PACIFIC San Diego - February 2020

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VALENTINE’S OPTIONS FOR SINGLES, HOW TO THROW AN OSCARS PARTY, BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENTS, A COLD BLIND DATE PLUS CONCERTS, COMEDIANS, EDM AND MUCH MORE

SAN DIEGO’S BACHELORETTE! February 2020

PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM

Becca Kufrin helps locals find their Valentine in The Bachelor Live on Stage

Best of East Village Awards It’s your chance to vote for your favorites in San Diego’s East Village!

Best Asian Cuisine | Best Brewery | Best Breakfast | Best Burger | Best Cocktail Best Coffee | Best Fitness Center | Best Pizza | Best Retail | Best Taco

Cast your vote in each category during the month of February at pacificsandiego.com/contests

Sign up to become an East Village Insider eastvillagesandiego.com #EastVillageSD Supported by the East Village Association

NOW OPEN

3797 PARK BLVD SAN DIEGO, CA 92103 www.rusticucina.com Follow us!

EQ @rusticucina

EDIT OR’S N OTE

And the winner is … not me

Learning hard lessons when your Oscars dreams come true

W

.hat is your favorite season?

Awards.

Of the many Moira Rose quips on the TV show, Schitt’s Creek, that one’s the most me.

My favorite season is also awards — but more specifically I love the Academy Awards: the fashion, the celebrity friendships (Busy+Michelle forever), the awkward show banter … all of it.

But I never imagined I’d ever get to actually go the Oscars and (with apologies to my musical theater friends) be in the room where it happens.

Then, in 2002, the stars aligned in a way that there were no senior Union-Tribune reporters available to cover the awards, and somehow — miraculously — I was next in line.

“You’ll have to cover the red carpet and backstage, can you do it?” my editor, Lee Grant, asked me.

My brain: Ohmygodohmygod, it’s all happening, this N O can’t be real and if it is real and I’m too excited he’s OUR TIPSROW A H to take it away, but also, maybe I will faint from H O W T O TE T- W O R T H Y going excitement like those crazed Beatles fans?

P R A C R E D R S PA R T Y What I actually said: “Yes, I think I can handle OSCA 52 that.”

E G PA From my many years watching red carpet shows, I knew reporters (a usually scruffy bunch) went full glamour on Oscars night. So when I saw a light pink gown, very similar to the one Gwyneth Paltrow wore in 1999 when she won Best Actress for Shakespeare in Love, I had to have it.

(I love Gwyneth Paltrow, but that’s a column for another time.)

I prepared for my big assignment by watching all the nominated movies (the year of A Beautiful Mind), and also by practicing my makeup and hair — which I would have to do myself from my hotel room.

Finally, armed with my laptop (which back then was a heavy monstrosity) I crossed the barricades into the center of it all. And it was … overwhelming. Even though I was there hours early, there were already so many lights and people and … OMG the actual red carpet! I really was maybe going to pass out.

There I was in my light pink gown, my best “The Rachel” hairstyle and a pretty good self-applied smoky eye. I was really feeling myself.

“Excuse me,” I asked. “Where does the press go?”

“TV or print?”

“Print.”

I was directed to a set of metal bleachers, the kind you see on a Little League field, where a collection of frazzled reporters were waiting with notebooks and tape recorders. Aside from a few

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FEBRUARY 2020 @PACIFICSD

LO S ANGELES TIMES PHOTOS

tuxedos, my squad was dressed in black slacks and sensible shoes: clothes for battle, not fun.

They were most definitely judging me. And they never once got starstruck, not when Halle Barry walked by in that sheer dress, not when Gwyneth showed up in full Goth (with a smoky eye like me!!).

The bleacher journalists were there to collect quotes, snap photos, monitor the winners from backstage and write it all in time for the next day’s paper.

And so was I. Which I somehow did. In a fabulous pink gown.

I went back to cover the Academy Awards four more times, always in sensible outfits after that, but never quite figuring out how to not to be starstruck.

Nina Garin

nina@pacificsandiego.com

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Sign up for our Tuesday & Thursday e-newsletter at

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It’s a Gift

Volume #14 | Issue #2 | February 2020

Actually, it’s a bunch of prizes

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

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

Love Letters Galore Before Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan fell for each other in You’ve Got Mail, Georg and Amalia wrote mysterious love letters to each other in She Loves Me. Enter for a chance to win two tickets to the musical that inspired the classic 1990s movie, playing at San Diego Musical Theatre.

Feb. 7 – March 8 at the Horton Grand Theatre

One in a Billion NYC-based comic Dan Soder is best known for his role on Showtime’s Billions. Enter for a chance to win a pair of tickets to his San Diego show at American Comedy Co.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / DIGITAL DIRECTOR

Nina Garin

MANAGING EDITOR

Jennifer Ianni

STAFF WRITER COPY EDITOR ART DIRECTORS DESIGNERS

PRODUCTION/ DESIGN DIRECTOR CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Sara Butler Monica Hodes-Smail Anita L. Arambula, Gregory Schmidt Michael Domine, Javier Gonzalez, Mark Opriska, Tyler Rau, Anthony Tarantino Michael Price Michael Benninger, Ryan Bradford, Jackie Bryant, Lisa Deaderick, James Hebert, Scott McDonald, Karla Peterson, Peter Rowe K.C. Alfred, Misael Virgen, Lauren Wilson

Feb. 13 at American Comedy Co. VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES

Paul Ingegneri

SALES MANAGER

Katie Musolf

MULTIMEDIA ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES CAMPAIGN COORDINATOR DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Mad About You Enter for a chance to win a pair of tickets to “fall down the rabbit hole” at Mad Hatter’s Ball: We’re All Mad Here, where you’ll experience circus performers, interactive exhibits, live music, dancing and eye-catching costumes.

Feb. 22 at Observatory North Park

Register to win at pacificsandiego.com/contests 10

FEBRUARY 2020 @PACIFICSD

Mindy Anderson, John Vaccaro Pamela Razo 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

EAST VILLAGE

ROVINO THE FOODERY 969 MARKET ST, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101 rovinothefoodery.com

WILD DOVE BOUTIQUE 740 MARKET ST, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101 shopwilddove.com

YOU & YOURS DISTILLERY 1495 G ST, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101 youandyours.com

Explore East Village

East Village is San Diego’s largest downtown neighborhood and encompasses 130 blocks of awesomeness between Seventh Avenue and 17th Street. More than 700 businesses are located in this thriving urban enclave, including restaurants, hotels, art galleries and Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres.

Grab a rideshare, bike share or scooter share and explore all that East Village has to offer!

