Because that’s what it is. It’s a ‘f**k you.’ And if you’re an adult and you don’t understand that, let me explain it this way: How about next Friday, we fun-size your paycheck?

”

— Greg Behrendt on Uncool PHOTO BY MANNY CARABEL/GETTY IMAGES

5.30-6.1 CHRIS DISTEFANO @ American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com

TO WIN TICKETS, SEE PAGE 23!

5.24-26 NIKKI GLASER @ American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com

That’s all that’s in my phone. Texts between “ me and men who will never love me and naked pictures. I send those, and I shouldn’t. I shouldn’t.

The cloud is not secure, but, like, neither am I. I am in need of constant validation.

”

— Nikki Glaser on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon PHOTO BY MANNY CARABEL/GETTY IMAGES

I travel, you know. You know “ where the first place I went, actually? England. I was like, ‘Oh, that’s where they invented English, so this’ll be like an easy transition.’

But I was wrong. Different words mean different things. Nobody told me that. Like, ‘last name’ is not ‘last name’ when you get there. They switch it up. It’s ‘surname.’ I didn’t know that. I get to the U.K. border, they’re like, ‘What’s your surname?’ I was like, ‘Uh, Sir Christopher Distefano.

”

— Chris Distefano on Kevin Hart’s Laugh Out Loud Network

5.31-6.2 CHRIS FRANJOLA @ The Comedy Store, thecomedystore.com/la-jolla

Why must Donald “ Trump approach every

conversation like a drunk guy about to tell you about his fantasy football picks?

”

— Chris Franjola on Twitter

@PACIFICSD

MAY 2019

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ARTS | COOLTURE ART BEAT

BY LISA DEADERICK

5.11-7.6

San Diego Art Prize at the Athenaeum

Athenaeum Music & Arts Library 1008 Wall St., La Jolla, 858.454.5872, ljathenaeum.org The two winners of the San Diego Art Prize each choose another artist to collaborate with, and this year those winners are sculptor and public artist Anne Mudge (working with designer and furniture maker Erin Dace Behling), and Robert Matheny, who works in multiple visual art forms (collaborating with visual and performance artist Max Daily).

Untitled by Anne Mudge

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PULSE | ART BEAT

Art Beat

May gallery + exhibit openings

BY LISA DEADERICK

5.3 MAY YOU ALWAYS SEE MAGIC Porto Vista Hotel (rooftop), 1835 Columbia St., Little Italy, 619.544.0164, 1805gallery.com Local artist Sarah Stieber has completed a mural on display on the hotel’s rooftop, inspired by her Glow with the Flow series, which focuses on women reflecting back things that do not serve them in life and soaking up the things that do.

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5.3-6.7 ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF ONE HUNDRED HANDBAGS Women’s Museum of California 2730 Historic Decatur Rd., Ste. 103, Liberty Station, 619.233.7963, womensmuseumca.org Handbags have long been an essential part of women’s fashion and a part of how they maneuver through the modern world. See how this accessory has evolved over the last 100 years, from the handbag of choice for everyone from a pioneer woman to a 1920s flapper.

PULSE | ART BEAT Blue Leaf Cloud by June Rubin

5.3-31 DIAMONDS IN THE VEINS June Rubin Studio/Gallery 2690 Historic Decatur Rd., No. 214, Barracks 19, Liberty Station 858.229.4571, junerubin.com Inspired by a dream, artist June Rubin presents her latest whimsical series of mixed media art to include faux gems marking the place of veins in leaves and in glittering bananas floating in the sky.

5.11 FLOWER POWER: A FUNDRAISER FOR ALLEY ART 2019

5.11-12 ART GLASS GUILD’S SPRING PATIO SHOW & SALE Spanish Village Art Center 1770 Village Place, Balboa Park 619.233.9050, spanishvillageart.com Celebrate spring and find some special items to take home, with glass art from dozens of local artists on display. Plus, enjoy a day filled with live music, demonstrations on work that uses torches, glass cutting and a chance for kids and adults to create a mosaic art piece to take with them.

Heart on Fire!

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The Hill Street Country Club, 530 South Coast Hwy., Oceanside, 760.917.1337, vistaart.org This evening of art to support the Alley Art Festival in Vista features a silk painting demonstration, donated works of art for sale by local artists and works on display by the late artist Maureen Barrack, the original host and honoree who came up with the idea for the festival.

Pocketful by Kelly Vivanco

5.11-6.2 KELLY VIVANCO | THORN AND BALM Distinction Gallery 317 E. Grand Ave., Escondido 760.707.2770, distinctionart.com Inspired by children’s books, old photographs and her own dreams, artist Kelly Vivanco uses various media to create her whimsical art, and this exhibition features her use of acrylic paint for her creations.

Still Life with Quince, Cabbage, Melon, and Cucumber by Juan Sánchez Cotán

F/X: In Search of Truth by Roland Reiss

5.18-9.8 ROLAND REISS: UNREPENTANT & UNAPOLOGETIC FLOWERS, PLUS SMALL STORIES

5.18-9.2 ART & EMPIRE: THE GOLDEN AGE OF SPAIN

Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside, 760.435.3720, oma-online.org Artist Roland Reiss started this floral series in 2007, going beyond what is usually associated with flowers and instead delving into a use of contrasting colors and up-close surprises between the leaves and petals.

San Diego Museum of Art, 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park 619.232.7931, sdmart.org An expansion on the idea of “the Golden Age” is on display in this exhibition of more than 100 works by renowned artists from Spain and its territories outside of Europe. It will include paintings, sculptures, and other forms of art from Mexico, Lima, the Philippines, Naples and other locales.

5.25-7.22 DONALD MARTINY: SINGULARFORMS Madison Gallery 320 S. Cedros Ave., Ste. 200, Solana Beach 858.523.9155, madisongalleries.com Artist Donald Martiny’s paintings have been called “visually exciting” and “intellectually invigorating” for the ways in which they challenge and question the traditional understandings of the art form.

5.19 TALMADGE ART SHOW Liberty Station Conference Center 2600 Laning Rd., Liberty Station 619.559.9082, talmadgeartshow.com Surround yourself with creativity at this biannual art show, featuring handmade fine art and where new and established artists learn to create and sell their work, and art lovers can take a class on how to create something of their own.

Reflections by Riley Davenport

Yai by Donald Martiny

@PACIFICSD

MAY 2019

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PULSE | CURTAIN CALLS

Curtain Calls

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

May performing arts performances

BY JAMES HEBERT

5.10-12 MOZART’S REQUIEM City Ballet, Spreckels Theatre 121 Broadway, downtown 858.272.8663, cityballet.org Mozart’s final, haunting composition is at the center of Elizabeth Wistrich’s largescale piece; John Nettles conducts the City Ballet Orchestra (accompanied by the Pacific Coast Chorale) in what the company calls “one of the most satisfying and transforming ballets” it has ever presented.

5.11-6.16 KEN LUDWIG’S THE GODS OF COMEDY Old Globe Theatre 1363 Old Globe Way (Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage), Balboa Park 619.234.5623, theoldglobe.org It’s another world premiere from the Broadway playwright and Globe regular Ken Ludwig; Amanda Dehnert directs the comedy of young professors who stumble onto a stunning discovery and wind up saddled with some dubious deities.

5.14-19 CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY Broadway/San Diego San Diego Civic Theatre 1100 Third Ave., downtown 619/858/760.570.1100, broadwaysd.com The touring Broadway musical-stage

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MAY 2019 @PACIFICSD

adaptation of the beloved Roald Dahl story is directed by former Old Globe artistic chief Jack O’Brien; it takes in such favorite tunes as The Candy Man and Pure Imagination.

5.15-6-16 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE Cygnet Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St., Old Town 619.337.1525, cygnettheatre.com The rising playwright Kate Hamill adapts Jane Austen’s beloved story of fraught romance, with plenty of contemporary touches and a strong comic sensibility.

5.15 ONE AMAZING NIGHT San Diego Opera, Balboa Theatre 868 Fourth Ave., Gaslamp 619.533.7000, sdopera.org This year’s edition of the annual opera happening is a tale of two Stephens, as tenor Stephen Costello and baritone Stephen Powell (the lead in the company’s recent Rigoletto) team up on the Balboa Theatre stage.

5.24-8.4 LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS New Village Arts Theatre, 2787 State St., Carlsbad, 760.433.3245, newvillagearts.org That giant flower Audrey II is still bloomin’ insatiable, and NVA revives the movieinspired horror/comedy musical about the carnivorous plant and the people who try to tame her.

5.24-26 JAZZ & DANCE: SONG OF SONGS San Diego Ballet Lyceum Theatre 79 Horton Plaza, downtown 619.294.7378, sandiegoballet.org A score by the internationally renowned jazz saxophonist Charles McPherson (who calls San Diego home) powers this worldpremiere piece that showcases the story of two lovers.

