PACIFIC San Diego Magazine, November 2019

November 2019

PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM

CHAIN OF

GOURMAND

Ten chefs pick their favorite local dishes

VEGAN ROYALE BURGER FROM ROYALE! COCKTAILS & HAMBURGERS

ALSO INSIDE AMERICA’S ONE-AND-ONLY KATE BUSH COVER BAND, WONDERFRONT AND DIA DE LOS DEFTONES, HOLIDAY SHOW ROUNDUPS, ARTIST AND INFLUENCER Q&As, A WINE-FUELED BLIND DATE AND MUCH MORE

EDIT OR’S N OTE

A visual representation of the magic I feel in November: Misty Copeland and Herman Cornejo in ABT’s Nutcracker.

DOUG GIFFORD

The Novelty of November

H

BALLET INSTITUTE OF SA N DIEGO

This is my 11-year-old, Ella, from the Spanish dance in The Nutcracker.

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NOVEMBER 2019 @PACIFICSD

appy November, friends!

Did you know this is my favorite month?

Part of it has to do with my appreciation of pumpkinflavored things. I mean, when else can you have pumpkin pie and a Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew at the same time? It’s also a time for boots, knit hats (with pom-poms) and movies that aren’t Marvel.

There’s a magical quality to November.

The holidays seem full of promise, not dread. Christmas songs are nostalgic, not grating. I even like those early 5 p.m. sunsets, even if it means sitting in 805 traffic in the dark.

So it’s with this optimistic mindset that we put together our November issue.

Because this month is really all about food (and giving thanks for it), we bring back one of PACIFIC’s favorite features: Chain of Gourmand. That’s where one local chef tells us their favorite dish, then we ask the creator of that dish for their favorite meal, and so on. This year the chain kicks off with Joe Magnanelli, executive chef and partner at the new Animae. He sets up a journey that includes pizza, seafood, pot pies and pastries. (No one picked my favorite, Bolognese Pasta at Prep Kitchen.)

We also have a roundup of holiday shows and Nutcracker ballets. The Nutcracker is a big thing in my family. For the last seven years, my kids have been in various productions of the holiday ballet. We also go watch friends in their productions, and try to catch one of the local professional shows. And then, as if that wasn’t enough, we end the season in Orange County to watch American Ballet Theatre’s version. (If you want to watch superstar dancer Misty Copeland, that’s where she’ll be. Details inside.)

Finally, be on the lookout for three new PACIFIC features. Sara Butler kicks off a monthly local band spotlight with Baby Bushka, “the Kate Bush cover band of your dreams.” You’ll meet San Diego’s biggest social media stars in Jennifer Ianni’s Good Influencer column. And each month, I’ll introduce you to rising talent in our local arts community.

Enjoy this magical month, and enjoy all the pumpkin spice while you can, I won’t judge.

BALLET INSTITUTE OF SAN DIEGO

Nina Garin

nina@pacificsandiego.com

My 13-year-old Marina has been performing in local Nutcrackers since she was 7.

It’s a Gift

Volume #13 | Issue #11 | November 2019

Actually, it’s a bunch of prizes

Register to win tickets to these November events and more at pacificsandiego.com/contests.

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

Feeling Blue Enter for a chance to win tickets to see the Blue Man Group, the bald and blue troupe known for combining music with performance art. The blue men are in San Diego for their Speechless tour.

Nov. 8 at San Diego Civic Theatre

Krystyna Hutchinson really gets around. She’s a writer, actress, stand-up comedian and one half of the comedy duo, Sorry About Last Night, who host the popular Guys We F*cked: The Anti-Slut Shaming Podcast. Enter for a chance to win tickets to see her in San Diego.

MANAGING EDITOR

Jennifer Ianni

STAFF WRITER COPY EDITOR ART DIRECTORS DESIGNERS

PRODUCTION/ DESIGN DIRECTOR

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Nov. 22 at American Comedy Co.

Calling All Potter-heads If Butter Beer’s your brew of choice, you’re in luck.

Enter for a chance to win a pair of tickets to Wizards Beerfest, where you’ll be treated to live music by the Slytherin Sisters, an Enchanted Market Place, the Bumbling Baboons Beer and Cocktail Gardens and more.

Nov. 30 at Del Mar Racetrack

Register to win at pacificsandiego.com/contests NOVEMBER 2019 @PACIFICSD

Nina Garin

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

No Shame

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / DIGITAL DIRECTOR

Sara Butler Monica Hodes-Smail Anita L. Arambula, Gregory Schmidt Michael Domine, Javier Gonzalez, Mark Opriska, Tyler Rau, Anthony Tarantino Michael Price Michael Benninger, Lisa Deaderick, James Hebert, Marcia Manna, Scott McDonald, Peter Rowe, Frank Sabatini Jr. K.C. Alfred, Misael Virgen

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES

Paul Ingegneri

SALES MANAGER

Katie Musolf

MULTIMEDIA ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

John Vaccaro

CAMPAIGN COORDINATOR

Pamela Razo

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Greg Johannsen

Life’s Cool.

Reach America’s finest readers via print, web, social, email, street team and events.

Read, click, connect... BOOM! PACIFIC is a media property owned

by The San Diego Union-Tribune.

pacificsandiego.com

@PACIFICSD 619.293.1945

A subsidiary of The San Diego Union-Tribune

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CONTENTS

ON THE COVER: You’ve heard of a Royale with Cheese, but how about a Vegan Royale? This dish from Point Loma’s Royale! is a favorite in our Chain of Gourmand series. See more chef picks on page 48.

PHOTO BY K.C. ALFRED ON THIS PAGE: We speak with Natasha Kozaily (pictured in the top row, second from left) on her Kate Bush cover band, Baby Bushka. Find it on page 82.

NOVEMBER 2019

CURRENTS 14 Eleven.Nineteen November events calendar 28 Joking Around November stand-up comedy shows

PULSE 32 Art Beat November gallery + exhibition openings 38 In the Wings Your guide to holiday shows 39 Land of the Sweets Your 2019 Nutcracker roundup

PHOTO BY ERICA JOAN

40 In The Arts Meet Yumi Cho of the San Diego Symphony 42 Beauty and the East The San Diego Asian Film Festival celebrates two decades of excellent Eastern cinema 44 Good Influencer San Diegan Erin Aschow whips up cookies, cakes and Instagram gold

TASTE 46 Chain of Gourmand San Diego chefs link their favorite dishes 60 Take it From the Tap A monthly taste of beer from here GROOVE 74 Sound Decisions November concert calendar 82 We’re With the Band November local band spotlight 84 Take a Spin November EDM + DJ performances LOVE 86 A Perfect Pair Blind daters sample wines (and each other)

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CURRENTS WHAT’S HAPPENING RIGHT NOW

BY MICHAEL BENNINGER

11.1-10

San Diego Beer Week

Events throughout San Diego, sdbw.sdbeer.com Spearheaded by the San Diego Brewers Guild, this 10-day celebration of suds involves more than 130 of the county’s craft breweries, bars and restaurants.

Here are a few of Beer Week’s signature events.

11.1 VIRTUAL KICK-OFF TOAST

Breweries around the county Grab a stool at your local brewery by 7 p.m. and cheers to the beginning of Beer Week by partaking in this synchronized expression of camaraderie taking place across the county.

11.2 GUILD FEST

Embarcadero Marina Park North, Marina District More than 60 of San Diego’s independent breweries offer unlimited samples of craft beverages following a casual pre-party harbor cruise.

11.10 BEER GARDEN

The Lodge at Torrey Pines, Torrey Pines Featuring unlimited sips and bites, Beer Week’s official closing event brings together 28 breweries and 14 chefs to celebrate the craft beer movement with a unique pairing event.

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C URRENT S | EVENTS

11.2-3 ESCONDIDO RENAISSANCE FAIRE

Felicita Park, Escondido oldetymeproductions.com Step through a portal to the past during two days of jousting, pageantry and tons of entertainment inspired by the Elizabethan era.

HAYNE PALMOUR IV

11.3 45TH ANNUAL CARLSBAD VILLAGE FALL STREET FAIRE

Carlsbad Village, Carlsbad, carlsbad.org Spanning 14 blocks and featuring a community stage showcasing local talent, the event billed as the country’s largest one-day street fair returns with more than 50 food booths, 800 merchants and 100,000 attendees eager to partake in the festivities.

11.2 ESCONDIDO TAMALE FESTIVAL

Grape Day Park, Escondido escondidotamalefestival.org Treat yourself to North County’s best tamales during this annual event that includes live entertainment, a beer and wine garden and a Chihuahua fashion show, among other attractions.

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BRADLEY SCHWEIT

11.7 25TH ANNIVERSARY GASLAMP GALA

Hilton San Diego, Gaslamp Quarter, gaslamp.org Nosh on tray-passed apps from 10 of downtown’s best restaurants, then raise a glass to the Gaslamp Quarter during a decadent three-course dinner that evolves into an outdoor bash on Fifth Avenue.

11.8-10 SAN DIEGO SNOW JAM

Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar snowjamshow.com Gear up for the slopes as San Diego’s largest snow-centric expo returns to Del Mar, offering up to 70% off brand-new clothing and equipment along with a free lift ticket for attendees.

Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver in Marriage Story WILSON WEBB

11.8-11 FOURTH ANNUAL CORONADO FILM FESTIVAL

GA RY AMBROSE

11.9 EPIC SERIES SAN DIEGO

Various venues in Coronado coronadoislandfilmfestival.com This four-day cinema-by-the-sea experience includes more than 80 films in addition to parties, industry panels and live entertainment.

Fiesta Island, Mission Bay, epicseriesocr.com Combining elements of cross-training, Strongman contests and traditional obstacle courses, this approachable challenge offers tiers for novice, intermediate and advanced athletes, along with an elite course featuring exercises often seen on TV.

11.8 OPENING DAY OF BING CROSBY SEASON

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Del Mar dmtc.com Place your bets and root for your favorite ponies in this racing season redux that harks back to the Track’s 1930s heyday with a variety of vintage Hollywood fashion contests.

JON CLARK

GETTY IMAGES

11.8-10 BLUE MAN GROUP

San Diego Civic Theatre, downtown broadwaysd.com The bald and blue trio brings its Speechless tour to town, featuring fresh compositions, improvised instruments and irreverent comedy alongside social commentary.

GETTY IMAGES

11.9-10 HOT WHEELS MONSTER TRUCKS LIVE

Pechanga Arena, Midway District hotwheelsmonstertruckslive.com See the inspirations for Hot Wheels monster trucks toys — including Bigfoot, the original monster truck itself — following a 2 ½-hour pre-party that grants fans access to the competition floor. @PACIFICSD NOVEMBER 2019

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C URRENTS | EVENTS 11.9-17

San Diego Bay Food + Wine Festival

Events throughout the County, sandiegowineclassic.com This weeklong festival of food, wine and culture features dozens of events and hundreds of wineries from around the world. Some highlights:

San Diego’s own Master Chef winner Claudia Sandoval will return this year.

11.9 STAGECRAFT BEER FEST

Viejas Casino and Resort, Alpine Esteemed chefs from award-winning restaurants join forces with folks from new and established breweries to conjure flavorful food and beer pairings designed to tickle your taste buds.

11.16 GRAND TASTING

11.16 NIGHTCAP: AN AFTER PARTY

Embarcadero Marina Park North, Marina District Sip samples from hundreds of domestic and international wine, beer and spirits purveyors, and taste offerings from 60-plus chefs and restaurants all putting their best bites forward to be crowned the winner of the event.

Intercontinental San Diego, downtown Toast to the festival’s 16 years of deliciousness at this official after-party overflowing with late-night libations, awardwinning whiskey, international comfort food and picture-perfect desserts.

11.17 TACO TKO

JARED GASE PH OTO S

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Lane Field Park, downtown Cast a vote for the city’s top taco at this winner-take-all chef showdown complemented by live music, tequila tastings and plenty of beer to go around.

Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01527365. All material presented herein is intended for "2&(93:7"(2:4 $59$(8,8 (24* :2. "8 /(3$"4,. &9(3 8(59/,8 .,,3,. 9,4":14, 157 #:8 2(7 1,,2 -,9"),.' 6#:2%,8 "2 $9"/,0 /(2."7"(20 8:4, (9 +"7#.9:+:4 3:* 1, 3:., +"7#(57 2(7"/,' !( 87:7,3,27 is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate.

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Call us today to learn how you can entertain in style in this one of a kind home!

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C URRENTS | EVENTS

11.11 SAN DIEGO VETERANS DAY PARADE

North Harbor Drive, downtown, sdvetparade.org Show your respect for local veterans and active-duty service members during this mile-long parade past the USS Midway and concluding at the picturesque Embarcadero.

HOWA RD LIPIN

11.9 CALI LOVE FESTIVAL

10 Barrel Brewing Co., East Village 10barrel.com/pub/san-diego-brewery The East Village brewery debuts this new music and arts festival that kicks off with scenic rooftop yoga and continues with indie and reggae bands, live art demonstrations and even a silent disco.

Of course, you’ll find more than 20 craft brews to pair with pizza, tacos and other festival snacks.

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NOVEMBER 2019 @PACIFICSD

11.10 20TH ANNUAL SILVER STRAND VETERANS DAY HALF MARATHON, 10 MILER, & VETERANS DAY 5K

Silver Strand, Coronado silverstrandhalf.com Race along the Silver Strand from Coronado to Imperial Beach, then let the good times roll at the finishers’ post-race beach party and beer garden.

RICK NOCON

11.10 14TH ANNUAL UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS ARTS OPEN AND TASTE OF UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS

Park Boulevard, University Heights uharts.org Explore Uni Heights’ rich culture and simultaneously sample its finest foods during this self-guided, two-in-one tour of the community’s many art galleries and restaurants.

11.13-15 SOMMCON SAN DIEGO

Intercontinental San Diego, downtown, sommconusa.com Featuring 50 sessions, 50 presenters and 500 vintages, this conference and expo for wine workers (and serious enthusiasts) focuses on sommelier-level education about the business of wine.

CHARLIE NEUMAN

11.15-17 SUSAN G. KOMEN 3-DAY

From Del Mar to downtown, the3day.org The 60-mile “Parade of Pink” kicks off a 72-hour walk and glamping experience with a commitment to remembering those who have died, honoring those fighting for their lives, and ultimately ending breast cancer forever.

11.14 SAN DIEGO RAMEN FESTIVAL

Port Pavilion at Broadway Pier, downtown, sdramenfest.com The city’s largest ramen festival returns with 10 vendors offering 12-ounce servings, in addition to a ramen-eating contest, ramen-inspired art, live entertainment and a beer garden.