Learn more at eastvillagesandiego.com

RIDESHARE CARS • Uber • Lyft • Scoop • Wingz BIKE SHARE • Spin • Lime

SCOOTER SHARE • Bird • Jump • Lyft • Skip • Spin • Wheels

#EastVillageSD Supported by the East Village Association

CONTENTS FEBRUARY 2020

CURRENTS 14: Two.Twenty February events calendar 34: Well, That Was Awkward: My Cruddy Valentine To everyone who can’t do Valentine’s Day right: Ryan Bradford sees you 36: Joking Around The comics getting laughs on local stages in February PULSE 40: Art Beat February gallery + exhibition openings

74: Take it From the Tap A local taste of beer from here GROOVE 76: Sound Decisions February concert calendar 84: We’re With the Band February local band spotlight

44: In the Wings February shows, musical and dance performances

86: Take a Spin February EDM + DJ performances

46: In the Arts Meet actor Allison Spratt Pearce from SDMT’s She Loves Me

LOVE 88: Cryo Me a River Daters freeze up at a luxury spa

50: Good Influencer(s) Paint the town with Phoebe Cornog and Roxy Prima of Pandr Design Co. 52: So You Want to Throw an Oscars Party…

Tips and tricks for an awardworthy event 56: From Breakup to Bliss San Diego’s Becca Kufrin pulls herself from reality TV wreckage to find a new onscreen match — and aims to help others find their Valentine in The Bachelor Live on Stage

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TASTE 66: Romance, Redefined Who says Valentine’s Day has to be all about couples? There are plenty of fun things to do on February 14 that celebrate love in whatever form works for you

FEBRUARY 2020 @PACIFICSD

The Bachelorette’s Becca Kufrin is broken-hearted no more. Read more about her life in San Diego with fiancé Garrett Yrigoyen and find out how you can be part of The Bachelor Live on Stage when it comes to the San Diego Civic Theatre on p. 56.

PHOTOS BY K.C. ALFRED. ON THE COVER: Becca at Morning Glory wearing the Super 8 Flutter mini dress, zimmermannwear.com; Chet hat, shopvandevort.com; Shannon necklace and Danielle hoop earrings, kendrascott.com.

ON THIS PAGE: Celeste blouse, Samira pant and disco bag, shopvandevort.com.

CURRENTS WHAT’S HAPPENING RIGHT NOW

BY MICHAEL BENNINGER

2.8

Supercross Live

Petco Park, East Village supercrosslive.com

Cramped corners, speedy straightaways and treacherous triple jumps define this elite offroad racing championship that gives spectators a chance to watch many of the world’s most skilled motorcyclists.

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C URRENTS | EVENTS

2.1-29

San Diego Museum Month

Museums throughout the county sandiegomuseumcouncil.org Fans of art, history, science and nature can score half-price admission to more than 40 local museums during this monthlong celebration of San Diego’s diverse culture.

NELVIN C. CEPEDA

2.2-4 4TH ANNUAL INTENTS CONFERENCE

Marina Village Conference Center, Mission Bay farmersmarketpros.com Independent farmers, food merchants and market managers are invited to attend three days of panels, roundtables and inspiring speakers during this one-of-a-kind event designed to increase the income of those who earn a living at farmers markets.

2.8 T9 MERMAID HALF MARATHON SAN DIEGO

South Shores Park, Mission Bay, mermaidseries.com Girls and women of any age are encouraged to run or walk in this scenic, aquatic-themed event that includes a 5K, 10K and a halfmarathon course around Mission Bay. 16

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4th Annual InTents Conference NELVIN C. CEPEDA

C URRENTS | EVENTS 2.8 4TH ANNUAL MODERN TIMES CARNIVAL OF CAFFEINATION: PASTRY PALOOZA

The Lomaland Fermentorium, Point Loma moderntimesbeer.com Several of the city’s most badass brewers and reputable roasters join forces to create a wonderland of dark beer, coffee-infused treats and decadent spectacles of liquid luxury.

2.8 11TH ANNUAL BREWBIES FEST

Bagby Beer Co., Oceanside, brewbies.org Raise a glass to breast health at this beer festival supporting education and awareness programs and benefiting the Keep A Breast Foundation.

2.8-9 38TH ANNUAL CHINESE NEW YEAR FAIR Third Avenue at J Street, Gaslamp Quarter sdcny.org Kick off the Year of the Rat with 25,000 fellow revelers at the county’s oldest celebration of the Chinese New Year, which includes two free days of art, culture and exciting performances alongside dozens of Asian food vendors.

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HAYNE PA LMOUR IV

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

PROMOTION

WheretoWatch theGames

Kick it with fellow fans at these hometown sports bars and restaurants BOOTLEGGER PLATES & POURS Your gameday go-to spot! Join us all season long for delicious eats, $5 to $8 drink specials, and $14.95 bottomless mimosas on Saturday & Sunday. Open Saturday and Sunday at 9AM with DJs during commercial breaks!

EAST VILLAGE - 804 Market St. (619) 794-2668 bootleggersd.com

JOHNNY B’S BURGERS • BREW • SPIRITS The place in La Mesa to watch ALL the NFL & College games.

LA MESA - 8393 La Mesa Blvd.

(619) 464-2465 johnnybsburgersandbrew.com

DRAFT REPUBLIC Watch your favorite NFL Team on 18+ flat screen TV’s and video wall.

Enjoy Gridiron Sunday Specials including breakfast burritos, mimosas flights and $5 Bloody Mary’s. Choose from a huge section of beer, craft cocktails and delicious American cuisine. Doors open on Sundays at 9:30am. Get your game on with billiards, ping pong, foosball, shuffleboard and arcade games.

CARLSBAD - 5958 Avenida Encinas (760) 448-4627 draftrepubliccarlsbad.com LA JOLLA - 4282 Esplanade Court (858) 450-1400 draftrepublic.com

FOX SPORTS SAN DIEGO GRILL At the Hilton Bayfront. NFL Sunday Ticket, ESPN Game Plan, PAC-12, BIG, and SEX Networks - on 26 Flat Screens. 20 Taps featuring local craft breweries. 3 hour self-parking validation.

HILTON BAYFRONT - 1 Park Blvd. Suite101 (619) 231-9000 www.foxsportsgrill.com Own a bar or restaurant in San Diego?

Let Football fans know where to go to watch their favorite teams!

To advertise, call John at (619) 866-7558.

@PACIFICSD FEBRUARY 2020

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C URRENTS | EVENTS

JEFF STO NE R

2.9 3RD ANNUAL ZOMBIE ESCAPE 5K

Kit Carson Park, Escondido, thezombieescape5k.org Avoid a horde of bloodthirsty zombies at this apocalyptic 5K and 1-mile fun run in which the undead obstacles attempt to diminish your “health” by yanking flags from your belt.