5.29-6.23 A WALK IN THE WOODS North Coast Rep 987 Lomas Santa Fe Dr., Solana Beach 858.481.1055, northcoastrep.org Lee Blessing’s Cold War-set play (a Pulitzer Prize finalist) explores the informal but hugely consequential talks between a U.S. arms negotiator and his Soviet counterpart.

The work had its pre-Broadway staging at La Jolla Playhouse in 1988.

5.30-6.30 WHAT YOU ARE 1363 Old Globe Way (Sheryl and Harvey White), Balboa Park 619.234.5623, theoldglobe.org The Globe commissioned this timely worldpremiere piece from the rising playwright JC Lee; it focuses on a working man’s growing sense of alienation from family, coworkers and society at large.

SINCE 1925, SAN DIEGO’S ICONIC BEACHFRONT AMUSEMENT PARK

Oceanview

BOARDWALK DINING VOTED AS SAN DIEGO FAVORITES IN 2018 UNION TRIBUNE READERS POLL "Sports Bar" Draft

| "Sushi" Cannonball

| "Beach Bar" Beach House

Rooftop Coastal Cuisine, Sushi & Cocktails Panoramic Ocean Views | Firepits | @CANNONBALLSD

Handcrafted American Fare | 31ft TV Screen 69 Brews on Tap & 30+ Bottled | @DRAFTSANDIEGO

B E A C H

H O U S E

P R E S E N T S :

2–

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5P 8P

4–

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SEPT 1

B A C K

THIS SUMMER AT M I S S I O N B E A C H

M

K I C K

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U R D AY

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THRU

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S AT E N J O Y

MAY 25

S U N D AY S

LIVE SUMMER

LI

Outdoor Casual Eats & Drinks | Sandpits with Games SoCal Beach Boardwalk Views | @BEACHHOUSESD

BELMONTPARK.COM

|

@BELMONTPARKSD @PACIFICSD

MAY 2019

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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

MAY 1 – MAY 31 WHO MAKES SAN DIEGO’S BEST MARGARITA?

LET’S GET SALTY AND FIND OUT! San Diego’s top bars and restaurants are teaming up to celebrate the fifth annual Margarita Month and offering signature versions of San Diego’s original craft cocktail. Visit the 30 participating venues showcased on the following pages to taste as many margaritas as you can throughout the month of May. Then, join 3,000+ people at the Margarita Festival & Grand Tasting Event on Saturday, June 1 on Broadway Pier to try all of the margaritas in one place.

order, hashtag * & WIN! Order any of the 30 margaritas on the following pages in the month of May and hashtag a photo of the margarita (with #margaritamonth and the venue’s hashtag) for a chance to win $1,500 in gift cards!* The more hashtags you post, the better your chances of winning!

Plus, keep an eye on PACIFIC’s Facebook page where we will be giving away a $50 gift card each day during May. *One margarita lover who samples participating margaritas and posts photos of them to Instagram (using #margaritamonth and the venue’s hashtag) will win $1,500 in the form of $50 gift cards from each of the 30 venues. The winner will be chosen at random on Monday, June 3 and announced on Instagram.

Taste all the signature margaritas and get tickets to the Grand Tasting Event at

margaritamonth.com

DRINK RESPONSIBLY, OBVIOUSLY.

#margaritamonth @PACIFICSD

MAY 2019

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#aclounge

#bootleggersd

GRANDMA JILLY’S LAVENDER MARGARITA

DRUNKEN MONKEY & THE FUNKY BUNCH

Milagro Silver Tequila, house-made lavender syrup, fresh-squeezed lime juice, crushed lavender flower with sugar rim and fresh lavender sprig garnish

Orange-infused Milagro Silver Tequila, banana liqueur, Coco Lopez, lime, lemon, cinnamon, CBD orange bitters, coconut and cinnamon rim

4673 30th St., North Park 619.501.9831 | airconditionedlounge.com

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

#bubsballpark

#cervezajacks

TEQUILA MAÑANA

Milagro Silver Tequila, white grapefruit juice, pineapple juice, lime juice, cucumber, grilled jalapeños and agave, served with mint and cilantro

715 J Street, East Village 619.546.0815 | bubssandiego.com

1165 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach 858.999.0158 | cervezajacks.com margaritamonth.com

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JALAPEÑO BUSINESS

Milagro Silver Tequila, house-made pineapple-jalapeño purée, lime juice and topped with soda water

MAY 2019 @PACIFICSD

#cloakandpetal

#coasterra

ONSEN

JALISCO FLOWER

(Japanese for “Hot Spring”) Milagro Silver Tequila, Combier, Yuzu Omoi, Togarashi infused agave and fresh lime juice

Milagro Silver Tequila, strawberry infused Aperol, St. Elder Liqueur, agave, lime juice

1953 India St., Little Italy 619.501.5505 | cloakandpetal.com

880 Harbor Island Dr., San Diego 619.814.1300 | cohnrestaurants.com/coasterra

#theduckdive

#eljardinsd

ORANGE YOU GLAD WE DIDN’T USE TAJÍN?

PINEAPPLE TEARS

Milagro Silver Tequila, fresh-squeezed blood orange, lime juice, house-made agave, Coco Lopez, pineapple and chocolate bitters, blood orange rim

4650 Mission Blvd., Pacific Beach 858.273.3825 | theduckdive.com

Milagro Silver Tequila, fresh pineapple juice, lime juice, cane syrup, Serrano bitters, topped with cilantro jalapeño oil

2885 Perry Rd., Liberty Station 619.795.2322 | eljardinrestaurantbar.com #margaritamonth @PACIFICSD

MAY 2019

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#firehousepb

#fredsoldtown

ÓRALE, GÜEY

FRED’S FANCY-PANTS MARGARITA

722 Grand Ave., Pacific Beach 858.274.3100 | firehousepb.com

2470 San Diego Ave., Old Town 619.858.8226 | fredsmexicancafeoldtown.com

#galaxytacosd

#kingandqueencantina

Serrano-infused Milagro Silver Tequila, lime, prickly pear simple syrup, topped with Grand Marnier, fresh jalapeños, lime wheel and mini sombrero garnish

Mango-infused Milagro Silver Tequila, pineapple, lime, turmeric agave, Grand Marnier float with porcini-lime-salt rim and mango leather garnish

LET YOUR MANGO

MAMALONA

Milagro Silver Tequila, Giffard Abricot, mango, fresh lime juice, spicy chamoy rim

Milagro Silver Tequila, dragonfruit, fresh lime, coconut puree, chili salt foam

2259 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla 858.228.5655 | galaxytaco.com

1490 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy 619.756.7864 | kingandqueencantina.com margaritamonth.com

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MAY 2019 @PACIFICSD

#missbscoconutclub

#moxysandiego

SPICY MARGARITA

DEVIOUS SHENANIGANS

Milagro Silver Tequila, Honeydew Poblano Cordial, fresh lime, cucumber and Tajín rim

Milagro Anejo Tequila, mezcal, brandy, Yellow Chartreuse, lime, yuzu, cinnamon with a cinnamon rim and dehydrated apple garnish

3704 Mission Blvd., Mission Beach 858.381.0855 | missbcoconutclub.com

831 Sixth Ave., Gaslamp 619.239.6699 | marriott.com/sanox

#obsurflodge

#oceanacoastalkitchen

Y PIÑA

RESPECT YOUR ELDER

Milagro Reposado Tequila, Rumhaven, serrano chile árbol shrub, pineapple juice, lime juice, dark chili powder, marigold flowers, pineapple poblano foam

Elderberry-infused Milagro Silver Tequila, Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth, elderberry syrup, house-made sour mix

5083 Santa Monica Ave., Ocean Beach 619.955.5475 | obsurflodge.com

3999 Mission Blvd., Mission Bay | 858.539.8635 catamaranresort.com/oceana-coastal-kitchen #margaritamonth @PACIFICSD

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#ontheborder

#parkandrec

ULTIMATE WATERMELON MARGARITA

A-PEAR-ENTLY

Milagro Silver Tequila, Cointreau, watermelon puree, fresh lime citrus sour batch

Milagro Reposado Tequila, lime juice, Asian red pears, Cointreau (house curacao), citrus salted rim

Mission Valley, Mira Mesa, El Cajon, Escondido otbsd.com

4612 Park Blvd., North Park 619.795.9700 | parkandrecsd.com

#patronscorner

#eatpuesto

‘LA JEFA’ SPICY MARGARITA

FRUIT CART MARGARITA

Milagro Silver Tequila, muddled serrano chiles, pineapple juice, lime juice, lemon juice, house simple syrup, chamoy and Tajín on the rim with chiles and pineapple garnishes

Blue Agave Reposado, mango, pineapple, watermelon, cucumber, chamoy, Tajín

332 J St., Gaslamp 619.255.0492 | patronscorner.com

Seaport Village 619.233.8880 | La Jolla 858.454.1260 eatpuesto.com margaritamonth.com