COURTESY O F 619 SPIRITS

11.16 SAN DIEGO CRAFT DISTILLERS GUILD FEST

Building 177, Liberty Station, sddistillersguildfest.com Cocktail connoisseurs from far and wide pay homage to the city’s craft distilling scene with an upscale experience highlighting 20 local distilleries and including a variety of appetizers from nearby eateries. @PACIFICSD NOVEMBER 2019

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C URRENT S | EVENTS 11.20-21 ASTANA BALLET

Spreckels Theatre and California Center for the Arts, astanaballet.com/en Welcome dancers from the Republic of Kazakhstan on their first-ever tour of the West Coast. Astana Ballet presents a night of classic and modern repertoire, plus an expressive Kazakh folk dance.

11.16 SEVENTH ANNUAL PADRES PEDAL THE CAUSE

Petco Park, East Village gopedal.org Raise funds for cancer research by participating in this annual, weekend-long challenge that includes spin classes, four cycling courses and a 5K walk/run that concludes in center field at Petco Park.

11.27-12.1 40TH ANNUAL SAN DIEGO JAZZ FEST & SWING EXTRAVAGANZA

Town & Country Convention Center, Mission Valley sdjazzfest.org The city’s annual jazz festival celebrates the local swing scene by hosting a number of acts whose names are familiar to fans of the genre.

11.28 17TH ANNUAL SAN DIEGO RUN FOR THE HUNGRY

ASKHAT NUREKIN

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NOVEMBER 2019 @PACIFICSD

Horton Plaza, downtown sdrunforthehungry.org Before tearing into some turkey, take part in this dogfriendly fun run benefiting members of our community confronted by hunger.

REAL ESTATE MARKET WATCH

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C URRENT S | EVENTS

San Diego Gulls Home Games Pechanga Arena San Diego sandiegogulls.com

11.1-2 11.13 11.16 11.23 11.27 11.30

COLORADO EAGLES SAN JOSE BARRACUDA ONTARIO REIGN STOCKTON HEAT SAN JOSE BARRACUDA TUCSON ROADRUNNERS EDUARDO CONTRERAS

11.30 FIFTH ANNUAL ADAMS AVENUE SPIRITS STROLL

Adams Avenue, Normal Heights to Kensington, adamsavenuebusiness.com Sip while you shop as 21 of Adams Avenue’s trendiest stores serve holiday-themed cocktails concocted by talented bartenders from the area’s top watering holes.

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11.30 WIZARDS BEER FEST

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Del Mar, dmtc.com This wild and wacky wizard-centric event includes themed drinks, a costume competition and live performances from the Slytherin Sisters, Professor Sape-e-nem and DJ Dumbledore among other acts.

11.30 SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY IN LITTLE ITALY

Throughout Little Italy littleitalysd.com Skip Black Friday and snag stellar deals in Little Italy as many of the neighborhood’s independent retailers tap into the power of the Shop Small movement.

Holiday Happenings

11.22 OPENING OF HOTEL DEL SKATING RINK

Hotel del Coronado, Coronado, hoteldel.com The city’s only beachfront rink opens for the season with a mission to raise even more funds for Make-A-Wish San Diego.

11.14 OPENING OF LIBERTY STATION ICE RINK

Liberty Station, Point Loma libertystation.com Proceeds from this ice rink, open daily throughout the season, benefit Rady Children’s Hospital’s Thriving After Cancer program, which helps children with cancer get the services and education they need to live healthy lives.

11.24 29TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY STREET FAIR

Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, encinitas101.com Shop for the holidays while supporting local artists and makers at this event featuring hundreds of handicrafts, along with oodles of food, a kid/dog-friendly beer garden and four stages of live local music.

HAYNE PA LMOUR IV

11.24 73RD ANNUAL MOTHER GOOSE PARADE

El Cajon Boulevard, El Cajon mothergooseparade.org East County’s annual holiday kickoff celebration returns with more than 100 floats, marching bands and drill units, as well as clowns, equestrians and antique vehicles, all culminating in a visit from Santa Claus.

11.30 13TH ANNUAL SURFIN’ SANTA CELEBRATION

Seaport Village Marina District seaportvillage.com Pose for pics with St. Nick after he emerges from the Big Bay in boardshorts, and enjoy live street performances scattered among Seaport Village’s wide selection of shops. @PACIFICSD NOVEMBER 2019

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NO COVER COMEDY

WWW.AMERICANCOMEDYCO.COM | 818 6 AVE.

C URRENT S | COMEDY

Joking Around Look for these comedians getting laughs on local stages

BY MICHAEL BENNINGER

11.7-9

FORTUNE FEIMSTER

The Comedy Store, thecomedystore.com Known for: The Mindy Project, Bless the Harts, Chelsea Lately

“

Genetics didn’t work out for me, so that’s why I am a comic. I figured my options were comedian, softball coach or UPS driver. I’m like, ‘Which one do I choose?’

I picked comedy ’cause I don’t look good in brown. It is not my color.”

— Fortune Feimster on Comedy Central Stand-Up

AMY HARRIS / A P

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11.22 GEORGE LOPEZ

Balboa Theatre, sandiegotheatres.org Known for: Honest comedy about the Latinx experience, various sitcoms

“

Everyone’s talking about the wall. They ask me ‘Hey, how do you feel about the wall?’ I say, ‘You know what?

We’ll get over it.’”

— George Lopez on The Wall

SHAYNE SMITH / YOUTUBE

10.31-11.2 SHAYNE SMITH

The American Comedy Co. americancomedyco.com Known for: Neck and face tattoos, Freaky Geeks podcast

RICK DIAMOND / G ETTY IMAGES

RAFAEL CARDENAS

GETTY IMAGES

11.1-3 DONNELL RAWLINGS

The Comedy Store thecomedystore.com Known for: Chappelle’s Show, The Wire

11.2 LEWIS BLACK

Balboa Theatre sandiegotheatres.org Known for: Being angry, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah

11.2 FELIPE ESPARZA

Humphreys by the Bay humphreysconcerts.com Known for: Winning Last Comic Standing in 2010, Spanglish jokes

11.6 CHAD DANIELS

The American Comedy Co. americancomedyco.com Known for: Fatherhood jokes, Dad Chaniels comedy special @PACIFICSD NOVEMBER 2019

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“

C URRENTS | COMEDY

If you put coconut La Croix under a microscope, it’s just the soul of a coconut complaining that it should’ve been suntan lotion.”

11.23 RHETT & LINK Harrah’s Resort SoCal harrahssocal.com Known for: Weird food taste tests, Good Mythical Morning

— Rhett & Link on Twitter

GETTY IMAGES

11.7-9 AKAASH SINGH

The American Comedy Co. americancomedyco.com Known for: Wild ’N Out, culturally driven humor

JILLIAN SIPKINS

11.16 JUSTIN WILLMAN

Balboa Theatre sandiegotheatres.org Known for: Hosting Cupcake Wars, his Netflix series, Magic for Humans 30

NOVEMBER 2019 @PACIFICSD

11.14 BIANCA DEL RIO

Balboa Theatre sandiegotheatres.org Known for: Winning season six of RuPaul’s Drag Race, brutal celebrity roasts

11.14-16 DOV DAVIDOFF

The American Comedy Co. americancomedyco.com Known for: Being a comic’s comic, Invincible, HBO’s Crashing

The Comedy Store thecomedystore.com Known for: Quick wit, was head writer on Wild ’N Out

11.22-24 SAM TRIPOLI

11.27 JIM BREUER

GETTY IMAGES

11.21-23 KRYSTYNA HUTCHINSON

The American Comedy Co. americancomedyco.com Known for: Her comedy duo Sorry About Last Night, co-host of Guys We F**ed podcast

11.15-17 CHRIS SPENCER

PHIL PROVENCIO

The Comedy Store thecomedystore.com Known for: The Joe Rogan Experience, Punch Drunk podcasts

The Observatory observatorysd.com Known for: Saturday Night Live (specifically “Goat Boy”), Half Baked

MAKE A

Great Food Great Drinks Great Entertainment

ndar le a C t n e m in ta r ber Ente m e c e D / r e b m e v No

NOVEMBER 9 & 10 @ 7PM

SEXY SINGER/SONGWRITER

STEVE GRAND “2019 PINK CHAMPAGNE TOUR”

NOVEMBER 5 @ 8PM

BROADWAY’S PHANTOM

CHRIS MANN “FROM GERSHWIN TO GAGA: CELEBRATING THE TONY BENNETT SONGBOOK” NOVEMBER 3 @ 7PM

TONY AWARD-WINNER

FAITH PRINCE “HAVE A LITTLE FAITH” NOVEMBER 7 @ 8PM

CRITICALLY-ACCLAIMED JAZZ ARTIST & SAN DIEGO FAVORITE

JONATHAN KARRANT “AUTUMN IN NEW YORK”

MONDAY - HAPPY HOUR ALL NIGHT LONG! (OVERLOOK BAR ONLY) TUESDAY - SUNDAY HAPPY HOUR 4PM-7PM AND 10PM - CLOSE

NOVEMBER 11 @ 8PM

MULTIPLE AWARD WINNING MUSIC DIRECTOR

G. SCOTT LACY “AN EVENING WITH G. SCOTT LACY”

NOVEMBER 13 @ 8PM

WHEN A WHISPER BECAME A SONG

TODD MURRAY “CROON”

NOVEMBER 21 @ 8PM

CELLO AND VOCAL DUO

BRANDEN & JAMES “ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE” NOVEMBER 14 @ 8PM

CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED MODERN FOLK ARTISTS

JOSHUA HYSLOP & GRAEME JAMES “LIVE! AT MARTINIS ABOVE FOURTH” NOVEMBER 16 & 17 @ 7PM

STORYTELLER & MONOLOGIST EXTRAORDINAIRE

DECEMBER 5 @ 8PM

SINGER, PIANIST AND SONG STYLIST

DARYL SHERMAN “AN EVENING WITH DARYL SHERMAN” NOVEMBER 20 @ 8PM

BURLESQUE AT ITS BEST

NINA BEL VANDE “TOP SHELF TEASE” DECEMBER 7 @ 7PM

ICONIC INTERNATIONAL AIR HOSTESS

PAM ANN “PAM ANN LANDING”

COCO PERU “HAVE YOU HEARD?”

SAN DIEGO’S PREMIER CABARET SUPPER CLUB HILLCREST, 3940 FOURTH AVE OPEN 4PM DAILY (619) 400.4500 • MA4SD.COM

Full Concert Calendar, Tickets & More info: ma4sd.com/shows

PULSE ARTS | COOLTURE

ART BEAT

BY LISA DEADERICK

11-1-30

Viva Frida

June Rubin Studio/Gallery, Liberty Station junerubin.com In time to honor the late, great Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, artist June Rubin presents her monthlong Viva Frida exhibition with her own interpretations of Kahlo’s pieces, including Frida Contemplates Death as an acrylic version titled Frida Contemplates Life with a sprout growing from the famed artist’s forehead, instead of the original skull and cross bones.

Frida Contemplating Life by June Rubin

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PULSE | VISUAL ARTS

Art Beat

November gallery + exhibit openings

BY LISA DEADERICK

11.2-12.20 BEST OF FIG— FEMINIST IMAGE GROUP

The Studio Door, Hillcrest thestudiodoor.com Feminist Image Group (FIG) is a collective of artists coming together to promote a point of view that’s inclusive. It brings worldviews of all voices into its exhibitions, including this latest one, featuring members’ best works.

Painting by Weston Riffle

11.2-12.1 STRAIGHT TANK SWALLOW

Poway Center for Performing Arts, Poway powaycenter.com La Mesa artist Weston Riffle calls himself an “antiartist” and focuses his paintings on the beauty and culture of Southern California and its agricultural areas, highlighting the struggles of the individual against unknown, outside forces.

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Feminist AF

by Kathleen Mitchell

11.2-2.2.20 ARRAY 2019

Sparks Gallery, downtown sparksgallery.com Sonya Sparks, gallery owner and chief curator, selects her favorite works from local artists, who will be revealed on opening night. It’s a chance to see neverbefore-shown works, as well as pieces by San Diego favorites.

11.9-12.7 PIGMENTS OF IMAGINATION

Side-Fired Jar by Allen Reed

11.9-10 SAN DIEGO POTTERS’ GUILD 2019 FALL SHOW

Spanish Village Art Center, Balboa Park spanishvillageart.com Meet the members of the San Diego Potters’ Guild and get up close to the work they’ve created in their studios. Find holiday gifts (or just something special for yourself) while also learning about their creative process.

Woman at her Bath by Jean Kazandjan

11.9-12.28 JEAN KAZANDJIAN: ECHOES

Meyer Fine Art Inc., Little Italy meyerfineartinc.com This retrospective features 80 pieces of French-American artist Jean Kazandjian’s work, created between 1991 and 2019. Raised with Armenian traditions, Kazandjian’s global upbringing results in work that’s thoughtful and multilayered.

Distinction Gallery, Escondido distinctionart.com Artists Heather McKey and Virginie Mazureau bring all new works to their Pigments of Imagination exhibition, with traditional acrylic paintings of imaginary birdlife and sea creatures from McKey, and pigments, acrylics, pastels and collages to create pictorial boards from Mazureau.

Clockwise from top: L’échappée Belle -The Great Escape; a new piece for the exhibition; and Sweet Sixteen, all by Virginie Mazureau

11.16 CONCEPTION ART SHOW

Conception Arts, Embarcadero conceptionarts.com This art show connects collectors and investors with emerging artists, with more than 20 of San Diego’s best displaying and selling their paintings, photography, sculptures and more.

@PACIFICSD NOVEMBER 2019

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PULSE | VISUAL ARTS

Cayo del Cielo, Chalma, 1989 by Graciela Iturbide

11.21-3.15.2020 MEXICO QUIERO CONOCERTE: PHOTOGRAPHY

BY GRACIELA ITURBIDE AND MANUEL ALVAREZ BRAVO

Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego, downtown, mcasd.org Famed Mexican photographers Graciela Iturbide and Manuel Alvarez Bravo use their cameras to capture the beauty of their country, culture and people in a way that deliberately departs from the dominant and foreign Eurocentric imagery of Mexico.

Untitled by Alex Kohnke

11.16-17 C-NOTE POP-UP ART SALE

San Diego Art Institute, Balboa Park sandiego-art.org A panel of jurors select more than 300 unique pieces by working artists from Tijuana and San Diego that are sold for $100, $200 and $300 each. It’s a favorite pop-up art sale for budding and adventurous collectors.

