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Kearny Mesa FIAT | 5155 Convoy St., Kearny Mesa 858.492.9200 | Kmfiat.com | Facebook.com/kmfiatsd Š2014 Chrysler Group LLC. All Rights Reserved. FIAT, ABARTH and the scorpion design are registered trademarks used under license by Chrysler Group LLC.
American Born Moonshine & Coors Banquet present the second annual Barnyard photo booth American BBQ burgers Karaoke booth
Smokin’ Guns cowgirl dancers Mechanical bull riding Official afterparty location
Live band country/rock karaoke Fried chicken-’n’-waffle bites Corn-hole tournament
Calendar signing with Nicole Dahm Beer pong, shuffleboard, flip-cup Lucky Bastard sexy chaps dancers BBQ chicken pizza Real live petting zoo
Hourly Daisy Dukes contests Coyote Ugly girls dance revue
GASLAMP RO D E O
Sat'JWFur $PVday, November 15 (5-9pm)
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Tickets include 5 drinks
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Are you a Lucky Bastard? Beer Pong | Pool | Shuffleboard | Live DJs | Daily Specials 840 fifth ave
San Diego, Ca 92101
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619.233.0023
luckybastardsaloon.com
editor’s note
N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4 ///
Angie and Joe Giacalone on their honeymoon (1953).
Salt of the Earth
I
n 1936, two-year-old Angelina “Angie” Oritano emigrated from Sicily, Italy, to Little Italy in San Diego. Since graduating from San Diego High in 1952, she never missed a class reunion. Angie married Giuseppe “Joe” Giacalone in 1953. For their honeymoon, they rode a train to Los Angeles, where it rained for five days straight. Joe smiles when telling the story about how they never left their hotel room… except to eat. I’ve lived across the street from Joe and Angie’s house in Mission Hills since 1997, and they’ve been like surrogate grandparents to me ever since. When their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren have come to visit them over the years, I’ve been the jubilant benefactor of the extra mounds of food Angie made, but her family — albeit a large and growing group of loving people — couldn’t finish. “Here’s a little something from Angie,” Joe would say, handing me a 10-pound bowl of her homemade spaghetti and tennis-ball-sized meatballs. “Just bring the dish back when you’re done with it tomorrow.” If I had a family of 10, it would take a week to get through one of Angie’s “little” dishes. When I’d return the dish a couple days later (having secretly moved 75 percent of its contents to a plastic container), Angie would give me a hug, tell me I looked too thin (I didn’t) and try to send me home with more food — or at least “a couple cookies,” which, for her, meant a couple dozen, minimum. I never left empty-handed… or without smelling like her perfume. A few weeks ago, I was outside my house when I noticed Joe walking toward me. He wasn’t carrying a plate; he was coming to tell me that Angie had died in her sleep the night before. The Giacalone family, which Angie and Joe (front row, center) made from scratch.
This Dining Issue of PacificSD is dedicated to Angie Giacalone, one of the most loving and wonderful people I’ve met. By my math, during her 61 years of marriage, this angel incarnate prepared, with generous helpings of love, nearly 70,000 meals for her husband and family — growing her clan, literally, from two to two dozen since her wedding day. Two weeks ago, I saw Joe in his garage and walked over to see how he was doing. I invited him to come eat dinner with me, Simone and Lex, but he declined. Instead, he opened a freezer in the garage and, with tears welling in his eyes, showed me the food Angie had prepared for him before dying. “I have enough here to last me for months,” he said. I get a lump in my throat when thinking about how Joe must feel when opening that freezer and taking a package of Angie’s frozen food up to the kitchen to reheat it. Angie spread love — with hugs, with kisses, with food. The crowd at her funeral, held at the same Little Italy Catholic church where she married Joe, was a testament to the passion with which she led her life. The city, the world, has lost one of the good ones. The day after the funeral, Joe brought me an enormous mound of spaghetti and meatballs, telling me one of Angie’s sisters had brought too much food to the house (must run in the family). He smiled and told me I could keep the container for a couple days. When I returned the container, Angie wasn’t there, of course. If she had been, there’s no doubt what she would have said: “You look hungry. Let me make you something to eat.”
Sincerely, David Perloff, Editor-in-Chief 10
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SPICED RUM
RESPECT HIS LEGACY. DRINKSAILOR JERRY RESPONSIBLY. ©2014 Sailor Jerry Rum, 46% Alc./Vol. William Grant & Sons, Inc. New York, NY.
Food and flavor specialist Amiko Gubbins and Chef de Cuisine Elias Gonzales invite you to the grand opening of OB Warehouse, an exciting presentation of world food in a surreal setting that feels like it’s been part of the neighborhood since the Industrial Age.
GRAND OPENING 8FEOFTEBZ /PWFNCFS Proceeds benefit Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
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cohnrestaurants.com/obwarehouse
Purchase tickets at pacificsandiego.com/ob
www.mustachedache.com San Diego
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volume 8
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issue 11
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NOVEMBER 2014
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF David Perloff
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kenny Boyer
mustache dache
san diego the nations premier mustache themed running event
MANAGING EDITOR Catlin Dorset CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Michael Benninger, Brandon Hernández, Brandon Matzek, David Nelson, Frank Sabatini, Jr. COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Kate and Michael Auda CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Kate Auda, Michael Auda, Brevin Blach, Paul Body, Brandon Matzek, Sara Norris, Kristina Yamamoto
PUBLISHERS David Perloff Simone Perloff DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING Dana Hinton (dana@pacificsandiego.com) MARKETING DIRECTOR Alyson C. Baker (alyson@pacificsandiego.com)
support movember grow a stache. do the dache.
MISSION BAY PARK SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6TH
PROMOTIONS assistant Ariel Gafni (ariel@pacificsandiego.com) CLIENT SERVICES MANAGER Ryan Jones (ryan@pacificsandiego.com) ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Michael Christopher (mike@pacificsandiego.com) Brennan MacLean (brennan@pacificsandiego.com) Kevin Sheehan (kevin@pacificsandiego.com) INTERN Tracy Ly
5K RUN | Live Music & DJ | BEER GARDEN MUSTACHE TSHIRT & MEDAL | CONTESTs & More
www.mustachedache.com 14
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Reach America’s Finest readers via print, web, social media, email, street team and events. Read, click, connect... BOOM! 619.296.6300 • pacificsandiego.com
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“Let there be nightlife”
The Nightclub & Bar Issue Coming January 2015
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CONTENTS Features 11.14
ON THE COVER: Chef Bernard Guillas’ nectarinesoy glazed cobia at The Marine Room in La Jolla. Photo by Kate and Michael Auda. (See story, page 54.) THIS PAGE: Chef Trey Foshee’s local yellowtail with chanterelles, okra and raisin chutney at George’s at the Cove: California Modern in La Jolla. Photo by Kate and Michael Auda.
54 Chain of Gourmand
Savor a progressive menu linking San Diego chefs to their favorite dishes
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CONTENTS departments / 11.14 page
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RIGHT: “Earth-friendly Lorax, yellow” by Dr. Seuss, on display at the “Ingenious! The World of Dr. Seuss” exhibition at the San Diego History Center in Balboa Park November 21 through December 31. BELOW: Metalcore band The Word Alive perform at SOMA in Point Loma November 7.
page
112 AGENDA 26 Eleven.Fourteen November event listings 32 Laughing Stock November comedy calendar
PULSE
102 Out of the Parq See what’s emanating from downtown’s newest gourmet kitchen 106 Apps for That The beginnings of a fabulous Turkey Day dinner
38 Art Beat November’s museum and gallery openings
108 Take it From The Tap Finest City beer — scene and heard
44 Curtain Calls Spotlighting performing arts
GROOVE
50 Say “I Dew” Surfing superstar promotes soft drinks and hard core
TASTE 96 Say Cheese A San Diego chef finds new reasons to smile
22
112 Sounds Like A Plan November concert calendar 118 Spin Cycle November EDM shows 120 Changing Majors A one-time law student makes a grape escape
LOVE 122 Wind and Dine Dinner, dessert and drinks... with a twist
PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM / NOVEM B ER 2 0 1 4
TM & © 1 971 Dr . S euss En ter pr ise s, L. P. All R ig hts Re serve d
46 The Reel World November motion picture preview
Agenda
ELEVEN.FOURTEEN
NOVEMBER 2014 event CALENDAR
By Catlin Dorset
11/1
Over the Edge for Brain Cancer
Manchester Grand Hyatt, Downtown otesandiego.org Daredevils rappel 365 feet down the side of San Diegoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s third tallest building to raise money and awareness for brain cancer research. (continued on page 28)
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agenda
c a l en d a r ///
(continued from page 26)
11/1
Shave the Date
Harrah’s Resort SoCal harrahssocal.com Help The Movember Foundation raise money and awareness for men’s health programs worldwide by getting a clean shave onstage at this Harrah’s Resort event, which also includes a MoStacks Celebrity Poker tournament and MoParty. Then let your ’stache and/ or beard grow during the 30 days of Movember (formerly November). See November 29 entry on this calendar for more info.
11/7-16
11/1-2
San Diego Beer Week
Old Town Día de los Muertos
Locations throughout San Diego sdbw.org Raise a glass to 10 days of hoppy events highlighting more than 80 of America’s Finest craft breweries. Cheers!
Old Town State Park sddayofthedead.org Celebrate friends and loved ones living in the afterlife by soaking-in Mexican art, margaritas, and more than 40 Day of the Dead altars.
11/2
Race for the Cure
11/9
Balboa Park komensandiego.org Run this 5K to support local victims and survivors of breast cancer. Organizers say 75 percent of all money raised will stay in San Diego County to fund mammograms, surgeries and many other services.
11/7-30
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club dmtc.com Paying tribute to Old Hollywood glamour and one of the racetrack’s co-founders, Bing Crosby, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club’s inaugural fall season includes a Great Gatsbystyle opening day party on November 7, followed by 15 more racing days.
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11/8
PBR Velocity Tour
Valley View Casino Center, Point Loma valleyviewcasinocenter.com Cinching the cowboys’ cajones with a leather strap would help even the score. Go bulls!
CicloSDias
Hillcrest and Bankers Hill ciclosdias.com Bike, skate, walk or ride any (within reason) non-motorized vehicle through Hillcrest and Bankers Hill as Sixth and University Avenues are closed to promote healthy living and greener transportation options.
Chargers Home Games 11/16: vs. Oakland Raiders 11/23: vs. St. Louis Rams C hr is Tho mps on
28
Bing Crosby Season
(continued on page 30)
agenda
c a l en d a r ///
(continued from page 28)
11/11
San Diego Veterans Day Parade
Harbor Drive, Downtown sdvetparade.org Salute San Diego’s military members who’ve served overseas at this Tribute to Afghanistan and Iraq Veterans march.
11/21-23 11/15 Del Mar Fairgrounds to Petco Park komensandiego.org Walk a 60-mile course spanning from Del Mar to downtown to raise money and awareness for the fight against breast cancer.
Bellator MMA Presents: TITO vs. BONNAR
Valley View Casino Center, Point Loma valleyviewcasinocenter.com Mixed martial arts fighters Tito “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” Ortiz and Stephan “The American Psycho” Bonnar battle for the light heavyweight title.
11/16-23
Denise JOnes
Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure
San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival
Several locations throughout San Diego sandiegowineclassic.com Mingle with 10,000 food and drink buffs during this weeklong affair highlighting 70 San Diego restaurants, 80 chefs and more than 200 wine/ beer/spirit purveyors. Daily events — celebrity chef dinners, cooking classes and more — culminate in the grand tasting event, which brings 5,000 people to the downtown waterfront.
11/27
Father Joe’s Thanksgiving Day 5K
Patr ic k Mu r phy
11/26-30 11/29 Walking with Dinosaurs
30
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club dmtc.com Movember’s hair-raising fun culminates with a live performance by CAKE at the San Diego Gala Parté, to be held at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club following the last horse race of the day. Find mo’ local events at movember.com.
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Valley View Casino Center, Point Loma valleyviewcasinocenter.com Watch T. Rex and his lifesized buddies recreate their evolution and ultimate extinction.
San Diego Gala Parté
11/29
Balboa Park thanksgivingrun.org Proceeds from this annual turkey trot benefit San Diego’s local homeless population.
The Teddy Ball
Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa, Mission Bay theteddyball.com Bring a teddy bear to this exclusive black-tie charity event to support sick and needy children in San Diego. Proceeds (cash and bears) benefit the NFL Alumni Association’s “Caring for Kids” mission.
agenda
C O M E D Y ///
the last LAUGH Nick Swardson wraps his North American tour in San Diego By Michael Benninger
A
fter a whirlwind, 40-city swing across the U.S. and Canada, comedian Nick Swardson — best known for his roles in Grandma’s Boy, Reno 911 and basically every Adam Sandler movie since 2003 — has vowed to finish his two-month Taste It tour in San Diego. In advance of his two local shows this month, Swardson discusses performing live, Pepto-Bismol and his cat’s poo-poo problems.
love eating. All I want to do is eat. So if I could just eat constantly, that would be amazing.
PacificSD: Why should people be excited to come see you perform? Nick Swardson: Because I talk about things that people can relate to, like drinking and farting. I really open up the door with a whole new take on those subjects. I think that, in a time when ebola is everywhere, people need to know about drinking and farting.
What’s the worst joke you’ve ever told? I think all of my jokes are bad, but this was a joke that I wrote and I had Sarah Silverman do it on stage. And I did it on-stage once. I said, “It’s Pepto-Bismol’s 40th Anniversary, and they’re celebrating 40 years of diarrhea.” It’s the stupidest joke ever, but there was a good month when I thought it was the funniest thing ever, and I kept making people tell it. I kept grabbing my comedy friends. I think I had Galifianakis maybe tell it, I can’t remember. I kept pawning it off on people.
If your show biz career hadn’t taken off, what kind of job do you think you’d be working? That’s funny. I always think about that. I think I would be like a grade school teacher, ’cause I would be amongst my peers, and it just seems like it would be easy. I could just make fart noises and have fun. And I wouldn’t have to really know anything. Like, if you’re a grade school teacher, you don’t really have to know anything. You just have to be able to add and, like, point to pictures, which is pretty easy. San Diego has a burgeoning improv scene. What’s your advice for local up-and-comers? Don’t jerk-off on stage. Which rising comedians do you most enjoy watching perform? It’s hard, as a comedian, to watch comedy. You become so desensitized. The only people that really make me laugh right now, and they’re friends of mine, are Daniel Tosh and Bill Burr. If I would ever watch anybody, which I rarely do, it’d be those two.
If you ran for president, who would you choose as a running mate? Carrot Top. What’s your spirit animal? A piglet.
Favorite joke you’ve ever told on stage? My personal favorite, which ironically also involves diarrhea, is, “I have a cat, and my cat is sick right now. So I took him to the vet, ’cause he had diarrhea. And the vet’s like, ‘What have you been feeding him?’ And I’m like, ‘Diarrhea.’”
Who’s the funniest person most of America doesn’t know about yet? I would say Dana Gould. He’s been around for a long time. He was a mentor of mine and a producer on The Simpsons. He’s an amazing comedian. He’s been a stand-up for like 25, 30 years. He’s a genius; a really, really brilliant comedian. What’s the best part about being Nick Swardson? I get a lot of free shots at bars. And the worst part? I get a lot of free shots at bars. If you could have any superpower, which would you choose? I’d just like to be able to eat anything all the time. I 32
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NICK SWARDSON
11/8: Pechanga Resort & Casino pechanga.com 11/9: Balboa Theatre sandiegotheatres.org
N OV E M BE R 2014 / PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM
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agenda
C O M E D Y ///
laughing
STOCK
November stand-up roundup “Having bad vision means that I’m afraid to discipline my own children, ’cause they’re the ones who help me cross the street. I’m freaking out on the street corner thinking, ‘When was the last time I kicked your ass?’” —Patrick Deguire at Las Vegas Live 11/1: Patrick Deguire @ Mad House Comedy Club, madhousecomedyclub.com
“I married a white guy. Honestly, I had to. My credit was f**ked up.” —Aisha Tyler on The Talk 11/7-8: Aisha Tyler @ American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com
“Shout out to all the white folks that’s been adopting these black babies. It’s like a rich, white fetish. They don’t even go domestic with these black babies. They be microbrewing them babies. They been going deep off in Africa and talking about the baby like a weed strain. Like, ‘N*gga, I got some Uganda back at the crib. This motherf**ker is so astute!’” —Damien Lemon at Caroline’s Comedy Club 11/14-15: Damien Lemon @ Mad House Comedy Club, madhousecomedyclub.com
(continued on page 36)
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An ne Fi shb ein
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“If you’re looking for sympathy, you’ll find it between ‘shit’ and ‘syphilis’ in the dictionary.” —David Sedaris in his book Barrel Fever 11/13: David Sedaris @ Balboa Theatre, sandiegotheatres.org
®
agenda
C O M E D Y ///
(continued from page 34)
R ut hie Wyatt
“I notice more and more women are getting fake boobs. Meanwhile, I still haven’t even gotten real ones yet. I mean, I have boobs; they’re just concave. So much so, they even kind of stick out of my back a little.” —Tig Notaro on Comedy Central Presents 11/19: Tig Notaro @ Balboa Theatre, sandiegotheatres.org
“You know what else I love about the 1970s running shorts? You can let your three-piece set just duck out the side. You know what I’m talking about? Just let it duck out the side, accidentally on purpose. Don’t show the whole thing, just a little bit, the nubs — like, ‘Oops.’ You can’t show the whole thing, though. You show the whole thing, it looks like somebody threw a baby bird against your leg. There’s nothing sexy about a dead baby bird on your leg.” —Bryan Callen on Live at Gotham 11/20-22: Bryan Callen @ American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com
“They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend. But, in reality, it’s usually a 210-pound girl named Meghan who cock-blocks you at the bar.” —Colin Kane tweet 11/21-22: Colin Kane @ Mad House Comedy Club, madhousecomedyclub.com
“Ever been driving along in your car, smoking a cigarette, and you flick it out the window, and you drive for a few miles, and you start to smell smoke, and you turn around, and you look in the backseat, and grandma is playing with herself?” —Doug Benson on Comedy Central Presents 11/26: Doug Benson @ American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com
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Seth Ol en ic k
“Yesterday was my day off. I woke up at 9 a.m.; I took a few sleeping pills; I went back to bed and just slept the day gone. Because the only way I can survive off what I make is if my week is only six days long.” —Sean Patton on Comedy Central Stand-Up 11/28-30: Sean Patton @ American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com
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RACING NOVEMBER 7 - 30, 2014 FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TICKET SALES, VISIT DMTC.COM
Pulse
ART BEAT
NOVEMBER museum and gallery openings
By Michael Benninger
11.15 -1.10: Ann Weber Lux Art Institute 1550 S. El Camino Real, Encinitas 760.436.6611, luxartinstitute.com
After moving into a new home and finding her world overrun with cardboard boxes, artist Ann Weber grabbed a stapler and a blade to create these corrugated masterpieces and sizable sculptures.