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MAY 2019 @PACIFICSD

#sea180coastaltavern

#eatgrubbys

I’M PEACHY

PIERSIDE PICANTE

Milagro Silver Tequila, Peachtree, triple sec, peach puree, lime juice, Tajín rim with edible flower garnish

Milagro Silver Tequila, Ancho Reyes Verde Liqueur, Tres Agaves Organic Nectar, jalapeño, Tajín rim with cucumber, lime and poblano slice garnishes

800 Seacoast Dr., Imperial Beach 619.631.4949 | cohnrestaurants.com/sea180

Carlsbad 760.729.6040 | Oceanside 760.721.6040 eatgrubbys.com

#tahonabar

#blindburro

THE GOLDEN HOUR

BAJA PASIÓN

Milagro Silver Tequila, hopped kumquat oleo saccharum, fresh lime juice, nitro hibiscus tea, black lava sea salt

Milagro Silver Tequila, passion fruit purée, fresh lime, agave nectar, Drambuie, thyme, salted rim

2414 San Diego Ave., Old Town 619.255.2090 | tahonabar.com

639 J St., East Village 619.795.7880 | theblindburro.com #margaritamonth @PACIFICSD

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#deckpic

#pradobalboapark

LOOPY FRUIT MARGARITA

TROPICAL SMOKE MARGARITA

Milagro Silver Tequila, peach schnapps, splash of orange and cranberry juices, fresh lime with a Froot Loop garnish

Milagro Silver Tequila, house made puree with grilled mangos, pineapples, and serrano peppers, lime juice, agave, smoked salt rim

335 Sixth Ave., East Village 619.255.7625 | moonshineflats.com/thedeck

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

#tinroofsd

#volcanorabbit

THE RESTING BEACH FACE

PINCHE GONZALEZ

Milagro Silver Tequila, Watermelon Pucker, fresh lime, cucumber-jalapeno infused simple syrup with salt rim and cucumber and lime garnishes

Milagro Silver Tequila, house-made cinnamon infused orgeat, fresh lime juice, Piloncillo simple syrup, Naranja Mexican Orange Liqueur, float of Deadhead Mexican Chocolate Rum

401 G St., Gaslamp 619.230.8606 | tinroofsandiego.com

527 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp 619.232.8226 | volcanorabbitsd.com

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#voltbeachhouse

#wonderlandob

THE CAMPFIRE MARGARITA

TIPSY MERMAID

Milagro Silver Tequila, crème de coco, half and half, Graham Cracker and marshmallow rim

Milagro Silver Tequila, house-made strawberry hibiscus chamoy, Coco Lopez, strawberry chilito, house-made gummy

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

5083 Santa Monica Ave., Ocean Beach 619.255.3358 | wonderlandob.com

TASTE ALL THE SIGNATURE MARGARITAS IN ONE PLACE...

GRAND TASTING EVENT Saturday, June 1 at The Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier

#margaritamonth

+ DJs + Latin Beats + Local Eats + Mariachis @PACIFICSD

MAY 2019

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TASTE EAT | DRINK | PUFF DINING OUT

High

STEAKS Sycuan Casino hits the jackpot with swanky new steakhouse Something is clicking in El Cajon.

Make that Clique-ing.

Trendy, Las Vegas-based Clique Hospitality was hired to bring some Sin City sizzle to three high-end venues at the brand-new $260 million Sycuan Casino Resort — a swanky steakhouse, chic cocktail lounge and party pool bar — and that bet is already paying off.

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MAY 2019 @PACIFICSD

@PACIFICSD

MAY 2019

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TASTE | DINING

14-ounce bone-in filet PHOTOS BY ARLENE IBARRA

ust weeks after its grand opening, Sycuan’s glamorous signature restaurant Bull and Bourbon has already elevated the steakhouse dining experience, not just among local casinos but around the county itself.

With its sexy styling, open kitchen with blazing wood-fire Santa Maria grills, an on-site beef dry-aging room and sizable selection of 70-plus small-batch, single-barrel and other coveted bourbons, Bull and Bourbon is so not your dad’s casino buffet — or standard steakhouse.

Appealing to a younger, hipper crowd was what 37-year-old Sycuan tribal chairman Cody Martinez had in mind when he proposed collaborating with Clique. After all, the hospitality group operates cool clubs and eateries ranging from Las Vegas’ Cosmopolitan and MGM 58

MAY 2019 @PACIFICSD

Cucumber Essence

Resorts casinos to Montage luxury resorts and the Pendry San Diego’s Lionfish, Oxford Social Club and Pool House rooftop bar. They’re also working with the Hotel del Coronado to give that venerable property a more contemporary patina.

The high-profile Sycuan-Clique partnership, a first for a San Diego casino, also extends to Elicit Bar & Lounge, a smart-looking cocktail bar/club with a sushi and raw bar, fireplace, DJ, tableside mixology carts (check out our blind daters’ experience at Elicit on page 88) and a tempting patio overlooking the posh, new Retreat Pool & Cabanas. That’s where you’ll also find Clique’s pool bar service, a must-try whether hanging out by the adult pool’s swim-up bar, lazing along Retreat’s lazy river or frolicking with the kids in the family pool (just be sure to bring your earplugs for the latter).

Retreat features a very orderly bar menu with four “poolside refreshers” like The Good Life,

with aperol, strawberries, lemon and Chandon brut sparkling wine, four kinds of mules, four margaritas, four mojitos, four sparklings/ Champagnes by the glass and four non-alcoholic drinks, along with beer and wine.

If dining or imbibing poolside, try the fruity and zingy Blackbeard’s Delight mule, with Maker’s Mark bourbon, blackberries, lime, mint and ginger beer. Accompany the cocktail with the juicy, perfectly cooked Retreat Burger, topped with smoked cheddar and herbed aioli, served with crispy seasoned fries, cut nice and thin.

However, be sure to maintain an appetite for dinner at Bull and Bourbon.

Under the talented direction of executive chef Aldo Negrete, the restaurant’s kitchen is turning out some pretty exciting food.

If ordering only one appetizer (if you have to be scanty), it should be the jumbo lump

Executive chef Aldo Negrete

Seafood Tower

“Under the talented direction of executive chef Aldo Negrete, the restaurant’s kitchen is turning out some pretty exciting food.” crab cake. Slightly crispy on the outside and luxuriously creamy on the inside, it’s one of the best crab cakes in town. The Maine lobster and artichoke dip is luscious and full of flavor, plus the braised, super-savory oxtail ravioli with bone marrow and the side of truffle mac and cheese are highly noteworthy. The pasta in the mac and cheese is absolutely al dente and the sumptuous three-cheese sauce is earthy and complex, not like someone poured some cheap truffle oil on top and called it a dish It’s a steakhouse, so of course steak should be on the bill. When PACIFIC visited, the prime rib cap, Delmonico ribeye and dry-aged New

York were all ordered and perfectly prepared, tender and splendidly unique in flavor. The restaurant sources its beef from some of the best cattle ranches in the U.S. — Creekstone Farms in Kansas, Snake River Farms in Idaho and Double R Ranch in Washington. The 30-ounce Tajima Wagyu boneless ribeye is the sole exception; it’s imported from New South Wales, Australia.

For dessert, indulge in the bourbon bananas Foster, which is, happily, not too sweet and the doughnuts are tender and nicely cakey inside.

They’d be even better if they came out of the kitchen hot.

The wine list is well priced, as are the entrees, a

Crab Cake

@PACIFICSD

MAY 2019

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TASTE | DINING

Tajima Wagyu Boneless Ribeye PHOTO BY ARLENE IBARRA

rarity at a steakhouse. That’s no bull. When the bill comes be ready for a surprise — in a good way.

Chef Negrete is a San Diego native with extensive training at prestigious gourmet restaurants, including San Francisco’s Gary Danko, The Dining Room at the Ritz Carlton, Tartine Bakery and Healdsburg’s Cyrus. He’s a veteran of such notable San Diego restaurants as Whisknladle, Rare Form, JRDN and Jsix and has extensive butchering and charcuterie experience.

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PHOTO BY CLIQUE HOSPITALITY

Negrete was a smart choice to head up Clique’s Sycuan venues, but particularly Bull and Bourbon, which offers a level of high-end dining that the casino was sorely lacking in this era of tricked-out resort amenities.

Bull and Bourbon makes up for that and more.

Gorgeously designed in amber, chic cream and dark wood tones, the open kitchen and wood-burning grill provide dining-room drama, while the large, elegant bar area — smartly separated from the

main restaurant — and a patio overlooking Retreat offer alluring enclaves of exclusivity.

Bull and Bourbon feels like an urbane oasis in the El Cajon countryside and is well worth the drive in from the city center.