11.30-3.1.2020 NICK ROTH: FATES

San Diego Museum of Art, Balboa Park sdmart.org This three-panel animation installation by multimedia artist Nick Roth uses the classical mythology of the three Fates to illustrate how tumultuous human life is and the struggle to accept one’s mortality.

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NOVEMBER 2019 @PACIFICSD

3 Blind Fates by Zac Monday

Through 11.14 ZAC MONDAY: A WAYS AWAY

Still frame of middle panel from media installation

by Nick Roth

UC San Diego Visual Arts Gallery, La Jolla visarts.ucsd.edu Artist Zac Monday uses crochet costumes and drawings in performances that push the viewer and performer to interact, guiding viewers through art and mundane spaces using textile touch.

PULSE | PERFORMING ARTS

11.10-12.29 DR. SEUSS’S HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS!

In the wings Your guide to holiday shows

BY JAMES HEBERT KEN HOWA RD

11.21-12.22 THE SANTALAND DIARIES

Diversionary Theatre, University Heights diversionary.org You know it’s hard out here for an elf, and David Sedaris’ bristly comedy — based on his own experiences as Santa’s little helper at a department store — tells you just how.

11.22-12.14 THE EIGHT: REINDEER MONOLOGUES

Point Loma Playhouse, Point Loma pointlomaplayhouse.com Turn the yuletide dial to its darkest setting for this adults-only satire that chronicles jealousy, malfeasance, booze abuse and much worse among Santa and his crew.

11.23-12.24 EBENEZER SCROOGE’S BIG SAN DIEGO CHRISTMAS SHOW

Old Globe’s White Theatre, Balboa Park theoldglobe.org Here’s something rare at the holidays: an all-new season-themed show — and one with a local spin to boot, in this comic mash-up derived from the Dickens favorite.

11.27-12.29 A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE MUSICAL

Old Globe’s Shiley Theatre, Balboa Park theoldglobe.org The lime-hued holidayhater from the beloved children’s book is back for his 22nd season of pestering the gentle Whos (and maybe bumbling into a little redemption) in this family-favorite musical.

12.13-22 A CHRISTMAS CAROL: A RADIO PLAY

Horton Grand Theatre, downtown sdmt.org The beloved holiday movie about a boy and a dreamed-of BB gun gets the songand-dance treatment, staged by San Diego Musical Theatre with a score by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul of Dear Evan Hansen and La La Land fame.

Oceanside Theatre Co., Oceanside oceansidetheatre.org Another twist on the broadcast-style holiday show — this one an encore of OTC’s old-timey radio adaptation of the Scrooge saga, complete with commercial breaks.

12.5-29 FESTIVAL OF CHRISTMAS

Balboa Theatre, downtown sandiegotheatres.org Top Irish dancers and musicians bring some Emerald Isle-style yuletide zest to San Diego in this one-night-only touring show.

Lamb’s Players Theatre, Coronado lambsplayers.org Lamb’s rolls out a different script every year for this long-running, family-minded holiday tradition; for 2019, it’s an encore of the radio-centric It’s Christmas and It’s Live!

12.8-9 A HOLLY JOLLY CABARET

New Village Arts Theatre, Carlsbad newvillagearts.org Local musical-theater favorites gather up to add some sugar and spice to the season as they perform holiday songs and sketches.

12.13 AN IRISH CHRISTMAS

12.27 A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS LIVE ONSTAGE

Balboa Theatre, downtown sandiegotheatres.org The whole Peanuts gang is on hand for this stage adaptation of the Charles M. Schulz classic, featuring the TV-tested tunes of Vince Guaraldi as well as traditional carols.

11.27-12.29 A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Cygnet Theatre, Old Town cygnettheatre.com Cygnet goes more traditional with its richly Victorian-minded, music-filled take on the Scrooge story, now in its sixth season.

12.28 A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS A Christmas Carol

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Broadway/San Diego at the Civic Theatre, downtown broadwaysd.com From the people behind Broadway’s The Illusionists comes this acrobatic and fantastical show, which sets circus exploits to holiday tunes.

PULSE | PERFORMING ARTS

Land of the Sweets Your 2019 Nutcracker roundup

BY MARCIA MANNA

11.21-22 CHULA VISTA BALLET

Joan B. Kroc Theatre, Rolando tututix.com Principal dancer Misa Kuranaga of San Francisco Ballet is a special guest performing as the Sugar Plum Fairy in this production of the holiday classic.

11.29-30 SAN DIEGO ACADEMY OF BALLET WITH CALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL BALLET PROGRAM

Joan B. Kroc Theatre, Rolando tututix.com Sylvia Tchernychev always presents her Nutcracker on Thanksgiving weekend.

This year, she teams up with Max Tchernychev for a show that features some of San Diego’s most accomplished ballet students.

11.29-12.1 NEW WEST BALLET

The Nutcracker got its start as a short story by German author E.T.A. Hoffmann, then it was set to music by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and brought to life in the 1800s by French choreographer Marius Petipa.

Today it’s an American holiday staple, a fantastical ballet in which professional dance companies and schools collaborate to tell the Christmas Eve tale of Clara and her journey to the Land of Sweets.

This year, audiences will find more sensory-friendly, shorter versions of the ballet to accommodate young children or those with special needs.

Poway Center for the Performing Arts, Poway powaycenter.com New West Ballet has been presenting a traditional rendition of the classic since 1979, with hand-sewn costumes and original sets.

12.6-22 CITY BALLET OF SAN DIEGO

Spreckels Theatre, downtown cityballet.org The Victorian-era story of young Clara’s magical journey into the land of Christmas is danced to the Tchaikovsky score by the City Ballet Orchestra, conducted by John Nettles.

12.8 ENCINITAS BALLET ACADEMY & ARTS CENTER

Moonlight Amphitheatre, Vista encinitasballet.com Internationally renowned principal ballet dancers Sayat Asatryan and Olga Tchekachova bring the holiday classic to life.

12.10-11 GOLDEN STATE BALLET & PILATES

Kroc Theatre, Rolando gsballetpilates.com Raul Salamanca and Cindy Huang Salamanca present an abridged version of The Nutcracker, featuring up-andcoming student dancers.

12.11-22 SAN DIEGO CIVIC YOUTH BALLET

San Diego Ballet

CAN EL A P HOTOGRAPHY

Casa del Prado, Balboa Park sdcyb.org Danika Pramik-Holdaway directs the annual, family-friendly Balboa Park production, a tradition that takes the audience to an enchanted land of falling snow, waltzing flowers and toy soldiers.

12.13-22 AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE

Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa scfta.org Every year, the New York-based company stages its inventive version of the ballet in Orange County. It’s worth the drive to see Alexei Ratmansky’s choreography performed by some of the country’s top dancers, including Misty Copeland (she performs on Dec. 15, 18 and 21).

12.14-15 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BALLET

Poway Center for the Performing Arts, Poway powaycenter.com More than 100 talented performers from the company and the community participate in a festive presentation, which includes professional guest artist Victor Wisehart as the Snow Cavalier.

12.13-24 CALIFORNIA BALLET

San Diego Civic Theatre, downtown californiaballet.org Artistic director Jared Nelson presents a mix of humor, magic and precise technique in an updated version featuring principal dancers and more than 150 young students. The San Diego Symphony plays Tchaikovsky’s score, and there’s a one-hour, toddler-friendly production on Dec. 13 and 20.

12.15 BALLET INSTITUTE OF SAN DIEGO

The Conrad, La Jolla balletinstitutesd.com Billed as “Nutcracker. No sugar,” this new twist of the classic was created by artistic director Egle Spokaite and features a cast of mostly young ballet students along with martial arts performers.

12.18 MOSCOW BALLET

Copley Symphony Hall at Jacobs Music Center, downtown nutcracker.com In the Russian version, Masha travels through the Snow Forest to the Land of Peace and Harmony where she finds giant dancing puppets, beautiful flying birds and dancing couples who pay tribute to the great heritages of the world.

12.28-29 SAN DIEGO BALLET

Copley Symphony Hall at Jacobs Music Center, downtown sandiegoballet.org As principal dancers prance en pointe, the adorable Gummybears, Gingersnaps and Garland Girls help to tell the story of Clara’s holiday adventure. @PACIFICSD NOVEMBER 2019

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PULSE | PERFORMING ARTS

In The Arts

Meet the people in San Diego’s arts community

BY NINA GARIN

Y

umi Cho is a violinist with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, originally from Alberta, Canada.

She studied at Barnard College, Columbia University and The Juilliard School, and has been with the San Diego Symphony for 14 seasons.

How many hours did you have to practice to make it to the professional level?

As a high school and college student, I averaged four to five hours a week during the school year, and about three to four hours a day during the summer months.

What was your San Diego Symphony Orchestra audition experience like?

It was complex and humbling. Practicing for and performing in an orchestra audition is extremely tough on all levels — physically, mentally, emotionally. I’d say it parallels the kind of dedication and focus that athletes endure prior to the Olympics.

What’s the most exciting part about being a member of the symphony?

Creating music with my colleagues. The level of talent and commitment onstage is an inspiration, and it motivates me to play at my very best. We are in a profession unlike most, and I feel blessed to have the opportunity to make music for a living.

What is the most difficult part about playing in the symphony?

In general, I’d say the teamwork aspect. Since we are unable to use the spoken word to communicate during performance, we must use our ears to listen and our breath to anticipate the next note or phrase. It’s a daily challenge, but when everything seems to fall into place, the outcome is just sublime.

What has it been like to work with new music director Rafael Payare?

Motivating and exhilarating! He brings in a fresh perspective on music-making, which I think our orchestra is thriving on these days. We are so lucky to have him.

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EDUARDO CONTRERAS

What is the holiday season like for a classical musician?

Busy! Not only do we have our regular symphony services, but many of us also teach and take on outside gigs during the holidays.

People associate this time of year with The Nutcracker. What’s your favorite piece from it?

Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

What’s your favorite music to play in general?

It’s difficult to choose, but I always love repertoire by any of the three B’s — Bach, Beethoven and Brahms.

What do you listen to in your free time?

If I have time, I try to get out to the ocean as often as possible. I love listening to the sound of the waves.

If you didn’t play the violin, you’d … travel the world as a landscape/wildlife photographer. I love traveling, the great outdoors and seeking endemic wildlife in far-off lands.

My next bucket list destinations are Madagascar, Papua New Guinea and Greenland.

Where can people follow you?

On Instagram, @unissah.

MUSIC MAKES THE HOLIDAYS EVEN MORE SPECIAL!

FAMILY CONCERT!

FRI DEC 13, 7:30PM

SAT DEC 14, 7:30PM | SAT DEC 15, 2PM FRI DEC 20, 7:30PM | SAT DEC 21, 2PM SAT DEC 21, 7:30PM | SUN DEC 22, 2PM

DISNEY IN CONCERT: NOEL NOEL MARY POPPINS

Five-time Academy Award®-winning Disney film — Mary Poppins — unfolds on the big screen with the San Diego Symphony orchestra performing The Sherman Brothers’ charming and delightful Oscar® award-winning musical score. Featuring unforgettable performances by Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, hum along to family favorites like Best Original Song winner “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” “A Spoonful of Sugar,” and “Let’s Go Fly a Kite.”

Presentation licensed by Disney Concerts. © All rights reserved.

San Diego’s Favorite Holiday Tradition!

Let holiday cheer bring you and your loved ones near at our annual “Noel Noel” holiday concert for the whole family. The sounds of old-fashioned and new-found festive music makes the season bright and delightful as audiences sing along with the San Diego Master Chorale. Decked with boughs of holly and sparkling lights, Copley Symphony Hall at the Jacobs Music Center warmly welcomes you and the North Pole’s most famous resident!

CELEBRATE BEETHOVEN’S 250TH BIRTHDAY Discover the power of Beethoven as we present his most iconic masterpieces throughout the month of January and all season long.

TICKETS & INFORMATION

SANDIEGOSYMPHONY.ORG | 619.235.0804

PULSE | MOVIES

Beauty and the East

The San Diego Asian Film Festival celebrates two decades of excellent Eastern cinema.

BY MICHAEL BENNINGER

A

ctors, filmmakers and cinephiles from far and wide are set to descend upon local theaters as the 20th annual San Diego Asian Film Festival (SDAFF) takes over movie screens across the county.

Organized by the Point Loma-based Pacific Arts Movement (Pac Arts) — and billed as the most comprehensive portrait of Asian and Asian American cinema in North America — this year’s SDAFF takes place November 7 to 16 and boasts more than 170 movies spanning 29 countries and 40 languages.

Established in 2000 by a group of locals who shared a passion for both film and Asian culture, SDAFF has evolved from a grassroots effort into one of Southern California’s most respected cinematic events.

“Not many festivals make it to 20 years,” says Brian Hu, artistic director of Pac Arts. “We’re grateful for the continued support from our audiences, members and filmmakers.”

The organizers expect more than 15,000 people to flock to eight local venues to watch a curated lineup of awardwinning and cutting-edge cinema, including movies by famous filmmakers and rising auteurs alike.

Kicking off the event, however, is a documentary commissioned by Pac Arts itself.

“This year,” Hu says, “we will honor our supporters by opening the festival with a film specifically about San Diego’s Asian American community.”

The organization’s first feature-length documentary, The Paradise We Are Looking For, aims to introduce audiences to San Diego neighborhoods with deep connections to the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities.

In the nine days that follow, SDAFF will screen a steady stream of films highlighting the rich diversity of Asian nations and bringing awareness to international cinema in general.

Each of the movies is either directed by or stars an artist from Asia, the Pacific Islands or one of the many Asian American communities in the U.S. In addition to all the movies, SDAFF’s 10-day schedule also includes Q&As with filmmakers, a star-studded red carpet awards gala and programs to help minority youth pursue careers in media.

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PAC A RTS

11.7 OPENING NIGHT FILM THE PARADISE WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The Conrad, La Jolla Commissioned by Pac Arts, this collection of four short documentaries celebrates the stories of San Diego’s historically AAPI neighborhoods, transcending ethnicity, geography and history.

11.9 SDAFF AWARDS GALA AND AFTER PARTY

US Grant, downtown This red carpet event unites more than 500 entertainment, business and community leaders to celebrate the SDAFF’s top independent films.

11.9-11 TAIWAN FILM SHOWCASE

11.16 INDIE FILMS IN NORTH PARK

Digital Gym Cinema With a focus on movies filmed without big studio backing, this showcase includes shorts and features made possible by independent producers.

11.16 ENCORE SCREENINGS

UC San Diego’s Price Center Theater Tap into the zeitgeist of the Taiwanese people during these three days of films about many facets of life on the East Asian island.