(continued on page 40)
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Miracles and Wonderâ&#x20AC;? by Ann Weber
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11/1-2/15: Neil Shigley: Invisible People Oceanside Museum of Art 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside 760.435.3720, oma-online.org Local artist Neil Shigley presents a collection of large-scale canvases that shine a light on San Diego’s homeless population, capturing the beauty and burdens of life in the city’s streets.
11/4-12/6: A Few Small Nips: A Tribute to Frida Kahlo ArtHatch/Distinction Gallery 317 E Grand Ave., Escondido 760.781.5779, distinctionart.com This group exhibition comprises works of art inspired by and/or created in homage to the late, legendary and liquor-loving Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, famous for her vividly hued self-portraits.
“Dave” by Neil Shigley “Windows to the Soul” by Leo Vinh
11/6-9: ART SAN DIEGO Contemporary Art Show Balboa Park Activity Center 2145 Park Blvd., Balboa Park 858.254.3031, art-sandiego.com Having become one of Southern California’s foremost cultural attractions, San Diego’s contemporary fine art fair returns for its sixth year, showcasing dozens of galleries and scores of artists from around the globe.
(continued on page 42) “Swan with Gold” by Matt Forderer
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BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND
NOVEMBER 12-DECEMBER 7 CIVIC THEATRE
Civic Theatre Ticket OfďŹ ce (3rd & B Street) BroadwaySD.com â&#x20AC;˘ 619-570-1100 800-982-ARTS â&#x20AC;˘ Groups 15+ 619-564-3001
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11/8-12/7: Assembly Line Collective Thumbprint Gallery 920 Kline St., La Jolla 858.354.6294, thumbprintgallerysd.com
pulse
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“Beer Feelings” by Alexander Barrett
International graffiti artists, graphic designers, photographers, illustrators, sculptors, painters and other artsy types collaborate in highlighting their latest works at this group show in La Jolla. “Play With Me” by Michael O.
11/8: Beer Feelings by Alexander Barrett Gym Standard 2903 El Cajon Blvd. #2, North Park 619.501.4996, gymstandard.com
11/21-12/31: Ingenious! The World of Dr. Seuss San Diego History Center 1649 El Prado, Ste. 3, Balboa Park 619.232.6203, sandiegohistory.org
This successor to last year’s similarly titled show (also held during San Diego Beer Week) features a fresh assortment of Alexander Barrett’s beercentric drawings, which provide viewers with a series of excuses to crack a can and take a swig.
Explore early illustrations by beloved children’s author and San Diego resident Theodor Seuss Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss, in this interactive exhibit that includes artistic elements from Balboa Park’s 2015 centennial celebration.
View the bare human body as interpreted by some of the 20th century’s most prolific painters and photographers in this exhibition focusing on the female form and punctuated by a dose of denuded dudes. “The Green Nude” by Joseph Solman
TM & © 1 957 Dr . S euss En ter pr ise s, L. P. A ll Ri gh ts Res erved .
11/22-3/8: NAKED: 20th Century Nudes from the Dijkstra Collection Oceanside Museum of Art 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside 760.435.3720, oma-online.org
“The Cat That Changed the World” by Dr. Seuss
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& ALL DAY
EVERYDAY
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CURTAIN CALLS
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Spotlighting performing arts
11/12-12/7: Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz San Diego Civic Theatre 1100 Third Ave., Downtown 619.570.1100, sandiegotheatres.org Filling in the backstory before Dorothy and Toto crashed along the Yellow Brick Road, this awardwinning musical tells the sensational tale of how two young girls grow up to become Glinda the Good Witch and the Wicked Witch of the West.
Joan Marcus
11/1-2: Giselle San Diego Civic Theatre 1100 Third Ave., Downtown 619.570.1100, sandiegotheatres.org A beautiful girl falls head-over-heels for a fraudulent member of the royalty in this harrowing narrative that employs dance to delve into the depths of love, betrayal and retribution.
B rad M atthews
11/28-12/21: The Second City’s NutCracking Holiday Revue La Jolla Playhouse 2910 La Jolla Village Dr., La Jolla 858.550.1010, lajollaplayhouse.org
11/15-12/27: Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Old Globe 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park 619.234.5623, theoldglobe.org
Acclaimed improv comedy troupe The Second City hits the Playhouse stage with an uproarious new set of holiday-themed songs and sketches that poke fun at American culture and traditions during the happiest time of year.
The Old Globe transforms into Whoville for this 13th annual production of Dr. Seuss’ fanciful fable about a mischievous misanthrope dead-set on destroying his hamlet’s Yuletide cheer. PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM / NOVEM B ER 2 0 1 4
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Interstellar “Mankind was born on Earth. It was never meant to die here.” Action, Adventure, Mystery Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain In Theatres: November 7 Tasked with finding a new home for humanity, a team of explorers led by a pilot named Cooper (McConaughey) ventures into a newly discovered wormhole, breaking the bounds of spacetime in search of a life-sustaining planet.
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The Reel World
NOVEMBER motion picture preview By Michael Benninger
Big Hero 6 Animation, Action, Comedy Starring: Genesis Rodriguez, Jamie Chung, Damon Wayans Jr. In Theatres: November 7 When San Fransokyo falls under siege by malevolent criminals, a 14-year-old robotics whiz and his balloony bot, Baymax, partner with a pack of untested crime-fighters to save their beloved metropolis.
(continued on page 48)
The Theory of Everything “His mind changed our world. Her love changed his.” Biography, Drama Starring: Felicity Jones, Eddie Redmayne, Emily Watson In Theatres: November 7 Before Stephen Hawking was wheelchairbound and reliant on computer-based communication, he was big pimpin’ on the Cambridge campus — at least according to this biopic based on the book by the renowned astrophysicist’s ex-wife.
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Beyond the Lights “Open your heart. Find your voice.” Drama Starring: Minnie Driver, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Danny Glover In Theatres: November 14 Noni is the nation’s latest chart-topping music sensation whose controlling stage-mom pushes her to the brink of suicide until a dashing police officer saves her life and helps her forge her own identity.
Foxcatcher Biography, Drama, Sport Starring: Steve Carell, Channing Tatum, Mark Ruffalo In Theatres: November 14 This thrilling film recounts the true story of brothers Mark and Dave Schultz, Olympic Gold wrestling champions whose affiliation with an affluent schizophrenic put their lives in jeopardy.
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Dumb and Dumber To Comedy Starring: Jim Carrey, Jeff Daniels, Kathleen Turner In Theatres: November 14 Nearly two decades after cinema’s dimmest duo first hit the big screen, Lloyd Christmas (Carrey) and Harry Dunne (Daniels) return in this long-overdue sequel that revisits their idiotic antics from the ’90s and follows them through a whole new set of moronic misadventures.
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The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 “Fire burns brighter in the darkness.” Adventure, Sci-Fi Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth In Theatres: November 21 After narrowly escaping the Third Quarter Quell, Katniss Everdeen enters District 13 on a quest to save her beloved Peeta and deliver salvation to the dystopian nation of Panem.
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The Imitation Game “Behind every code is an enigma.” Biography, Drama, Thriller Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode In Theatres: November 21 This flick chronicles the life of mathematician Alan Turing, who was instrumental in the Allies’ victory over Germany in World War II, but later suffered persecution and prosecution when his sexual proclivities became public knowledge.
Horrible Bosses 2 “Taking care of business.” Comedy Starring: Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis In Theatres: November 26 When a conniving investor tries to thwart their new business, the masters of workplace revenge kidnap his son and hold him for ransom.
Penguins of Madagascar “The movie event that will blow their cover.” Animation, Adventure, Comedy Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, John Malkovich, Tom McGrath, Christopher Knights In Theatres: November 26 Led by the heroic husky, Agent Classified, a team of top-secret tuxedoed birds uncover ornery octopus Dr. Octavius Brine’s nefarious plan for global domination.
[ADVER TISEMENT]
Cameron Fous, seen here trading from his private pool while on vacation in Bali.
Earn A Full Time Living... Part Time. Anywhere! — Cameron Fous, “The Wolf of San Diego”
Investment wizard Cameron Fous has made a fortune day-trading part-time. Now, he wants to teach you how to do it for yourself. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you are in the world. If you put in the time to learn the FOUS4 trading strategy, you can make thousands day-trading stocks in just a few hours per day. Stay up-to-date on Fous’ social media as he trades live from Costa Rica in November. “Fous Alerts is the best place for a new trader to begin. I purchased both the FOUS4 and 4X2 trainings as well as subscribed to Fous TV a little over a year ago. I started with $100,000 and was able to increase my account by 84 percent my first year, thanks to Cameron’s training and Fous TV. If you are a new trader starting with a small account, I would very strongly recommend learning how to trade the long-sided, microcap breakout patterns that Cameron Fous teaches to build up your account.” - Fous student, John C. For a limited time, try a two-week trial of Fous’ training services — and full access to his chat room and FousTV — for free. Visit fousalerts.com and enter promo code ELITE14 today.
facebook.com/fousalerts INSTAGRAM @fousalerts TWITTER @fousalerts
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SAY “I DEW”
Surfing superstar promotes soft drinks and hard core By Michael Benninger
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MAIN IMAGE: Josh Kerr catches air during the Moche Rip Curl Pro Portugal. INSETS (from top): Kerr, at the beach near his Carlsbad home; Kerr, competing in the 2011 Billabong Pipemasters contest in Hawaii; Kerrzy film premiere at La Paloma Theater in Encinitas.
Eth a n S c h aff e r
fter achieving fame as a twotime Air Show Champion and maintaining a Top 10 rank on the Association of Surfing Professionals World Tour, surfer Josh Kerr recently added the title Surf Ambassador to his resume. In September, Mountain Dew — the soft drink brand synonymous with the action sports lifestyle — named Kerr, a native Australian and longtime Carlsbad resident, the brand’s first official emissary in the surfing industry. To celebrate the partnership, Kerr and Mountain Dew are launching a program for surf teams at UC San Diego and Cal State University San Marcos. “To be the first Mountain Dew surf ambassador is an honor,” says Kerr, “and to launch this program focused around my hometown of San Diego is an
ideal way to kick it off.” Mountain Dew is providing funding and support for the teams, collaborating with Kerr to develop custom surf gear. The company also sponsored Kerr’s recent film project, Kerrzy, which premiered on local college campuses and at Encinitas’ La Paloma Theater earlier this fall. “It’s a fun program that offers the next level of inclusiveness and participation,” says Kerr. “Hopefully the students will get the added support to keep pursuing their passion for surfing.” Kerr and Mountain Dew are also hosting an Instagram contest, asking fans to share their best shots of SoCal surf spots via the hashtag #DewSanDiegoSurf. The winner, to be chosen by Kerr himself, will receive gifts, gear and the opportunity to tour one of San Diego’s top surfing destinations with the ambassador himself. Follow Kerr on Instagram (@josh_kerr84) and Facebook (facebook.com/joshkerrsurf ) for more details and look for his custom surf stuff, developed with Mountain Dew, at Rusty retailers throughout San Diego.
ELLOSan Diego surf spots E, Hfavorite WAV ” Kerr’s and friends. ith my kids Carlsbad w ski.” in e us ho y s on the jet t of m fun step-off ually r fo us 1. “Out fron l s] I’l ie d tt waves, an el Mar Je ch rippable e day.” 2. “DMJs [D th su of rs e fe of av w the Beach 3. “Blacks rfer] catching ty [Preisendo run into Rus
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Feast of Eden
ABOVE (left): Chef Grant MacPherson’s featured dish at 2013’s Wine Spectator Celebrity Chef Dinner. ABOVE (right): San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival’s 2014 Grand Tasting Event featuring 60 celebrity chefs, hundreds of wines, spirits and beer.
A heavenly selection of the city’s/nation’s/world’s finest wine and food By david nelson When an annual festival can sell-out a $625-per-person earlyafternoon tasting of extraordinary wines (the 1,000 Point Tasting Presented by Kia K900 at downtown’s U.S. Grant Hotel), it has clearly arrived. After a decade of aging and maturing like the elegant vintages it celebrates, the San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival returns for its 11th year November 16 to 23, popping corks and attracting major international attention. The participation of internationally celebrated chefs, master sommeliers, top-ranked vintners and local culinary superstars is unrivaled here. Eight days of sipping, tasting, learning and indulging revolve around the festival’s traditional venue at Embarcadero Marina Park North and branch out to hip new restaurants and other best-ofclass locations. Tickets to themed events — like November 21’s “Deceptively Decadent Holiday Desserts & Port Pairing” ($40) — are sold separately and also bundled into four packages. At the summit and priced from $1,560, the “Ultimate Festival Wine Weekend Getaway” includes two tickets to a deluxe selection of tastings, a dinner, multiple tickets to culinary classes and a two-night stay at a choice of leading downtown hotels. Here are 10 highlights of the San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival, the ultimate preface to the holidays.
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$ Fish Taco TKO Competition, 11/18 “Fish tacos and craft beer” spell “San Diego” in any language, and this evening event, which pits top taco-teers in a battle of the batters, promises an enjoyable, $45-per-person tacos-and-beer supper in the friendly surroundings of Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens at Liberty Station. $ The Raw Exposure, 11/20 Let the world be your mid-afternoon oyster at Little Italy’s Ironside Fish & Oyster, where, for $45 per person, Exec Chef/shellfish impresario Jason McLeod and Master Sommeliers Sur Lucero and Thomas Price will illustrate the delights of pairing sassy Sauvignon Blancs with briny bivalves. $ Bargain Bordeaux, 11/21 If you think the fabled wines of Bordeaux are reserved for high-tech billionaires and oil potentates, learn otherwise at this $50-perperson noontime tasting at the U.S. Grant Hotel, where the learned oenophiles of Commanderie de Bordeaux will present a suave selection of gems for less than $40 per bottle.