2.13 GIRLS NIGHT OUT

Moonshine Beach, Pacific Beach girlsnightouttheshow.com Chiseled cowboys, shredded fireman and yoked knights in shining armor perform seductive dance routines during this scandalous celebration of the male physique.

2.14 & 2.23 HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS

Pechanga Arena, Midway District harlemglobetrotters.com Bask in the ball-handling wizardry of the Original Harlem Globetrotters as the athletes perform high-flying dunks, hilarious stunts and other unforgettable feats.

GENARO MOLINA

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San Diego’s New Health & Wellness Festival Sunday, April 26, 2020 | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Estancia La Jolla

9700 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037

TICKET PRICE: $35

■ Short session workouts ■ Free samples of healthy food & snacks ■ Fitness & wellness workshops First 50 guests will receive an all-day pool pass at Estancia!

First 100 guests at the event will receive a swag bag!

For more info, visit balancefestsd.com For sponsorship inquiries, email events@sduniontribune.com Brought to you by

C URRENTS | E V E N TS

2.15

5K Paw Walk in the Garden 2020 San Diego Botanic Garden, Encinitas, sdbgarden.org Take Fido for a stroll through North County’s sprawling 37-acre garden during this event peppered with pet products, dog treats and other items for people who love pups.

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FEBRUARY 2020 @PACIFICSD

CECE CANTON K.C. ALFRED

2.15-16 14TH ANNUAL TRITONMAN

Fiesta Island, Mission Bay, tritonman.com Participate in the legacy of the first modern triathlon by competing in this 750-meter swim, 21K ride and 5K run at the precise site where the original event took place in 1974.

2.16 6TH ANNUAL TANTRUMS AND TIARAS

The Observatory, North Park, tantrumstiaras.org Five skilled bartenders — some with zero experience in drag — slip into stilettos, slap on some makeup and compete head-to-head in this fundraising battle for the San Diego LGBT Center. Contestants compete in categories that includes swimsuit, evening wear and talent.

2.22 THE MAD HATTER’S BALL

The Observatory, North Park northparkcarnival.com Don your finest duds for this formal, Alice in Wonderland-themed hat party that combines an immersive variety show with indulgent entertainment and features an assortment of whimsical activities.

ISIAH JONES

@PACIFICSD FEBRUARY 2020

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C URRENTS | EVENTS 2.22 SAN DIEGO MARDI GRAS BIG EASY BITES & BOOZE TOUR

Throughout the Gaslamp Quarter sdmardigras.com Prepare to wear a bevy of beads on this self-guided restaurant roam that includes sinful sips and NOLA-inspired nibbles at 20 of the Gaslamp’s hottest venues.

2.22 AVERAGE JOE RUN 5K

Crown Point Park, Pacific Beach active.com Dubbed “The World’s Easiest 5K,” this unique spin on the traditional athletic event awards the individual who finishes in the middle of the pack with the biggest prize.

San Diego Mardi Gras Big Easy Bites & Booze Tour

2.25

18th Annual Hillcrest Mardi Gras

Throughout Hillcrest fabuloushillcrest.com Bust out your mask and beads as the spirit of the French Quarter consumes Hillcrest during this bus-based bar crawl that includes five themed party stops and exclusive access to several of the neighborhood’s hottest venues.

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GETTY IMAGES

REAL ESTATE MARKET WATCH

North Pacific Beach

Gorgeous North Pacific Beach 4 br 3 ba home plus office, situated on a spacious 10,000 square foot lot with solar heated pool and hot tub.

Features include: Open & bright single-level floor plan, expansive great room with high ceilings & limestone flooring, entertainer’s paradise backyard with a large grassy area, palapa, owned solar (30 panels) & two Tesla chargers. Situated on a quiet street in coveted North Pacific Beach & short distance to Kate Sessions park and highly rated Sessions Elementary, Mission Bay, beaches, freeways, shops & restaurants!

2140 Crownhill Rd, San Diego, CA 92109 | $1,650,000.

SAN DIEGO MARKET UPDATE # of homes for sale: 76 # of homes sold: 29 Highest price: $5,495,000 Lowest price: $310,000 Average home price: $1,121,624

Starting out the first quarter strong! 2019 home prices were up again in most markets. While up from their recent lows a few months ago, mortgage rates end the year close to three-quarters of a percent lower than a year ago, helping to improve affordability and offset rising home prices.

With low mortgage rates, low unemployment, and continued wage growth, home buyer activity is expected to remain healthy into the new year. New construction has been on the rise in 2019 and is expected to continue into 2020. It’s a great time to purchase or sell in San Diego based on this demand.

MELISSA GOLDSTEIN TUCCI

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

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619.787.6852

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BRE#01380034

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

C URRENTS | E V E N TS 2.29

An Artist @ The Table with Jonathan Glus

IDEA1, East Village vanguardculture.com Break bread with the executive director of San Diego’s Commission for Arts & Culture during this fourcourse fine-dining experience designed to engage all five senses.

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KATHRYN CAUDLE

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 informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been veriďŹ ed. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate.

The Grande 1199 Pacific Hwy & 1205 Pacific Hwy San Diego, 92101 This stunning Bosa Development located in the Columbia District offers high end luxury finishes as well as some of the most beauitful views of the bay & San Diego skyline. Relax at night and watch the sunset from your large private balcony or take a dip in the Olympic length pool!

Visit us online at www.WelcometoSanDiego.com to view The Grade’s current listings! One & two bedrooms ranging from $565,000 - $2,200,000

Call us today to learn how you can live a life of luxury and style at The Grande!

WelcometoSanDiego.com 619-356-3099 DRE 01991628

C URRENTS | EVENTS

1.29-2.2 SAN DIEGO BLACK FILM FESTIVAL

Theatre Box San Diego, Gaslamp Quarter, sdbff.com Over 100 independent black films will be screened, with a focus on comedy, drama, documentaries and animation.

The five-day festival also features panel discussions, an awards dinner and a variety of mixers and industry parties.

Film Festivals 2.13-23 30TH ANNUAL SAN DIEGO JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL

Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, La Jolla, sdcjc.org Portraying the Jewish experience from contemporary and historical perspectives, this annual film festival promotes the awareness of and appreciation for the community’s diverse culture.

1.30-2.1 HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH FILM FESTIVAL

Museum of Photographic Arts, Balboa Park, ff.hrw.org Watch human rights violations captured on camera by courageous filmmakers during this international film festival that aims to reaffirm to audiences that personal commitment can make a difference.