Museum of Photographic Arts, Balboa Park Can’t make it to the weekend screenings? Don’t miss this chance to see the most buzzed-about movies before the festival comes to a close.

11.10 CENTERPIECE FILM STRAIGHT UP

11.16 CLOSING NIGHT FILM TO LIVE TO SING

UltraStar Cinemas Mission Valley This unorthodox rom-com set in L.A. centers around the hetero-affective relationship between a gay man and a straight woman in love with each others’ minds, but not their bodies.

11.14-15 MIRA MESA SCREENINGS

Edwards Mira Mesa Stadium If you want to experience SDAFF but don’t feel like dealing with traffic south of the 52, you can catch many of the festival’s biggest films during these two days.

Visit sdaff.org for ticket information, and follow #SDAFF19 for more news about the film festival.

San Diego Natural History Museum, Balboa Park Winner of Best Film at the 2019 Shanghai International Film Festival, this acclaimed film focuses on a Chinese opera troupe dealing with the demolition and dissolution of their theater.

WANT TO BE PART OF THE PACIFIC MAGAZINE STREET TEAM?

We are looking for brand ambassadors that are reliable, outgoing and love to talk to people to work promotions at bars, restaurants and events around San Diego.

Interested in joining? Email your resume to

lifescool@pacificsandiego.com

and tell us something cool about yourself!

Must be 21+ and have reliable transportation. Shifts are available all around San Diego and can range from 2-8 hours, typically on weekdays during the evening and on weekends. Pay is $15-$20 per hour, depending on experience.

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Erin Aschow @erinaschow 141K followers icecreamandneondreams.com Erin’s a music-loving travel enthusiast and baker who blogs full time, either at home in San Diego or on the road with her musician fiancé.

Good Influencer

San Diegan Erin Aschow whips up cookies, cakes and Instagram gold

BY JENNIFER IANNI

E

rin Aschow is more than just your standard lifestyle blogger. On her newly-rebranded blog (scheduled to debut in November), Ice Cream and Neon Dreams (formerly Revenge Bakery), Erin regularly updates her audience with everything from concert-going tips (she’s kind of an expert) to travel guides (check out her roundup of dog-friendly spots in San Diego) and recipes for everything from how to make your own Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supremes to a decadent skillet s’mores crack dip.

What inspired Ice Cream and Neon Dreams?

I started my blog about six years ago after closing my online bakery, Revenge Bakery. I shipped cookies across the country in limited batches every month! It got to be so busy at one point that I couldn’t keep up with the orders. I made the decision to transition the bakery into a cooking blog. Which eventually grew into incorporating not only recipes, but food finds, my travels, DIY projects and general lifestyle content.

Now, I’m at a really fun and exciting crossroads as I’ve transitioned the blog over to a new name — Ice Cream and Neon Dreams. I felt like I outgrew “Revenge Bakery” and wanted to rebrand the blog to better fit my current life and content. The new name is reflective of the world I’ve created to share my love of all life, creative passions, unconventional dreams and treats along the way.

My motto is: Live life to the fullest and experience everything.

And when you have the option, order the ice cream cone!

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Why do you think your audience has connected to your blog and Instagram account?

I used to work in the music industry, so my initial audience was following to see more of my travels, concerts, etc. When I met

my fiancé, I got a huge influx of followers from his band, I have no shame in admitting that! They have a really amazing, dedicated fanbase who welcomed me into the family. From there, I think it’s grown because I post real, authentic content. Whether it’s an over-the-top cheeseburger I found while traveling, or a cool clothing DIY project, I try to connect with everyone who follows me and share things they’d actually want to see, learn about or try.

What has surprised you about the world of blogging and Instagram influencers?

I never would have expected to make a career out of it! I left my 9-to-5 job about four years ago

and haven’t looked back! I think it’s amazing that you can create a career that’s reflective of your lifestyle and passions.

What’s your holiday baking go-to? Do you stick to classics or mix it up?

I make my famous “cookie cakes” that I used to sell on Revenge Bakery for every special occasion and event. I also whip up a massive batch of my Grandma’s Famous Chex Mix (salty, sweet, buttery goodness), which is a major crowd pleaser. I like to mix up classic recipes — whether it’s adding Oreos and fudge to a batch of brownies, or sprinkling in a little bacon to my chocolate chip cookie dough!

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Joe Magnanelli, executive chef and partner at Animae.

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NOVEMBER 2019 @PACIFICSD

Chain of

Gourmand SAN DIEGO CHEFS LINK THEIR FAVORITE DISHES STORY BY FRANK SABATINI JR. PHOTOGRAPHY BY K.C. ALFRED

Back by popular demand, PACIFIC presents the ninth annual Chain of Gourmand, which showcases a succession of local chefs who name a dish that sent them over the moon from a restaurant within San Diego County. The maker behind each creation then calls out his/her favorite, resulting in a 10-chef chain linked by dishes that often differ from cuisine they’ve mastered in their workplaces.

K

icking off the sequence is Joe Magnanelli, executive chef and partner at Animae. The Pan-Asian restaurant, distinguished by show-stopping Art Deco appointments and lush draperies, opened recently in downtown’s new Pacific Gate luxury condo building.

Adjoined by the casual Animae Cafe, it is a splendorous $5.5 million addition to the Puffer Malarkey Collective (Herb & Wood, Herb & Eatery, Farmer & The Seahorse, and the upcoming Herb & Sea, to name a few), which was founded by designer-entrepreneur Chris Puffer and celebrity chef Brian Malarkey.

Animae’s menus are largely authored by Magnanelli, but under the envelope-pushing vision of Malarkey.

“Brian’s concept is to make sure everything has big, bright and bold flavors,” Magnanelli says.

“He’s always: ‘More, more!’”

The result is a repertoire of meat, seafood, noodle and rice dishes accented by Asian @PACIFICSD NOVEMBER 2019

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TAST E | C HA I N OF G OURM A N D

Crab and cabbage cakes by chef Joe Magnanelli.

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NOVEMBER 2019 @PACIFICSD

Tom yum mushrooms with burrata cheese,

Hiramasa with watermelon, yuzu and aguachile.

Black garlic udon noodles with lobster.

HAYNE PA LMOUR IV

ingredients, and with tropical fruits sometimes surfacing in Hawaiian spins. A charcoal-fueled grill and oven amplify the flavors in many of the meals, which will evolve with the seasons.

Magnanelli is no stranger to culinary challenges. As a selftaught chef who abandoned studying criminal justice in college (much to his mother’s chagrin), the Maryland native answered his calling by taking cooking jobs in Washington, D.C., first in a French restaurant and then at The Ritz Carlton.

After moving to San Diego in 2004, he served as sous chef at the former El Bizcocho (now Avant) in the Rancho Bernardo Inn. But it was his 13-year stint working for the Urban Kitchen Group and its fleet of former and current restaurants — and becoming executive chef for the group’s Italian-style Cucina establishments

— that primed him for a leap into modern Asian cuisine.

“I’ve always taken to noodles.

It’s something I really enjoy.

And the transition [to Animae] is enjoyable,” he said, referring in part to the menu’s butterfilled dumplings presented with cabbage, escargot and wagyu beef carpaccio, and his yuzu egg noodles accompanied by pork belly and calamari.

When hitting the dining scene, Magnanelli gravitates toward carbs, admitting he eats lots of ramen and loves artisan baguettes and Japanese milk bread. But he’s particularly fond of the pizza crust at Buona Forchetta, which has three locations in San Diego County, and with a fourth due to open in Coronado early next year.

Animae 969 Pacific Highway, downtown animaesd.com COURTESY O F ANIMAE

@PACIFICSD NOVEMBER 2019

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TAST E | C HA I N OF G OURM A N D

Joe Magnanelli’s favorite dish: Any pizza at Buona Forchetta Chef-owner: Matteo Cattaneo Restaurant: Buona Forchetta

“

It’s the Neapolitan-style crust I really love, which has the perfect crumb. The dough is cooked in a hot wood-burning oven so it’s crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside. No matter what toppings you choose, you’re going to get a good pizza.”

— Joe Magnanelli

M

atteo Cattaneo teams up with master “pizzaiolo” Marcello Avitabile to create a dough at Buona Forchetta that he says “isn’t simple.” The recipe requires a mix of flours imported from Italy, plus cold water and a light measure of yeast.

After rising twice, it’s “shocked” in a 900-degree oven, where it bakes quickly. “It’s all about mixing ingredients in the right order and how you touch the dough. It is very much like a baby,” Cattaneo adds.

Chef Matteo Cattaneo Buona Forchetta 3001 Beech St., South Park (Additional locations in Liberty Station and Encinitas) buonaforchettasd.com

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Matteo Cattaneo’s favorite dish: Hawaiian ahi crudo Chef: Scott Gestring Restaurant: Death by Tequila

“

I’m Italian and I’m not inclined to try new things.

But thanks to my wife, I tried this. Oh, my God. The tuna melted in my mouth and the flavor of the coconut kaffir-lime broth was very different and delicious. A good chef like this knows how to mix ingredients without hiding anything.”

— Matteo Cattaneo

T

he ahi crudo has been a brisk seller since Death by Tequila opened in mid-2018. “We plate about 75 orders a week,” says chef de cuisine Scott Gestring, who tweaked the dish slightly after fellow chef Angelo Sosa introduced it. Set in a turmeric-kissed broth accented with kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass and coconut, Gestring swapped the dish’s yellow onions for spring onions sourced from nearby Aschbrenner Acres farm. “They give it a sweeter flavor,” he notes. In addition, he upped the visuals by serving the crudo in a glossy black bowl instead of a white one. “It makes the pink-red tuna and the yellowish broth pop,” adding that customers are encouraged to raise those bowls to their faces to drink the remaining broth.

Scott Gestring

Death by Tequila 569 S. Coast Highway 101, Encinitas deathbytequila.com

@PACIFICSD NOVEMBER 2019

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TAST E | CHAIN OF GOURMAND Scott Gestring’s favorite dish: “Orange-ish” chicken Chef: Eric Brannon Restaurant: CHIKO

“

It’s like old-school orange chicken but with twists such as crispy garlic and candied mandarins. The flavors are explosive with a balance of sweet, salty and sour. And I love the depth of the citrus notes.”

— Scott Gestring

A

s the restaurant’s name suggests, CHIKO pays homage to Chinese and Korean fare. “But we don’t try to replicate authenticity. The orange-ish chicken is a play on the traditional Chinese takeout version,” says Eric Brannon. Setting the dish apart from standard orange chicken is the separation of chicken and sauce. The fried poultry pieces are tossed in gochugaru (dried Korean chiles and sesame seeds) and served alongside a semi-thin mixture of orange juice, chili paste, ginger, sugar and Chinese rice wine. “You dip and dunk.

We put a lot of love into it,” Brannon adds.

Eric Brannon

CHIKO 101 N. Coast Highway 101, Encinitas chikoca.com 52

NOVEMBER 2019 @PACIFICSD

Eric Brannon’s favorite dish: Duck meatball

Chef: Brian Redzikowski Restaurant: Kettner Exchange

“

This isn’t your grandma’s meatball, but grandma would approve. It’s as big as your fist, soft and pillowy, and served on a bed of rich, buttery grits. The tomato sauce gives it a little bit of herbaceousness and acidity.

I recommend ordering it with a side of grilled bread.”

— Eric Brannon

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hef Brian Redzikowski says the duck meatball was inspired by his Italian mother’s Sunday suppers. “I thought it would be cool to do an Italian dish since our menu is 95 percent Asian. It’s been available for about four years as an appetizer,” he says. The orbs each comprise six and a half ounces of thigh and breast meat. They’re baked until a crust forms, topped with San Marzano tomato sauce, and then baked again briefly. Their bed of creamy grits adds further sustenance, making it entree-worthy if paired with a salad.

Brian Redzikowski Kettner Exchange 2001 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy kettnerexchange.com

@PACIFICSD NOVEMBER 2019

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TAST E | CHAIN OF GOURMAND Brian Redzikowski’s favorite dish: Opah pastrami toast Chef: Brad Wise Restaurant: Fort Oak

“

There’s such a depth of flavor in this dish. The airy house-made sourdough bread is the best in San Diego. The pastrami spice in the Opah brings me home to New York. And the egg sauce (gribiche) used on the plate is something I haven’t seen since I worked in France in 2000.”

— Brian Redzikowski

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hef Brad Wise gives rich, oily Hawaiian Opah the Jewish-deli treatment in a spiced brine used typically for pastrami. The fish is then hot-smoked, flaked and tossed in gribiche, a French-inspired admixture of egg whites, onions, garlic, herbs and vinegar. A generous slice of house-made sourdough provides a hearty foundation for the gussied Opah. “We stack it up,” says Wise, adding that the toast is further crowned with herb salad containing mustard seeds, shallots, and egg-yolk caviar.

Brad Wise

Fort Oak 1011 Fort Stockton Drive, Mission Hills fortoaksd.com

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Brad Wise’s favorite dish: Aussie pot pie Chef: Gan Suebsarakham Restaurant: Pop Pie Co.

“

There are two different crusts; the bottom is rich and dense, and the top is flaky like a croissant. It’s filled with a ground beef mixture that reminds me of when my mom used to cook sloppy Joes. The flavor of onions, garlic, ketchup and Worcestershire hits home for me. I’m salivating talking about it.”

— Brad Wise

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he Aussie pot pie has become an obvious hit within San Diego’s Australian community ever since chef/co-owner Gan Suebsarakham introduced it a couple of years ago. Constructed with two different crusts — traditional all-butter crust on the bottom, and an extra-flaky sheath resembling puff pastry on top — the ground beef filling receives a flavor enhancer that’s foreign to American palates. “We add a little bit of Vegemite to it,” Suebsarakham reveals. But nobody minds or notices, as the pie also sells impressively at the eatery’s newest location in Costa Mesa.

Gan Suebsarakham

Pop Pie Co. 4404 Park Blvd., University Heights poppieco.com @PACIFICSD NOVEMBER 2019

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TAST E | CHAIN OF GOURMAND Gan Suebsarakham’s favorite dish: “Bees mode” pizza Chef: Matthew Lyons Restaurant: Tribute Pizza

“

I like everything that’s sweet and savory. This pizza is sweet from honey, and savory from tomatoes, cheese and meat. It’s also a little spicy from chiles in the honey.

I order it every time we visit, and I request the sesame crust, which adds a toasty, nutty flavor.”