CLOCKWISE (from above): Gale Gand’s featured dish rom 2013’s Wine Spectator Celebrity Chef Dinner; Burger Bash!; wine tasters take their guesses during the Stump the Master’s Blind Tasting; Oyster Bar at the 2013 Grand Tasting; Grand Tasting VIPs enjoy a day along downtown’s beautiful Embarcadero. BELOW: Celebrity Chefs team up to judge the Grand Tasting 2013’s Chef of the Fest Competition.
$$ Celebrate the Chef Day at the Races, 11/23 Noting the premier of a second season of horse racing at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, this event closes the San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival, luring celebrity chefs and the culinary elite to a trackside pagoda offering live betting, wine and beef-inspired food stations where appetites like those of wild stallions will be tamed. General admission tickets are $75 apiece; early VIP entry costs $125. $$ Party After Dark, 11/22 Hobnob with celeb chefs amid edible works of art crafted by the festival’s food fashionistas at the Stella Artois Official After Party (6 to 9 p.m.). Presented by Irvine Company, this $65-per-person ballroom bash at the U.S. Grant features a Belgian beer experience by Stella and the stylized mixology of Grant Grill’s beverage magician Jeff Josenhans. $$ Stump the Masters Blind Tasting, 11/21 How better to spend a Friday mid-afternoon than with your nose in a glass? This $85-per-ticket sniff-‘n’-sip fest will challenge three master sommeliers, three local sommeliers and you (yes, you) to identify the varietal, region and vintage of six wines by utilizing sight, smell and taste. $$$ Comer Conmigo, 11/17 Daring Chefs Chad White, Nate Appleman and Rodrigo Bueno will collaborate on an adventurous, sixcourse, South-of-
the-Border-inspired dinner paired with Casamigos Tequila and wines. The four-hour feast ($175 per person) takes place at White’s new Común Kitchen & Tavern in East Village. $$$ Grand Tasting Event presented by Kia K900, 11/22 The festival’s star-studded grand finale is the Grand Tasting Event, held along the downtown waterfront and featuring tastes of 700 wines, cuisine from 60 of San Diego’s top chefs and 30 gourmet suppliers, live entertainment, the “Chef of the Fest” competition and cookbook signings. Tickets range from $135 for general admission to $200 for VIP early admission. $$$$$ 1,000 Point Tasting presented by Kia K900, 11/20 This is it, the biggest deal of the whole fab festival, the opportunity to trade $625 for a ticket to a “bucket list tasting” that pits Old World vintages against New World, 100-point wines. Stars will include Chateau Leoville Poyferre 2009; Donelan Family Richards Syrah 2009; and Frederick L. Dame, the first American to have served as president of the Court of Master Sommeliers Worldwide. $$$$$ The Mystique of First Growth Bordeaux, 11/21 This amazing lunchtime tasting in the clouds at the estimable Bertrand at Mr. A’s will pair a master sommelier-led exploration of wines — from such legendary labels as Lafite, Latour, Mouton, Margaux and Haut-Brion — with the tantalizing French cuisine of Chef Stephane Voitzwinkler. It’s a bargain at $550 per person. Find more information about these and many other exciting wine and culinary events at San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival’s website, sandiegowineclassic.com.
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Chef Deborah Scott’s favorite dish Nectarine-soy glazed cobia (at The Marine Room) Created by chef Bernard Guillas
“Bernard has a way of pulling all the ingredients together. I like it so much better than the miso cod everyone else is serving.” —Deborah Scott
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Gourmand Savor a progressive menu linking San Diego chefs to their favorite dishes
By Frank Sabatini Jr. / Photos by Kate and Michael Auda
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ack by popular demand (by 10 of the city’s top chefs), PacificSD proudly presents the fourth annual Chain of Gourmand, wherein a local chef cites his or her favorite dish, and then the maker of that dish calls out his/her fave, and so on, until 10
The Marine Room chef Bernard Guillas
Farm-raised in waters off Panama, this organic cobia boasts a luxurious, high-fat content. “It’s a beautiful fish,” says The Marine Room’s chef Bernard Guillas, who lacquers the fillet with tangerine glaze containing wisps of honey, ginger, garlic and soy sauce. It’s served with green tea noodles, locally grown trumpet mushrooms and a puff of eggplant-miso foam on the side. The Marine Room 2000 Spindrift Dr., La Jolla 866.644.2351 marineroom.com
chefs are linked. Starting this year’s chain is Deborah Scott, a chef-partner with Cohn Restaurant Group who oversees four San Diego restaurants (Indigo Grill, Island Prime, C Level, Vintana Wine + Dine) and two food trucks (Ms. Patty Melt, Chop Soo-ey). Having recently struck a deal with Costco, wherein the company’s 10 San Diego-area stores are already selling packages of her pepita-sesame crusted brie, Scott has plenty of reasons to smile — the big-box retailer has already ordered 20,000 units. (See “Say Cheese,” page 96.) Next in the pipeline for Scott (and Cohn) is a new restaurant and bar on the water at the southern tip of Harbor Island. A floating events center will be moored alongside the landlocked part of the venue, filling the void left by the late Reuben E. Lee, a one-time boat-turned-restaurant that sunk in San Diego Harbor after being towed away for a remodel. The soon-to-be amphibious chef has a weakness for Asian cuisine, which she sneaks into some of her menus in teasing measures: ginger-orange pork belly at Indigo Grill, black and white sesame salmon at C Level, ahi nachos with wasabi cream at Vintana. But Scott’s heart melts for a particular Asian-style preparation of cobia created by French Chef Bernard Guillas of The Marine Room. “I don’t have time to dine very often,” Scott says, “but when I do, I call Bernard.”
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Bernard Guillas’ favorite dish Hamachi sashimi (at Nine-Ten) Created by chef Jason Knibb
“The dish is super sexy and bright-tasting, and you savor it one bite at a time, ideally with a glass of nice champagne.” —Bernard Guillas
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Nine-Ten chef Jason Knibb
Hamachi has been a mainstay on Nine-Ten’s appetizer menu for seven years and isn’t going away anytime soon, assures chef Jason Knibb. “I keep it simple and clean,” he says, referring to his dressed-down presentation of adorning the fresh fish with only shitake mushrooms and scallion vinaigrette. Knibb sources the hamachi from Catalina Offshore Products, which specializes in sustainable, sushi-grade seafood. Nine-Ten 910 Prospect St., La Jolla 858.964.5400 nine-ten.com
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Jason Knibb’s favorite dish
Clam chowder (at Ironside Fish & Oyster) Created by chef Jason McLeod “I’m always left wanting more, because it’s so full of flavor and very comforting.” —Jason Knibb
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Ironside Fish & Oyster chef Jason McLeod
A couple of sharp-cheddar biscuits are the bonus to this New England-style clam chowder laced with a sinful twist. Ironside Fish & Oyster chef Jason McLeod infuses the roux with bacon fat before adding onions, leeks and celery. “The bacon component isn’t overpowering, but you know it’s there,” he says. “It’s a top-selling starter that we’ve had on the menu since the restaurant opened.” Citing its richness and generous doses of tender clams, Knibb notes that the recipe reminds him of the chowder he ate as a child with his father when they visited Fisherman’s Village in Marina Del Rey. Ironside Fish & Oyster 1654 India St., Little Italy 619.269.3033, ironsidefishandoyster.com
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Jason McLeod’s favorite dish
Morning buns (at Bake Sale Bakery) Created by chef-restaurateur Terryl Gavre “They tear apart in light, flaky layers. It takes a whole lot of willpower to not eat three of them at one time.” —Jason McLeod
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Bake Sale Bakery chef Terryl Gavre
Made with croissant dough harboring numerous layers of butter, chef Terryl Gavre’s morning buns are round and puffy. “It’s the elegant, older sister of the traditional cinnamon roll, because they’re less gooey and something you can eat in your car,” Gavre says. Baked daily and sweetened by raisins and dates, the buns don’t need frosting. McLeod knows to seize them early in the morning, as they usually vanish from the shelves by noon. Bake Sale Bakery 815 F St., East Village 619.515.2224, bakesalesd.com
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Terryl Gavre’s favorite dish
Braised pork shank (at La Bonne Table) Created by chef-owner Renaud Tristan “The meat falls right off the bone, which makes it easy to eat like a lady, but if necessary, I’d pick it up and eat it like a beast.” —Terryl Gavre
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La Bonne Table chef Renaud Tristan
Braised for five hours in veal stock spiked with tomatoes, fennel, celery and a dash of cayenne pepper, the mondo pork shank at La Bonne Table is listed on the menu as “jarret de porc.” Chef-owner Renaud Tristan, a Parisian transplant who recently opened the cozy French restaurant in Hillcrest, says the flavor formula comes from his mother’s recipe box and that it was served at his family’s Sunday dinners. “Every Frenchman has a pig in his heart,” says Tristan, who plates the shank on a bed of buttery, garlicky mashed potatoes kissed with a Frenchman’s generous “touch” of cream. Gavre commends the dish for its flavor and presentation, especially coming from a kitchen she says is “the smallest I’ve ever seen.” La Bonne Table 3696 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest 619.260.8039 labonnetablesd.com
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Renaud Tristan’s favorite dish
Wild boar ragu pasta (at Parma-Cucina Italiana) Created by chef-owner Leonardo Ciriminna “The thick, meaty sauce with the pasta is the perfect match. And oh, my god, it’s filling.” —Renaud Tristan
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Parma-Cucina Italiana chef Leonardo Ciriminna
Offered as an occasional special, the wild boar ragu pasta at Parma-Cucina Italiana is made with what chef-owner Leonardo Ciriminna describes as the “best parts” of the animal, referring to the shoulder, leg and rib sections. After shredding the meat, Ciriminna then cooks it slowly in tomato sauce flavored with rosemary, garlic, black pepper and olive oil. “Wild boar is a difficult meat to cook,” he says. “But we know how to make it juicy and tender, because it’s in our culinary tradition where I grew up in Parma, Italy.” Tristan’s La Bonne Table is located a block from Parma, so he follows his nose down the street whenever it’s cooking. Parma-Cucina Italiana 3850 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest 619.543.0049 parmaitaliankitchen.com
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Leonardo Ciriminna’s favorite dish Molten cake thingy that everyone has (at D Bar) Created by chef-owner Keegan Gerhard “We have something similar to the recipe in Italy, but this is a lot richer.” —Leonardo Ciriminna
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D Bar chef Keegan Gerhard
On paper, everyone may have it, but chef and former Food Network Challenge host Keegan Gerhard’s molten chocolate cake transcends the others. It’s constructed with Madagascar chocolate made with 100 percent Criollo beans, considered the Cadillac of cocoa beans. It’s also glutenfree. Versions of the dessert rotate periodically. “Sometimes the molten is caramel, other times it could be white chocolate,” says Gerhard. The accompanying ice cream changes, too. Ciriminna had his cake served twice with Sicilian pistachio, leaving him to say that “it tasted like real Italian ice cream.” He first paired it with coffee, but discovered later that it washes down even more swimmingly with Prosecco. D Bar 3930 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest 619.299.3227 dbarsandiego.com
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Keegan Gerhard’s favorite dish
Local yellowtail (at George’s at the Cove: California Modern) Created by chef Trey Foshee “I’m a guy who likes fish grilled with nothing on it, but this blew me away.” —Keegan Gerhard
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George’s at the Cove: California Modern chef Trey Foshee
Raisin chutney, chanterelle mushrooms, okra and cauliflower pistou (cold sauce made with garlic, basil and olive oil) set the stage for a six-ounce hunk of fresh yellowtail that George’s at the Cove: California Modern chef Trey Foshee recently added to his seasonally driven menu. “We try to use as much local product as we can, and it’s really nothing fancy,” says Foshee. “We cook the fish on the plancha, and that’s about it.” Especially fond of the cauliflower component, Gerhard applauds the smidgen of heat emanating from the chili flakes in the chutney, which, he says, “wasn’t offensive or feisty, but just enough to brighten the dish.” George’s at the Cove: California Modern 1250 Prospect St., La Jolla 858.454.4244 georgesatthecove.com.
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Trey Foshee’s favorite dish
Bucatini guanciale (at Cucina Enoteca) Created by chef Joe Magnanelli (and enhanced by chef de cuisine Andrew Bachelier) “The yolk of the egg mixes with the sauce, so the dish gets creamier as you go along.” —Trey Foshee
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Cucina Enoteca chef Joe Magnanelli (right) and chef de cuisineAndrew Bachelier
What started out resembling the classic Roman dish Bucatini al Amitricia, in which pasta is tossed with cured pork and a peppery tomato sauce, has morphed into an enhanced version featuring charred Napa cabbage and a delicately poached egg on top. Cucina Enoteca chef Joe Magnanelli first introduced the entrée in its basic form at Cucina Urbana in Bankers Hill before chef de cuisine Andrew Bachelier modernized it. “Our bucatini is a classic dish with a twist, and definitely a favorite among our guests,” says Magnanelli. The dish is now available at both restaurants in its updated form. “They do pastas very well,” says Foshee, giving thumbs up to the dish’s balanced ratio of pasta to sauce and the sweetness imparted by the cabbage. Cucina Enoteca 2730 Via de la Valle, Del Mar 858.704.4500 cucinaenoteca.com
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Joe Magnanelli’s favorite dish
Octopus tostada (at Común Kitchen & Tavern) Created by co-owner-chef Chad White “The octopus was soft and perfectly cooked, with just the right amount of chew.” —Joe Magnanelli
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Común Kitchen & Tavern chef Chad White
The delicate flavor of octopus remains intact despite being presented amid red onions, cilantro and the negro romesco sauce crowning these ambitious tostadas, which you won’t find at your corner taco shop. “While I was snorkeling in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico, I was with a young boy catching octopus, and that night we made octopus for dinner with romesco, almonds, chiles and garlic,” says chef and co-owner Chad White, who opened Común Kitchen & Tavern earlier this year with the promise of presenting traditional Latin dishes in new ways. “This is kind of a version of what we had that night on the beach.” (If octopus isn’t your thing, consider White’s beef heart tartare tostada instead.) Joe Manganelli was particularly fond of the textures in White’s tostada, noting that the tenderly cooked octopus plays nicely with the creaminess of the avocado. Común Kitchen & Tavern 935 J St., East Village 619.358.9707 comunsd.com
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You are what you eat. You are also where you eat. Might as well eat somewhere awesome. (See below to eat there for free.)
Win $2,000 in Gift Cards
PacificSD is giving away $100 in gift cards from every deliciously generous restaurant featured in The Latest Dish dining guide.
Enter to win $1,000 at pacificsandiego.com Play to win $50 every day in November at facebook.com/pacificsd San Diego
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The Grant Grill The Grant Grill carries an ever-evolving tradition of excellence that is not to be missed. With Chef Sam Burman’s arrival at Grant Grill earlier this year, the iconic restaurant has celebrated a surge of all-new menus for breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Burman finds inspiration in familiar dishes, recreating the flavors with contemporary California flare and allowing seasonal and locally sourced ingredients to take center stage. Grant Grill’s fresh approach to fine dining pairs perfectly with the wine and craft cocktail offerings curated by distinguished Sommelier and Mixologist Jeff Josenhans. Guest favorites include the 100-day barrel-aged Centennial Manhattan
and the recently re-launched holiday seasonal Smashing Pumpkin Martini, as featured on The Food Network’s Best Thing I Ever Ate. For a refined Gaslamp Quarter nightlife experience, adjoining the dining room is the Grant Grill Lounge. A menu of shareable plates and larger bites sets the scene for nightly revelry, and live music invigorates the space with urban energy every Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights starting at 8 p.m. Grant Grill 326 Broadway, at THE US GRANT, Gaslamp 619.744.2077, grantgrill.com
Maple glazed veal Sweetbreads, squash ravioli, brown butter pears, bacon and walnuts.
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Rattlesnakes A bite that will have you begging for another! Jalapeños, achiote cream cheese, wrapped in smoked bacon and served with ranch dip.
Pacific Beach AleHouse While new breweries countywide scramble for a piece of San Diego’s craft beer pie, Pacific Beach AleHouse is still chillin’ by the beach, making the handcrafted brews that helped start the trend. Throwing back a frosty pint(s) inside AleHouse’s lodge-like surroundings makes watching the boardwalk action a heavenly juxtaposition. By day, lunch on the patio provides a sealevel view of the PB bustle, and climbing the stairs in flipflops gives way to panoramic ocean views. At night, the downstairs fire pit heats up the scene, while twinkling stars and the sound of crashing waves enhance the alfresco dining experience on the sky deck. Football fans abound for weekend brunch, watching the pigskins fly while indulging in Crab & Lobster Benedict, Short Rib Hash Skillets and Cornflake-encrusted French Toast. Savor one of the many grass-fed burger options or satisfy your downhome craving with AleHouse’s signature Lobster Mac & Cheese — all of which are served up with a sandy spirit and paired with the latest offerings from a San Diego landmark microbrewer. PB AleHouse 721 Grand Ave., Pacific Beach 858.581.BEER (2337), pbalehouse.com
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Union Kitchen & Tap, Gaslamp Nearly 30 miles south of its namesake sister restaurant in Encinitas, downtown’s Union Kitchen & Tap ignites the Gaslamp Quarter with a second neighborhood-friendly dining destination. At once refined and rustic, vintage and contemporary, the new Union has been drawing crowds and acclaim with a locally sourced, producedriven menu. Showcasing the highest-quality ingredients from land and sea, it allows rich and delicate flavors — and the chef’s passion for new and traditional cooking methods — to shine through. Also shining through is the bustle of Fifth Avenue, which becomes one with Union’s dining patio and restaurant thanks to garage-style roll-
up doors. The place rocks with live entertainment Wednesday through Saturday, which plays nicely with premium spirits and handcrafted cocktails served from two large bars. But even when Union Kitchen & Tap is to the gills (which it rarely isn’t), this relaxed downtown sensation makes enjoying a long meal and perusing a rich portfolio of boutique wines (and a succinct list of local, regional and international craft brews) feel just right. Welcome home, again. Union Kitchen & Tap Gaslamp 333 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp 619.795.WINE (9463), gaslampunion.com
Pan Seared Boston Scallops Tender and delectable, with spring onion soubise, roasted red pepper relish and watercress salad.
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The Shout! House Ebony and ivory live together in perfect harmony, and in hilarious melody, at The Shout! House sing-along dueling piano bar in the Gaslamp. It’s where entertainment at the top of your lungs meets food that warms your belly; and where stiff drinks, impressive/ comedic musical talent and unexpected culinary offerings are the ingredients of a fabulous night out. Just like the live music, the menu at The Shout! House rocks. And like the piano
Asian pork spare ribs Braised in Fat Tire Ale with roasted vegetables, these pork ribs are cooked to perfection for four hours. The braising liquid is reduced, rendering a signature sweet soy BBQ sauce. Crispy on the outside and melt-inyour-mouth-delicious on the inside, these ribs perfectly complement the sweet and tangy sesame apple slaw that’s served on the side.