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FEBRUARY 2020 @PACIFICSD

2.20-22 AMERICAN INDIAN AND INDIGENOUS FILM FEST

30th Annual San Diego Jewish Film Festival

Pechanga Resort Casino, Temecula caiiff.com Exposing SoCal audiences to the finest work in American Indian film and media, this annual event includes panel discussions and Q&A sessions with native filmmakers, producers, directors and actors.

Sports

San Diego Legion CHARLIE NEUMAN

San Diego Legion Home Games

San Diego Gulls Home Games

San Diego Sockers Homes Games

2.9 SEATTLE SEAWOLVES 2.23 NEW ENGLAND FREE JACKS

2.1 ONTARIO REIGN 2.7 TUSCON ROADRUNNERS 2.9 BAKERSFIELD CONDORS 2.19 STOCKTON HEAT 2.22 SAN JOSE BARRACUDA

2.12 BALTIMORE BLAST 2.29 MILWAUKEE WAVE

sdlegion.com

sandiegogulls.com

sdsockers.com

@PACIFICSD FEBRUARY 2020

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East Village

Follow the neighborhood map and share a photo on Instagram from one brewery to the next!

Breweries

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Stroll around East Village and check out San Diego’s bustling beer scene by visiting these 10 breweries.

East Village

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9 Supported by the East Village Association | eastvillagesandiego.com | #EastVillageSD

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Tavern + Bowl East Village 930 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101 tavernbowl.com

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Half Door Brewing Co. 903 Island Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 halfdoorbrewing.com

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Knotty Barrel 844 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101 knottybarrel.com

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Amplified Ale Works 1429 Island Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 amplifiedales.com

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Bootlegger 804 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101 bootleggersd.com

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Melvin Brewing Company 634 14th St Suite 109 & 110, San Diego, CA 92101 melvinbrewing.com/locate/san-diego-brewpub

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Little Miss Brewing 545 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101 littlemissbrewing.com/east-village

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Mission Brewery 1441 L St, San Diego, CA 92101 missionbrewery.com

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Duck Foot Brewing Co. 550 Park Blvd #2104, San Diego, CA 92101 duckfootbeer.com/east-village

10 10 Barrel Brewing 1501 E St, San Diego, CA 92101 10barrel.com/pub/san-diego-brewery

Supported by the East Village Association | eastvillagesandiego.com | #EastVillageSD

East Village

Follow the neighborhood map and share a photo on Instagram from one brewery to the next!

Breweries

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Stroll around East Village and check out San Diego’s bustling beer scene by visiting these 10 breweries.

East Village

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9 Supported by the East Village Association | eastvillagesandiego.com | #EastVillageSD

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Tavern + Bowl East Village 930 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101 tavernbowl.com

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Half Door Brewing Co. 903 Island Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 halfdoorbrewing.com

2

Knotty Barrel 844 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101 knottybarrel.com

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Amplified Ale Works 1429 Island Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 amplifiedales.com

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Bootlegger 804 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101 bootleggersd.com

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Melvin Brewing Company 634 14th St Suite 109 & 110, San Diego, CA 92101 melvinbrewing.com/locate/san-diego-brewpub

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Little Miss Brewing 545 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101 littlemissbrewing.com/east-village

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Mission Brewery 1441 L St, San Diego, CA 92101 missionbrewery.com

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Duck Foot Brewing Co. 550 Park Blvd #2104, San Diego, CA 92101 duckfootbeer.com/east-village

10 10 Barrel Brewing 1501 E St, San Diego, CA 92101 10barrel.com/pub/san-diego-brewery

Supported by the East Village Association | eastvillagesandiego.com | #EastVillageSD

C URRENTS | EVENTS

Black History Month 1.31-3.1 BOJO’S PLACE

Community Actors Theatre, Oak Park communityactorstheatre.com This annual Black History Month musical revue, written by Jennie Hamilton, honors music pioneers including Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald and many more. Get ready to sing, dance and celebrate the history of jazz, rock, pop and blues.

2.22-23 BLACK COMIX DAY 2020

Worldbeat Center, Balboa Park events.worldbeatcenter.org Meet black comic book creators and explore new stories at this two-day event.

Special guests include writer/ artist Robert Love (Chocolate Thunder, Darkhorse: Number 13) and creator/ writer Brandon Thomas (Excellence, Spider-Man).

HOWARD LIPIN

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FEBRUARY 2020 @PACIFICSD

2.28-3.1 KUUMBA FESTIVAL

San Diego Rep, downtown sdrep.org/kuumba This 28th annual festival has everything from original plays and dance performances to health presentation and an African marketplace. Highlights every year include the Parade of Ancestors, the gospel celebration and the comedy showcase.

NANCEE E. LEWIS

NANCEE E. LEWIS

2.29 ASK YOUR MAMA: 12 MOODS FOR JAZZ Educational Cultural Complex, Mountain View langstonhughesproject.org Musician Ron McCurdy brings to life Langston Hughes’ epic, 12part poem, Ask Your Mama: 12 Moods for Jazz. Hughes scored the poem himself, using Dixieland, gospel, jazz and African drums, among others. The free multimedia performance blends spoken word, music and visuals.

2.29 A TRIBUTE TO QUEENS OF AFRICA

Worldbeat Center, Balboa Park events.worldbeatcenter.org Historian and author Runoko Rashidi brings his renowned lecture to San Diego, where he focuses on topics including global African presence and African foundation of world civilizations.

MARCUS YA M

@PACIFICSD FEBRUARY 2020

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C URRENTS | WELL, THAT WAS AWKWARD

My cruddy Valentine

To everyone who can’t do Valentine’s Day right: I see you

BY RYAN BRADFORD

V

alentine’s Day is a holiday for extroverts. Aggressive courting, grand gestures, cheesy gifts — it’s like someone turned the day up to eleven. If the holiday could be personified, it would be a newly divorced dad doing donuts in a red convertible outside of his new girlfriend’s house, attempting to draw hearts with burnt rubber. And because I skew toward introverted, it all makes me a little uncomfortable.

However, that’s not to say I don’t like Valentine’s Day (although, let’s be honest: it has the worst seasonal candy of any holidays). The trouble is, I’m just not good at Valentine’s Day. For proof, I decided to dig up some traumatic highlights from the ol’ memory bank.

2001: This was the first year I had an actual, flesh-and-blood girlfriend (not a pillow!). In true gentlemanly fashion, I took her to the best moderately priced Italian restaurant in Park City, Utah.

Afterwards, we went back to my mom’s house to watch a movie that I felt showcased my refined film taste: A Simple Plan, a dark tale of three men whose lives spiral into bloodshed after finding a bag of money in the woods. Nothing says romance like exploring moral depravity and the darkness of men’s hearts.