Bull and Bourbon Sycuan Casino Resort 5469 Casino Way, El Cajon, 619.659.3374, bullandbourbon.com

Old Fashioned PHOTO BY ARLENE IBARRA

@PACIFICSD

MAY 2019

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PROMOTION

100+ YEARS OF BALVENIE AND GLENFIDDICH ARE FEATURED BEHIND THE BARS AT HERB & WOOD, CLOAK & PETAL AND SEVEN GRAND

C E L E B R AT I N G A C E N T U R Y O F

SCOTTISH WHISKY

T

he bars at Herb & Wood, Cloak & Petal and Seven Grand are top whisky bars in San Diego showcasing some of the rarest and oldest whiskies behind their bars, and the three San Diego drinkeries also have created inventive libations featuring the Scottish whisky duo, Balvenie and Glenfiddich.

Isabel Roa, the Southern California district manager at William Grant & Sons, an award-winning distiller of fine whiskies and spirits, says, “The Century Club is about honoring the last century of Scottish whisky craftsmanship and innovation. David Stewart, our master distiller, is the longest-standing master distiller in Scotland, and his tenure at Glenfiddich and now The Balvenie has changed the way Scottish whisky is made today.

“Scottish whisky is not only welcomed but also celebrated in top bars and restaurants in San Diego, and San Diego is taking these rare and cask-finished whiskies and transforming them into witty and imaginative signature serves.”

EMILY CARROLL

FAISAL ASSERI

CHAD OWEN

bar lead, Herb & Wood Herb & Wood’s Century Club cocktails: Scotch & Persimmon: Glenfiddich 12-Year, dark chocolate sea salt liqueur, roasted persimmon shrub, lemon, dehydrated lemon wheel garnish Fire & Cane: Glenfiddich Fire & Cane, angostura bitters, firewater bitters, roasted lemon and thyme simple syrup, flamed thyme sprig garnish Carroll says, “Our bar team has made a commitment to push food and cooking to the center of our program. In our featured cocktails, you see homemade syrups, elements of fire and food. It’s not hard, but it’s a lot of hard work. When we created them, we hoped that the thought, care and craft would shine through and mirror the whisky.”

bar manager, Cloak & Petal Asseri describes Cloak & Petal’s Century Club cocktail: “I came up with Keeping It Hyaku (100) after I decided to use the Glenfiddich 14-Year Bourbon Barrel Reserve for the base of my cocktail. We were able to get a case of Scrappy’s Limited Edition Bergamot Bitters, and I had been waiting for the right time to use them. This seemed like the perfect moment.

“Pairing bergamot and kaffir lime leaves to add a light citrus note to the sweet kick of Glenfiddich 14, I mixed house-made ginger and cinnamon syrup to complement the scotch and whisky components. We top the cocktail with Topo Chico Mineral Water, mint leaves and lemon zest to brighten the essence of the cocktail.”

“I thought that I wanted to make something easy and approachable for our guests. As I played around with the recipe, I found myself looking for something a little more complex every time. The Hyaku stands out as a beautiful-looking drink that tastes as great as it looks.”

general manager, Seven Grand “At Seven Grand, we focus almost entirely on Old Fashioneds. Displaying the whisky in your glass is our drive and passion,” Owen says. “Both the drinks on our menu are made the same: one demerara sugar cube, six dashes of R&D aromatic #7 bitters, two parts whisky, and garnished with a lemon and orange twist.

“We use our Old Fashioned as an anchoring point for our guests, a way to experience the nuances and unique characteristics of each whisky. We aren’t here to present the most elaborate cocktail in the world. We’re here to take something fantastic and share it with our guests and friends.”

Roa concludes, “The perception of Scottish whisky being drunk by old men smoking cigars in dark bars is changing.

Scottish whisky tends to be aged for a longer period of time, contributing to its complex flavor and longer finish. These bars in San Diego are not just changing the perception, but breaking right through.”

Balvenie Old Fashioneds, Seven Grand

Keeping It Hyaku (100), Cloak & Petal

BALVENIE AND GLENFIDDICH HOSTED A CENTURY CLUB PARTY TO CELEBRATE ITS MEMBERS WITH RARE WHISKEY TASTINGS AND LIGHT BITES AT 5 CROWNS IN CORONA DEL MAR ON JANUARY 28 AND AT HERB & WOOD IN LITTLE ITALY ON MARCH 25, 2019.

Fire & Cane, Herb & Wood

TAST E | EVENTS

Eighth annual Rhythm & Brews Craft Beer & Music Festival

Full Plate

May food + drink happenings

BY MICHAEL BENNINGER

5 .4 EIGHTH ANNUAL RHYTHM & BREWS CRAFT BEER & MUSIC FESTIVAL

5 .2 10TH ANNUAL EAT.DRINK.READ. A CULINARY EVENT FOR LITERACY

San Diego Air & Space Museum, Balboa Park literacysandiego.org San Diego’s top chefs create culinary pairings inspired by their favorite literary characters at this bookish bash that celebrates reading through connection, consumption and commitment.

5 .2 13TH ANNUAL DINING OUT FOR LIFE

Venues throughout San Diego thecentersd.org Dozens of local restaurants, bars, clubs and coffeehouses pledge to donate at least 25% of this day’s sales to support the services and programs offered by The Center.

Vista Village, Vista sdbeer.com The San Diego Brewers Guild's spring festival returns with live music, local eats and samples of 100-plus beers from more than 50 of the county’s best breweries.

5 .4 FIFTH ANNUAL TACOS & TEQUILA FESTIVAL SAN DIEGO 2019

Liberty Station, Point Loma tacostequilafestival.com Sink your teeth into tortilla-wrapped treasures and sip on unlimited tasters of tequila and beer, or head to the margarita and michelada bar before hopping on a mechanical bull.

5 .5-7 CCBA SPRING 2019 CONFERENCE

culinary offerings from 50 of the city’s best restaurants while raising funds for one of San Diego’s most well-known nonprofits.

5 .17 POTTERHEADS BEER FESTIVAL

The Irenic, North Park rockstarbeer.com The Wizarding World arrives in Uptown, replete with tastings of more than 20 seasonal ales plus team trivia, plenty of food and live music from the Sorceress Sisters and DJ Dumbledore.

5 .18 SOCAL TACO FEST 2019

Waterfront Park, Little Italy 91x.com Headlined by none other than Nelly, the San Diego taco festival returns showcasing more than two dozen of the city’s best restaurants as well as a guacoff, a Chihuahua race and live lucha libre matches.

Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa, Mission Bay californiacraftbeer.com The California Craft Brewers Association offers educational workshops, one-onone consultations and tons of networking opportunities with more than 50 exhibitors and 500 industry insiders.

5 .10 28TH ANNUAL MAMA'S DAY

I SAI AH WALT E R

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The Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine, La Jolla mamaskitchen.org Sam “The Cooking Guy” Zien hosts this event that invites guests to sample

Potterheads Beer Festival

5.18 GAME OF THRONES INSPIRED BEER FESTIVAL

The Irenic, North Park eventbrite.com Just in time for the series finale, this themed GoT-together includes tastings of more than 20 medieval craft beers with a live soundtrack provided by the Targaryen Sisters and the Westeros Party Band.

5.18 BOOCHFEST

Liberty Station, Point Loma boochfest.com Promoting health and wellness through food, drink and fun, the inaugural kombucha festival arrives with tastings, workshops and other activities inspired by the effervescent, antioxidant-rich elixir.

5.18 THIRD ANNUAL OMBAC OTL BEER FEST

Mariner’s Point, Mission Bay ombac.org The Old Mission Beach Athletic Club gives a taste of its infamous Over-theLine Tournament with this debaucherous drinking event uniting some of the city’s finest breweries and food trucks.

5.19 CHEESE EXPO

Brick, Liberty Station facebook.com/liquidcitysd The newly formed Liquid City hosts its inaugural event boasting unlimited cheese and bottomless beverages from area breweries, coffee roasters, cideries and just about anything else liquid that’s consumable.

5.21 10TH ANNUAL I LOVE POKE FOOD FESTIVAL & COMPETITION

Bali Hai, Shelter Island balihairestaurant.ticketspice.com/ ilpsd19 Culinary artists from Philly, Hawaii and everywhere in between join more than 30 hometown chefs to individually prepare their signature poke styles during this competitive cooking event.

5.25 FESTIVAL OF FUNK

Liberty Station, Point Loma moderntimesbeer.com Toss back unlimited pours of sours, saisons and other funky brews during this puckering party paired with premier food vendors.