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players’ genre-spanning playlist, the kitchen staff’s dynamic, on-key repertoire is driven by audience requests mixed with rockin’ classics to satisfy any taste. Burgers, pizzas, salads and more are the real rock stars at The Shout! House — not to mention the piano impresarios playing on-stage seven nights a week. The Shout! House 655 Fourth Ave., Gaslamp 619.231.6700, theshouthouse.com
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Cafe Coyote Brightly colored fresh vegetables, slow-cooked juicy meats and piping-hot tortillas made by hand with amor y pasión comprise traditional Mexican cuisine. Add sparkling fountains, tiled courtyards and crooning mariachis to the spicy authenticity, and you have the ingredients of a fiesta legítima! For 25 years, family owned and operated Cafe Coyote in Old Town has been San Diego’s epicenter of festive deliciousness. Declared by Mexico’s prestigious Academia del Tequila as being one of only two certified Tequila Houses in the U.S., it’s been voted the city’s Best Mexican Restaurant for the past nine years. Celebrate with amigos, sip a legendary Cafe Coyote margarita(s) and you’ll never want to leave.
Tequila Lime Shrimp Sautéed in a delicious combination of tequila, lime, cilantro and garlic; served over a bed of Mexican rice with black beans and a café salad.
Lotus Thai Honored by respected media outlets for serving the region’s “Best Thai” cuisine year after year, Lotus Thai welcomes discerning diners with an unpretentious vibe and the market’s freshest ingredients. From the bustling kitchens at Lotus Thai’s popular restaurants in East Village and Hillcrest — the latter of which just underwent a complete and exquisite architectural redesign — emerge chef Ton Sangkapong’s award-winning recipes from Chiang Mai, Bangkok and Northern Thailand. Customer favorites include Crying Tiger Steak, sea bass in white wine and lemongrass chicken, plus a variety of vegetarian dishes, all offered at customized spice levels to match individual tastes. For sophisticated, authentic Thai cuisine paired with extensive wine and beer lists and an invigorating menu of soju cocktails, experience the best of the Far East, right here on the West Coast… only at Lotus Thai.
Cafe Coyote 2461 San Diego Ave., Old Town 619.291.HOWL (4695), cafecoyoteoldtown.com
Fried marinated jump shrimp Sautéed with pepper garlic sauce, served on a bed of baby bok choy.
906 Market St., East Village 619.595.0115 (opened 2004) 3761 Sixth Ave., Hillcrest 619.299.8272 (opened 1999) lotusthaisd.com N OV E M BE R 2014 / PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM
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Union Kitchen & Tap, Encinitas If cruising the coast along Highway 101 in easy, breezy Encinitas is your idea of paradise, then a visit to Union Kitchen & Tap will make your California dream come true. Expansive roll-up windows let blue skies participate in the gastronomic experience here, while the acclaimed restaurant’s dining room and bar offer shady respite from the eternal sunshine. Union is where local and other awardwinning craft beers flow, and where longtime friends talk over farm-to-fork menu offerings made with ingredients so fresh, some are even grown on-site. Locally raised hormone free beef, savory smoked bacon
and a welcoming West Coast spirit make this place North County’s worst-kept secret. Beginning in early November, Union’s new seasonal offerings will include Wild Boar Ragu, Scottish Salmon and Kabocha Squash Risotto, among many other new entries. For an ever-changing menu that manages to stay fresh and dynamic without sacrificing tried-and-true favorites, cruise into Union Kitchen & Tap for a bite of the good life. Union Kitchen & Tap 1108 S. Coast Highway 101, Encinitas 760.230.BEER (2337), localunion101.com Mary’s Duck Confit Roasted duck leg, savory fingerling potatoes, caramelized shallots, wild mushroom ragu, sherry cream reduction, squash blossom, stuffed with sweet ricotta and herbs.
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Brian’s 24 In these uncertain times — when George Clooney is no longer a bachelor, Bruce Jenner is dating Kris’ best friend, and Donald Trump is calling Barack Obama a “psycho” — it’s comforting to know there’s one thing you can always count on: a satisfying meal at a loving family restaurant, no matter what time it actually is. Brian’s 24 is San Diego’s real BFF (Best Food Forever), 24 hours a day, every single day of the year. It’s where you can eat chicken and waffles for dinner, steak and eggs at 4 a.m., or a light lunch at any time of day or night. At Brian’s, a formidable, diner-style menu of comfort food satisfies appetites around the clock, while a well-stocked, handcrafted mahogany bar (obtained from Joan Crawford’s estate) quenches thirsts from tequila sunrise to that twomartini lunch to happy hour and last call. For the best meal you’ll have all week, go with the sure thing: Brian’s 24, the restaurant that never sleeps. Brian’s 24 Restaurant, Bar & Grill 828 Sixth Ave., Gaslamp 619.702.8410 brians24.com
Brian’s Big Breakfast Sandwich Two fried eggs, four strips of bacon, two sausage patties and four slices of American cheese on three slices of grilled sourdough.
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Flame Roasted Lemon Chicken Wings Seasoned with a proprietary spice blend and marinated for a full 24 hours before being oven-roasted to crispy perfection.
Amici’s East Coast Pizzeria Located on Prospect Street in the heart of La Jolla, Amici’s East Coast Pizzeria offers authentic thin-crust, New York-style pizzas cooked in traditional brick ovens next to an open flame. Amici’s also offers freshly made pastas, salads and appetizers, including their signature Flame Roasted Lemon Chicken Wings. The smart, casual restaurant offers indoor, patio and covered-terrace dining (with plenty of space for large groups). If you prefer, Amici’s also offers their entire menu for takeout and delivery. Amici’s East Coast Pizzeria 811 Prospect St., La Jolla 858.729.9988, amicis.com
Tin Roof
Chicken ‘n’ Waffle Nuggets Served with Benton’s bacon maple syrup. Basil Berry Moonbounce (cocktail) American Born Moonshine, fresh lime and housemade simple syrup, topped with Red Bull and garnished with mint and fresh berries. Created by Hunters Gathering.
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Tin Roof, downtown’s newest live music joint, brings individual musicians and bands of all genres to the heart of the Gaslamp. The famous, the should-have-been-famous and everyone in between play on Tin Roof’s stage every night of the week, and the nonstop entertainment and good times are further amplified by the drinks flying across three full-service bars. Grab a seat next to the stage or at one of the dozens of tables spread across the multilevel space. For an elevated experience, enjoy Tin Roof’s one-of-a-kind Tenn-Mex fare, blending the foods and flavors native to Tin Roof’s home state of Tennessee with traditional Mexican cuisine. Menu highlights include Chicken ’n’ Waffle Nuggets, a twist on the Southern classic chicken and waffles, made with pieces of all-white chicken slathered in buttermilk waffle batter, deep fried, and then tossed in a smoky bacon maple syrup. Served steamin’ hot and topped with bacon pieces, these babies pair beautifully with live music and selections from the new cocktail menu. Tin Roof 401 G St., Gaslamp 619.230.8606, tinroofbars.com
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Florent Restaurant & Lounge Chef Richard Sweeney brings a lot to the table. The cheftestant from Season Five of Bravo TV’s Emmy Award-winning series Top Chef proves gourmet can be unpretentious and makes eating fun. “A great meal should be able to reset your clock to childhood,” Sweeney says. “My first bite of ice-cold watermelon on a hot summer day, my first crazy-looking fried calamari tentacle — these food memories will never leave me, and it’s my passion, my responsibility, to create these tangible, unforgettable culinary memories for my guests.” Last year, Sweeney won the “Chef of the Fest” title at the 10th Annual San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival. Now, he’s winning the hearts and mouths of Finest City foodies,
preparing what he calls Contemporary Retro-American fare — fittingly in the Gaslamp’s Historic “Old City Hall” building, which was constructed in 1874 — at Florent Restaurant & Lounge on Fifth Avenue. “Food doesn’t have to be complicated to be worthy of contemplation,” Sweeney says. “The deepest sentiments and boldest statement sometimes come from the quietest person in the room. That’s the feeling I want to convey with my food — to let simple ingredients speak for themselves.” Florent Restaurant & Lounge 672 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp 619.595.0123, florentsd.com
Seared Ahi with soba noodle salad Miso, avocado, pico and a spicy sambal sauce.
A7 D C RE AT IVE GROUP, D EMI J OHNSON
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Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery Good times are always on tap at the Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery, a fun and festive mainstay for delicious food, cold beer and hanging out with friends. Offering a contemporary take on traditional Irish and American pub fare, Tilted Kilt’s varied menu turns first-time visitors into loyal customers. It’s where notable kitchen offerings — which pair well with 30 draft and bottled beers and an extensive spirit selection — are served with a smile by the World Famous Tilted
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Kilt Girls™. For pro and college sports action and a dining experience that will make you cheer, dig into the food and the fun at the Tilted Kilt. Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery 310 10th Ave., East Village 619.814.5458 1640 Camino Del Rio N., Mission Valley 619.299.5458, tiltedkilt.com
Gaelic chicken with potatoes Pan-seared chicken breasts with sautéed mushrooms and onions in an Irish whiskey cream sauce, served over red skin mashed potatoes.
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Maine scallops Sunchoke and pear puree, mushrooms, gnocchi, peppadew jam and pork belly.
THE MED at La Valencia Long a destination for celebrations and special occasions, THE MED has evolved into a sophisticated “player” in San Diego’s culinary scene. With his Michael Mina pedigree, Chef Montejano has created a menu that rivals the setting of this spacewith-a-view that’s reminiscent of a villa’s great room, complete with Prospect Avenue and oceanfront terraces. From heirloom tomato watermelon salad with burrata to miso Chilean sea bass or its signature paella, delicate seafood dishes are the leitmotif of this varied and colorful menu. THE MED at La Valencia 1132 Prospect St., La Jolla 858.454.0771, lavalencia.com
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Ciro’s Pizzeria & Beerhouse The original Ciro’s Pizzeria opened in January 2003 in the Gaslamp. Located next door to the award-winning Side Bar Nightclub & Lounge, it’s the neighborhood’s go-to spot for sizzling slices and perfect pies. Ciro’s kitchen crew uses only the freshest ingredients, taking great pride in their homemade lasagna, pizza dough, marinara sauce and pasta dishes. Come for the pizza, stay for the buffalo wings, cheese steaks and cold draught beers. Serving quality pizza and Italian cuisine with New York flair and street cred, Ciro’s is where good people eat… and where people eat good. Ciro’s Pizzeria & Beerhouse 536 Market St., Gaslamp 619.696.0405, cirossd.com
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Meat Lasagna Prepared with homemade meatball, sausage, ricotta and parmesan cheese, and then baked to perfection.
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Grilled Shrimp Diablo Wild Mexican shrimp marinated in achiote sherry mojo, served over freshly sautéed market vegetables.
Don Chido A brand-nuevo eatery on this side of the border has become the multilingual talk of downtown. Say ¡ole! to Don Chido (Spanish for “Mr. Cool”), where renowned chef and everyone’s amigo Antonio Friscia demonstrates his modern take on traditional Mexican fare, using a Santa Maria wood-fire grill to prepare premium-grade meats, sublime seafood and fresh local produce. The hot commodities here are the fresh tortillas, made before your eyes with simple ingredients and lots of love. Try not to burn your hands while sitting next to the neighborhood’s only tortilleria and perusing Don Chido’s extensive list of celebrated tequilas and regional mezcals, not to mention a curated selection of fine wines from California, Mexico and Spain. Make the night a little more caliente with a flight of signature salsas — served alongside warm, housemade tortilla chips — and keep it cool (Chido, that is) with spicy margaritas, specialty cocktails and infused spirits. Enjoy remarkable Mexican for lunch, dinner and late-night. Don Chido — always something to taco ’bout. Don Chido 527 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp 619.232.8226, donchido.com
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MASTERS OF OUR DOMAIN San Diego’s real estate industry convenes for landmark annual event
H
eld October 14 at the San Diego Convention Center, The Real Estate Mastery Event brought together 2,300 real estate professionals for a day of exciting multimedia presentations, informative discussion panels and action-plan motivational speeches by the industry’s elite players. “The event empowered and educated local real estate agents about the 2015 marketplace, providing them not only with critical real-world information
and advice, but also the means by which to leverage that knowledge for success in the San Diego marketplace,” says Craig Sewing, who imagines and hosts the annual event. A staunch consumer advocate, Sewing is proud to have been able to work with his elite partners in staging such a dynamic, large-scale event for the local real estate industry, which he says creates benefits beyond the scope of the event itself.
“Consumers benefit most when the professionals they interact with are educated, empowered and engaged,” Sewing says. “This event helped facilitate that ideal.” Information and facts provided at the Real Estate Mastery event were valuable to real estate professionals and consumers alike. Alan Nevin, director of economic and market research for the Xpera Group, for example, is a well-known local economist who explained the local market and presented his forecast for the coming year. His prediction: a 6 to 8-percent home value appreciation in the San Diego market. “The American Dream isn’t just owning a house,” Sewing says. “You don’t have to own a house to celebrate the fact that you live in the greatest city in the greatest country on the planet. Starting a business, a family, a charity — all of this speaks to the fact that, despite what you might see on the news every day, life is good… and there is plenty to be optimistic about.”
When you can buy a house for less than you are paying in rent, that spells opportunity for real estate professionals and consumers. Sewing touts the importance of having an expert prepare a “rent vs. own” analysis, adding that the numbers are astonishing when you factor in tax advantages, principal pay-down, equity growth, et cetera. “Right now, at this moment, it might be the lowest mortgage rates that we will ever see for the rest of our lives,” said Craig Sewing, and the crowd went wild.
Watch Craig and his Real Estate and Financial Elite on The American Dream every Saturday at 10 a.m. on Cox or Time Warner Channel 4. You can also catch Craig and partners on The Craig Sewing Show weekdays at 6 p.m. on KCBQ 1170-AM or at CraigSewing.com. Follow Craig at Facebook.com/ CraigSewing or on Twitter @craigsewing.