2003: In my senior year of high school, I started taking medication

to clear up the acne that had riddled my back and face since age 11. I was deep into treatment when Valentine’s Day rolled around and my body was having all sorts of strange reactions.

The prescribed cream gave me a rash that gave me a bad-guy-in-Home-Alone-after-getting-hitwith-iron look, and the pills suppressed my appetite. At dinner, I pushed away my plate of spicy ziti (oh god, why did I order ziti) and said, “It’s because of the acne medication.”

Romanceville: population me.

2006: I brought a bottle of peppermint schnapps to visit a girl I had been trying to date because I thought it’d be cute to make boozy peppermint cocoa. We ended up sitting around with her roommates — everyone silently watching the Torino Olympics. Upon realizing that she had absolutely zero interest in me, I left and took the bottle with me. At home, there was no cocoa mix, so I drank the schnapps straight.

2011: I thought a Valentine’s cruise around San Diego Bay would be the ultimate romantic gesture, but it turned out to be a breakfast buffet cruise, which is like experiencing Vegas while being kind of seasick the entire time. By no means do I consider myself a snappy dresser, but I felt like a regular Don Juan compared my fellow shorts-and-flip-flops-wearing seafarers — all of whom were ravaging the all-you-can-eat sausage links and lukewarm eggs. But after the third glass of Champagne, the cruise began to take on a trashy charm. Although it’s hard to gaze lovingly into your partner’s eyes on a rocking boat, it inadvertently became one of the most memorable Valentine’s Days.

So, happy VD to those who can’t do it right. Never change. And if any of you lovebirds want to borrow my copy of A Simple Plan, just let me know.

For more awkwardness, follow Ryan on Twitter @theryanbradford and subscribe to his newsletter at awkwardsd.substack.com

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FEBRUARY 2020 @PACIFICSD

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C URRENT S | C OM E DY

Joking Around

2.20

KATHLEEN MADIGAN

The Magnolia, magnoliasandiego.com

Look for these comedians getting laughs on local stages

BY MICHAEL BENNINGER

“

I gave up hope for America when we took the pillows out of coach on American Airlines.

If we could no longer afford a 5 cent foam piece of s**t so my neck doesn’t break ... we suck, it’s officially over.

Go get your Rosetta Stone and learn a little Chinese before they get here.”

— Kathleen Madigan 36

FEBRUARY 2020 @PACIFICSD

LUZENZA ADAMS

C URRENTS | C OM E DY 2.7-9 GINA BRILLON

The Comedy Store thecomedystore.com/la-jolla

I married a good one — “I got me a 1978 Caucasian.

It’s a good make. And he’s not just white, he’s Midwest white.

So, that’s organic. That’s farmto-table white. I went to the source to get my white man.”

— Gina Brillon on Jimmy Kimmel Live

2.1 MIKE SALAZAR

Balboa Theatre sandiegotheatres.org Known for: Appearances on Mexican TV shows, nicknamed El Caballero de la Comedia

2.6 STEVE SIMEONE

1.30-2.1 MARK NORMAND

The Comedy Store thecomedystore.com/ la-jolla Known for: Late night show appearances, Last Comic Standing, Comedy Central

2.13-15 DAN SODER

The American Comedy Co. americancomedyco.com Known for: MTV2’s Guy Code, Robert Kelly’s YKWD podcast, SiriusXM’s The Bonfire

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FEBRUARY 2020 @PACIFICSD

1.30-2.2 GRANT LYON

Pechanga Resort and Casino, pechanga.com Known for: The horror flick Killer Kate, calls himself “Santa Cruz’s most famous comedian”

The Comedy Store thecomedystore.com/ la-jolla Known for: Comedy Central’s This Is Not Happening, podcasting with Rowdy Roddy Piper

2.6-8 ROSEBUD BAKER

The American Comedy Co. americancomedyco.com Known for: Being voted the “New Face of Comedy” at the 2018 Just For Laughs Comedy Festival

2.14-16 STEVE RANNAZZISI

The Comedy Store thecomedystore.com/ la-jolla Known for: Starring in FX’s The League, lying about escaping death during the 9/11 attacks

2.20 FRANCISCO RAMOS The Comedy Store thecomedystore.com/ la-jolla Known for: Last Comic Standing, his HBO special Entre Nos, voice actor in the movie Rio

2.20 RYAN O’FLANAGAN

The American Comedy Co. americancomedyco.com Known for: American Vandal, New Girl, Adam Devine’s House Party

2.1 DANA CARVEY

Harrah’s Resort SoCal, harrahssocal.com Known for: SNL, Wayne’s World, numerous spot-on impressions

2.21 DAVID SPADE

2.21-23 JARED FREID

Balboa Theatre, sandiegotheatres.org Known for: SNL, Joe Dirt, comedies with Chris Farley and Adam Sandler

The Comedy Store, thecomedystore.com/la-jolla Known for: Snapchat’s How Low Will You Go?, MTV2’s Vidiots, the JTrain Podcast

2.21-23 REX NAVARRETE

The American Comedy Co. americancomedyco.com Known for: Improvisational comedy geared toward Filipino audiences

2.22 SINBAD

The Magnolia, magnoliasandiego.com Known for Jingle All the Way, First Kid, A Different World

2.29 KEVIN NEALON

Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, sdcjc.org Known for: SNL, Weeds, Happy Gilmore

2.5

Rob Schneider

The Comedy Store thecomedystore.com/la-jolla

to stop tell“ingWeourhave kids they can

‘be anything they want!’

They can try their best, but they can’t be ‘anything they want.’ Sometimes things just don’t work out. Somebody has to be a State Assemblyman.”

2.27-3.1 DAVE ATTELL

The American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com

— Rob Schneider on Twitter

“

Here’s my workout. … I like to sit in a playground till all the children point. And then I just run and run and run till I stop hearing sirens. …

I’m in awesome shape.”

— Dave Attell on Bumping Mics

CREDITS: JAY L. CL E NDENIN; NETFLIX; GETTY IMAGES; AFP

@PACIFICSD FEBRUARY 2020

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PULSE ARTS | COOLTURE

ART BEAT

BY LISA DEADERICK

2.8-5.3

Illumination: 21st Century Interactions with Art + Science + Technology San Diego Art Institute, Balboa Park sandiego-art.org More than two dozen artists either worked in partnership with local scientists from major research institutions, or brought their personal perspectives into the work created for this show, using various media to increase public awareness and understanding of current issues, including climate change, sustainability and global health.