— Gan Suebsarakham

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hef-owner Matthew Lyons says the star of “bees mode” pizza is Mike’s Hot Honey, a brand product from New York City. “We used to make our own chili-infused honey, but when we did a side-by-side comparison, we liked Mike’s better,” he adds. The 13-inch pies use organic crushed-tomato sauce, mozzarella and ricotta cheeses, soppressata (salami), sweet peppadew peppers and the honey.

Lyons sums up the pizza as “a little sweet, salty, creamy and spicy all at the same time.”

Matthew Lyons Tribute Pizza 3077 North Park Way tributepizza.com 56

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Matthew Lyons’ favorite dish: Vegan burger Chef-owner: Jordan Brownwood Restaurant: Royale

“

Royale has its own farm and a lot of the produce comes from it. I’m vegetarian and love that I can get something as comforting as a burger using the best ingredients from farmers you know. The burger is made in-house. It’s voluptuous and almost gluttonous, yet doesn’t make you feel guilty.”

— Matthew Lyons

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ordan Brownwood notes: “This is our diner burger but with a vegan patty used instead of beef. It’s a popular off-menu request.” The burger is made with a base of quinoa and black beans, and seasoned with shallots and balsamic vinegar. Flax meal serves as the binder. Caramelized onions, house pickles and secret sauce are the default garnishments. So is American cheese, which nudges it out of the vegansphere. But that can be omitted in lieu of pickled beets, cucumbers, carrots or a slice of eggplant — all from Brownwood’s family farm in Valley Center.

Jordan Brownwood

Royale 4204 Voltaire St., Ocean Beach/Point Loma royalesd.com @PACIFICSD NOVEMBER 2019

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Jordan Brownwood’s favorite dish: Cream buns Chef: Crystal White Restaurant: Wayfarer Bread & Pastry

“

They’re like round croissants, real flaky and buttery, and with cream and seasonal fruit in the center. I recently had a bun filled with passionfruit that’s grown right in front of the bakery. The whole thing melts in your mouth.

I probably eat a baker’s dozen every season.”

— Jordan Brownwood

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efore pastry chef Crystal White opened her bakery last year, she introduced the cream buns to enthusiastic consumers at pop-ups. “The buns have taken on a lot of different forms,” she notes, referring to numerous seasonal fruits she can use.

The honey-sweetened cream inside mimics vanilla pudding, and it’s baked inside the buns. White sells about 350 per week. The passionfruit buns will stick around until mid-November. After that, she’ll likely switch to pears or blood oranges.

Crystal White

Wayfarer Bread & Pastry 5525 La Jolla Blvd., Bird Rock wayfarerbread.com

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BRUNCH DIRECTORY OLD TOWN TEQUILA FACTORY & CANTINA 2467 Juan St., Old Town (across from Heritage Park) 619.260.8124 | oldtowntequilafactory.com

(buffet style)

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

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CHINA MAX (table service) 4698 Convoy St., Kearny Mesa 858.650.3333 | chinamaxsd.com

Experience the true delight of an authentic Chinese dim sum brunch, dozens of varieties (from $2.45) and their famous regular menu.

Served Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m.

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KAISERHOF GERMAN AMERICAN RESTAURANT

2253 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., Ocean Beach 619.224.0606 | kaiserhofrestaurant.com

(table service)

Enjoy Sunday brunch in Kaiserhof’s award-winning and quaint German American restaurant. Served from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. the brunch menu features dishes such as German pancakes, eggs benedict, Kaiserschmarren, steak & eggs, poached salmon, omelets and more.

Includes a glass of Champagne, mimosa or orange juice and fresh rolls and butter. From $12.95.

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OLD TOWN COSMOPOLITAN HOTEL & RESTAURANT 2660 Calhoun St., Old Town 619.297.1874 | oldtowncosmopolitan.com

(table service)

A blend of American and Mexican favorites served in their uniquely historic setting, either on the patio or indoors. Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with entrees starting at $7.95 and $7 mimosas and Champagne. Kids under 12 eat free (one per paid adult).

Additional kids, $5.95.

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HORNBLOWER CRUISES & EVENTS

1800 N. Harbor Drive 619.686.8700 | hornblower.com

(buffet style)

Take brunch off land! Hornblower’s Champagne Jazz Brunch Cruise features free-flowing bubbly and mimosas, unbeatable views of San Diego’s sights, and live music from Dave Scott Duo (KUSI’s Weatherman!) on the Sun Deck. This relaxing 2-hour cruise includes a buffet stocked with classic breakfast dishes, a seafood display, seasonal lunch entrees and a twenty-foot dessert bar! Available Saturdays and Sundays. Save $5 with code CB5D. Expires 12/30/19, up to 6 guests, new orders only, cannot be combined.

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94TH AERO SQUADRON

(buffet style) 8885 Balboa Ave., Kearny Mesa 858.560.6771 | 94thsandiego.com

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

TAST E | BEER

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

BY PETER ROWE

LEAVE IT TO BEAVER Go: Belching Beaver Pub 980 Know: Squirreled away in a nondescript business park, Belching Beaver’s original brewery reopened two years ago as an outdoors-themed outpost.

Boho: There’s a retro-cool vibe to Pub 980’s outdoor patio, where recycled log chairs are arrayed around fire rings. Or take shelter indoors, where redwood burl tables sidle up to the bar and kitchen, which operate out of an ersatz Airstream trailer.

Nouveau: Brewed with just-harvested hop cones, Ride the Pine (7.4 percent alcohol by volume, $9 per pint) is an excellent fresh hop beer, offering herbal hop character without much bitterness. The beer equivalent of a Beaujolais nouveau, it was a bracing accompaniment to our party’s chili lime chicken wings ($5 for five), pulled pork sandwich ($10), fried Brussels sprouts ($14) and beer-battered fries ($2).

Pro: You’ll find some of this busy Beaver’s most unusual offerings here — this is where the brewery makes its barrel-aged sour beers.

980 Park Center Drive, Vista belchingbeaver.com/pub980-menu

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A LOCAL BEER TO SPEND TIME WITH Beer: Capital of Craft IPA From: 3 Punk Ales, Amplified Ale Works, Bagby Beer, Burgeon Beer, Gravity Heights, Nickel Beer and North Park Beer.

Why: San Diego Beer Week’s official beer, this is a classic San Diego-style IPA, with bold grapefruit and pine notes from aggressive hopping laid over a sturdy malt foundation, ending with a breathtaking dry finish.

Geek out: 7.3 percent alcohol by volume; 72 IBUs (International Bittering Units).

Seek out: Versions of this IPA have been made for previous Beer Weeks, but this is the first time the beer has been canned. Look for four-packs at local beer bars and bottle shops.

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JINGLE BELLS & WHISTLES

Organizing a party this holiday season?

These local venues can take the pain out of planning.

DON’T DRAG YOUR FEET The most wonderful time of year is upon us, but if you’re organizing a holiday party, you could be experiencing a nightmare before Christmas.

Whether your boss has tasked you with planning an end-of-year bash — or if you’ve taken it upon yourself to host a feast with friends — there are a ton of decisions to make before the big day arrives.

Fortunately, there’s still enough time to pull off a holiday party that will keep your guests buzzing well into the New Year. To help you get started, we’ve compiled some excellent venues for your consideration and a few other quick tips to simplify your planning.

The longer you wait to start planning, the fewer options you’ll have, the more it’ll end up costing and the more stress you’ll deal with at the end of the day. Make arrangements as soon as possible to take advantage of early-booking offers and score the best deal around.

DO YOUR DUE DILIGENCE

Before deciding on a location or vendor, do your homework by reading online reviews and seeing what people have to say on social media. Tour potential venues in person, and if you’re hiring a planner, make sure they know their stuff.

MAKE A LIST, CHECK IT TWICE

Do you have an accurate list of everyone attending? Do you know who’s bringing a significant other and who’s flying solo? Only by knowing precisely who is attending, will you be able to comfortably accommodate everybody.

GET CLEVER AND CREATIVE You don’t need to reinvent the wheel when planning your holiday party, but including a few creative touches can go a long way.

Incorporate your company’s branding into names of menu items or assign tables names inspired by inside jokes.

COORDINATE A GIFT EXCHANGE

Incorporate a White Elephant or Secret Santa exchange into your celebration so guests can look forward to leaving with something — just be sure to enforce a limit on how much money should be spent.

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FEAST & FAREWAY Whether you’re planning a casual gathering on the covered patio amid water and golf course views, or gearing up for a formal event in the picturesque Fareway Room, Feast & Fareway is the idyllic setting for guests to eat, drink and mingle along the iconic Coronado Golf Course! Enjoy an elegant and unique waterfront spot conducive to scenic wedding ceremonies, framed by the stunning backdrop of the iconic Coronado Bridge, as well as a private beach overlook. Seating accommodates 325 guests, and catering professionals are ready to personally coordinate with you, or your planner, to

creatively and successfully execute your event. Food is one of the most important components of any successful gathering, and Feast & Fareway’s seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients, creative presentations and customizable menus are focused on creating lasting memories for all. Start planning your next event today!

Perfect Venue for Holiday Parties, Corporate and Special Events.

Feast & Fareway 2000 Visalia Row, Coronado, CA 92118 | 619.738.2858 feastandfarewaycoronado.com

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UNION KITCHEN & TAP GASLAMP QUARTER & UNION ENCINITAS Union Kitchen and Tap offers a refined, contemporary take on timeless classics, paying homage to the breezy elegance of Southern California.

Featuring indoor and outdoor event space options, Union offers private space perfectly suited for an intimate affair of 20 as well as large scale event programs accommodating up to 350 guests.

Union proudly taps into the local craft beer phenomenon and offers award winning menu selections that showcase their Chef’s passion while highlighting the quality of their locally sourced ingredients. New American cuisine and hand crafted cocktails can be enjoyed in an open-air setting with garage style glass doors that open to the vibrant cityscape or relaxing enclosed patio.

Union can provide multi-layer branding opportunities and forums for live entertainment and presentations.

Their full service event specialists can assist with all aspects of your event program including interactive gaming, photo booth rentals, live entertainment, lounge furnishings and dĂŠcor elements.

Union Kitchen & Tap Gaslamp Quarter & Union Encinitas GASLAMP: 333 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101 | 619.795.9464 ENCINITAS: 1108 S. Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024 | 760.230.2337 gaslampunion.com | localunion101.com | omghospitalitygroup.com

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Patio at Encinitas (top) and Event Space at Gaslamp (bottom).

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If you would like to host your own event at BIGA, please contact mandy@bigasandiego.com

BIGA BIGA is a farm to table Italian restaurant in downtown, providing a wide array of handcrafted dishes to satisfy just about any appetite. Because it is locally sourced, the menu is refreshed seasonally and has some great woodfired entrĂŠes and sides as well as award-winning, Neapolitan style pizzas. The house made pasta dishes are exquisite and the charcuterie boards are some of the best in the city. The culinary team behind BIGA is quite talented and is happy to customize any menu for large parties. The size of the venue is great for private parties (up to about 90 people) and the rustic decor is cozy and welcoming. It sits on the corner of Sixth Avenue and Broadway in the historic Samuel Fox Building, and with the tall windows and interior Edison lights, it feels like dining in an Italian piazza. The wine and beer menu has fantastic choices to complete the full culinary experience.

BIGA 950 Sixth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101 | 619.794.0444 bigasandiego.com

@PACIFICSD NOVEMBER 2019

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Del Frisco’s signature Dry-Aged Steak, the “Double Eagle”: a 45-Day Dry-Aged Double Bone-In Prime Ribeye.

DEL FRISCO’S DOUBLE EAGLE STEAKHOUSE Greatness deserves excellence. Whatever the occasion, the Del Frisco’s experience will surpass your expectations. Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse is an ultra-premium steakhouse providing a distinguished dining experience with personalized service in a breathtaking atmosphere, offering bold, delicious fare complimented by an expansive, award-winning wine list. Boasting a vast selection of USDA Prime wet and dry-aged steaks, modern takes on fresh seafood, signature side dishes and mouth-watering desserts.

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse 901 Bayfront Ct., Ste. 105, San Diego, CA 92101 | 619.272.5060 delfriscos.com

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The one-of-a-kind menu distinguishes Del Frisco’s as an American culinary institution who delivers an unparalleled experience. Elevate your next event by hosting it in one of Del Frisco’s private or semi-private dining spaces.

Featuring chic interiors, plenty of seating and audio/visual capabilities, our stunning private dining rooms will help your celebration reach its full potential, no matter your needs. Del Frisco’s Sales and Event Planner will work with you to create a celebration beyond compare.

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Enjoy craft cocktails and vintage decor at this Hillcrest hot spot.

BO-BEAU KITCHEN + CACHÉ Rustic charm meets vintage elegance in this intimate neighborhood bistro creating the perfect setting for your next event. Host a private dinner on BO-beau’s patio featuring a wood burning fireplace or plan a cocktail party at our French-inspired speakeasy, caché. They can accommodate groups of 10-110 guests. To book your event, email: events@dinecrg.com or call 619.908.3405.

BO-beau kitchen + caché 1027 University Ave, San Diego CA, 92103 619.481.5033 bobeaucache.com

@PACIFICSD NOVEMBER 2019

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MUSIC BOX Music Box is San Diego’s premier special event and live music venue. Nestled adjacent to Little Italy in downtown San Diego, their open, lofty tri-level venue offers an unparalleled experience in an artistically immersive backdrop. Their contemporary space accommodates groups of 25 to 700 and provides an ideal setting for a variety of events ranging from privatized top floor buyouts above a live concert, to full venue buyouts. Looking for something larger? They also offer a full-city-block outdoor event

Music Box 1337 India Street, San Diego, CA 92101 | 619.738.0736 www.MusicBoxSD.com

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space with an added capacity of 2,500 for corporate events, festivals, or private block parties.

You will find their customized catering options and fullservice event packages can turn any vision into a reality.

In addition, their team is available to assist you with all elements of production planning, including booking bands, DJs, or headlining artists for your event.

Your ideal venue for unforgettable corporate parties and special events.

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Elicit Bar & Lounge main cocktail lounge area.

ELICIT BAR & LOUNGE With live DJs, attentive and skilled service, and the best homemade artisanal cocktails, Elicit Bar & Lounge is the ultimate cocktail lounge ideal for any private party. Elicit offers both full and partial venue buy outs depending on the size of your party and the amount of privacy that you’re looking for. Enjoy their indoor and outdoor space, which is versatile enough to accommodate just about any kind of get-together. Whether you’re looking for a meeting space or a space for a bachelorette or bachelor party, a wedding reception, a family reunion, or any other special event, they can provide you with an ideal venue.