THE VENTURE P ROJEC T

28th annual Mama's Day

5.26 VISTA STRAWBERRY 2019 FESTIVAL

Main Street Vista, Vista vistastrawberryfest.com The onetime “Strawberry Capital of the World” celebrates the florid fruit with craft beer, carnival rides and several strawberry-centric activities. @PACIFICSD MAY 2019

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Take it from the Tap A monthly taste of beer from here

BY PETER ROWE

CERVEZAS CHINGONAS Go: Mujeres Brew Club at Border X Brewing Know: “Women that typically don’t drink IPAs or other beers, for some reason they enjoy our beers,” said Carmen Favela, Border X’s event manager. “We’ve been keeping women in mind and wanted to create a space for females.”

Grow: The first Monday of each month, the Mujeres will receive a beer education.

Esthela Davila, co-host of the Indie Beer Show podcast, will lead sessions on beer history (May 6); brewing ingredients and process (June 3); beer statistics (July 1); beer styles (Aug. 5); tasting tips (Sept. 2); and beer glassware (Oct. 7).

Going pro: “As a group,” Favela said, “we are going to do a collaboration beer with Border X, and launch that during San Diego Beer Week.”

More to know: There’s a $10 fee per session. Attend three sessions and receive a Mujeres Brew Club T-shirt! Head to Border X Brewing’s Facebook page for more details about the series.

Border X Brewing 2181 Logan Ave., Barrio Logan 619.501.0503, borderxbrewing.com

THIRST QUENCHING

A local beer to spend some time with Beer: Xteca, a Mexican-American lager. A crisp quaffer with a light body, this beer’s accent is on bready malts and a mild corn chip finish.

From: Cerveza Xteca, San Diego.

Why: Like Mexican imports, Xteca is an easy-drinking lager with enough carbonation to cut through spicy or rich foods. Brighter and fresher, though, than a bottle of Pacifico or can of Tecate.

Geeking out: 5% alcohol by volume; minimal hop bitterness.

Seeking out: 16-ounce cans are starting to show up at local retailers, but it’s easiest to find Xteca on draft. Order a pint at the ¡Salud! gastropubs at 2196 Logan Ave. in Barrio Logan, or 2333 Highland Ave. in National City.

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@PACIFICSD

MAY 2019

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GROOVE MUSIC | NIGHTLIFE SOUND DECISIONS

BY SCOTT MCDONALD

93.3 Summer Kick Off w/ Halsey 5.31

@ Pechanga Arena, pechangaarenasd.com Is it summer yet? Can’t really tell with the wildly indecisive California weather lately. But if hanging with Halsey, Ellie Goulding, Bebe Rexha and more means it’s time to kick spring to the curb, well then, bring it on.

PHOTO BY RICH FURY/GETTY IMAGES

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P R O U D LY representing our clients...

Dotting the

i 's,

Rockin ' the

T 's

3180 University Ave, Suite 640, San Diego, CA 92104 | 619.858.0322 Follow us! /altstrategies @altstrat | www.altstrategies.com

GROOVE

Sound Decisions May Concert Calendar

BY SCOTT MCDONALD

5.1 PASSION PIT @ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com After self-releasing his latest album, Tremendous Sea of Love, to YouTube and Twitter in 2017, Passion Pit (aka Michael Angelakos) hits the road to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his band’s breakthrough debut, Manners.

5.2 FREDDIE GIBBS @ SOMA, somasandiego.com The Gary, Indiana-bred rapper released his eponymous fourth album last year and is set to team up with legendary DJ and producer Madlib on their new collaborative album, Bandana, sometime in 2019. Bandana is a follow-up to the pair’s critically acclaimed 2014 album, Piñata.

5.5 PETER BJORN AND JOHN @ The Irenic, theirenic.com The Swedish indie pop trio released their eighth album, Darker Days, last year on Ingrid — the record label they helped found with fellow Swede Lykke Li and others. Band member Bjorn Yttling coproduced Neko Case’s seventh solo studio album, Hell-On, last year as well.

5.5 THE FAINT @ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com At one point boasting Conor Oberst (Bright Eyes) as a member, these Nebraska-born indie rockers released their eighth studio album, Egowerk, in March.

It’s the band’s first release in five years and the first on their home state’s Saddle Creek label since 2004’s Wet From Birth.

5.2

Steel Pulse

@ Belly Up, bellyup.com Known in the last few decades as a touring act, the Grammy-winning British reggae veterans are set to release their first new album of all original material in 15 years. Written and arranged by founding lead vocalist David Hinds, the 17-track Mass Manipulation drops later this month.

PHOTO BY ILYA S. SAVENOK (GETTY IMAGES)

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GROOVE | SOUND DECISIONS 5.5 VIOLENT FEMMES & X @ Humphreys Concerts by the Bay, humphreysconcerts.com Still led by founding members Gordon Gano and Brian Ritchie, veteran Wisconsinbred indie rockers Violent Femmes return to San Diego for a co-headlining bill with X. That band, the legendary L.A. punkers who also still boast an original lineup, were last here to close out 2018 on a coheadlining bill with Los Lobos.

5.10 DWIGHT YOAKAM

5.11 EELS

@ Casino Pauma, casinopauma.com The multiple Grammy-winning, honky-tonk mold-breaker and actor was in San Diego last summer on an incredible bill that also included Lucinda Williams and Steve Earle.

He returns for a solo encore performance after last releasing an album in 2016.

@ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com After a four-year hiatus, EELS, aka veteran singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Mark Everett, returned last year with his 12th studio album, The Deconstruction. The 15-track collection is Everett’s first after the birth of his son and after appearing in the Netflix series Love.

5.15

Wild Belle

@ Belly Up, bellyup.com Chicago-bred/L.A.-based indie sibling duo Wild Belle, aka Elliot and Natalie Bergman, released their third full-length studio album, Everybody One of a Kind, in March. The pair has worked with Diplo and their songs have been featured in film and on television.

PHOTO BY LESLIE KIRCHHOFF

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5.15 WILLIE NELSON & FAMILY @ Humphreys Concerts by the Bay, humphreysconcerts.com Man, Willie Nelson sure likes San Diego. And that’s perfect, because San Diego loves some Willie Nelson. The 12-time Grammy Award winner, 9-time CMA Award winner and Kennedy Center Honoree was last here for a sold-out show with 27-time Grammy Award winner Alison Krauss. He returns to the exact same venue for another sold-out show with his family band in tow.

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

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GROOVE | SOUND DECISIONS 5.15

Santigold

@ House of Blues, houseofblues.com/sandiego After collaborating with Brooklyn DJ and producer Dre Skull on the 2018 mixtape, I Don’t Want: The Gold Fire Sessions, Philly singer/producer Santigold (aka Santi White) is hitting the road to celebrate a milestone. On her current 10 Years Golder Tour, White will be performing her 2008 self-titled debut in its entirety each night.

PHOTO BY VIVIEN KILLILEA/GETTY IMAGES

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GROOVE | SOUND DECISIONS 5.18 Z-TRIP

5.20 JOHNNY MARR

5.21 IDLES

5.21 NAV

@ Belly Up, bellyup.com Following an appearance in San Diego last year as a special guest on one night of Thievery Corporation’s double dip at the Belly Up, DJ and mashup master Z-Trip (aka Zach Sciacca) returns to Solana Beach for a headlining show of his own. Adam Deitch (Lettuce/ Break Science), Supernatural and DJ Buck Rodgers are also set to perform.

@ House of Blues, houseofblues.com/sandiego The one-time Smiths cosongwriter and guitarist has lent his talents to the likes of Modest Mouse, The Pretenders, Electronic, The Healers, Cribs, The The and others over the years, but started making albums of his own in 2013. The latest (and third solo effort overall), 2018’s Call the Comet, was self-produced with band keyboardist James Doviak.

@ Belly Up, bellyup.com If you slept on getting tickets to critically acclaimed, Bristol-based rockers IDLES, unfortunately you’re too late for this upcoming sold-out show.

But you can still listen to their sophomore album, Joy as an Act of Resistance, which was released last year.

@ House of Blues, houseofblues.com/sandiego In March, NAV, aka Canadian rapper/producer Navraj Goraya, released his second studio album, Bad Habits, on The Weeknd’s XO Records.

It features appearances from Meek Mill, Young Thug, and Gunna, as well as the XO label founder himself.

5.18

Cowboy Junkies

@ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com Going on their 35th year, this Toronto-born Americana quartet still boasts its original lineup and released its 16th studio album, All That Reckoning, last summer. The 11-song collection was the band’s first album of original material since 2012.

PHOTO BY HEATHER POLLOCK

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GROOVE | SOUND DECISIONS 5.22 DEAD BOYS

5.26 SLEEP

@ Casbah, casbahmusic.com Responsible for the classic punk anthem Sonic Reducer, these veteran Cleveland, Ohio, rockers still feature founding lead guitarist Cheetah Chrome and drummer Johnny Blitz.

They released a re-recording of their 1977 debut, Young Loud and Snotty, in 2017.

@ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com The long-running San Josebased stoner/doom metal trio has experienced a resurgence as of late. Still featuring two founding members, vocalist/ bassist Al Cisneros and guitarist Matt Pike, Sleep released their fourth studio album, The Sciences, last year on Jack White’s Third Man Records. It was their first since 1999’s nowclassic Dopesmoker.

5.24 WISIN Y YANDEL @ Viejas Arena, viejasarena.com Puerto Rican reggaeton duo Wisin y Yandel (aka Juan Luis Morera Luna and Llandel Veguilla Malavé Salazar) have released a handful of solo albums on their own, but last teamed up in 2018 for Los Campeones del Pueblo: The Big Leagues — their 10th album together. It features guest appearances from Bad Bunny, Maluma, Ozuna, Farruko and others.

5.29 THE HIVES & REFUSED

5.30, 31 THE SPECIALS

@ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com It’s a double dose of Swedish goodness as garage rockers The Hives and post-hardcore punks the Refused join forces on their Scream Team coheadlining tour. L.A. pop punk duo Bleached opens the show.

@ House of Blues, houseofblues.com/sandiego The 2 Tone/Ska legends hit 40 years together last year and celebrated with a stop at the House of Blues downtown.

Still led by founding members Lynval Golding and Horace Panter, as well as original member Terry Hall, the band released its eighth studio album, Encore, in February.

It’s the first album of original material since 1998 and their first with Hall since 1981’s classic single, Ghost Town.

5.22

Gary Clark Jr.

@ Harrah’s, harrahssocal.com Named after his in-your-face take on Woody Guthrie’s classic song, Austinbased guitar slinger Gary Clark Jr. released his third studio album, This Land, in February. It debuted at No. 6 on the U.S. Billboard 200, making it Clark Jr.’s third straight entry in the top 10.

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GROOVE | SOUND DECISIONS

5.23

NKOTB

@ Viejas Arena, viejasarena.com There are a lot of mixtapes being made these days, but rarely are they actually released on cassette. The current Mixtape Tour from New Kids On The Block isn’t a tape either, but at least it’s rooted in a time where that was a ubiquitous form. Plus, they’re bringing Salt N’ Pepa, Naughty By Nature, Tiffany and Debbie Gibson along to help throw it all the way back.

MILLER/GETTY IMAGES

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GROOVE | SOUND DECISIONS

5.26

Jenny Lewis @ House of Blues, houseofblues.com/sandiego The singer/songwriter, actress and former Rilo Kiley frontwoman released her fourth solo studio album, On the Line, in March.

It cracked the top five on both Billboard’s Top Rock and Top Alternative Albums charts and features contributions from the likes of Ringo Starr, Beck, Ryan Adams and Don Was. CORBIS/GETTY IMAGES

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INTRODUCING THE

Our submission for PACIFIC’s Margarita Month & Grand Tasting Event Come Try One & Cast Your Vote!

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GROOVE | SOUND DECISIONS

5.29

Elle King

@ House of Blues, houseofblues.com/sandiego The 29-year-old powerhouse blues/rock singer, songwriter and actress has been the opening act for everyone from Ed Sheeran and Train to Modest Mouse and the Dixie Chicks. King released her second studio album, Shake the Spirit, last year.

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EVERY GOOD NEIGHBORHOOD DESERVES AN EATERY WHERE LOCALS AND VISITORS CAN COME TOGETHER AND ENJOY “ .”

honest food done right

FARMER'S TABLE IS NOW IN LA MESA, NEW TO BAY PARK, AND NEXT, OPENED IN LITTLE ITALY!

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GROOVE

SpinCycle May EDM + DJ performances

BY SCOTT MCDONALD

5.5

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gta

@ Bassmnt, bassmntsd.com Miami electro-house DJ/ production duo GTA (aka Matthew Van Toth and Julio Mejia) released their fifth EP, La Nueva Clásica, last year. For their latest single, March’s Work It Out, the pair teamed up with trap DJ/producer Party Favor.

PHOTO BY NOAM GALAI/GETTY IMAGES

5.3 AUDIEN @ OMNIA, omnianightclub.com Nathaniel Rathbun (aka Connecticut-born, 27-year-old producer Audien) first hit No. 1 on Billboard’s US Dance Chart with his 2015 breakthrough track Insomnia. In March, he joined forces with indie pop family trio Echosmith on new single Favorite Sound.

5.4 SNAILS @ Bassmnt, bassmntsd.com Coachella, EDC, Electric Forest and Lollapalooza vet Snails, aka Canadian DJ/producer Frédérik Durand, helped usher in his new genre of “vomitstep” with releases on Skrillex’s OWSLA and Steve Aoki’s Dim Mak labels. For his 2018 full-length debut album, Slimeageddon, he founded a label of his own, SLUGZ Music.

5.9 SLUSHII @ House of Blues, houseofblues.com/sandiego Helping to close out 2018 with a December show at Parq last year, L.A.-based DJ Julian Scanlan (aka Slushii) gets a venue upsize for his return visit to San Diego. And while Scanlan’s previous stop dovetailed with the release of his sophomore studio album Dream, expect the 22-year-old’s set list to continue drawing heavily from the 16-track collection.

5.10 LOUD LUXURY @ OMNIA, omnianightclub.com Hoping to capitalize on the runaway success of their 2017 smash single Body (feat.

Brando), Loud Luxury, aka the Juno Award-winning Canadian production duo of Andrew Fedyk and Joe Depace, released a pair of singles last year — Sex Like Me (feat. Dyson) and Love No More (feat. Anders).

5.10 TODD TERRY @ Bang Bang, bangbangsd.com Pioneering New York DJ Todd Terry has remixed the likes of Demi Lovato, Daft Punk, Shakira, Usher, Kylie Minogue and many more. Yet despite being old enough to be a father

to most of the popular DJs working today, Terry hasn’t stopped producing new music.

New singles DJs Gotta Dance More with A-Trak and Figure of Jazz with Junior Sanchez were released last year.

To be fair, that was the month Roger released his sophomore studio album, The World Is Yours 2, his second album in a row to crack the top five on Billboard’s 200 chart. Now he’s back to properly celebrate.

5.17 TYGA

5.25, 26 MY LED USA

@ OMNIA, omnianightclub.com After making a recent appearance at Coachella with YG, Compton-born rapper Michael Stevenson (aka Tyga) returns once again to America’s Finest City. Stevenson has been busy this year, appearing on a handful of singles (including a remix of Post Malone’s Wow), as well as releasing one of his own, last month’s Goddamn.

@ The Park at Petco Park, petcoparkevents.com LED’s annual Memorial Day weekender always boasts a jam-packed roster of amazing talent and this year’s version is no exception. Artists scheduled to perform include Jai Wolf, Seven Lions, Yellow Claw, AC Slater, Anna Lunoe and more. The two-day event also doubles as the kickoff to Petco’s recent expansion, which includes a new musical venue and partnership with both Live Nation and Sycuan.

5.18 MIHALIS SAFRAS @ Bang Bang, bangbangsd.com Greek tech house DJ Mihalis Safras has produced music for over a decade and co-founded the Material Series record label in 2006. Safras has released three singles so far this year — January’s Boom, Pianopop in March and last month’s Microwave with Green Velvet.

5.19 MATADOR @ Quartyard, quartyardsd.com Irish techno DJ and producer Gavin Lynch, aka Matador, is also the founder of the RUKUS label. In March, he joined forces with Ukrainian DJ/production duo ARTBAT on the two-song single, Apollo 11.

5.24 MINNESOTA @ Music Box, musicboxsd.com Fun fact: Although he moved to California as a teenager, dubstep and hip-hop producer Christian Bauhofer is actually from the Midwest state that his moniker honors. Bauhofer released his five-track Curio EP, and well a four-track remix companion EP, last year.

5.24 RICH THE KID @ Bassmnt, bassmntsd.com Rich the Kid, aka Atlanta-based rapper Dimitri Roger, sure likes San Diego — and Bassmnt for that matter. The dude just appeared at the venue in March.

5.26 STEVE AOKI @ OMNIA, omnianightclub.com After last appearing at OMNIA in February, the Grammynominated, globetrotting DJ and entrepreneur continues to tour on Neon Future III, his fifth studio album. The most recent chapter in his Neon Future concept series was released last November and features appearances from BTS, blink-182, Lil Yachty, Mike Posner and even Bill Nye.

5.31 GRYFFIN @ OMNIA, omnianightclub.com Dan Griffith, aka New York house DJ and classically trained pianist Gryffin, released his debut EP, Gravity, Pt. 1, last December. An eight-track remix companion EP (with remixes from Steve Aoki, Madison Mars, Bart B, and more) followed in March, and it is said that Griffith is set to release Gravity, Pt. 2 very soon.

5.24

Diplo

@ OMNIA, omnianightclub.com What? Diplo? You mean Diplo like (Thomas) Wes Pentz, the multiple-Grammy-winning producer behind Major Lazer, Mad Decent Records, Jack Ü, Silk City, LSD and significant hits for everyone from M.I.A. and MØ to Justin Bieber and Madonna? Well, hell yes, then.