WELCOME TO SAN DIEGO REAL REAL ESTATE ESTATE WELCOME WELCOME TO TOSAN SAN DIEGO WELCOME WELCOME TODIEGO SAN TO SAN DIEGO DIEGO WELCOME WELCOME TO TO SAN WELCOME WELCOME TO SAN SAN TODIEGO DIEGO SAN DIEGO DIEGO REAL REALREAL ESTATE ESTATE REAL ESTATE ESTATE REAL ESTATE ESTATE REALREAL REAL ESTATE ESTATE
LITTLE LITTLE 22 Bed Bed
DOWNTOWN LIVING & LIFESTYLE DOWNTOWN DOWNTOWN LIVING LIVING & LIFESTYLE DOWNTOWN DOWNTOWN LIVING LIVING & & LIFESTYLE DOWNTOWN DOWNTOWN LIVING LIVING && LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE & LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE
ITALY ITALY PENTHOUSE PENTHOUSE 2.5 Bath 1718 sqft 2.5 ITALY Bath 1718PENTHOUSE sqft LITTLE LITTLE ITALY ITALY PENTHOUSE PENTHOUSE LITTLE ITALY LITTLE PENTHOUSE LITTLE LITTLE ITALY ITALY PENTHOUSE PENTHOUSE LITTLE LITTLE ITALY ITALY PENTHOUSE PENTHOUSE 884,900 $$ 884,900
LITTLE LITTLE ITALY ITALY LOFT LOFT 22 Bed 22 Bath 1,692 sqft Bed Bath 1,692 sqft LITTLE LITTLE ITALY ITALY LOFT LOFT LITTLE ITALY LOFT LITTLE ITALY LOFT LITTLE LITTLE ITALY ITALY LOFT LOFT LITTLE LITTLE ITALY ITALY LOFT LOFT 749,900 $$ 749,900
WE W
LIVE LIVE WORK WORK LOFT LOFT 11 Bed 11 Bath 1,219 sqft Bed Bath 1,219 sqft LIVE LIVE WORK WORK LOFT LOFT LIVE WORK LOFT LIVE WORK LOFT LIVE LIVE WORK WORK LOFT LOFT LIVELIVE WORK WORK LOFT LOFT 595,000 $$ 595,000
LITT LIT Bed 2222Bath Bath 1,692 sqft sqft Bed 11 1Bath 1,219 1,219 sqft sqft1,219 Bed 21,692 Bath 1,692 1Bath Bed 1 Bath 2 Bed 22 Bath 1,692 sqft sqft 11 1Bed 1 Bed 11 Bath 1,219 sqft sqft 22B 222Bed Bed 2.5 2.5 Bath Bath 1718 1718 sqft sqft1718 2 Bed 2.5 Bath 2 Bed 2.5 Bath 1718 sqft sqft 222Bed 1,219 sqft 1,692 sqft 2.5 2.5 1718 1718 1 Bed Bed11 Bed Bed 1 Bath Bath 1 Bath Bath 1,219 1,219 1,219 sqft sqft sqft 2 Bed Bed22 Bed Bed 2 Bath Bath 2 Bath Bath 1,6921,692 1,692 sqft sqft sqft 2 Bed Bed22 Bed Bed 2.5 Bath Bath 2.5 Bath Bath 1718 sqft sqft 1718 sqft sqft $$$595,000 595,000 $$$749,900 749,900 $ 595,000 $ 749,900 $$ 749,900 $$ 595,000 $$$884,900 884,900 $ 884,900 $$ 884,900 749,900 749,900 595,000 595,000 884,900 884,900 $ 595,000 $ 595,000 $ 749,900 $ 749,900 $ 884,900 $ 884,900
GASLAMP BEAUTY
GASLAMP BEAUTY GASLAMP GASLAMP BEAUTY BEAUTY GASLAMP BEAUTY GASLAMP BEAUTY GASLAMP GASLAMP BEAUTY BEAUTY GASLAMP GASLAMP BEAUTY BEAUTY Bed 11 Bath Bath 803 803 sqft 1111Bed Bed sqft Bed 11 1Bath 803 803 sqft sqft803 1Bath Bed 1 Bath 1 Bed 11 Bath 803 sqft sqft 11 Bed 803 803 Bed11 Bed Bed 1$$ Bath Bath 1 Bath Bath 803 sqft sqft 803 sqft sqft 409,000 409,000 $$$409,000 409,000 $ 409,000 $ 409,000 409,000 409,000 $ 409,000 $$ 409,000
BALLPARK LOFT
TOP FLOOR TOWNHOUSE
BALLPARK LOFT TOP FLOOR TOWNHOUSE BALLPARK BALLPARK LOFT LOFT TOPTOP FLOOR FLOOR TOWNHOUSE TOWNHOUSE BALLPARK BALLPARK LOFT LOFT TOP TOP FLOOR FLOOR TOWNHOUSE TOWNHOUSE BALLPARK BALLPARK LOFT LOFT TOP TOP FLOOR FLOOR TOWNHOUSE TOWNHOUSE BALLPARK LOFT LOFT TOP TOP FLOOR FLOOR TOWNHOUSE TOWNHOUSE 22BALLPARK Bed 2 Bath 1,515 sqft 2 Bed 2.5 Bath 1,275 sqft 2 2Bath 1,515 sqft Bed 2.5Bath Bath 1,275 sqft 222Bed Bed 2222Bath Bath 1,515 sqft sqft1,515 Bed 2.5 2.5 Bath Bath 1,275 1,275 sqft sqft 22Bed Bed Bed Bath 21,515 Bath 1,515 sqft sqft222Bed 222Bed 2 Bed 2.5 2.5 Bath 1,275 1,275 sqft sqft 1 1 Bed Bed Bath 2 Bath 1,515 1,515 sqft sqft Bed Bed 2.5 Bath 2.5 Bath 1,275 1,275 sqft sqft 2 Bed2 Bed 2 Bath 2 Bath 1,515 1,515 sqft sqft 2 Bed 2 Bed 2.5 Bath 2.5 Bath 1,275 1,275 sqft sqft 645,000 $ 589,900 589,900 $$ $645,000 $$$645,000 645,000 $$$589,900 589,900 645,000 $ 645,000 $$ $589,900 $ 589,900 645,000 645,000 589,900 589,900 $ 645,000 $$ 645,000 $ 589,900 $ 589,900
Chad Chad Chad Dannecker Dannecker Chad Dannecker Dannecker Chad Dannecker Chad Chad Dannecker Dannecker T TT:: :619.356.3099 T :: 619.356.3099 T : 619.356.3099 ::619.356.3099 619.356.3099 T T TT : 619.356.3099 619.356.3099 T619.356.3099 : 619.356.3099 619.356.3099 CalBRE CalBRE CalBRE #01459513 CalBRE #01459513 #01459513 #01459513 CalBRE #01459513 CalBRE CalBRE #01459513 #01459513 CalBRE #01459513 CalBRE CalBRE #01459513 #01459513
LET’S LET’S START A A LET’S LET’SLET’S START START ASTART A START LET’S START AA LET’S LET’S START A A LET’S CONVERSATION LET’S STARTSTART START A A CONVERSATION CONVERSATION CONVERSATION CONVERSATION CONVERSATION CONVERSATION CONVERSATION CONVERSATION CONVERSATION ABOUT SAN DIEGO ABOUT ABOUT SAN SAN DIEGO DIEGO ABOUT ABOUT SAN DIEGO SAN DIEGO ABOUT SAN DIEGO ABOUT ABOUT SAN SAN ABOUT ABOUT SAN DIEGO DIEGO SAN DIEGO DIEGO REAL ESTATE. REAL REALESTATE. ESTATE. REAL REAL ESTATE. ESTATE. REAL ESTATE. REAL REAL REAL ESTATE. ESTATE. REAL ESTATE. ESTATE.
GIVE GIVEUS GIVE USAAGIVE CALL US CALL CALL 619.356.3099 619.356.3099 A CALL 619.356.3099 619.356.3099 GIVE USA AUS CALL GIVE US CALL 619.356.3099 GIVE GIVE A US A 619.356.3099 619.356.3099 GIVE US US GIVE A CALL CALL US AACALL CALL
DANNECKER DANNECKER DANNECKER DANNECKER & ASSOCIATES & & ASSOCIATES DANNECKER ASSOCIATES DANNECKER DANNECKER &&ASSOCIATES ASSOCIATES &&ASSOCIATES ASSOCIATES
VISIT VISIT US USVISIT ONLINE ONLINE AT ATWELCOMETOSANDIEGO.COM WELCOMETOSANDIEGO.COM VISIT US ONLINE US ONLINE AT WELCOMETOSANDIEGO.COM AT WELCOMETOSANDIEGO.COM VISIT ONLINE VISIT VISIT US ONLINE US ONLINE AT WELCOMETOSANDIEGO.COM AT WELCOMETOSANDIEGO.COM VISIT VISIT USUS ONLINE US ONLINE AT AT WELCOMETOSANDIEGO.COM ATWELCOMETOSANDIEGO.COM WELCOMETOSANDIEGO.COM VISIT US ONLINE AT WELCOMETOSANDIEGO.COM
WELCOME ELCOME TO TOSAN SANDIEGO DIEGO REAL REALESTATE ESTATE
TTLE TLE ITALY ITALYPENTHOUSE PENTHOUSE Bed Bed 2.5 2.5Bath Bath 1718 1718sqft sqft $$884,900 884,900
DOWNTOWN DOWNTOWN LIVING LIVING && LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE
LITTLE LITTLEITALY ITALYLOFT LOFT 22Bed Bed 22Bath Bath 1,692 1,692sqft sqft $$749,900 749,900
LIVE LIVEWORK WORKLOFT LOFT 1 1Bed Bed 1 1Bath Bath 1,219 1,219sqft sqft $$595,000 595,000
POINT LOMA 92106 Located high on the hill with views of La Jolla, Point Loma, Coronado Islands and North Island, this Loma Portal home is a stunner! BRE # 01870483
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT IN THE ‘HOOD Boasting much more than your Ride the Point, Jim Krause’s average brewery, this Liberty Memorial Charity Bicycle Tour Station location has indoor of Point Loma, will be held and outdoor dining and bars, Saturday, November 8, at 7 BALLPARK BALLPARK LOFT LOFT TOP TOPFLOOR FLOORTOWNHOUSE TOWNHOUSE a bocce ball court, outdoor a.m. at Liberty Station. This cinema space and an 2 11,315event benefits the UC San 22Bed Bed 22Bath Bath 1,515 1,515 sqft sqft 2Bed Bed 2.5 2.5Bath Bath 1,275 1,275sqft sqft square-foot garden. Stone Diego Moores Cancer Center, $$645,000 645,000 $$589,900 589,900 Brewing offers 40 taps of craft one of the top centers in the beers and a creative menu of nation, conducting basic world-inspired cuisine! and clinical cancer research. For more information, visit LET’S LET’SSTART STARTAA Stone Brewing ridethepoint.org. Glen Henderson and Shannon Keatley are the brokers Liberty Station CONVERSATION CONVERSATION and owners of Alliance Group Real Estate. They go 2816 Historic Decatur Rd beyond the scope of traditional real estate services Listen to Glen and Shannon on The Craig Sewing Show Monday, ABOUT ABOUTSAN SANDIEGO DIEGO by providing turnkey financial solutions through their #116, San Diego, CA 92106 November 3, at 6 p.m. on KCBQ 1170 AM and watch them on The REAL REALESTATE. ESTATE.network of professional partners. They are a valuable 619.269.2100, resource for buyers and sellers throughout San Diego. American Dream on Saturday, November 8, at 10 a.m. on Cox or stonelibertystation.com Time Warner Channel 4.
MARKET WATCH The Point Loma region continues to be a buyer’s market with a median home price of $995,000 while the median home listing GASLAMP GASLAMP BEAUTY BEAUTY price is $796,800. Home values 1Bed Bed in1 1Bath Bath 803 sqft sqft over this region 803 have increased the past year, and are predicted $to$409,000 409,000 continue increasing. This is a great time to invest and settle into the Loma Portal region.
Chad ChadDannecker Dannecker
GIVE GIVEUS USAACALL CALL619.356.3099 619.356.3099 TT: :619.356.3099 619.356.3099 DANNECKER DANNECKER &&ASSOCIATES ASSOCIATES CalBRE CalBRE #01459513 #01459513 & Shannon Keatley Glen Henderson Alliance Group Real Estate Services
3131 Camino Del Rio North, Ste. 1420, San Diego, CA 92108, 619.500.3222, AllianceGroupRE.com, info@alliancegroupre.com
VISIT VISITUS USONLINE ONLINEAT ATWELCOMETOSANDIEGO.COM WELCOMETOSANDIEGO.COM
[ADVER TISEMENT]
OLD TOWN 92110 Located in the heart of Old Town just steps from restaurants, shopping and museums! Rarely on the market, this 2-bedroom, 2-bath home has upgrades and a private patio to enjoy the magnificent surroundings! MARKET WATCH We are moving into a more traditional market place and seeing longer market times than we’ve been accustomed to. There is more inventory and more options for buyers. Sellers need to price correctly when first coming on the market to remain competitive and have great curb appeal and be show ready. Holiday months have more vacation time for buyers, so sellers should use that to their advantage!
IN THE ‘HOOD Old Town Saturday Artisans Market, every Saturday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., except during special events. San Diego’s largest weekly artisan market features handmade works from local artisans. The market includes items such as jewelry, photography, pottery, clothing, paintings, hand-painted glass, glass blowing, woodworkings, and more. There is always live music and admission is free.
Listen to Melissa on The Craig Sewing Show Wednesday, November 5, at 6 p.m. on KCBQ 1170 AM and watch Melissa on The American Dream on Saturday, November 8, at 10 a.m. on Cox or Time Warner Channel 4.
BRE # 01380034
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Enjoy a night on the town with some delicious Mexican food! This Mexican landmark restaurant is famous for its bar and chicken dish, a private party room, and central location. Old Town Mexican Café 2489 San Diego Ave. San Diego, CA 92110 619.297.4330, oldtownmexcafe.com
Melissa Tucci is the Official Real Estate Agent of the San Diego Padres. Awarded #5 global ranking for Century 21 worldwide, Tucci is a topproducing professional and an experienced San Diego Realtor and Broke providing a superior level of informed, professional real estate services to buyers and sellers in San Diego County. She was also recently named Spotlight Agent in Zillow Nationwide.
Melissa Goldstein Tucci Century 21 All Service 1820 Monroe Ave., San Diego, CA 92116, 619.787.6852, MelissaTucci.com, Sold@MelissaTucci.com
CARMEL VALLEY 92130 Wonderful Pardee Palma Del Mar 5-bedroom, 3-bath, 3114 sq. ft. home set back on a gorgeous, large private lot. Formal entry, living and dining rooms, with cathedral ceilings and wall-to-wall windows bringing in luminous natural light and views to the stunning backyard. MARKET WATCH As we head into the last quarter of the year, we are finally starting to see slight declines in the overall inventory. This has translated to a little bit of increase in buyer activity and we are seeing them take action sooner, as fewer properties are available to them. This is a great time of the year to get good pricing if you are selling because you have less competition during the holiday season, and the serious buyers
are still actively looking and writing offers. IN THE ‘HOOD On November 22 from 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., bring your appetite for some of the tastiest food on wheels at the Fall Food Truck Festival! Forty food trucks are expected, all in one location, with gourmet chefs serving their eclectic bests at super prices ($4-$8). Visit dmtc.com for more info.
Listen to Kurt on The Craig Sewing Show Tuesday, November 11 at 6 p.m. on KCBQ 1170 AM and watch Kurt on The American Dream on Saturday, November 15, at 10 a.m. on Cox or Time Warner Channel 4.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Taverna Blu is a casual neighborhood eatery serving delicious Greek/Mediterranean infused cuisine in a social, fun atmosphere. Cuisine is paired with select beer and wines for that perfect combination every time! Open for brunch, lunch, happy hour and dinner. Taverna Blu 12873 El Camino Real, M-1 San Diego, CA 92130 858.509.3950, tavernablu.com
BRE# 01520942
Broker Kurt Wannebo is a business owner and the leader of a team ranked #1 in San Diego by the Wall Street Journal in 2013 and 2014. Kurt has sold more than 700 properties, and has 200+ five-star reviews online as a testament to his dedication to customer service.
Kurt Wannebo San Diego Real Estate & Investments 3636 Nobel Dr., Ste. 170, San Diego, CA 92122, 858.412.5541, BrokerKurt.com, kurt@sdreai.com
[ADVER TISEMENT]
San Diego’s Mortgage Pro Mortgage Insurance Q&A
What is mortgage insurance and why do people need it? The only reason someone would need to pay mortgage insurance is if they put down less than 20 percent of their purchase price, or if they refinance an existing loan with less than 20 percent equity in the home they own. Unless you are taking out an FHA mortgage, there are a few different ways to structure mortgage insurance. There are two different ways to structure mortgage insurance when using Lender Paid Mortgage Insurance. Both options take a slightly higher interest rate to absorb the mortgage insurance. The lender, not the borrower, will make the mortgage insurance payment to the mortgage insurance company. Most borrowers will lower their debt-to-income ratios by not paying the monthly mortgage insurance payment, and therefore will qualify for more homes. NMLS# 247008
The other benefit is that while mortgage insurance is not tax-deductible, mortgage interest is. Even though you may take a higher interest rate to absorb this item, the effective interest rate of the mortgage and mortgage insurance is lowered, lessening the actual cost basis. It is important to understand when mortgage insurance goes away. If you have an FHA loan, it will depend on when the loan was taken out. FHA’s new rules make it possible for mortgage insurance to last for the life of the loan. Typically for conventional loans, the mortgage insurance will drop off the loan when the mortgage balance reaches 78 percent of the original purchase price. Many people are told that they can order an appraisal, and if they have 20 percent equity, they can get rid of their mortgage insurance – and this is just not true. Can someone refinance out of mortgage insurance? Many homeowners have been able to rid themselves of the burden of mortgage insurance due to low interest rates and increasing home prices over the past three years. This has allowed them to save hundreds of dollars a month by converting to a new mortgage without insurance. Is having a 20 percent down payment or equity the only way to avoid the mortgage insurance? No, it is not the only way. If someone has 10 percent equity or down payment, we can break the mortgage into two loans and structure it to avoid the mortgage insurance. This structure is not for everyone, as it will be a Home Equity Line of Credit to bridge the gap of the 20 percent-10 percent equity position. The down side is that the Heloc is a variable-rate mortgage. It’s possible that short-term interest rates will increase next year. This borrower would want to pay this mortgage piece down as fast as possible to avoid higher interest rates. As heard on KFMB 760 AM Sundays 12 - 3 p.m. As seen on The American Dream, Saturdays 10 a.m. on Cox or Time Warner Channel 4. Top 1% Mortgage Originator in the US 2011, 2012, 2013
Interest rates are hitting annual lows - you need to get rid of your mortgage insurance. Call JJ today for a FREE Mortgage Analysis!
Jonathan Jerotz, known as “JJ,” is part of the elite team of professionals serving the San Diego real estate community. JJ’s expertise is in mortgages, and he has ranked in the top 1 percent of all mortgage professionals in the country since 2011. We picked JJ’s brain to learn more about today’s mortgage industry.
Jonathan (JJ) Jerotz Synergy One Lending 990 Highland Drive, Ste. 302, Solana Beach, CA 92075, 760.522.2298, AskJJNow.com, jj@synergyonelending.com
DINING OUT
Taste
Say Cheese A San Diego chef finds new reasons to smile By David Nelson / Photos by Sara Norris
Want to enjoy crazy success in the food biz? Try coating a hunk of Brie with sesame and pumpkin seeds, baking it to meltycreamy-fragrant perfection and jazzing it with feverish accents of jalape単o jelly and roasted garlic. (continued on page 98)
Chef-partner Deborah Scott at the newly redesigned Indigo Grill.