During the afternoons, the lounge is framed in warm highlights from the chandeliers, windows, and metallic accents. As the sun goes down, it

transforms into a sleek, sophisticated setting. Open format music sets the mood each night. Get cozy with your own secluded space by the fire, or enjoy their indoor/outdoor bar. With patio seating overlooking the pool, you can enjoy the sunset or the stars.

At Elicit, their mixologists are masters of their craft. They perfect tried-andtrue cocktails that are on everyone’s favorites list. Then put their creativity to the test with of-the-moment drinks from the ever-evolving cocktail menu.

To make your night ideal, an array of fresh, hand-rolled sushi and Asian classics pepper the menu. From the bold and flavorful sushi rolls to their more classic small plates, their dishes pair perfectly with your cocktail of choice, making for an experience that is sure to elicit approval.

Elicit Bar & Lounge 5469 Casino Way, El Cajon CA, 92019 | 619.659.3372 elicitlounge.com

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SEASONAL OYSTERS ON THE HALF SHELL: Served with red wine mignonette, lemon and hot sauce. (Left)

PB WEDGE: Iceberg, roasted tomato, radish, bacon blue cheese, breaded wild Argentine shrimp. (Right)

WATERBAR Waterbar was born of a deep appreciation for, and understanding of, the free-spirited creativity, fresh cuisine, and approachable culture unique to California’s southern coastline. Located alongside the vibrant ocean-front boardwalk in Pacific Beach, Waterbar offers only the best in tantalizing menus, innovative libations, panoramic views, and lively entertainment.

Their “social seafood” menu is inspired by East Coast, West Coast and Baja

Waterbar 4325 Ocean Blvd., San Diego, CA 92117 | 858.888.4343 waterbarsd.com

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cuisines, and transforms the freshest flavors through their chef’s unique renditions of coastal classics. Flavor-forward craft cocktails, local craft brews, national brand favorites, and a diverse wine list are offered across comfortable bar seating, community-table dining, and intimate ocean-side tables. Waterbar’s thriving, energetic environment captures the passion of San Diego’s iconic coastline for an unforgettably satisfying experience.

FARMER’S TABLE Every good neighborhood deserves an eatery where locals and visitors can come together and enjoy honest food done right.

Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Farmer’s Table is now in La Mesa, Bay Park and Little Italy, incorporating innovative spins on family recipes that dig down to its Sicilian roots.

Embracing the ideas of simplicity, the owners have dedicated

their time to finding fresh produce from local farms and supporting local small businesses to achieve the best quality food that’s just as organic as their vintage reclaimed décor.

From the moment you enter, Farmer’s Table will make you feel at home!

Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Farmer’s Table is now in La Mesa, Bay Park and Little Italy.

Visit one of the three locations.................................................................................

Farmer’s Table La Mesa: 8141 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa, CA 91942 | 619.724.6465 Bay Park: 3055 Clairemont Drive, San Diego, CA 92117 | 619.359.4485 Little Italy: 550 W. Date Street, Suite #A, San Diego, CA 92101 | 619.255.09580

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CITY TACOS City Tacos has turned up the heat on innovative, delicious and unique bites since opening its first location in 2014.

Combining traditional recipes with SoCal flavor, City Tacos’ menu offers some of San Diego’s most unique tacos. Meat, fish, vegetarian and Paleo options are available at each location, offering something for everyone. Top off tacos with a variety of creative salsas, freshly chopped cilantro and onions, or hit them with an extra squeeze of citrus.

Order a cold cerveza or an iced agua fresca, and you’re set.

The Southern California taqueria has big plans for expansion into Encinitas, Pacific Beach and Sorrento Valley.

Plus, in March of this year, City Tacos partnered with Mike Hess Brewing to open a dual concept taco and beer garden in Imperial Beach, along with their established North Park and La Mesa spots.

Visit one of the three open locations and keep an eye out for more openings! ................

City Tacos North Park | La Mesa | Imperial Beach | Encinitas (coming soon) Pacific Beach (coming soon) | Sorrento Valley (coming soon) www.citytacossd.com

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Combining traditional recipes with SoCal flavor, City Tacos’ menu offers some of San Diego’s most unique tacos.

TAJIMA Tajima continues to satisfy San Diego’s growing hunger for authentic Japanese cuisine and ramen that is both unique and flavorful. They’ve earned their reputation as San Diego’s #1 ramen hot spot! Tajima offers one of the widest selections of Japanese cuisine to satisfy the unique tastes and desires of everyone in your party. With five San Diego locations, plus one in Long Beach and another two restaurants in Tijuana, there is a uniquely designed Tajima within reach of your desire for Japanese cuisine at its finest!

Tajima North Park | East Village | Hillcrest | Convoy | Mercury | Long Beach | Tijuana tajimasandiego.com

Tajima strives to create quality authentic ramen. Their original Tonkotsu soup is a chicken and pork-based broth that takes up to 12 hours to cook and results in a rich, creamy taste that pairs perfectly with their ramen egg noodles and toppings.

@PACIFICSD NOVEMBER 2019

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GROOVE MUSIC | NIGHTLIFE

SOUND DECISIONS

BY SCOTT MCDONALD

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11.24

Chainsmokers

Viejas Arena, viejasarena.com The chart-topping pop-DJ duo of Andrew Taggart and Alex Pall has been making the rounds at large San Diego venues of late, with previous headlining shows at Pechanga Arena and North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre. The pair returns to America’s Greatest City for a night at Viejas Arena in anticipation of their forthcoming third studio album, World War Joy, slated for release sometime later this year.

New Album Release

Wed, November 6 • 9 pm.

www.sluka.com

G ROOVE

Sound Decisions November concert calendar

BY SCOTT MCDONALD

11.22-24

Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival

Embarcadero Marina Park South, Embarcadero Marina Park North, Seaport Village, Ruocco Park, Hilton Bayfront Park and Broadway Port Pier, wonderfrontfestival.com Will this three-day music and arts festival be the new Street Scene? It’s definitely ambitious, boasting multiple venues and a diverse lineup that includes pop favorites Miguel (pictured) and Migos, veteran punk bands X and Pennywise, and America’s Got Talent sweetheart, Grace VanderWaal.

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11.1 JON PARDI

Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, as.sdsu.edu/calcoast Central California-bred, neo-traditional country singer Jon Pardi got engaged while on stage at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium last month. He also released his third full-length album, Heartache Medication, in September.

11.1 KIKAGAKU MOYO

Music Box, musicboxsd.com The Japanese psych-rock quintet was in San Diego last year to open for Earthless and also made an appearance at the Desert Daze festival in Lake Perris. The band returns for a headlining show in support of its 2018 full-length album, Masana Temples.

11.1 LA SANTA CECILIA

House of Blues, houseofblues.com/sandiego The Grammy-winning, L.A.-based quartet returns to San Diego 11 months after last playing at the Music Box. The Marisol Hernandez-fronted quartet continues to tour on its acclaimed 2017 release, Amar y Vivir, which was recorded at select locations throughout Mexico City.

11.1 KERO KERO BONITO

Belly Up, bellyup.com Fronted by bilingual vocalist Sarah Midori Perry, the London-based art-pop trio released its new EP, Civilisation I, at the end of September. Negative Gemini, aka New York-based singer, songwriter and producer Lindsey French, opens the show.

MIA SAKAI

11.2 DIA DE LOS DEFTONES

The Park at Petco Park, petcoparkevents.com The Sacramento screamers return to San Diego for the second annual Dia de los Deftones after kicking things off last November with the likes of Future, Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda, Rocket From The Crypt and Doja Cat in tow. This year, Chino Moreno and the gang round out the all-day event with performances from Chvrches, Gojira, JPEGMAFIA and more.

11.1

Dinosaur Jr.

Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com Still sporting its original lineup of vocalist/guitarist J Mascis, bassist Lou Barlow, and drummer Murph, the veteran rock trio followed the release of its 11th studio album, 2016’s Give a Glimpse of What Yer Not, with a new single, Hold Unknown, last year. Mascis released his third solo record, Elastic Days, in 2018 as well.

11.2 BLACK MOUNTAIN

Casbah, casbahmusic.com True story: Black Mountain’s Stephen McBean didn’t get behind the wheel of a car until 2017 (when he was 38 years old). So it only makes sense that his psych-rock quintet’s latest album, Destroyer, is closely tied to that experience, as well as being named after the 1985 model of Dodge he rebuilt while recording it.

@PACIFICSD NOVEMBER 2019

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G RO OV E | S OUND DE C I S I ON S 11.2 STEVE POLTZ WITH JACK TEMPCHIN

Poway Center for the Arts, powaycenter.com These two should be found on any legitimate list of notable songwriters and musicians with strong ties to San Diego. And while the storytelling crooner Poltz is headlining the show, it is almost certain that he and 2019 Songwriter Hall of Fame inductee Tempchin will also share the stage for a song or three.

11.5 DENGUE FEVER

UCSD Price Center, artpower.ucsd.edu This month, La Jolla Playhouse opens Cambodian Rock Band, an epic play that features music by the pop and psych sextet. But you can also see the Cambodian band in its element at this intimate, rock-only show.

11.7 LUKE COMBS

Pechanga Arena, pechangaarenasd.com The newly anointed country superstar releases his sophomore studio album, What You See Is What You Get, this month. Combs hits San Diego as part of his Beer Never Broke My Heart tour — named after the new album’s lead single — and also features performances from Morgan Wallen and Jameson Rodgers.

11.5 TWENTY ONE PILOTS

Pechanga Arena, pechangaarenasd.com The Grammy-winning indie-pop duo Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun released their fifth studio album, Trench, last year. It debuted at No. 2 on the U.S. Billboard 200, but reached the top spot on the Alternative, Rock and Tastemaker charts, as well as hitting No. 1 in seven different countries across the globe. The upcoming San Diego date is the third-to-last show on their 112-city BANDITØ World Tour, which started last fall.

11.5

Matt & Kim

CHARLES SYKES / AP

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Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com To celebrate the 10th anniversary of their album, Grand, keyboardist/vocalist Matt Johnson and drummer Kim Schifino will perform every song, from start to finish.

Expect the rest of the set to be a mix of Matt & Kim’s trademark dance-punk, hip hop favorites.

11.8 GALLANT

SOMA, somasandiego.com Christopher Gallant III, aka Gallant, released three singles – Sharpest Edges, Sleep On It and Compromise – from his highlyanticipated sophomore album, Sweet Insomnia, before it was released at the end of last month. Earlier this year, the 27-yearold singer/songwriter worked with Skylar Grey and appeared on the soundtrack for Steven Universe - The Movie. At this SOMA show, he opens for Sabrina Claudio.

11.11 KLLO

Soda Bar, sodabarmusic.com Cousins Chloe Kaul and Simon Lam of Australian electro-pop duo Kllo released their full-length debut, Backwater, in 2017.

Only a pair of stand-alone singles has surfaced since, last year’s Potential and Candid, but a new collection of songs is said to be on the way soon.

NIKKO LAMERRE

11.12 SLEATER-KINNEY

Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com It was more than a bit of a surprise this summer when, a month before the release of Sleater-Kinney’s latest album, The Center Won’t Hold, founding drummer Janet Weiss quit the long-running rock trio. Guitarists Carrie Brownstein and Corin Tucker are continuing without her, hitting the road to promote the new album that was produced by none other than Annie Clark (St. Vincent).

TO M BRONOWSKI

11.7

Helmet

Belly Up, bellyup.com The name of this veteran post-hardcore act’s new run of dates really tells you all you need to know. Playing under the umbrella of the 30x30x30 Tour, the Page Hamiltonled quartet will hit 30 cities, performing a 30-song set list each night, to help celebrate its 30th year together.

11.12-14 BUILT TO SPILL

Casbah, casbahmusic.com After last hitting San Diego as part of a 2018 co-headlining show with Afghan Whigs, the veteran Idaho-based indie rockers instead opt for a three-night residency at the Casbah this time around. Built To Spill is currently on its Keep It Like A Secret 1999-2019 tour.

11.13 FRANKIE COSMOS

Ché Café, thechecfae.blogspot.com Frankie Cosmos, aka 25-year-old songwriter/musician Greta Kline, released her fourth album, the 21-track Close It Quietly, in September. She also happens to be the daughter of actors Kevin Kline and Phoebe Cates. Singer/songwriter Stephen Steinbrink opens the show. @PACIFICSD NOVEMBER 2019

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G RO OV E | S OUND DE C I S I ON SW 11.15 LOS AMIGOS INVISIBLES

11.15 MELISSA ETHERIDGE

Poway Center for the Arts, powaycenter.com The Academy Award- and multiple Grammywinning singer and activist released her 15th studio album, The Medicine Show, in April.

The 12-track collection was co-produced by longtime Etheridge collaborator John Shanks, who also has worked on albums by Miley Cyrus, Nelly Furtado, Alanis Morissette and Van Halen.

Music Box, musicboxsd.com The Venezuelan Grammywinning funk and disco party-starters head back to San Diego for one of their frequent visits. The band released its last album, El Paradise, in 2017.

11.16 RUFUS WAINWRIGHT

Copley Symphony Hall, sandiegosymphony.org After playing at the Belly Up the last few times he’s come through town, the composer, piano man and musical scion gets a venue upgrade and an actual symphony conducted by Ted Sperling to back him. Wainwright continues to tour in celebration of both the 20th anniversary of his self-titled debut and the release of 2001 sophomore breakthrough album, Poses.

11.16 THE WAILERS

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, dmtc.com Even as it gets closer to the 40th anniversary of original bandleader Bob Marley’s death, the undisputed reggae icon’s music lives on through the group that once backed him. As the only remaining original member, bassist Aston “Family Man” Barrett is now the de-facto leader of this longrunning musical institution

11.17 YOUNG THUG

Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, as.sdsu.edu/calcoast After releasing a handful of mixtapes, Young Thug, aka Atlantabased rapper Jeffrey Williams, released his debut studio album, So Much Fun, in August. Featuring appearances from the likes of Travis Scott, J. Cole, Lil Uzi Vert, Future and others, the album debuted at the top spot on the U.S. Billboard 200.

Another album contributor, Machine Gun Kelly, opens the show.

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ALYS SE GA FKJEN

11.17

The Black Keys

Pechanga Arena, pechangaarenasd.com The popular neo-blues duo of Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney released its ninth studio album, Let’s Rock, in June. The self-produced collection debuted in the fourth spot on the U.S. Billboard 200, as well as cracking the top 10 in a dozen countries around the globe. As a bonus, indie rock vets Modest Mouse are set to open the show.