COURTESY O F YOUNG JOON KWAK AND CLOACA P ROJECTS, PHOTO BY ANDREAS TAGG ER

40

FEBRUARY 2020 @PACIFICSD

PULSE | VISUAL ARTS

Art Beat

February gallery + exhibit openings

BY LISA DEADERICK

2.1-29 NATURE OR NURTURE

R.B. Stevenson Gallery, La Jolla rbstevensongallery.com With new sculptures by artists Joanne Hayakawa and Jeff Irwin, this exhibition features ceramic work that includes sound and moving parts from the former and the manipulation of nature by humanity from the latter.

Daisy Picker, acrylic on magazine cutout

2.8-3.7 CENSOR ART

Distinction Gallery, Escondido distinctionart.com Philadelphia artist JoKa uses humor and hyperpointillism, employing toothpicks to dot the canvases for his paintings, skewing and distorting reality to offer a more symbolic rendering of humanity.

42

FEBRUARY 2020 @PACIFICSD

2.3-27 FORCED EXODUS: CODED MESSAGES FROM THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD

Mesa College Art Gallery, Linda Vista, sdmesa.edu/art-gallery Artist Joe Lewis uses printed and embroidered textile works to illustrate the parallels between enslaved black people in the 1850s and undocumented immigrants today, incorporating modern X-ray images of people being smuggled in trucks, to weaving Kente cloth and bulletproof Kevlar to note the criminalization of black youth.

Print by Victor Ochoa

2.8-4.5 CHICANO/A/X PRINTMAKING: MAKING PRINTS AND MAKING HISTORY — 50 YEARS OF ART ACTIVISM

SDSU Downtown Gallery, downtown, art.sdsu.edu In celebration of the 50th anniversary of San Diego State University’s department of Chicana and Chicano studies, this exhibition features past and present examples of printmaking from the 1940s to today. It also takes a look at how the art form has been used by artists to comment on the social and political elements of the U.S.-Mexico border and how the cultures of each country are influenced by each other.

Untitled, 2019

2.15-5.24 GRISELDA ROSAS: REGATA ABSCISA

Oceanside Museum of Art, Oceanside oma-online.org Inspired by the Oceanside Public Library’s Big Read selection, Into the Beautiful North by Luis Alberto Urrea, this exhibition features the work of artist Griselda Rosas, who takes on issues of migration and commerce between the U.S. and Mexico, highlighting the breakdown of class and race post-colonialism.

Bryan Snyder, Empty Dreams, 2011

2.15-6.21 SIDEWALK ACTIVISM

La Trasterverina

2.11-5.10 CAPTIVATING WOMEN FROM THE DIJKSTRA COLLECTION

Timken Museum of Art, Balboa Park, timkenmuseum.org An exploration of the ways in which artists in the U.S. and Europe depicted women — from mythology and in everyday life — in paintings from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, from the collection of Sandra and Bram Dijkstra.

2.16-3.14 THE MANY FACES OF RED

Ashton Gallery, North Park ashtonartgallery.com Warmth, passion, life. Local artists present various forms and styles of their work that include the many types of reds, pinks and other related colors.

Oceanside Museum of Art, Oceanside oma-online.org Curated by G. James Daichendt, a professor of art history at Point Loma Nazarene University, this exhibition features the work of artists addressing diverse issues with a goal of empowering and pushing political ideas into the street, with the exhibit organized into categories that include emotion and beauty, humor and manipulation of media.

Through 3.29 FROM ABOLITION TO SUFFRAGE AND BEYOND: AMERICAN REFORM AND THE CREATION OF A NATIONAL MOVEMENT

Women’s Museum of California, Liberty Station, womensmuseumca.org As part of the centennial celebration of the suffrage movement, marking 100 years since women fought for and won the right to vote, the Women’s Museum of California presents this first exhibit of this celebratory year, exploring the link between American women’s fight for inclusion and for equality. @PACIFICSD FEBRUARY 2020

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PULSE | PERFORMING ARTS

2.8-3.8 HURRICANE DIANE

Old Globe’s White Theatre, Balboa Park, theoldglobe.org The new comedy from Pulitzer Prize finalist Madeleine George centers on the return to Earth of the Greek god Dionysus, masquerading as a gardener named Diane; Globe artistic chief Barry Edelstein calls this the theater’s “most out-there” show of the season.

2.14-16 SAN DIEGO BALLET PRESENTS DANCES OF LOVE AND LAUGHTER

Lyceum Stage, downtown sandiegoballet.org This Valentine’s-minded program embraces dance pieces set to the music of Nat King Cole, Rachmaninoff and more, along with the area premiere of Voices of Spring.

2.14-15 CALIFORNIA BALLET PRESENTS THE ROCK + BLUES PROJECT

2.8-16 SAN DIEGO OPERA PRESENTS HANSEL AND GRETEL

In the Wings

What’s on stage in February

BY JAMES HEBERT

Through 2.23 AUGUST WILSON’S JITNEY

Old Globe Theatre, Balboa Park theoldglobe.org This 1979 play by the late, great chronicler of African-American life returns to the Globe — a place with significant ties to Wilson — after finally hitting Broadway in 2017.

2.6-3.8 A KIND OF WEATHER

Diversionary Theatre, University Heights, diversionary.org The LGBTQ-focused Diversionary puts up the world premiere of Sylvan Oswald’s “obsessive-compulsive timejumping tragicomedy” about gender transition and fraught parent-child bonds.

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FEBRUARY 2020 @PACIFICSD

Civic Theatre, downtown sdopera.org The much-loved 1893 opera

by Engelbert Humperdinck (the original, not that After the Lovin’ guy) stars Blythe Gaissert and Sara Gartland as the two lost children of the Brothers Grimm fable; the family-minded show is performed in English.

2.7 BOOZIN’ WITH THE BARD: R+J

New Match Collective at Amplified Ale Works, East Village, newmatch collective.wixsite.com/homesite The “Boozin’” is back! New Match returns to its site-specific, imbibement-inspired Shakespeare series, this time with a tipsy take on Romeo and Juliet.

2.7-3.8 SHE LOVES ME

San Diego Musical Theatre, downtown, sdmt.org A classic ’60s musical gets another goround, as SDMT stages this story (which shares DNA with the movie You’ve Got Mail and more) about a pair of lonely co-workers who don’t realize their secret lives are intertwined.

Balboa Theatre, Gaslamp Quarter californiaballet.org CalBal’s own Valentine’s ode goes electric, with a live rock band, vocals by mezzo-soprano Natalie Bancroft and other singers, and dance pieces by both Septime Webre and artistic director Jared Nelson.

2.15-16 SHINE

Spreckels Theatre, downtown jasonmraz.com Hometown hero Jason Mraz performs in this new musical built around tunes from the Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter’s catalog; the show, which celebrates inclusion, has Mraz collaborating with such mission-driven San Diego organizations as Banding Together, A Reason to Survive and transcenDANCE.