PHOTO BY SHANE LOPES

@PACIFICSD

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LOVE | BLIND DATE

GETTING LUCKY

BY JENNIFER IANNI PHOTOS BY DAVID BROOKS MATCHMAKER JESSICA PELLIGRA

A pair of blind daters go all in at Sycuan

I

n the game of love, there are two types of people: there are the types of people who bet wisely and keep their hands close to the vest, and there are the types of people who go all in and put everything on the line. Because what is dating if not a game of chance? Much like gambling, finding love involves a bit skill and a bit of luck. You’ve also got to trust your gut (and it helps if you have a good poker face).

So what better place for this month’s blind daters to test their luck than the newly remodeled Sycuan Casino Resort? In March, Sycuan unveiled the results of its $247 million expansion, which added a hotel tower, pool area with dedicated adult and children’s pools, plus a lazy river, a new spa and fitness center and a handful of new eateries and entertainment venues.

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In other words, it’s the perfect setting for this month’s sizzling blind date and the ideal place to find out what types of daters (and gamblers) Zach and Andrea are.

They’ve just met in an Epic Limo that has been stocked with Pacifico beers and is shuttling them out to El Cajon for a night of blackjack, cocktails and getting to know one another.

Do they get lucky? Let’s find out while we meet our daters via their pre-date interviews.

ANDREA: 27 years old.

ZACH: 24 years old as new.

Where are you from and where do you live now?

ANDREA: I was born in Mexico City, moved to Houston at 12 years old and now I live in San Diego.

ZACH: Born and raised in Indiana, now living in San Diego.

Currently, what dating apps can be found on your phone?

ANDREA: None, I have never used one.

ZACH: Is this a trick question?

Which one did we meet on again?

How old are you?

What do you do for a living?

ANDREA: A little bit of this, a little bit of that. I am an influencer and a personal trainer.

ZACH: Pipe-layer, thanks for asking. As a skilled tradesman, I lay the pipe all day all around the city.

What’s your Instagram handle?

ANDREA: @Andreav521.

ZACH: You can find me @ZGiess.

Where can you be found on the weekends?

ANDREA: If I am in San Diego, I’m at home with my dog. If not, traveling somewhere.

ZACH: If I’m not tending to my vast collection of aglets, you’d most likely find me at the beach, or out at the bars.

What are you best at?

ANDREA: Working out.

ZACH: Conversation, having fun and learning new things.

What do you suck at?

ANDREA: Math, and hiding my facial expressions. If I don’t like something/somebody, you will know, no doubt.

ZACH: I’m really bad at sleeping quietly. I talk a bunch and for that reason, I have no idea what my friends know about me.

LOVE | BLIND DATE

What are you looking for in a date, physical or otherwise?

ANDREA: I’m pretty new to dating.

Honestly, I was in a long-term relationship and haven’t really been on an actual date since, so I guess just someone that can make me laugh and make things not awkward.

ZACH: Under the circumstances of a “blind” date, I wasn’t really “looking,” but I hope she’s cute.

Why do you think you’ll be a good date?

ANDREA: (Laughs) I don’t really, but I am very easygoing and fun to be around.

ZACH: I do well in spontaneous situations like this, and I know how to have a hell of a time.

Describe your special brand of sex appeal in a Tweet.

ANDREA: I have no idea.

ZACH: Zagnut creamy with every bite.

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

ANDREA: I would like to say an eight, if I’m being generous, but people seem to think I’m a solid 10 (laughs). I guess be your own biggest fan.

ZACH: Mom says I’m a 10, but I’m not into her.

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

ANDREA: Eight. I’m kind of shy at first and my best friends have told me at the beginning I’m not the most friendly person.

ZACH: Eight during the work week, 10 on the weekends.

What’s your cocktail of choice?

ANDREA: Tequila pineapple.

ZACH: Nothing beats Sand in the Crack on the beach.

What’s a total deal-breaker on a date?

ANDREA: Bad breath.

ZACH: I swear, if she pulls out her feet, I’m out. We’re not doing foot stuff.

How many people have you slept with?

ANDREA: Less than 10.

ZACH: Are you going to show this to my grandparents?

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

ANDREA: Good-looking and funny.

ZACH: I want my date to be “smart” and “a babe.”

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

ANDREA: (Laughs) Probably not.

A hug, if he’s lucky.

ZACH: If the vibe is right, who knows what might happen.

So, Zach boasts that he’s a “skilled pipe-layer” who talks in his sleep and isn’t into foot stuff. He also describes his particular brand of sex appeal as “Zagnut creamy with every bite,” which we can only assume means he thinks he’s sweet.

Meanwhile, Andrea is a personal trainer and an influencer with over 17K Instagram followers. She confesses that she’s bad at math and she’s also bad at hiding her facial expressions, which suggests she might not be the world’s greatest blackjack player.

Andrea’s also hoping her date doesn’t make things awkward, but just based on the answers to this pre-date interview, she might be out of luck on that one.

Speaking of luck, Andrea says her date probably won’t get a goodnight kiss, but he might get a hug “if he’s lucky.”

Let’s find out if Zach’s luck extends beyond the casino floor and if this date ends with a jackpot or a bust.

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Get Em While They’re Hot, These Buns Are Meant To Be 322 FIFTH AVE, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101 | (619) 546-9292 | COLDBEERS.COM

LOVE | BLIND DATE

WINNER, WINNER, CHICKEN DINNER Zach and Andrea try their luck at a winning hand of blackjack and romance

Z

ach and Andrea arrive at Sycuan and are quickly whisked away to the newly opened Elicit Bar & Lounge, a chic cocktail lounge that wows visitors with unique, sometimes smoky, libations that can be mixed tableside on a cocktail cart. The indoor/ outdoor space boasts stunning views of the property, which our daters enjoy while downing a few drinks to help them loosen up a bit.

The daters are then taken back to the casino floor to play some blackjack and try their luck at the slot machines.

Here’s hoping those slots are loosened up, too.

Zach seems to know his way around a blackjack table, while Andrea is a bit less skilled at the card game. Their dealer gives them a quick lesson, which seems to pay off because both daters walk away with double their money!

They’re riding high on their wins 92

MAY 2019 @PACIFICSD

when they they’re taken to dinner at Viewpoint Neighborhood Kitchen, a contemporary eatery with floor-toceiling windows and a dinner menu offering everything from buttermilk fried chicken to Kobe beef steak.

We interrupt their dinner to find out more about how the date is going.

How’s it going so far?

ANDREA: It’s going amazing.

ZACH: It’s going good. She is definitely very attractive.

At first glance, would you swipe right or left on your date?

ANDREA: Swipe right.

ZACH: Swipe right. She’s gorgeous.

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

ANDREA: Nope. He’s a little bit younger than me. He’s just younger and into different kinds of things than me. We don’t have the same interests, but he’s a nice guy.

ZACH: To be honest, I don’t think so.

How has your experience at Sycuan been?

ANDREA: Oh my God, it’s so fun.

I love the casino, everyone is so nice and helpful and the place is so beautiful.

ZACH: This place is great. I’m having a blast. The dealers are nice, the service is great, the in-house restaurants are great. Everyone is extremely friendly, everyone has a smile on their face and it’s a lot of fun.

Describe Elicit Bar & Lounge.

ANDREA: It was amazing, I’ve never been to a bar that has tableside cocktails. That was pretty cool.

ZACH: Elicit was super sick. It’s super huge. They definitely did a heck of a job on the renovations.

Super exciting, lots of fun.

What caught your eye on the menu at Viewpoint?

ANDREA: The shrimp pasta was amazing, also the soup. I’m such a tomato bisque person, it was just amazing. The salad was really good.

ZACH: Definitely the chicken. The chicken has been the best so far.

I’d gotten so full up to that point, because they kept serving us before that. So I regret getting full before the chicken.

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

ANDREA: He taught me how to play blackjack. He’s been really helpful and really nice and really patient with me, because I really had no f**kin’ idea what I was doing. And I won, so he’s doing everything right.

ZACH: Coming out double off blackjack, on her first time. She sat down at the table and she came way down, but then she shot way up towards the end.

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

ANDREA: I really don’t know. It’s not even something he’s doing, I just think he’s too young. He’s not doing anything unattractive, he’s opening doors like a gentleman. I

just think that he’s young.

ZACH: Constantly on her phone, 100%. Constantly on her phone, and I can tell she’s really all about herself. But that’s OK.

to my date and I didn’t want to be on my phone a whole lot. We did exchange Instagrams already, but I haven’t even looked at it. I was just interested in getting to know her.

Rate your date on a scale from one to 10 for looks.

ANDREA: Looks? I would say an eight.

ZACH: Nine.