11.20 GHOSTLAND OBSERVATORY

Belly Up, bellyup.com After an extended hiatus, the Austin, Texas-based electro duo of Aaron Behrens and Thomas Turner returned to the scene in 2015. They followed that with their first full-length album in eight years, See You Later Simulator, in 2018. Known, in part, for their wild and raucous shows that many times include fans storming the stage, expect an interesting night at the Belly Up.

11.21 RAY LAMONTAGNE

Copley Symphony Hall, sandiegosymphony.org As the sub-head of his current concert listing explains, the infamously private singer and songwriter is “Just Passing Through.” Although he isn’t overtly promoting his 2018-released seventh album, Part of the Light, that doesn’t mean many of its tracks won’t make it to the set list. Canadian roots duo Kacy & Clayton opens the show.

11.21 BIG FREEDIA

Belly Up, bellyup.com Big Freedia is a flamboyant New Orleans rapper named Freddie Ross whose pronouns are she/her. She’s considered the queen of Southern-influenced Bounce music and also stars in her own reality TV series.

11.22 BAD BUNNY

11.21

Gingee

The Loft at UCSD, theloft.ucsd.edu The SoCal-raised, Filipina DJ is a festival favorite thanks to her unique blend of world music and hip hop. She uses instruments native to the Philippines, like kulintang (gongs) and kettle drums with cowbells and even recites poetry.

Pechanga Arena, pechangaarenasd.com The 25-year-old Puerto Rican reggaeton singer has become a bona fide superstar in recent years.

Scoring major hits with everyone from Daddy Yankee and Cardi B to Nicki Minaj and 21 Savage, the artist born Benito Martinez Ocasio scored another smash hit when he teamed with J Balvin on the surprisereleased collaborative album, Oasis, this summer.

11.22 CAUTIOUS CLAY

House of Blues, houseofblues.com/ sandiego Cautious Clay, aka Ohio-born singer and songwriter Josh Karpeh, released his third EP, Table of Context, in March. Karpeh is also listed as a writer on Taylor Swift’s song London Boy from her 2019 album, Lover.

@PACIFICSD NOVEMBER 2019

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G RO OV E | LOCAL BAND SPOTLIGHT

The evolution of Baby Bushka PACIFIC chats with America’s one-and-only Kate Bush cover band

BY SARA BUTLER

I

f you aren’t very familiar with Kate Bush, you’re not alone. Until a few years ago, neither was Natasha Kozaily, the fearless leader of America’s one-and-only Kate Bush cover band, Baby Bushka.

Kozaily, a San Diego-based musician, learned about the English singer-songwriter after a fan mentioned she had “this Kate Bush vibe going on.” That comment led her down a late-night, Kate Bush wormhole. She became obsessed with the U.K. music icon, who is known for her self-written catalog of eclectic and experimental songs. “(Kate Bush) had this strong vision and she never let it go,” Kozaily said. “I feel like she was always in control of what she wanted to put out there, no matter how weird or different it was.”

(Though we don’t have space to list all of Bush’s accolades, we highly recommend going down a similar wormhole to discover timeless tracks like Babooshka and Running up that Hill.)

Kozaily decided she wanted to perform some of Bush’s songs. After realizing the music legend’s catalog was too complex to take on alone, she enlisted the help of seven other women on the local music scene.

Under Kozaily’s direction, Kate Bush Night debuted at The Casbah in December 2017. With four-part harmonies, avant-garde choreography and brightly colored jumpsuits, the evening was like a dreamy and empowering music video.

The show was intended to be a one-time thing, but it became clear the women had crafted an experience that had to be continued beyond that night. From there, Baby Bushka was born.

Now the cover band performs every three to six months at its “home venue,” The Casbah, and tours along the West Coast and in the U.K. Recently, Baby Bushka made an album of covers (release date TBA) with a vintage spin — all of the tracks were recorded analog, the way many of Bush’s albums were made.

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ERICA JOAN

Healthy obsession: Though most of these women jumped on board not knowing who the Wuthering Heights songstress was, they quickly became mega-fans.

From Bush’s novel-esque lyrics to her independent spirit, each band member latched on to something different. “I think that as we continued to learn (about her), everyone started to fall in love with Kate Bush for their own reasons,” Kozaily said.

All in the spotlight: Boss Bush (Kozaily) is the lead vocalist, but the leader also casts songs for the band members. Sharing the vocals lets each woman shine, as well as showcasing the material’s diversity and depth. “I didn’t necessarily feel I was the right vocalist for all the songs. But with eight women you have all these choices!” Kozaily said.

Mystery woman: Baby Bushka unintentionally fills a void for many Kate Bush fans, as the U.K. singer-songwriter is famous for her lack of live shows. And this void is everywhere, including at a London bar where Del Palmer — Bush’s exbass player and ex-partner — was in the audience for the band’s first U.K. show.

Sticking to the stage: Luckily, Baby Bushka has no plans to pull a Kate Bush and halt live shows anytime soon. After The Casbah, Baby Bushka heads north for two more California shows: Los Angeles (Nov. 10) and San Francisco (Nov. 12).

For more on Baby Bushka, visit ilovebabybushka.com.

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@PACIFICSD NOVEMBER 2019

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G RO OV E

Spin Cycle

November EDM +DJ performances

BY SCOTT MCDONALD

11.1

TWO FRIENDS

OMNIA, downtown, omnianightclub.com Matt Halper and Eli Sones, aka L.A.-based DJ duo Two Friends, return to OMNIA after last appearing at the downtown club almost one year ago.

The pair has remixed the likes of Blink 182, The Chainsmokers, Lana Del Rey, Panic! At The Disco, Kanye West, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and more. Halper and Sones’ latest single, Take It Off, has already been remixed a couple of times.

11.1 BAAUER

Bang Bang, downtown. bangbangsd.com Harry Bauer Rodrigues, the 30-year-old DJ and producer responsible for 2012’s viral sensation Harlem Shake and remixes for the likes of No Doubt, Flume and Gorillaz, heads back to San Diego after almost a year away. Rodrigues also composed the music for the second season of Marvel’s Iron Fist on Netflix last year.

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11.2 CARL CRAIG, STACEY PULLEN AND KENNY LARKIN

Spin, midtown, spinnightclub.com It’s legends night at Spin as they bring a trio of Motor City innovators to the stage. Second Wave Detroit techno pioneers Carl Craig, Stacey Pullen and Kenny Larkin share the spotlight on this night, dubbed Detroit Love. Blaqwell and Late Night Jackin’ featuring Soul of Hex open the show.

11.8 PETE TONG

Bang Bang, downtown bangbangsd.com BBC Radio 1 all-star, Ibiza veteran and EDM global ambassador Pete Tong has hosted his legendary Essential Selection radio show since 1991. Last year, with the Heritage Orchestra and Jules Buckley, the pioneering DJ released the 15-track Pete Tong Ibiza Classics. And in March, he dropped a new single, Time For Love, with German-based DJ Emanuel Satie.

11.9 DA TWEEKAZ

Bassmnt, downtown bassmntsd.com Norwegian-born, Belgium-based producer/DJ duo Da Tweekaz, aka Kenth Kvien and Marcus Nordli, have only released one album — 2012’s Time 2 Shine. Kvien and Nordli have certainly kept up on their singles, however, releasing more than 10 this year, including their latest, September’s The Wire (feat. Diandra Faye).

11.10 GESAFFELSTEIN

11.27 CUT SNAKE

The Park at Petco Park, downtown petcoparkevents.com French producer and DJ Gesaffelstein, aka Mike Lévy, first came to prominence after co-producing a pair of tracks on Kanye West’s Yeezus album. Since, he’s worked with the likes of A$AP Rocky, The Weeknd, Haim, Pharrell Williams and more. Lévy’s sophomore studio album, Hyperion, was released in March.

Spin, midtown spinnightclub.com The one-time Australian DJ/production duo of Paul Fisher and Leigh Sedley — now featuring just Sedley — was last here in March. But as a somewhat newly found solo act, “Sedz,” isn’t slowing down. His latest release, the two-song single Set Me Free, was released in September.

11.10 SVDDEN DEATH

OMNIA, downtown omnianightclub.com Twenty-two-year-old New Jersey-raised, L.A.-based DJ/producer Julian Scanlan (aka Slushii) was just here in May for a stop at the House of Blues. Scanlan heads back to the club circuit to promote the release of his highly anticipated third full-length album, Dream II, expected to arrive this month.

Bassmnt, downtown bassmntsd.com L.A.-based DJ and producer Danny Howland scored a hit earlier this year when he collaborated with mask-wearing fellow DJ, Marshmello, on the single, Sell Out. Howland self-released his new 10-track collection, VOYD, Vol. 1.5, in August.

11.16 DJ PAULY D

11.27 SLUSHII

11.29 ZIMMER

Parq, downtown parqsd.com After a couple of recent stops at San Diego’s Hard Rock Hotel (last time in August) DJ Pauly D, better known as Paul DelVecchio of MTV reality show Jersey Shore, flexes his DJ muscle at Parq this time around. DelVecchio’s most recent single, Silver and Gold (feat. James Kaye), was released in April.

Bang Bang, downtown bangbangsd.com Parisian DJ Baptiste Zimmer, who scored a hit when he remixed MØ in 2014, was once an intern designer for Traktor (Native Instruments) DJ software in Berlin.

His self-titled full-length debut, which features collaborations with Panama and Laurné, was released in September.

11.24 DIMITRI VEGAS & LIKE MIKE

The Park at Petco Park, downtown petcoparkevents.com Déjà vu? Lane 8 (aka Bay Area DJ/ producer Dan Goldstein) headlines this all-day, 21+ CRSSD event for the second year in a row. Goldstein is set to release his third full-length studio album, Brightest Lights, in January. Shiba San, Luttrell, Illyus & Barrientos and Alex Wax are also on the bill.

Wonderfront, Embarcadero Wonderfrontfestival.com Brothers Dimitri and Michael Thivalos, aka Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, have released music with Diplo, Dada Life, Lil Jon, Martin Garrix, Gucci Mane, Wiz Khalifa and more. The Belgian siblings have kept that collaborative A list going this year as well, recently working with Armin van Buuren, Era Istrefi, David Guetta, Daddy Yankee and Paris Hilton on new singles.

11.2

11.30 DAY.MVS IN THE PARK

DEORRO

OMNIA,downtown, omnianightclub.com Erick Orrosquieta, aka L.A.-based DJ and producer Deorro, really liked San Diego. So much so, in fact, that this will mark his third time at OMNIA in 2019. In addition to a handful of singles he released earlier in the year, Orrosquieta dropped three new songs this summer – All This Time, Retumba with MAKJ, and Shake That Bottle with Hektor Mass. @PACIFICSD NOVEMBER 2019

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LOVE | BL I N D DAT E

The Right Pairing

BY JENNIFER IANNI PHOTOS BY MISAEL VIRGEN MATCHMAKER BY COLLEEN PERONE

Blind daters sample wines (and each other)

S

top me if you’ve heard this one: A personal trainer and a chiropractor walk into a wine bar on a Wednesday evening, hoping for a connection, preferably of the romantic variety. OK, so there’s no punchline to this joke, but it turns out, this month’s blind daters are full of laughs, and they both have a great sense of humor about themselves, each other and this crazy little thing called a PACIFIC magazine Blind Date.

Meet Austin, a personal trainer who’s looking for something authentic, and Vince, a chiropractor who thinks he might 86

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have the magic touch. Austin and Vince meet for the first time in an Epic Limo that doesn’t have very far to go before dropping them off at their first destination: Pali Wine Co., a gem of a wine bar in Little Italy that happens to be just steps away from Vince’s house.

It’s a perfect night and the scene at Pali Wine Co. is set for romance: Twinkling lights are strung on the bar’s rooftop patio, and a romantic table for two is waiting for our daters.

Will these two find out they pair best with each other? Before we uncork this bottle, let’s get to know them a little better via their pre-date interviews.

Where are you from and where do you live now?

AUSTIN: I am from Madison, Wisconsin (go, Pack, go!), and currently live in Hillcrest, baby!

VINCE: Alaska à San Diego (Little Italy).

my [own] clinic in Point Loma.

What’s your Instagram handle?

AUSTIN: @austin.muchacha VINCE: @drvincesd

How old are you?

AUSTIN: I just turned 28, but in reality, I feel like I’m 15 going on 67.

VINCE: 31.

How long have you been single?

AUSTIN: I have been single for almost three years now. The hustle never sleeps, so dating has not been a main focus for me these last few years.

VINCE: Three years.

What do you do for a living?

AUSTIN: I am the head trainer at a functional (fitness) training studio.

VINCE: Chiropractor. [I] own

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

AUSTIN: (Laughs) Eeeeek, Bumble. I was determined to be rid of dating apps forever

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LOVE | BL I N D DAT E

a few months ago … and three days ago, I got bored.

VINCE: Hinge.

Where can you be found on the weekends?

AUSTIN: At the gym lifting or coaching a class in the mornings, and then afternoons either hiking, cooking, drinking coffee and eating acai bowls, watching movies and cuddling with my roomie’s dog or out and about with friends. Once in a while, I like to shake what my momma gave me and honestly with how extroverted my job is, sometimes I need a weekend day to recharge alone (as much as I love people!).

VINCE: Beach, gym, hiking, dinner and drinks with friends.

What are you best at?

AUSTIN: Connection and being authentically me.

VINCE: Healing people and cooking!

What do you suck at?

AUSTIN: Leaving my comfort 88

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zone routinely. My anxiety tends to control my life sometimes.

VINCE: Questionnaires about myself make me cringe.

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

AUSTIN: I have to say, the tall dark and handsome thing does it for me. But outside of that, a genuine, funny, outgoing, smart human who loves life and will accept me for all that I am, including my highway-driving anxiety, grandma tendencies and ability to sweat super easily.

VINCE: Someone who is fit, healthy and has similar values.

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

AUSTIN: I really love to connect with people. No matter what, there is so much beauty in meeting new humans and learning their story. I also love to laugh and have fun in any scenario, even one as awkward as getting set up on a blind date for a magazine article.

VINCE: Because I’m easy to talk to and moms love me. :) Rate yourself on a scale from one to 10 for looks.

AUSTIN: (Laughs) Oh my gosh … do people really answer this?

VINCE: Nine, because there is no perfect 10, except Ryan Gosling.

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

AUSTIN: 12. My mom tells me I’m amazing every day, so I must be, right?

VINCE: 10/10.

What’s your cocktail of choice?

AUSTIN: Pina coladas, but only if I get caught in the rain at the same time.

VINCE: Depends on the vibe, but I love wine.