2.18-3.29 FLY

La Jolla Playhouse, UC San Diego Theatre District, lajollaplayhouse.org Hopes are sky-high for this new musical take on the story of Peter and Wendy from the Peter Pan saga; the show has deep artistic connections to the mega-hit Hamilton in director Jeffrey Seller and co-choreographers Andy Blankenbuehler and Stephanie Klemons.

2.28-3.1 BROADWAY SAN DIEGO’S THE ILLUSIONISTS Civic Theatre, downtown broadwaysd.com The consummate magic-makers pop in from Broadway and try their best to shatter some illusions about what their art form can do.

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PULSE | PERFORMING ARTS

f you’re a theater person, you know Allison Spratt Pearce. She’s been in basically everything: the original cast of Come From Away at La Jolla Playhouse, Shakespeare shows at The Old Globe, and lead parts in productions like Cygnet’s Gypsy and Moonlight’s Victor/Victoria.

Her latest, though, is one of her dream roles: Amalia Balash from She Loves Me. If you haven’t seen it, She Loves Me is the musical that inspired the movie You’ve Got Mail, written by Sheldon Harnick and Jerry Bock (of Fiddler on the Roof fame). It’s about two store clerks who hate each other at work but fall in love without realizing it, via letters. The perfect Valentine’s Day show, it runs through March 8 at San Diego Musical Theatre (SDMT).

Spratt Pearce, a La Mesa actor who trained at Elon University and the University of San Diego and has performed on Broadway, shares some memories, acting tips and theater favorites.

In the Arts

Meet actor Allison Spratt Pearce from San Diego Musical Theatre’s She Loves Me

BY NINA GARIN

When did acting go from being an activity to a profession?

I’ve performed on professional stages ever since I was 14, I always knew it was my future and something that would be a part of me. My birth announcement was a stage ticket, so I guess you could say I was born to be a performer.

Why is San Diego a good place for theater?

Because it has a balance of life and theater. For local actors, because of the cost of living, they have to (especially if they have a family) have a day job … or two! But most of the theaters rehearse from 6 to 10 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends. Local actors don’t perform because they make money, they do it because it fills their soul. We work to play, so to say.

Tell us how you like/don’t like the audition process?

I LOVE auditioning. I know this is rare, most people can’t stand it. Auditions are weekly in New York, but in San Diego, they are very few and far between. Our audition skills get rusty and people lose that special skill. Working with coaches is rare here, too. People may keep up with voice lessons if and when they have an audition. But staying in (at least) monthly classes for acting/dancing/singing keeps those audition skills fresh.

FEBRUARY 2020 @PACIFICSD

HOWA RD LIPIN

46

Do you have any audition tips?

My advice is to keep growing and expanding! Be the everlasting, curious student. In San Diego you usually have a few days or weeks to prepare for auditions. So expectations are higher for the actor to be prepared. I think about what specific song is right for the show style, character I’m right for, and story of that character. I think about how to best dress for that character, no costume, but a suggested outfit certainly helps and aids their imagination. I usually come in memorized with sides and music to be able to be on top of my mind and feet with adjustments. I

we work it out, it takes a village! What can be challenging is the balance of two to three day jobs (teaching privately, and also at USD, doing commercials, etc.) and making sure she is being fulfilled at the same time. We do our best and make sure that everyone is doing what they love when they can, however much they can.

What’s your process for memorizing lines/songs?

I happen to memorize fast. I’m not sure that was always the case, and as I get older, I may lose that! For me, I memorize the idea of the scene, the highlights and key points. Look at the structure and arc. Then I get specific line by line and start from the top and keep adding on.

Then I HAVE to get on my feet. It does no good memorizing sitting down for me. Because I am a dancer, I’ve never felt complete without using my full body to memorize lines.

ADRIANA ZUNIGA

Have you ever forgotten your lines or had a mishap on stage?

Oh, my gosh, yes, all the time! It’s not a problem with plays and that happens rarely for me.

But in Shakespeare verse or singing music, it’s challenging! The biggest one was opening night for The Sound of Music at SDMT. I was three months pregnant (no one knew), performing Twelfth Night during the day with The Globe’s touring show, and doing a three-hour show that was put up in two weeks. The curtain rises, I am singing the title song (that everyone knows!), and I go up on the song (forget the words). I just kept breathing and came back in after missing a line. I was so disappointed, but you cannot rest in that or else you lose momentum and spirit.

I’ve learned great lessons from forgetting lines about moving forward and letting go.

What’s your proudest moment on stage?

My first Broadway show (Good Vibrations, a Beach Boys musical). It was one of the biggest goals of my life, and achieving that was monumental.

SIMPATIKA

SDMT

Clockwise from top: Allison Spratt Pearce in Moonlight’s Victor/Victoria, Spratt Pearce (right) in SDMT’s She Loves Me and Spratt Pearce as Anita Bryant in Diversionary’s The Loneliest Girl in the World.

make strong choices that are truthful but also make it unique to me. As I’ve gotten older and more experienced, I’ve realized half of your audition is being able to be present, connected and in the moment. I’ve found that I do my best the more prepared I am. Everything else is out of my control. When I leave, I throw out the material.

How do you handle rejection in theater?

I am so used to it! It’s 90% of our business.

It’s harder in San Diego because, again, fewer auditions. Also, when you’re really invested (numerous callbacks, it’s a dream role, it’s a big

show and deal, etc.) your heart breaks. I get one pity party day and then get over it. I also am lucky to have other wonderful things in my life that are worth moving on for.

You’re a mother, how do you juggle those two worlds?

It’s very challenging, especially when they’re young. The guilt that we carry around is the hardest, and I don’t know if that ever changes.

I have an incredibly supportive husband who is also gone a lot at night and on weekends. (He’s a bass player for most of the major shows in town.)

Between him, my mom, my sister and babysitters,

What is your pre-performance process?

Vocal warm up at home, car or in dressing room (if there is privacy), and yoga on stage preferably, because I like to be in the space that I will be on the next few hours.

What are your three favorite musicals of all time (if you’ve acted in them, put an asterisk)? *Cabaret, The Light in the Piazza, *She Loves Me What do you always keep in your dressing room?

Yoga mat, steamer, picture of my family, lots of water and snacks.

What lessons have you learned in this industry that you wish you could tell yourself when you were starting out?