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CLOCKWISE (from top): Vintana Wine + Dine in Escondido; Deborah Scott’s packaged Brie, now on sale at Costco; outside Little Italy’s Indigo Grill; Indigo Grill’s bucket of fried chicken with serrano vinaigrette, spicy pickled vegetables and jalapeño cabbage.
hef Deborah Scott realized long ago that baked Brie may be the best idea since sliced bread, a belief recently adopted by the grander poobahs at Costco. The wholesaler has hefted Scott’s exceptionally popular appetizer from her restaurant kitchens to refrigerated cases in its stores around the county, where one-pound portions (complete with cups of jelly and garlic spread) sell for $9.99. How it got there is unsurprising: a Costco employee who was a regular at Scott’s long-running Kemo Sabe in Hillcrest so loved the dish that she spoke of it to a company official who requested a tasting — and then quickly yielded to the Brie’s cheesy charms. Now, anybody with a yen for molten nirvana can take a block home, bake it and have reason to exclaim, “Great, Scott!” A native of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Scott attended Baltimore International Culinary College, took graduate courses at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, and sensibly moved to San Diego in the 1990s. In 1994, she introduced baked Brie at her first Indigo Grill (then in Little Italy’s La Pensione Hotel). The original incarnation luxuriated in a coat of chopped walnuts, but when Scott closed Indigo to open Kemo Sabe, she upgraded to a crust of mixed nuts. “After the nut allergies came along, I started using pepitas and sesame,” Scott says. “We sell it in all my restaurants, and it’s always been a top seller. The Brie is conducive to drinking wine — it’s great for sharing and it has lots of elements that people like, such as savory, sweet, spicy and crunchy. When you take a bite, it explodes.” Despite spending years in proximity to explosive cheeses, Scott remains cool and calm when supervising the busy kitchens at the four Cohn Restaurant Group establishments in which she owns a 33-percent equity stake. Besides Little Italy’s Indigo Grill, that list includes Island Prime/C Level Lounge on Harbor Island and the sky-high Vintana atop Escondido’s swanky Lexus Centre. An even more ambitious eatery is on the horizon. In partnership with David Cohn and his wife, Lesley, and Mexico-born entrepreneur Aaron Feldman and his sons Uri and Dan, Scott will build a sprawling hospitality multiplex on the Harbor Island site once occupied by an antique paddleboat-turned-restaurant called the Reuben E. Lee. The 27,000-square-foot building, expected to open early 2015, will almost touch the edge of C Level Lounge, will feature upscale Mexican cuisine and will ramble through a banquet facility — a 4,500-squarefoot floating barge designed for weddings and social functions — and a large terrace that will wrap the island’s end in profitable views. One benefit to the venture is that the group soon will travel to Mexico City to “get a feel for what upscale Mexican food looks like in Mexico,” Scott says, especially in the city’s many elegant, European-style neighborhoods. (continued on page 100) 98
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Deborah Scottâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s packaged Brie is selling like hotcakes at Costco.
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CLOCKWISE (from top): Housemade chicharrón (fried prok rinds) at Indigo Grill; filet-and-lobster duo from Island Prime/C Level; inside Indigo Grill.
(continued from page 98)
Asked what it’s like to partner with the Cohns, Scott says, “It’s funny, David describes our relationship as his second marriage. It’s hard to believe we’ve never had any major disagreements in 20 years. We both have great work ethics. Lesley is always there to help, and it doesn’t matter if the issue is business or personal. When I had stage four melanoma in 1997, Lesley went to every appointment with me and took diligent notes.” Known for spotting talent, David Cohn sought the association. When Scott ran the original Indigo Grill, she says, “David and Lesley used to come to eat. He called one day and asked to meet at Corvette Diner [the Cohns’ first smash hit, then in Hillcrest].” It was there that Cohn proposed partnering in a new restaurant. “David helped me be where I am today,” Scott says. True. When they developed Kemo Sabe, David loaned her the buy-in money. These days, when not greeting guests at her restaurants, Scott says she makes a point of mentoring cooks, “to bring them to that next level in the kitchen. I’ve had a lot of line cooks go on to have pretty impressive careers.” One, Travis Swikard, is chef at New York’s top-rated Café Boulud. If you’ve ever had one of her desserts, then you know Scott takes the cake… in addition to the cheese. One thing she doesn’t take is all the credit for her success. “I would be remiss not mention my partner, Sharon Bristol. We’ve been together for 20 years,” she says (they married in 2008). “She was a big help to me getting started at Indigo Grill. Now, she takes care of me, our seven animals and our home.” Indigo Grill 1536 India St., Little Italy 619.234.6802, cohnrestaurants.com/indigogrill Island Prime/C Level Lounge 880 Harbor Island Dr., Harbor Island 619.298.6802, cohnrestaurants.com/islandprime Vintana 1205 Auto Park Way, Escondido 760.745.7777, cohnrestaurants.com/vintana Brie cheese available at Costco locations throughout San Diego county. costco.com
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A unique dining experience awaits you.
Poseidon on the beach £ÈÇäÊ >ÃÌÊ Û`°ÊÊUÊÊ i Ê >ÀÊnxn®Çxx Î{xÊÊUÊ poseidonrestaurant.com
Let us quote you happy Office of Daiju Yohsino Yamaguchi FARMERS INSURANCE, 3579 5th Ave Ste 200, San Diego, CA 92103-5047 ,ICENSE .UMBER & s 619-300-5669 www.daijuinsurance.com s email: dyamaguchi@farmersagent.com N OV E M BE R 2014 / PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM
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parq Out of the
See what’s emanating from downtown’s newest gourmet kitchen By David Nelson / Photos by Sara Norris
D
owntown’s new Parq Restaurant & Nightclub shows what imagination (and no shortage of bucks) can create. At every turn, this place confirms the sky’s the limit, including in the main dining room, where stars twinkle through an open ceiling. Erected in 1926 by Finest City kingpin of yore John D. Spreckels, the building that houses Parq is also the former home of downtown mega-club On Broadway. Today, on the Sixth Avenue side of the property, roll-up glass doors give way to a reception area designed to emulate a posh hotel lobby. (continued on page 104)
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Chef Errol LeBlanc’s Burrata at the Gaslamp’s new Parq Restaurant & Nightclub.
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CLOCKWISE (from top left): Chef Errol LeBlanc’s culinary offerings at Parq include a baby beets trio; pan-roasted duck; lacquered pork belly; and grilled New York steak with crispy Brussels sprouts and hand-cut potatoes.
“So you’re not out on the curb, waiting to get in,” says proprietor Carlos Becerra, who entrusted Parq’s jaw-dropping interior design to Costa Mesa-based Davis Ink, the firm responsible for designing FLUXX, Stingaree and Bar West, among many other sparkling San Diego venues. To elevate the caliber of food at Parq to the level of its interior surroundings, Becerra hired celebrity chef Errol LeBlanc, who took First Place in Food Network’s popular TV show Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell. LeBlanc calls his cuisine “Progressive American,” which could well describe the chef himself, a California native who came of age in Las Vegas, where he cut his teeth cooking at swanky outposts like Charlie Palmer’s Aureole, and then left to polish away rough edges at a culinary arts school in Pasadena. Before being recruited to Parq, he spent a year as Executive Chef at the Gaslamp’s celebrated Cafe Sevilla. “We’ll definitely change the menu with the seasons,” says LeBlanc. “I don’t like it when a menu always stays the same, 365 days of the year.” As Parq’s first season of diners take their seats beneath sculptured trees festooned with thousands of glass flowers (each with a tiny light bulb that can be programmed to flash in sync with music to create a dazzling effect), LeBlanc will treat them to what he describes as “ingredient-driven” offerings. For starters, his unusual take on Caprese salad features housemade burrata (the buttery heart of fresh mozzarella), which he serves warm and adorned with flavor highlights like baby tomatoes, garlic and white balsamic vinegar. Lacquered with a honey-ginger-chipotle glaze, his ultra-meaty slow-braised pork belly promises to satisfy even the most ravenous carnivores, while fish fans are sure to get hooked on the Monterey Bay Crispy Bass, which headlines “The Sea” category on LeBlanc’s opening menu. While the menu notes that most entrees can be “created in a vegan or vegetarian style by the kitchen team,” Parq specializes in luxuries like rack of lamb served with black Mission fig-Bartlett pear chutney, and Maine lobster rellenos with pasilla chile salsa. “The dish I put the most effort and love into is the 24 Hour Short Rib,” says LeBlanc. He prepares the dish sous-vide — in a vacuum-sealed pouch that allows slow, low-temperature cooking to create butter-tender meats. The garnishes are crisply finished wild mushrooms and LeBlanc’s “velvet potatoes,” which he describes as “super-smooth with just salt, cream and butter added. It’s awesome.” LeBlanc wrote the dessert list with the same eye for variety, and it’s fun. The maple bacon bread pudding is sweetly trendy, while the tempura banana split, rich in details like Luxardo cherries and candied nuts, is more exciting than any given sundae. After dinner, follow the twisting stone tunnel from the restaurant to the other side of Parq, the immense, Vegasmeets-Hollywood nightclub with an indoor babbling brook, unrivaled sound and visual effects… and the power to make the lights come back on Broadway. Parq Restaurant & Nightclub 615 Broadway, Gaslamp 619.727.6789, parqsd.com
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“I don’t like it when a menu always stays the same, 365 days of the year.”
474 BROADWAY – 619.321.0021 | RASUSHI.COM NOW OPEN – MARINA MARKETPLACE – MARINA DEL REY
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Easy
R E C I P follow m E e!
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Apps for That
The beginnings of a fabulous Turkey Day dinner — Snacks and a Plan of Attack Recipe and photos by Brandon Matzek
Dazzling guests with an impressive appetizer spread is a top priority for Thanksgiving dinner. Setting the tone for the entire evening, the appetizer course is a first impression that should encourage conversation between guests while sparking an appetite for dinner. Often, home cooks focus so much on the main attraction (turkey and sides) that they neglect this equally important first course. Here are five tips to help plan the perfect Thanksgiving appetizer table: Limit options. If hosting a large Thanksgiving dinner, serve 5 appetizers. Something more intimate? Plan on 3 appetizers. Excite guests as they walk in, but don’t overwhelm them. Also, if there are too many, guests may feel as though they need to try everything, potentially ruining their appetites before dinner. Mix homemade and storebought. There’s no need to make everything from scratch. Prepare a few simple homemade appetizers like these Rosemary Spiced Mixed Nuts and deviled eggs, then serve them beside good quality store bought items like manchego cheese, marinated olives, seeded crackers and sliced mortadella. Transfer store-bought items to serving bowls and platters to elevate the experience. Ask for help. If guests want to bring something to the party, ask them to bring appetizers. Give suggestions to avoid less-thanideal appetizer contributions (for example, chips and salsa
wouldn’t work here). If serving a cheese platter, ask for something soft (brie or goat), something hard (manchego, Parmesan, or aged cheddar) or something blue (Cambozola or Stilton). Smoked salmon, artisan pickles and shrimp cocktail are other good options. Prep in advance. Get appetizers squared away in advance, so there’s time on the big day to focus attention on cooking the turkey and sides. These Rosemary Spiced Mixed Nuts can be prepared the Monday before Thanksgiving and stored at room temperature in an airtight container. Serve bulk cocktails. Don’t get stuck shaking cocktails all evening. Prepare libations in bulk and let guests serve themselves. Pomegranate martinis, bourbon milk punch and apple sidecars can all be made in bulk and stored in a glass pitcher. To serve, guests can pour several ounces of prepared cocktail in shaker with ice, shake, and then strain into a chilled glass.
Rosemary Spiced Mixed Nuts ingredients
1 lb. unsalted mixed nuts (cashews, walnuts and almonds used here) 1 tbsp. melted butter 1 tbsp. maple syrup (not imitation) 2 tbsp. + 1 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary, divided 1 tbsp. dark brown sugar ½ tsp. cayenne pepper 2 tsp. flaky sea salt or kosher salt, plus more to taste
Process
Go nuts. Preheat an oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, toss mixed nuts with melted butter and maple syrup. Add 2 tablespoons chopped rosemary, dark brown sugar, cayenne pepper and 2 teaspoons flaky sea salt, mixing until the nuts are well coated with the flavorings. Spread nuts out onto a rimmed baking sheet. Bake until glazed and golden (about 18 - 20 minutes), stirring twice during the cooking process.
Flavor finish. As soon as the nuts come out of the oven, season with an additional 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary and flaky sea salt to taste (I added an additional 3/4 teaspoon). Serve warm immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
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brew s ///
Finest City beer — scene and heard By Brandon Hernández
do me a flavor New beers to cheers and brews to peruse
Bourbon Barrel-Aged Arrogant Bastard Ale
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Amplified Ale Works Rare Form
It can be tough to get a taste of the beers flying from the taps at this nanobrewpub. They go so quickly because they’re that damn good. And now, brewmaster Cy Henley is taking “rare” to a whole new place with the release of a Bourbon barrelaged version of Rare Form, a malty Belgian-style quadrupel given extra richness from whiskey and wood. The first in Amplified’s new Barrel Works line of barrelaged beers, it will debut at a special event during San Diego Beer Week on November 6. 4150 Mission Boulevard, #208, Pacific Beach, amplifiedales.com (continued on page 110)
pa u l b o d y
It’s been 16 years since the burly, opinionated, self-assured SOB that is Arrogant Bastard used a stony gargoyle talon to draw a line in the brewing industry sand, declaring itself the true king of beer (craft, not that fizzy, yellow stuff) and the average beer drinker “not worthy” or capable of handling its bold, brawny personae. Layers of forcefulness and refinement grace a spirit-tinged version that takes an already remarkable, venerably buzz-worthy beer to new heights. arrogantbastard.com
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brewmaster
Q&A
Brian Scott President, San Diego Brewers Guild, sandiegobrewersguild.org
pa u l b o d y
utting in a full day in the brewery is a lot of work, enough to drive one to drink. (Working amidst the sultry scents of the brewhouse with beer within easy reach all day makes that second part a snap.) But in addition to serving as an integral cog in the machine that is Karl Strauss Brewing Company, Brian Scott moonlights as President of the San Diego Brewers Guild (SDBG), an organization for brewers by brewers whose myriad initiatives to elevate the local brewing scene include organizing San Diego Beer Week (SDBW). Scott says he looks forward to the 10-day ale and lager marathon, which takes place from November 7-16, and shares insight into what craft beer fans will be foaming at the mouth for during SDBW 2014.
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Brandon Hernández: Why is SDBW so important to San Diego? BRIAN SCOTT: It’s important to our brewers because it showcases all we do as an industry. San Diego has roughly 100 breweries, with more on the way, and SDBW is our chance to set our region apart as the premier beer destination in the country. Events during SDBW focus on giving fans experiences they would most likely not have outside of Beer Week — beer and food pairings, special release beers, collaborations between local breweries and much more. People from all over the country, and really all over the world, come to San Diego to experience what we have to offer.
embraced craft beer and this 10-day celebration. Every year, we attract more tourists from around the world, and the quality of our events keeps getting better.
How has SDBW has evolved over the years? SCOTT: When SDBW first started six years ago, craft beer was still flying under the radar. While we still have a lot of work to do to grow our market share, it’s amazing to see how San Diegans have
In what ways do San Diego brewers band together to make SDBW all it can be? SCOTT: This is the beauty of SDBW and the spirit of community that makes San Diego’s brewing industry so strong. Everything from helping each other unload kegs and
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What new SDBW highlights can beer fans look forward to? SCOTT: This is our sixth year, and a lot has changed. One of the most exciting changes is the launch of our new website, sdbw.org, which features a newly formatted calendar to make it easier to navigate the awesome list of events planned. This year, we are also hosting several new events as well as some old favorites like the Guild Fest and Beer Garden at The Lodge at Torrey Pines.
tents at festivals, to holding events centered around bringing awareness to our industry as a whole — the goal of Beer Week is to set ourselves apart as the nation’s ultimate craft beer destination. I think we’ve reached the tipping point where we are achieving this mission. How many events does the SDBG expect SDBW will feature? SCOTT: I would expect to see around 100 events throughout the week, but who knows? I wouldn’t be shocked to see twice that. You’re president of the SDBG. What are you most excited about during SDBW? SCOTT: I think it’s hard to beat Guild Fest. There is little that rivals being able to enjoy a beer from more than 50 San Diego breweries right on the bay. As the Guild president, it’s amazing to see all the hard work and effort put forth by our brewing community to make this week happen.