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

AUSTIN: Someone who is inconsiderate/rude.

VINCE: If the girl is rude to the server, bartender.

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

AUSTIN: Open and funny.

VINCE: Beautiful and kind.

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

AUSTIN: A woman never kisses and tells, right?

VINCE: Will totally depend on how we hit it off.

Well, well, well, right off the bat, Austin and Vince have a lot in common. They’re both SD transplants and they’ve both been single for three years. They’re active and physically fit (they could even share clients, if need be: Austin can train them and Vince can adjust them). They both like to cook and are both turned off by rudeness to wait staff.

And while Austin considers herself to be a bit of a grandma and Vince feels that only Ryan Gosling is a perfect 10, perhaps they can find some common ground over a bottle of wine or two.

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LOVE | BL I N D DAT E

Read Between the Wines

Daters take flight during private wine tasting

L

ucky for wine-lover Vince, our daters are dropped off at Pali Wine Co. for a private tasting. Pali Wine Co. was started in 2005 and named for the hometown (Pacific Palisades, or Pali for short) of founders Tim Perr and Scott Knight. With tasting rooms in Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Lompoc, Anaheim and San Diego, Pali is known for its Pinot Noir varietals.

Austin and Vince are led up to the rooftop patio. They’re given a sampler flight of different varieties of red wine and a decadent charcuterie board to cleanse the palate. A friendly Pali employee 90

NOVEMBER 2019 @PACIFICSD

walks them through the “Five S’s” of wine tasting: see, swirl, sniff, sip and savor.

Austin and Vince are instantly comfortable with each other, joking around one moment and engaged in deep conversation the next. They definitely have chemistry, although it’s too soon to tell if it’s romantic chemistry.

After a few more rounds, we separate them to check in on how the date is going.

How’s it going so far?

AUSTIN: I would say it’s going good overall. Initially, I didn’t really have any idea what to expect or what the situation was going

LOVE | BLIND DATE to be like, especially because it’s a blind date and blind everything.

But what I really respect about him already is the fact that we’ve already gotten into open, deep conversations. He said to me, “I’d rather spend today connecting on something authentic and real than the bulls**t stuff,” which really resonates with me because when I meet people, I would much rather skip the weather conversation and connect in some way.

VINCE: It’s going good, it’s going very well.

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

AUSTIN: I would swipe right.

He has a very good smile

VINCE: I would probably swipe right.

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

AUSTIN: (Laughs) No. I tend to go for tall, dark and handsome.

So typically, it’s like dark features, dark hair, dark eyes, dark everything. It’s just different for me, and not different in a bad way.

Just different.

VINCE: Yes, I think so.

How has your experience at Pali Wine Co. been?

AUSTIN: I love this place.

I’ve been here a few times before, and for a few other dates, actually.

I love this winery, I think it’s

a perfect date spot because it’s quiet and it’s quaint and it’s sweet.

But it also has charm and they’re so knowledgeable. I’ve learned so much about wine already.

VINCE: Amazing. Incredible.

I live in Little Italy, almost across the street. This is the one place on India Street that I haven’t been to before, and I’m so glad I came here. Food’s been awesome, service is amazing, wine’s delicious.

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

AUSTIN: Be vulnerable and open.

It’s been about his ability to be open and authentic with me this quickly.

VINCE: Right off the bat, the conversation came up about how both of us would so much rather be real and genuine with each other and not beat around the 92

NOVEMBER 2019 @PACIFICSD

bush and not bullsh*t, just be honest and genuinely get to know each other. I’d so much rather have a genuine connection with another human being, and if it doesn’t work out, that’s fine. At least we got to know each other on a real level. So I appreciate that about her, that she’s comfortable enough to be herself.

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

AUSTIN: (Laughs) Yeah, so far, I don’t think I’ve been turned off by anything yet, but it’s early.

VINCE: I have nothing.

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

AUSTIN: I hate this question.

Do I have to answer that? (Laughs) Skip.

VINCE: Eight, but I don’t like

LOVE | BL I N D DAT E

this question. It reduces someone to their physical appearance, so I don’t like that.

And for personality?

AUSTIN: He’s definitely unapologetically who he is.

He’s a 10, from what I know of him so far.

VINCE: I’m still feeling her out, but she’s such a sweetheart.

She seems like a really good girl.

I have to do one to 10? This is what I do all day long. “What’s your pain level, one to 10.”

Personality? Eight.

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

AUSTIN: I would say his eyes or his smile.

VINCE: Her hair. She has beautiful hair. And I like it, I’m into hair.

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

AUSTIN: (Laughs) I guess I’m just not used to the gelled-back hair.

VINCE: This is so mean. Her elbows are too pointy. Can we say that’s a joke?

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Do you want to kiss your date right now?

AUSTIN: Not right now, but I also don’t usually kiss on first dates ever, just because to me, it’s like the first time you actually get to connect at all. Now that I’m 28, I don’t kiss any stranger in the bar that I think is hot. It’s like, I want to kiss someone and I want it to be for a reason.

VINCE: Would I kiss her right now? No. Does your date want to kiss you?

AUSTIN: I think we’re both still navigating things. I think we know that we get along, but I don’t know where we stand physically.

VINCE: I don’t know.

Is this someone you’d take home to mom, just take home or none of the above?

AUSTIN: I don’t know yet. He seems like someone that can genuinely connect with anybody.

So far, he has good intentions.

We’ll see what happens.

VINCE: I’m not a “just take home” guy at this stage in my life.

She definitely has substance to her.

Is there potential for “take home to mom?” Yeah, I think so. Definitely.

How and when will the date end?

AUSTIN: I’m pretty traditional when it comes to that kind of stuff, which is very rare now. You know, like the not really kissing on the first date and also, I have to work tomorrow, so I’m going to be responsible about the time frame.

I would see it ending whenever you guys tell us it ends. For now. But we were talking about this: Whether or not we have physical chemistry or a romantic connection, we just want to try and connect in some way and make this a fun experience. How much would it suck if someone was just like, “Well, f**k, I think you’re ugly and I’m not going to do this.” Because that is what this is. The ability to do something you really probably won’t have a chance in life to do, and that is the whole reason I wanted to do it.

VINCE: It’s going to end after dinner. I’m going to wake up at 5:30 a.m. tomorrow and I’m going to go to my clinic. I have patients I’m seeing tomorrow at 6:30, so

that’s my priority, for sure. But we’re going to have a nice dinner and I’m enjoying every minute.

So far, Austin and Vince are on the same level. They’re enjoying experiencing a human connection, regardless of whether they end up connecting in other ways. They’re both reluctant to rate each other’s physical appearance (although Vince manages to) and they each admire the other’s ability to be immediately authentic. They’re also both super responsible adults who are mindful of the clock because they both have to get up insanely early the next day.

The only major difference between the two so far might be what’s growing out of their heads: Vince thinks Austin’s long blond locks are beautiful, while she’s not as into Vince’s gelled look.

No matter, the two still seem to be vibing (and imbibing).

Since Austin has been on a few dates at Pali (so much for us being original!), we’re hoping this one at least ranks as one of the better ones.

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LOVE | BLIND DATE

Put a Cork in It

Pour one out for these daters

A

ustin and Vince finish their wine tasting at Pali and get ready to head to a late dinner at Luca, the restaurant at The Guild Hotel, which just opened in the former Army-Navy YMCA building in downtown San Diego.

The courtyard at Luca is decked out in chic black-and-white striped umbrellas, black iron furnishings and soft lighting, perfect for a photo shoot where Austin and Vince attempt to out-flex each other by picking each other up.

The wine has kicked in and they’re super comfortable with each other, so comfortable, in fact, that Vince tries to steal a playful kiss from Austin, but ends up licking the side of her face instead. It’s all in good fun (although nobody would have blamed Austin if she shoved Vince off with her sharp elbows).

Instead, our daters delight in posing for the camera and teasing each other before settling in for a dinner from Luca’s executive chef, Justin Vaiciunas. The menu is described as being “creative and contemporary Mediterranean cuisine,” which is fitting because dining at Luca feels like you’re dining somewhere on the Amalfi coast. The menu includes items like pork tenderloin with goat cheese and chocolate mushroom sauce, meatballs with Tunisan tomato sauce and gruyere cheese and duck breast with olive oil poached vegetables and maple and Greek yogurt.

Also on the menu for the evening? More wine, of course.

The PACIFIC crew finally leaves Austin and Vince to enjoy their 96

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dinner. We called them the next day to see how their night went.

How did everything go?

AUSTIN: I think for going into it trying to have zero expectations and really just being open-minded, it was a really awesome experience.

I was definitely super nervous at the beginning, but Vince is so easy to talk to, super outgoing and charismatic, so that made me feel comfortable really quickly. And [the PACIFIC crew] being there was awesome too. I think that creates a space so you don’t feel like you’re stuck with someone. It was fun to have mystery to a date, because usually you know who you’re meeting and where you’re going, but to not know either was kind of exciting. And just the idea of getting to connect with a stranger is always fun in some way, whether or not you hit it off or not, you at least learn something or meet a new person or make a new connection or learn something about yourself.

VINCE: It was an absolute blast.

Such an adventure. It’s something I never would have done, but so glad I did.

What did you order for dinner at Luca?

AUSTIN: So we got a couple

of appetizers, we got the meatballs, a fig jam toast with cheese. And then he got steak and I got the salmon. It was amazing.

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

AUSTIN: We went our separate ways. So he went back home and I actually hopped to a friend’s house really quick before I went home.

VINCE: We went home after. It was pretty late. Both of us get up ridiculously early for work, so we called it a night at like 11 p.m.

Did you guys exchange numbers?

AUSTIN: He grabbed my phone, or put his phone right at me at dinner and was like, “Here you go.” And then right after that was like, “What’s your Instagram? Let me stalk you right here.”

VINCE: Yes, we did.

Hook up?

AUSTIN: No, a hug. A nice little hug at the end.

VINCE: I mean, I licked her face during the photo shoot. If that’s not romantic, I don’t know what is.

No, no hook up at all. Good night kiss on the cheek, which I was definitely happy with.

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

AUSTIN: I would say the whole flexing attempt on camera was like, him trying to smile and look handsome and I’m over here just attempting to kiss my arm while I flexed it … I don’t even know.

Also, our banter in general was pretty funny, just the back-andforth sh*t-talking we had.

VINCE: Probably when I licked her face. Probably that. Honestly, we were cracking up and laughing the entire time. She was a really cool girl, so it made it easy just to laugh and joke. There was hardly any awkwardness at all.

What was the best part of the date and why?

AUSTIN: At Pali, that’s where we had our first deep conversation, plus the cheese board was amazing, so that didn’t hurt. I guess the atmosphere was probably the coolest part of that whole thing.

You felt like you were in a different country.

VINCE: The whole thing was @PACIFICSD NOVEMBER 2019

97

LOVE | BLIND DATE so much fun. We had no clue what we were getting ourselves into. The wine tasting was awesome. The dinner was incredible. I think just the adventure of not knowing what you’re going to do next was super fun.

What was the worst part of the date and why?

AUSTIN: (Laughs) I don’t know if I would say the worst, but I was the most thrown off when I got licked on the face, when we were trying to do that kissing shoot, he licked close to my ear and I was like, “What is happening?”

I wouldn’t say that was the worst, but it was the most surprising.

Where you’re like, “Oh, my face is wet. What just happened?”

VINCE: Honestly, the only bad part of the date was that we couldn’t stay out later because we both had to get up at, like, 5 in the morning.

Will there be a second date?

Why or why not?

AUSTIN: He seems like such a great guy. He has an awesome head on his shoulders, really fun, great conversationalist. We have a lot of things in common. I just don’t know if the romantic chemistry was there for me. I would say there’s possibility for some sort of connection. For sure, an awesome friend, if not something else.

Right now, I haven’t developed any romantic chemistry towards him at this point, but I definitely feel like we connected as humans.

VINCE: So I don’t think that we had the romantic chemistry, I don’t think we had that spark.

I think she’s someone I want to be friends with. Genuinely, she’s so cool, I would love to go chill with her. I’d invite her to come out with my friends and, I think, vice versa. I’m very grateful because I think I made an awesome friend, but I don’t think that the romantic chemistry was necessarily there.

I wasn’t as excited, in that aspect of it. So I don’t think there will be a second romantic date.

Do you have any dating tips for your date?

AUSTIN: No, he was pretty great.

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(Laughs) Maybe just don’t lick his date the first time he meets them.

No, he was great. It seems like he’d be great at dating in general.

I feel like I’m the one who’s more awkward and needs more help than he does.

VINCE: We had the conversation, as far as the date, like, “Were you nervous?” and I was like, “No, I really wasn’t.” I knew I was going to have a good night, regardless.

Even if the girl sucked, I’m still going to enjoy myself and have fun. But I know she was pretty nervous. And I get it, most girls would be nervous in that situation.

The only thing I would tell her is that she’s such a cool girl, I hope that she recognizes that about herself and doesn’t ever have insecurities or fear or anxiety about going on a date. Honestly, whoever she ends up with is going to be lucky to have her. I hope that she’s maybe a little more comfortable and confident in who she is.

Any final thoughts, parting words, shout-outs or anything else to add?

AUSTIN: I would just say that everybody attempting to date in San Diego, we all know it’s rough

out here in these streets, but just be a good person. Be open and vulnerable and authentic right when you meet someone. It’s possible to find love, it’s just a little bit more of a challenge here, so be open to new experiences. For example, if you get asked to go on a blind date, just say yes.

VINCE: Shout out to Pali Wine Co. Pali was incredible. I love that place. The dinner at the Guild hotel was amazing. I’m literally going to go back to both those places this weekend with my friends.

Well, there you have it, dear readers. Despite Vince’s smooth moves and Austin’s ability to take a licking and keep on ticking, our daters went their separate ways at the end of the night, and it doesn’t seem like there’s going to be a second date.

But Austin doesn’t appear to be sweating it too much. Her advice to would-be San Diego daters is sound: It’s rough out there in these streets, but just be a good person and be vulnerable and open to new experiences, and you too might get your face licked on a blind date for a local magazine.

Clockwise from top: the Cured & Toasty appetizer; the Gluttony steak entrée; the Elegance salmon entrée and the Mr. Figgy appetizer from Luca.

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

SPECIAL THANKS TO AND PROMOTIONAL CONSIDERATION FROM: EPIC LIMO 858.270.LIMO (5466), epiclimo.com PALI WINE CO. 619.569.1300, paliwineco.com LUCA AT THE GUILD 619.764.5222, theguildhotel.com MATCHMAKER COLLEEN PERONE naturalselectionssd.com