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

ANDREA: His eyes. Pretty eyes.

ZACH: She has a beautiful face. She has beautiful eyes. She’s a cutie. She’s so sweet.

And for personality?

ANDREA: I would say a 10.

ZACH: I’d say a seven.

Did you have a chance to social stalk them?

ANDREA: 100%. He already followed me on Instagram. He had no idea. I went to go follow him, I’m like, “Wait, you follow me.”

He’s like, “Oh, that’s so weird.” I’m like, “It’s so weird, I don’t know” (laughs). But that’s fine.

ZACH: No, I just met her, so honestly, I came in today trying to devote 100% of my attention

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

ANDREA: I don’t know, man. His hands? He does this weird thing with his pinky, like when he holds something, his pinky goes all the way out and it’s weird, I don’t know.

ZACH: I don’t think she has a bad physical quality.

Do you want to kiss your date right now?

ANDREA: 100% no.

ZACH: I would definitely kiss her.

Does your date want to kiss you?

ANDREA: No. I hope not.

ZACH: I think she would. I think so.

Is this someone you’d take home to mom, or just take home?

ANDREA: (Just laughs).

ZACH: I need to get to know her a little bit more before I take her home to mom. I’d take her home to hang out and see what happens.

I say that because I would like to see how she is outside of this environment with cameras, 100%.

How and when will the date end?

ANDREA: I’m having fun at the casino, 100%. I think we’ll hang out and play for a minute.

ZACH: We’re gonna step out of dinner here soon. Definitely going to play some more blackjack. I plan on having fun, keeping the drink on. I’m definitely not expecting anything out of the ordinary. We’re just going to see what happens and go from there. One hundred percent open-ended.

Well, this is a little awkward. Even more awkward than finding out your blind date already follows you on Instagram.

Despite the fact that Zach and Andrea both like to describe things as “100%,” it’s doubtful that’s how they would describe the chemistry on this date. They have nothing but rave reviews for Sycuan Casino, but the reviews of each other aren’t as good.

Zach complains that Andrea is on her phone a lot and seems to be pretty into herself, while Andrea thinks Zach is just too young for her.

And when it came down to asking whether they wanted to kiss each other, Zach felt like there might be a chance, but Andrea’s answer was pretty emphatic: “100% no.”

Guess Zach’s instincts are more useful at the blackjack table. But that’s OK, because Zach says his only regret of the night is eating too much before he got to the chicken at Viewpoint.

And if that’s your only regret after a night at the casino, well, you’re walking out a winner.

@PACIFICSD

MAY 2019

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LOVE | BLIND DATE

STRAIGHT FLUSH

TOP: Madeira Braised Chicken from Viewpoint.

MIDDLE: Creamy Tomato Bisque.

BOTTOM: Prawns & Pasta.

With a seemingly encouraging start, Zach and Andrea’s date ends as a bust

A

fter a night of casino action and excitement, it looks like our daters didn’t end up getting lucky.

They might not have been a match romantically, but they both enjoyed the date itself and they at least walked away as better blackjack players than before.

Sometimes, the numbers just don’t add up.

Our blind daters didn’t go home entirely empty-handed: They both won some cash and don’t appear to have any hard feelings towards each other, so can we just call it a draw?

We checked in with Zach and Andrea after the date to see where the chips fell.

How did everything go last night?

ANDREA: Everything went really good. It was actually really fun.

ZACH: It was awesome. She was 94

MAY 2019 @PACIFICSD

really cool, she’s fun to be around.

And we had a really good time. The cocktails were really cool and we doubled our money in blackjack.

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

ANDREA: We went and played blackjack, we played on the slots and I actually won $26. It was great and then we just went home because I didn’t feel very good.

ZACH: She went home, she was really tired. And I was also tired because I work really early in the morning. So she went home and I went home.

Did you guys exchange numbers?

ANDREA: No. ZACH: Yeah, we exchanged phone numbers, for sure.

Hook up?

ANDREA: No.

ZACH: We did not hook up. I gave her a kiss on the cheek at the end of the night. That was all.

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

ANDREA: I think it was how much I really sucked at all the games. I literally was like trying to figure out how to not be terrible. I think it was pretty funny to watch me have no idea how to do simple math.

ZACH: People were asking the camera guy if we were famous. That was kind of funny.

What was the best part of the date and why?

ANDREA: Meeting the chef was really cool, the food was amazing. I think that the coolest thing was that I got the little lesson on how to play (blackjack).

ZACH: Best part of the date was winning money at the casino. We both doubled our money, which

is not a common thing to do at a casino.

What was the worst part of the date and why?

ANDREA: I wouldn’t say there was a worst part, per se. There’s no worst part. I literally had a great time.

ZACH: Well, during dinner, she was kind of on her phone a lot.

Just really into her phone. So it was a little harder to engage in conversation during dinner.

Do you follow each other on Instagram?

ANDREA: Yeah, well, no he followed me, but I didn’t know. It was funny. He didn’t know either, apparently. I was like, “What’s your Instagram?” I pulled him up and it said he was already following me.

ZACH: Yeah, actually, when I met her, I didn’t recognize her, but I was already following her on Instagram (laughs).

LOVE | BLIND DATE So freaking funny. So then she followed me and now we follow each other. Let’s call that the funniest part. We were about to exchange Instagrams and I was already following her, so that was kind of embarrassing and funny, and I was surprised, I didn’t know either, that I was following her.

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

ANDREA: I don’t know. Possibly, because he wants to teach me how to jet ski.

ZACH: Yeah, I think there will be a second date. There’s definitely going to be a second date because we vibed and we had fun. And I wanted to take her on what would be my ideal date. I’d like to take her sailing on the bay and finish the date off with a picnic or dinner on the beach. Or a fire. I like fires a little bit.

Do you have any dating tips for your date?

ANDREA: No, he’s a pretty solid guy.

He’s really funny. I don’t have any tips. I’m awkward as hell. I should get the tips, not him.

ZACH: Try to be a little more engaged in conversation.

Maybe all hope is not lost for Andrea and Zach. Although there’s a bit of a discrepancy regarding whether or not they actually exchanged phone numbers, Zach is still hoping to take Andrea out again, minus the blinking casino lights and camera crew, and he seems intent on firing things up, or at least, making a fire.

And Andrea is open to the possibility of a second date as well. After the date, she was able to acknowledge her own awkward dating shortcomings, so we hope she’s open to giving Zach a second chance as well.

In the end, this blind date bet might not have paid off big, but in the dating game, there’s always a chance at another round for the big payout.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Daters’ answers may have been edited for length and clarity.

SPECIAL THANKS TO AND PROMOTIONAL CONSIDERATION FROM: EPIC LIMO 858.270.LIMO (5466), epiclimo.com PACIFICO: discoverpacifico.com SYCUAN CASINO: 619.445.6002, sycuan.com ELICIT BAR & LOUNGE: 619.659.3372, sycuan.com/restaurants/elicit-lounge VIEWPOINT NEIGHBORHOOD KITCHEN: sycuan.com/restaurants/viewpointneighborhood-kitchen

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STATUS UPDATE CHECKING IN WITH LAST MONTH’S BLIND DATERS Looking back to last month’s blind daters, Jimmy and Jessica (“Mezcal Me Maybe,” April 2019), we can’t help but wonder if these two are still happily Netflix and chillin’ or if the romance has burned like popcorn in the office microwave. We checked in with the duo to see where things stand.

Are you still seeing your blind date?

JESSICA: We have still been texting and trying to plan a time to meet! We’re both so busy with our businesses, but I think we appreciate each other’s work ethic.

JIMMY: Yes.

What were the reactions of your friends/family after you went on the date?

JESSICA: Everyone loved reading about our date in the magazine. I think it was so funny how many of our pre-date answers were the same!

JIMMY: They thought it was hilarious and a fun night.

Has your opinion of the date changed since you went on it?

JESSICA: No, I had a blast!

JIMMY: Nope.

What did you learn?

JESSICA: (Laughs) Maybe not so many drinks at dinner.

JIMMY: I learned that mindset is everything

in any situation and having an open mindset, especially to a blind date, usually leads to a good outcome.

Anyone slide into your DMs since the blind date went to print?

JESSICA: Just a few of my friends, but they thought it was really cute.

JIMMY: Nope, but they should be flooding in soon.

Would you ever go on another blind date, either in a magazine or otherwise?

JESSICA: I think it was a one-time thing, but it was very fun! Trying to get some of my girlfriends to give it a try.

JIMMY: Yes, that would be fun!

WRAP UP Read about and watch videos from all of PACIFIC’s blind dates at pacificsandiego.com/magazine/blind-date.

Want to be featured on the blind date? Or know someone you want to set up? Send an email to lifescool@pacificsandiego.com.

PACIFIC HIGHLANDS D EN T I S T R Y AND O RT H O D ON T I C S