LET’S GO TO THE HOPS NOVEMBER beer events
Andy Boyd
J o s e p h C ala b r ase
ON TAP
WHAT’S NEW OR COMING SOON
Twisted Manzanita Ales Tasting Room
Looking to introduce their inland ales to the coastal sect’s mishmash of surfers, beach bums, skate rats, tourists and, yes, drinkers, Santee’s largest brewery has installed a tasting room built to bring the brewery experience to PB. Twenty-four taps (including nitro and beer engines) dispense staples like Chaotic Double IPA and Riverwalk Blonde Ale as well as seasonal beers and rarities, including single-keg batches of beer designed exclusively for this stainless steel-outfitted satellite space. 4652 Mission Blvd., Pacific Beach, twistedmanzanita.com
32 North Brewing Company
“Reclaimed-chic” best describes the motif of the latest entrant into Miramar’s vibrant brewing scene. Former Karl Strauss brewer John Hunter will command a 10barrel brewhouse, pushing out beers that range from traditional — pale ale, stout and, of course, an IPA — to divining culinary inspiration. The latter will include toasted coconut mild, smoked imperial stout and a version of a Peanut Butter Cup Porter he won raves for during his days as part of Uncle Karl’s regime. 8655 Production Ave., Ste. A, Miramar, 32northbrew.com
Guild Fest A commemorative taster glass and the ability to receive unlimited samples from every member of the San Diego Brewers Guild — there is no better way to experience the San Diego craft beer scene. That’s why this event kicks off the region’s 10-day fermentation free-for-all. Spend a Saturday swilling suds by the bay or start early with a Friday evening session featuring rare and specialty beers as well as the chance to chat up local brewers. Or commit to the craft and go all-in with the two-day pass. November 7-8, Port Pavilion at Broadway Pier, 1000 North Harbor Dr., Downtown, sdbw.org The Beer Garden Chefs and brewers have a lot in common. Both use skillful hands and creative minds to craft delicious, crave-able consumables. This was the first annual event built to bring these masters of the kitchen and brewery together to collaborate on beers and dishes that pair perfectly with each other. Sip and sup au natural while spying views of the Pacific Ocean from The Lodge at Torrey Pines’ Arroyo Terrace. This is a must for foodies and beerophiles alike. But plan ahead — tickets are limited, and the event sells out every year. November 16, The Lodge at Torrey Pines, 10440 North Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla, sdbw.org
Brandon Hernández is a native San Diegan with a fervent passion for craft beer and the talented individuals who produce it. He is a Senior Communications Specialist for Stone Brewing Co., an editor for Zagat, has served as a consultant to Food Network and contributes to national and San Diego-based magazines including The Beer Connoisseur, Imbibe, Wine Enthusiast, San Diego Reader and more. The first publication for which he ever wrote about beer was PacificSD. Follow him on Twitter @sdbeernews and @offdutyfoodie. N OV E M BE R 2014 / PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM
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Groove
By Catlin Dorset
C hr is Bur ka rd
11.1 Switchfoot
@ SDSU’s Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, as.sdsu.edu In July, more than 15,000 fans flocked to Moonlight Beach in Encinitas to compete in and/or watch the annual Switchfoot Bro-Am surf contest and concert. Since its inception in 2005, the event — founded by local rockers Switchfoot — has raised more than $1 million for children’s charities in San Diego. Now touring to promote their album Fading West, which dropped in January, the Grammy Award-winning band is returning to America’s Finest for a special homecoming show at SDSU. (continued on page 114)
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Mac ie k Po zo ga
GROOVE
11.7 Flyleaf
, @ The North Park Theatre .com thenorthparktheatre Guitar 2 and Video games The Sims this fiveHero: 3 feature songs by d. ban k roc piece
sounds like a plan 11.2 Yelle November concert calendar By Catlin Dorset
@ Belly
Up
Tavern French ele ctropop ba , BELLYUP.com nd on a w of its new orl album, Co mplement dwide tour in suppo rt Fou.
11/1: Ziggy Marley @ The North Park Theatre, thenorthparktheatre.com In 2012, this reggae artist (and eldest son of Bob Marley) launched his own line of organic cooking products, including Coco’Mon coconut oils and Hemp Rules hempseeds.
to headline a European tour through early December.
11/1: Chase Rice @ House of Blues, hob.com This country singer-songwriter cowrote Florida Georgia Line’s 2012 megahit, “Cruise.”
11/2: Def Leppard @ Pechanga Resort & Casino, pechanga.com VH1 ranked this rock band’s notorious hit, “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” at No. 2 on its “100 Greatest Songs of the ’80s” list.
11/1: Slightly Stoopid @ Sycuan Casino, sycuan.com Ocean Beach reggae-rockers Slightly Stoopid partner with Team Parker 4Life to raise money for kids with cancer at this benefit show. 11/1: Patty Griffin @ Balboa Theatre, sandiegothreatres.org Miranda Lambert, Kelly Clarkson, Emmylou Harris and many others have covered this folk rocker’s songs. 11/1: Delta Spirit @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com Indie rockers promoting their recent album, Into the Wide, which dropped in September. 11/1: Being As an Ocean @ SOMA, somasandiego.com Following this San Diego show, these hardcore rockers will travel overseas 114
11/2: Carla Morrison @ The North Park Theatre, thenorthparktheatre.com Latin Grammy Award-winning indie popper from Tecate, Mexico.
11/3: Emblem3 @ House of Blues, hob.com In June, these pop rockers released a cover of Meghan Trainor’s hit single “All About That Bass” on YouTube. 11/4: Tech N9ne @ House of Blues, hob.com Rapper Aaron Dontez Yates, aka Tech N9ne, plays a small voiceover role as a zombie in the recent 3-D animated flick Night of the Living Dead: Origins.
Singer Michael Milosh and instrumentalist Robin Hannibal comprise this R&B twosome.
Rapper Michael Wayne Atha, aka YelaWolf, is signed to Eminem’s Shady Records label.
11/6: Lagwagon @ House of Blues, hob.com These Santa Barbara-native punk rockers released Hang, their first album in nine years, on October 28.
11/7: Moe. @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com These rockers host New York’s annual moe.down music festival.
11/7: Daley @ The Casbah, casbahmusic.com British alt. pop singer-songwriter on his North American Unplugged tour. 11/7: Travis Garland @ House of Blues, hob.com This pop singer’s cover of Ne-Yo’s “Let Me Love You” has garnered more than 3.5 million views on YouTube. 11/7: Scott Weiland @ Sycuan Casino, sycuan.com The former Stone Temple Pilots front man is reportedly working on his third solo album, set for release later this year.
11/5: Shovels and Rope @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com This husband-and-wife folk duo released their third album, Swimmin’ Time, in August.
11/7: The Word Alive @ SOMA, somasandiego.com Metalcore band headlining The Get Real Tour with The Color Morale, Our Last Night, The Dead Rabbitts and Miss Fortune.
11/6: Rhye @ The North Park Theatre, thenorthparktheatre.com
11/7: YelaWolf @ UCSD’s Porter’s Pub, porterspub.com
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11/7: Eyehategod @ Soda Bar, sodabarmusic.com Intensely angry-sounding sludge metal band out of New Orleans. 11/7: 36 Crazyfists @ Brick by Brick, ticketfly.com These Alaskan metalers took their moniker from the 1977 Jackie Chan movie of the same name. 11/8: Flatbush Zombies @ SOMA, somasandiego.com This hip-hop trio’s song “My Team Supreme 2.0” is featured on the video game soundtrack for NBA Live 15. 11/8: Andre Nickatina @ UCSD’s Porter’s Pub, porterspub.com This rapper/producer’s eponymous 2013 album debuted at No. 46 on Billboard’s “Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums” chart. 11/8: Toad the Wet Sprocket @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com More than 6,000 fans pledged nearly $265,000 on Kickstarter last year to
Eoin Car ey
11.15 Blonde Redhead @ House of Blues, HOB.com
been featured in TV Songs from this alt. rock trio have Ricky and Morty. and omy, Anat ’s shows Numb3rs, Grey
ks 11.8 We Were Promised Jetpac
@ House of Blues, hob.com
.com album, @ The Irenic, theirenic promote its third studio
These L.A.-nat ive rockers released their sixth album, Hebrew s, in June.
d to Alt. pop band on the roa d October 14. Unravelling, which droppe
help fund New Constellation, this rock band’s first album in 16 years. 11/9: The Black Keys @ SDSU’s Viejas Arena, as.sdsu.edu In March, these rockers announced their new album, Turning Blue, and its May release date via Mike Tyson’s Twitter account. 11/9: Four Year Strong @ SOMA, somasandiego.com Alt. rock foursome on its North American Go Down in History tour. 11/9: Real Friends @ The Epicentre, epicentreconcerts.org Pop punkers on the road to support their debut studio album, Maybe this Place is the Same and We’re Just Changing, with Neck Deep, Cruel Hand and Have Mercy. 11/9: Vince Gill @ Copley Symphony Hall, sandiegosymphony.org To date, this country superstar has collected 20 Grammy Awards, 18 CMA Awards, Entertainer of the Year nods (1993 and 1994) and induction to the Country Music Hall of Fame (2007). 11/9: Common Kings @ House of Blues, hob.com Justin Timberlake selected this reggae rock foursome as the opening act for his 20/20 Experience World Tour.
11/9: Train @ Civic Theatre, sandiegotheatres.org Pop rockers most known for their hits “Meet Virginia,” “Calling All Angels” and “Hey, Soul Sister,” among others. 11/11: Goo Goo Dolls @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com The City of Angels title track, “Iris,” launched this rock band into the spotlight in 1998. The same song is ranked No. 1 on Billboard’s “Top 100 Pop Songs from 1992-2012.” 11/10: Dropkick Murphys @ House of Blues, hob.com Following the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013, these punk rockers created and sold a “For Boston” t-shirt to raise money for the victims. They raised more than $65,000 in the first day. 11/11: Nick Carter @ House of Blues, hob.com Backstreet Boy Nick Carter and former New Kids on the Block front man Jordan Knight try to relive and revive their teenage glory days on The Nick and Knight tour. 11/12: Hot Water Music @ The Irenic, theirenic.com Four-piece punk rock group from Gainesville, Florida. 11/12: Death From Above 1979 @ House of Blues, hob.com In September, these punk rockers
performed their new single, “Trainwreck 1979,” on the Late Show with David Letterman.
following the last horse race of the day. 11/16: Misfits @ House of Blues, hob.com These horror punk rockers named themselves after Marilyn Monroe’s final film, The Misfits, which also stars Clark Gable.
11/13: Relient K @ House of Blues, hob.com Alt. rock band celebrating a decade in the biz with its Mmhmm 10th Anniversary Tour. 11/13: The Ghost Inside @ SOMA, somasandiego.com These hardcore punk rockers are set to release their new album, Dear Youth, on November 17. 11/13: Kreator @ Ramona Mainstage, ramonamainstage.com German thrash metal band on its Phantom Antichrist tour.
11/17: The Psychedelic Furs @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com Alt. rockers still riding the mild success of their ’80s hits “Love My Way,” “Pretty In Pink” and “The Ghost In You.” 11/19: Bone Thugs-N-Harmony @ House of Blues, hob.com Only one copy of this hip-hop band’s final album, E. 1999 Legends, will be released and sold to the highest bidder in 2015 (bidding starts at $1 million).
11/14: Aaron Lewis @ Pala Casino, palacasino.com The founding member and front man of Staind changed his tune to country music in 2010. 11/15: Dirty Loops @ SOMA, somasandiego.com This Swedish threesome is most known for its 2011 YouTube cover of Lady Gaga’s hit “Just Dance.” 11/15: Iration @ Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, delmarscene.com Indie reggae rock band Iration headlines Reggae Fest immediately
Marle ne Marin o
Ne il Vis el
11.14 Say Anything
11/19: Alexz Johnson @ Soda Bar, sodabarmusic.com Pop singer-songwriter promoting her newest album, Let ’Em Eat Cake, which dropped October 14. 11/19: Cold War Kids @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com Five-piece indie rock band out of Long Beach.
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11.29 Attila
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@ SOMA, somasandiego.com
Deathcore rockers on the road to promote their new album, Guilty Pleasure, which drops November 24.
Arts Escondido, artcenter.org @ California Center for the olate Factory, Choc sed its new album, Primus & the On October 21, this rock band relea soundtrack. ie mov ory Fact ka & the Chocolate a re-imagining of the 1971 Willy Won
of
Blues, Metalcore band on th hob.com e Journeys Killed the Prom Que Noise Tour en, Ghost and Marm Town, Nigh with I ozets. tmares
valleyviewcasinocenter.com This country singer-songwriter cowrote Jason Aldean’s 2010 smash hits “My Kinda Party” and “Dirt Road Anthem.”
harrahsresortsocal.com Rock legend Vincent Damon Furnier, aka Alice Cooper, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.
11/23: Capital Cities @ House of Blues, hob.com This indie pop band’s single “Safe and Sound” was featured in an advertising campaign for Mazda earlier this year.
11/28: Circa Survive @ House of Blues, hob.com These alt. rockers drop their newest album, Descensus, on November 24.
11/19: Bastille @ SDSU’s Viejas Arena, as.sdsu.edu Indie pop Londoners enjoying worldwide success with their current hit, “Pompeii.”
11/21: The 1975 @ SOMA, somasandiego.com Alt. rock band touring worldwide through January in support of their recently released eponymous album.
11/19: Melanie Martinez @ House of Blues, hob.com This singer-songwriter’s indie pop rendition of Britney Spears’ “Toxic” turned three chairs on Season Three of The Voice.
11/21: SoMo @ House of Blues, hob.com Covers of Drake, Chris Brown and J. Cole songs made this pop singer a YouTube sensation before he signed with Republic Records in 2013.
11/20: Jerrod Niemann @ House of Blues, hob.com In April 2015, this country artist will perform at the annual Stagecoach Festival shortly before Blake Shelton takes the stage on the final night.
11/21: Richie Kotzen @ Ramona Mainstage, ramonamainstage.com Blues rock singer and guitarist said to be working on his 20th studio album, to be released in 2015.
11/21: Minus the Bear @ The Casbah, casbahmusic.com Washingtonian alt. rock quintet on its Lost Loves & Beer Commercials 10-year anniversary tour.
11/22: Michael Franti @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com Rock/reggae musician most recognized for his 2009 hit single “Say Hey (I Love You).”
11/21: The White Buffalo @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com In August, these rockers performed current singles “This Year” and “The Whistler” on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
11/22: The Ready Set @ House of Blues, hob.com Jordan Witzigreuter, aka The Ready Set, is an alt. pop singer from Indiana.
11/28: Trans-Siberian Orchestra @ SDSU’s Viejas Arena, as.sdsu.edu Progressive rock group on the road in a debut live performance of its 1998 album The Christmas Attic.
11/22: Brantley Gilbert @ Valley View Casino Center,
11/28: Alice Cooper @ Harrah’s Resort SoCal,
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Jad e Eh le rs
11.22 Primus
11.29 Issues
@ House
11/25: Vance Joy @ House of Blues, hob.com Aussie folk pop artist with a new album, Dream Your Life Away, which dropped in September. 11/28: G-Eazy @ SOMA, somasandiego.com This mid-20s rapper has opened for the likes of Drake, Snoop Dogg and Lil Wayne.
11/29: CAKE @ Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, delmarscene.com Alt. rockers most known for hits “Short Skirt/Long Jacket” (2001) and “The Distance” (1996). CAKE is also playing at Belly Up Tavern on November 30. 11/30: OFF! @ The Epicentre, epicentreconcerts.org Punk rock foursome from Los Angeles. 11/30: Breathe Carolina @ House of Blues, hob.com Electronic rockers on The Friend Zone Tour with Candyland. 11/30: CAKE @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com (See 11/29 entry above.)
11.13 Flying Lotus
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@ The North Park Theatre, thenorthparktheatre.com
Kendrick Lamar and Snoop Dogg collaborated with this electronic musician on tracks from his recent album, You’re Dead!, which dropped October 7.
november edm shows By Catlin Dorset
11/1: Cash Cash @ BASSMNT, bassmntsd.com EDM trio most recognized for last year’s megahit, “Take Me Home.”
11/20: Cosmic Gate @ BASSMNT, bassmntsd.com In June, this progressive trance duo released their new album, Start to Feel.
11/6: Dirty South @ FLUXX, fluxxsd.com This progressive house Aussie drops his new album, With You, on November 4.
11/22: Adrian Lux @ BASSMNT, bassmntsd.com Video game 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil features this indie house producer’s song, “Wild Child.”
11/8: Kill Paris @ BASSMNT, bassmntsd.com This Indiana-born dubstepper’s most recent EP is titled Foreplay. 11/8: Audien @ House of Blues, hob.com This progressive house remixer is No. 88 on DJ Magazine’s 2014 “Top 100 DJs” list. 11/9: Digitalism @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com Depeche Mode, White Stripes and Daft Punk are among the artists this German electro house duo has remixed tracks for. 11/13: Moti @ FLUXX, fluxxsd.com This electro house DJ collaborated with Martin Garrix on the current single “Virus (How About Now).” 11/14: The Presets @ The North Park Theatre, thenorthparktheatre.com Electro producers on the Check Yo Ponytail tour with LE1F, Chela and Franki Chan. 11/15: Figure @ Somewhere Loud, somewhereloud.com Dubstep DJ on the road to promote his new album, Monsters Volume 5, released October 14. 11/15: Tegan & Sara @ The North Park Theatre, thenorthparktheatre.com These genre-spanning Canadian twin sisters opened for Katy Perry on the North American leg of her Prismatic World Tour. 11/16: Steve Lawler @ Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, 207sd.com This techno house musician founded his record label, VIVa MUSiC, in 2006. 118
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11/24: Netsky @ House of Blues, hob.com This Belgian electro DJ has remixed tracks for Ed Sheeran, Swedish House Mafia and Jessie J, to name a few. 11/29: Thomas Jack @ Bang Bang, bangbangsd.com Twenty-year-old house music producer from down unda. 11/29: EC Twins @ BASSMNT, bassmntsd.com In September, identical twin brothers Allister and Marc Sean Blackham released their newest EDM single, “This is How We Do It.”
11.21 Talib Kweli
@ Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, 207sd.com
The rapper from Brooklyn swaps rhyme-spitting for record-spinning during this special DJ set.
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Changing Majors
A one-time law student makes a grape escape By Michael Benninger / Photo by Kristina Yamamoto
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hen Greg Majors was an aspiring law student at UCSD, he took a bar-backing gig at Humphrey’s by the Bay to earn extra cash. Little did the Bay Area native know that this first experience in the hospitality biz would ultimately steer him away from passing the bar, leading him toward a career in perfecting bars instead. After his stint at Humphrey’s, Majors worked at The Prado in Balboa Park before relocating to New York City to attend law school. While in the Big Apple, he scored jobs at some of the metropolis’ celebrated eateries including CRU, Insieme and Craft. Working alongside famed sommeliers at these and other esteemed venues, he had the opportunity to taste incredible wines from the world, an experience that eventually swayed him to abandon law and concentrate on the vine things in life. Now, Majors has something of a new motto: “Be careful to trust a person who does not like wine,” he says, quoting Karl Marx. And he’s left the island of New York for an island just off the coast of San Diego. “After 10 years living in Manhattan, I knew it was time to move on from the pace of city life,” he says, having relocated to Coronado to hone his palate as wine director of the new Stake Chophouse & Bar. Operated by Blue Ridge Hospitality — a group whose Coronado restaurant portfolio includes Leroy’s Kitchen + Lounge, Moo Time Creamery, Lil’ Piggy’s Bar-B-Q, Coronado Coffee Company and Village Pizzeria — Stake promises to woo oenophiles from the mainland and beyond with the extensive wine collection Majors curates. “My goal when drafting a list on this scale is to hit all the markers with respect to price-point, varietal, region and producer,” he says. “We offer the great bottles from Burgundy, California, Bordeaux, Piedmont and Tuscany, but also feature the lesser-known regions and producers from Italy, Spain, Germany, Austria, et cetera. We have options and selections for everyone.” Ordering the wrong wine to pair with one of Stake’s steaks isn’t breaking the law, but if you ask Majors, a glass-action lawsuit might be in order. Stake Chophouse & Bar 1309 Orange Ave., Coronado 619.522.0077, stakechophouse.com
“Be careful to trust a person who doesn’t like wine”
POUR DECISIONS
Wine wiz Greg Majors cites a few of his favorite varietals from among Stake’s expansive collection ’00 Lynch Bages: “I simply love this house. For me, Lynch Bages consistently captures the essence of Bordeaux. Vintage after vintage, the wines are always classy with great finesse. I would pair this with Chef’s Bone-in Ribeye.” ’11 Sea Smoke Southing: “Nothing says ‘Santa Barbara Pinot’ like this wine. Captivating with great length. I would drink this with the Lobster Minestrone.” ’06 Roumier Bonnes-Mares: “One of my preferred vineyards and my favorite producer in Burgundy. The fruit from Bonne Mares can be relatively broad and girthy, which is ideal when you think about pairing it with meat cooked in a wood fired oven. I would drink this with Chef’s Pork Chop.”
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Wind and Dine Dinner, DRINKS and DESSERT... with a twist By David Perloff / Photos by Brevin Blach
T
hank you for dining with us, dearest Date Fan. Specials this evening include a chef ’s custom dinner at Lotus Thai, handmade desserts at D Bar and a craft cocktail nightcap at Starlite. Blind daters Vicky and Jeff met about half-an-hour ago in the Epic Limo that’s about to drop them off at the redesigned (in July) Lotus Thai in Hillcrest. Before they arrive, let’s review their pre-date interviews. PacificSD: Where are you from and where do you live now? VICKY: I was born in England,
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but I’ve lived in San Diego since I was six years old. I’d love to tell my upcoming blind date that I have a British accent, but I’m just a typical Cali girl living in Bankers Hill. JEFF: From Boca Raton, Florida, and I live in Crown Point.
be a repeat for tonight? JEFF: I’ve never actually been on a blind date, so this seems like an opportune time to cross that off the list. Pacific Magazine handling all of the planning is certainly a plus, as well.
What do you do for a living? VICKY: I’m a sales rep for a company based out of San Diego. JEFF: Business consulting.
What do you do for fun? VICKY: I’m very social and I’m always checking out the new hot spots in San Diego. I enjoy working out, traveling, wine tasting, karaoke. And who doesn’t enjoy dancing the night away? JEFF: Play or watch sports, outdoor activities, live music, travel, competitive eating.
Why are you going on a blind date in Pacific Magazine? VICKY: I thought it would be a fun experience and more exciting than all the online dates I go on. I’m also an avid reader of Pacific Magazine and always enjoy reading the Blind Date section. Can one of the previous guys
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What are you best at? VICKY: Currently, I’m a really
good Yelper! I Yelp everything. Whether it’s a restaurant, coffee shop, bar, exhibit, a service or even a purchase I’ve made, it all gets documented. I’ve actually just been accepted into the Yelp Elite Club, which I’m very excited about. JEFF: I am exceptionally fast. What do you suck at? VICKY: Sports. I was a dancer my entire life but I never played any sports so I’m not the person who can play beach volleyball or be on the co-ed softball team. A little fun fact about me: I danced in the 1998 Super Bowl. Not many people that suck at sports can say they’ve been to the Super Bowl. JEFF: Video games. (continued on page 124)
Sip, savor and shop...
Toast of
Downtown
Two dozen bars and restaurants Two dozen mini cocktails Two dozen menu tastings Two dozen shops offering discounts Dozen it feel good
Saturday, December 13 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (Ages 21+ only)
5Sb bWQYSba O\R []`S W\T] Ob b]Oab]TR]e\b]e\ Q][ Toast of Downtown celebrates San Diegoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christmas presence, bringing cheer and cheers! to the Gaslamp and East Village. Mini cocktails and menu tastings included with ticket. Festive attire encouraged. Pre-holiday gossip guaranteed. A portion of proceeds beneďŹ ts Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County. Merry (and Murray) X-Mas to everyone!
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What are you looking for in a date, physically and/or otherwise? VICKY: Obviously, a physical first impression is important. But in the long run, he needs to be a traditional gentleman with a good personality, who enjoys traveling and thinks the world of me. JEFF: I like to be challenged, and a good sense of humor is always a plus. Describe your special brand of sex appeal in five words or less. VICKY: Smart, cute and sexy. JEFF: Rugged, yet refined. What do you like least about yourself? VICKY: I’m a very structured and routine person, especially during the week, so it would be good for me to be a little more spontaneous now and then.
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JEFF: I care too much. Rate yourself on a scale from 1 to 10 for looks. VICKY: I’m happy with my looks and I seem to match with the minimal amount I swipe right to. Does that give me a higher number? JEFF: Eight.
them. Since I got over my main fear 10 years ago, I’ve been bitten twice and I think any dog at any time is just going to bite me. JEFF: Ebola.
Rate yourself on a scale from 1 to 10 for personality. VICKY: I think I have a very fun and outgoing personality, so I’m closer to a higher number. Others may think I’m too much, but hey, I’m in sales! JEFF: Eight.
What traits could your date exhibit that would be complete deal-breakers? VICKY: Someone who wants to stay home on a Saturday night with a movie. We can do that on a Wednesday; I like my dinner-andwine dates. JEFF: Bad table manners, lackluster conversational skills; and hopefully she doesn’t cause a scene. Actually, the latter is okay.
What’s your biggest fear? VICKY: I was absolutely petrified of dogs until I was 21 years old and I’m still quite nervous around
Fill in the blanks: I want my blind date to be “blank” and “blank.” VICKY: Outgoing and nicely
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dressed. JEFF: The best blind date I’ve ever had. Will the night end with a kiss, something more or something less? VICKY: Hopefully he’ll be my type, and I’ll want to kiss him. JEFF: All’s well that ends well. What’s the most important thing in the world? VICKY: Family, friends and a few airline tickets. JEFF: Life, health and the pursuit of happiness. THANK YOU! LOTUS THAI 3761 Sixth Ave., Hillcrest 619.299.8272, lotusthaisd.com (continued on page 128)
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Thai One On Dinner is served
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hen they arrive at Lotus Thai, Vicky and Jeff grab a booth and toast lychee soju (rice wine vodka) martinis. For the next hour, chef Ton Sangkapong spotlights his seasonal menu, presenting a (large) sampling of his latest dishes — Thai chicken satay, salmon curry and grilled lobster tail with calamari, among a few others. Both daters are smiling and laughing during dinner, but Vicky appears to be doing most of the talking. Jeff doesn’t look bored per se, but he doesn’t appear enthralled, either. If there is a love connection here, it isn’t outwardly apparent.
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After the meal, the couple walks around the corner and up Fifth Avenue to D Bar, former Food Network Challenge host Keegan Gerhard’s restaurant/bar and latenight dessert hotspot. Dessert comes in many forms at D Bar — tonight, it will come in most of them, beginning with a brightly colored dessert martini and continuing with more martinis and made-to-order desserts from the hands of pastry sous chef Briana White. (Editor’s note: Gerhard, himself, was supposed to show up, but he wussed out. Kidding, buddy. Get well soon. I hope they’re just pulling a sweet tooth or something.) An hour or so later, when they’ve had their fill of dessert (except for maybe another handmade chocolate
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and one last French macaroon), Vicky and Jeff depart D Bar for Starlite, the late-night dining destination in Middletown. Once inside, they peruse one of the city’s most celebrated craft cocktail menus before being split for mid-date debriefings.
have any connection with him, at all. He’s a nice guy. He’s not my dating type, but he’s a nice guy. JEFF: I thought she was a very attractive girl. She seems like a really cool chick.
PacificSD: How’s it going so far? VICKY: Fantastic! Great time, great food, great drinks and great limo service — you guys are awesome. JEFF: It’s going great. I’ve actually enjoyed every aspect of it thus far.
Is this the type of person you’d normally date? VICKY: No, not at all. You either click with someone or you don’t within 10 seconds, and I just didn’t. JEFF: Normally... I’d go out with younger women.
What were your first impressions? VICKY: I will say, I was at home thinking, “Oh, god, is this gonna be a guy that I’ve been matched with in online dating and I never responded to?” The second I met him, I didn’t
How was Lotus Thai? VICKY: All the food was amazing. The lobster was delicious; everything was fantastic. The martini with the lychee thing in it was good.
Just Desserts D Bar’s decadent date offerings
Raspberry Coulis: Vanilla cake brushed with simple syrup, macerated raspberries and raspberry sorbet, adorned with white chocolate décor. Faux Foster Banana Imposter: Rock sugar waffle with milk chocolate cremeaux, rum roasted bananas, caramel sauce, caramel Ice cream and banana tuile (thin, crisp wafer). Creme Brûlée: Made with almond orange caramel biscotti and fresh berries. Minis: Hand-rolled truffle, pistachio French macaroon, passion curd tart, raspberry pate de fruit and a rocher (fancy chocolate bonbon).
JEFF: The vibe was cool and the lobster dish that we had was phenomenal. How was D Bar? VICKY: The vibe at D Bar was fantastic. The drink was delicious; I had some kind of chocolate martini that was good. The food was fantastic as well. JEFF: The desserts were amazing; so were the cocktails. Desserts are made right in front of your face. They’ve got the best talent there, and everyone was really friendly. What kind of food is your date most like and how? VICKY: He’s like a burger, because he loves food and he can just eat. JEFF: We had this dish at Lotus
Thai; it looked like corn on the cob shrimp or fish. We couldn’t really figure it out. It was covered with a spicy curry sauce. That’s how I’d describe her. [Editor’s note: WTF?]
unattractive to me. My parents are British, and I grew up very European, so we eat everything very proper. JEFF: I wouldn’t say she’s done anything unattractive thus far.
What’s the most attractive thing your date has done so far? VICKY: He’s been pretty good about pulling chairs back and opening doors. JEFF: She seems like a free spirit who’s up for any kind of activity.
What would your parents say if you brought your date home? VICKY: They’d probably think he was a little quiet for me. JEFF: My parents would actually like her quite a bit. She’s got a good job, really stable, and they’d be happy to actually see me bring someone home.
What’s the least attractive thing your date has done so far? VICKY: My one deal-breaker about dating a guy is how they eat. I eat everything with a knife and fork. He cut his chicken in half with a fork and no knife, and that’s really
Rate your date on a scale from one to 10 for looks. VICKY: Ten. JEFF: Seven.
How about for personality? VICKY: Seven. JEFF: Eight. Do you want to kiss your date now? VICKY: Probably not. JEFF: No. Does your date want to kiss you? VICKY: I don’t think so. JEFF: Doubt it. THANK YOU! D BAR RESTAURANT 3930 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest 619.299.3227, dbarsandiego.com EPIC LIMO 858.270.LIMO (5466) epiclimo.com (continued on page 130)
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Readers, Digest Pace yourself, there’s more…
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s the daters toast cocktails served in frosty copper mugs, the magazine crew finally leaves them alone to enjoy the rest of their evening away from the camera. The next morning, we call to see what we missed. PacificSD: How was Starlite? VICKY: I loved the lighting in there, and the mules were delicious. JEFF: Starlite is a hidden gem. There were a good amount of people there, but it wasn’t too packed. Great place to take a date. What did you do after Starlite? VICKY: We talked about going to Barleymash, but ended up staying at Starlite. After a six-course meal, four courses of dessert and eight cocktails, I’m not sure that anyone would have let us in anywhere. JEFF: We actually ended up basically closing down Starlite. We had ambitious ideas of taking the limo downtown, but I think the mules kicked in a bit. When and how did the date end? VICKY: A little after one. I think Juan, our driver, was actually supposed to drop each of us off by one, but he had a hard time getting us out of Starlite. After lots of dancing, laughter, fun, drinks and
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bites, we went our separate ways. JEFF: One-thirty-ish. We parted ways with a goodnight hug, and then I had to head home to pack for my seven a.m. flight, which I miraculously made it to on time. Was there a kiss or romantic exchange? VICKY: How can you not kiss a nice-looking guy? JEFF: Lil’ bit at Starlite and possibly in the limo, but nothing that you couldn’t tell mom about. What two things would you change about your date to make the person a better fit for you? VICKY: He was a really nice guy, but he’s probably a little quiet for me, although maybe I need a quieter person to balance me out in life. JEFF: I would say, conversationally, a little more attention to my side of the discussion would be a plus. What will be your date’s biggest complaint about you, if any? VICKY: That I’m a klepto? We may have stolen a mule glass, but we’ve all done that before though, right? Sorry, Starlite, I’ll bring it back next time, or please send me the bill — okay, him! I think he’ll also say I fix my lipstick often, was really nervous when I first got in the limo and can ramble now and then. JEFF: Probably my clothes. I severely lack style.
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What’s the funniest thing that happened during the date? VICKY: It was pretty quiet in Starlite, as it’s more of a loungetype place, but there was some music on, and we ended up dancing for awhile. It was really fun, very random, and I imagine we got some looks. He was a good dancer; we were just giggling and having such a good time. JEFF: Midway through the date, we both brought up at the same time how we weren’t each other’s types. Ironically, we got along much better from that point on. What was the best part of the date? VICKY: Besides having a fun time, we had awesome servers. I really think that a server can make or break a wine-and-dine night. Alex at Lotus Thai was so funny, informative, and he guessed what wines we’d like. We got along with him really well and we even got a picture with him. Then, Devin at D Bar was hilarious and nice. He brought us so many desserts and a few dessert martinis; we just had a good laugh with him. JEFF: Slow dancing at Starlite was the highlight for me. You really can’t beat that. Surprisingly, nobody else joined us on the makeshift dance floor. Will there be a second date?
VICKY: No. He’s a really nice guy and good-looking guy, but I don’t think we had that first initial click. But I have a feeling we’ll bump into one another in the near future, possibly at Barleymash. It sounds like we both go there often. JEFF: There was no exchange of numbers, so I would say no. I think we were both expecting someone different. However, seeing as how we both frequent many of the same places, I am sure that I will run into her again. Apéritif (aftermatch) At the mid-date break, Vicky and Jeff were smorgas-bored with each other. But by the time their desserts had settled, the night started cooking, and their nightcap simmered into slow dancing at Starlite. What a tasty turnaround: from “not my flavor” to an acquired taste in three courses. Vicky said Jeff was too quiet; he said she didn’t listen. So the kiss at the restaurant and in the limo was a surprisingly sweet twist to a date that had begun on a somewhat sour note. For this Dining Issue blind date, however, we had hoped for a happier, spicier ending — like spooning (or forking) after the meal. Buon Appetito! THANK YOU! STARLITE 3175 India St., Middletown 619.358.9766, starlitesandiego.com
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OriGINAL LIGHT PILSNER.
©2014 MILLER BREWING CO., MILWAUKEE, WI Av. analysis (12 fl oz): 96 cals, 3.2g carbs, ‹1g protein, 0.0g fat