Be yourself, stay curious, SPEAK UP, stand up for yourself, be proud of your confidence, listen more. @PACIFICSD FEBRUARY 2020

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PLAY WITH YOUR

y k s i h W

COMING SOON TO

o g e i D San

PLAY WITH YOUR

y k s i h W

COMING SOON TO

o g e i D San

PULSE | VISUAL ARTS

Roxy Prima (left) @roxyprima 37.7K followers

Good Influencer(s) Paint the town with Phoebe Cornog and Roxy Prima

BY JENNIFER IANNI

+

Phoebe Cornog @phoebecornog 21.9K followers Branding and design: @pandrdesignco Podcast: @drunkonlettering Nonprofit: @ladieswhopaint

I

f you’ve ever posed in front of a colorful mural on the streets of San Diego for that perfect, Insta-worthy pic, you can likely thank Phoebe Cornog and Roxy Prima for the eye-catching backdrop.

Phoebe and Roxy are friends and business partners who cofounded and serve as creative directors of Pandr Design Co., a branding and design business that creates splashy murals for major companies like Target, Visa and Bumble. Phoebe and Roxy also started Ladies Who Paint, a nonprofit aimed at empowering women in the arts. As if they aren’t busy enough, the duo also co-host a podcast, Drunk on Lettering, that focuses on all things design.

Instagram has played a big role in both of their careers. In fact, like many great partnerships, Instagram is the place where the two originally met — and the rest, as they both say, is history.

Before we get into your career, give us your life story.

PHOEBE: I grew up in Philly.

Moved out to San Diego six years ago, after graduating from art school. I always knew I wanted to do something creative and that I wanted to live in California, so I made it happen! I worked for a couple of bike companies and then eventually met Roxy and the rest is history.

ROXY: I am a rare native to San Diego. I’ve always had an independent spirit and knew I wouldn’t take a conventional path in life. In college, I couldn’t find my place or figure out what I wanted to do. I took every kind of class, but nothing sparked my passion.

I finally dropped out and started 50

FEBRUARY 2020 @PACIFICSD

“

We started (the podcast) three years ago because we were constantly scrolling and enjoying people’s artwork on Instagram, but we didn’t know anything about their personalities.” – Phoebe on the Drunk on Lettering podcast

ago because we were constantly scrolling and enjoying people’s artwork on Instagram, but we didn’t know anything about their personalities. We wanted to know about the human behind the designs, the paintings, the packaging. It also serves as a good stress release for us. We’ll be working really hard all week and the podcast gives us an opportunity to sit, relax and have fun interviewing some really amazing artists.

Who have been some of your favorite or most interesting podcast guests?

ROXY: Each guest is interesting in their own way, so we love that we get to interview so many people from all over the world. We’ve gotten the chance to talk to people that we never thought we’d get to chat with that we’ve idolized for years! Some of those include Erik Marinovich, Jon Contino, Gemma O’Brien and Lisa Congdon.

What is the purpose of Ladies Who Paint?

PHOEBE: Ladies Who Paint is our nonprofit that we started in 2019. We are dedicated to empowering female artists and beautifying the city of San Diego.

As you can imagine, sexism exists in our industry and we are trying to change that. We flew in 10 incredible artists from all over the world to each paint a mural in the East Village.

taking classes at a community college, until I took a graphic design class and it all clicked. After working a boring design job after college, I took to Instagram and that’s where I met Phoebe.

Tell us about your professional partnership. You originally met on Instagram?

ROXY: Phoebe and I met through Instagram back in 2015. She found me on Instagram and saw that I was a lettering enthusiast in San Diego as well. We met up for drinks and chatted about lettering and decided to start a lettering club together.

We hosted monthly, free events around San Diego that brought creatives together to build a community. Not long after starting the club, we found that we worked really well together. We decided to collaborate on products and a couple freelance projects.

It didn’t take long for us both to quit our full-time design jobs and start Pandr Design Co. together!

What is Pandr Design Co.?

PHOEBE: Pandr is our business and we focus on creating custom murals for businesses. However, we also do branding, packaging, social

media graphics — you name it, we can design it!

Favorite murals you’ve done in San Diego?

ROXY: It’s hard to pick a favorite mural, each one is special and unique in its own way. A few of our favorites in San Diego are:

Target Ocean Beach mural (4864 Newport Ave., Ocean Beach; pictured above): This

project was our longest project we’ve ever worked on. We worked with the team at Target for over a year to make sure we got it right and we love how it turned out.

Coronado Brewing (1205 Knoxville St., Bay Park): This is our

biggest mural we’ve ever painted, 150 feet x 30 feet. We painted it in six days during a heatwave, so we felt very accomplished when we finished.

Smile, You’re in San Diego (1st and C Streets; pictured on p. 50, middle far right): This mural

is such a bright pop of color and we love seeing people take photos with it.

Why did you decide to start the Drunk on Lettering podcast?

PHOEBE: We started it three years

Speaking of the “Ladies Who Paint Mural Walk,” any exciting projects coming up in 2020 you can tell us about?

ROXY: Ladies Who Paint is going to be an annual event! This year, we opened it up for application to select artists. The application is open through the end of February and our 10 artists will be selected at the end of April. We will continue to bring more public art to East Village with 10 murals being installed during our 2020 mural festival (Oct. 18 to 24). We again will be selecting 10 artists from all over the world that come from different places with diverse styles and backgrounds.

For more information on all of Roxy and Phoebe’s upcoming projects, visit pandrdesignco. com, ladieswhopaint.org and drunkonlettering.com. @PACIFICSD FEBRUARY 2020

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PULSE | MOVIES

So you want to throw an Oscars party

Nominees for Best Picture

1917

Tips and tricks for an award-worthy event

BY SARA BUTLER

I

t’s the most wonderful time of the year — awards season. And on Feb. 9, film and fashion lovers are gifted the most coveted and glamorous event of them all: The Academy Awards. Not only are the Oscars a perfect opportunity to honor our favorite movies and gawk at beautiful gowns, they’re also a good excuse to plan an epic viewing party.

Ford v Ferrari

Here’s how to host an Oscars screening that your friends will be talking about for years.

Send the invites: For a high-profile event like the Oscars, skip a casual text and opt for an official invite. A physical version is preferred — the winners’ names are still read off of cards, after all — but if you’re short on time, send it via email. Be sure to include a blank ballot (there are plenty available for free online) so guests can cast their votes prior to their arrival.

Must-see watch list: If you watched every single feature film nominated for an Oscar, you’d be in front of a screen for nearly 70 hours — so prioritizing is necessary.

At the very least, ask guests to watch the nine films nominated for Best Picture before the big night.

The Irishman

Set the mood: Stick to a black, gold and red color scheme to achieve the ultimate Hollywood glam look. Stock up on themed decor like gold balloons, Walk of Fame star plates, film reel crepe streamers, and bulb string lights. And definitely don’t forget to roll out a red carpet, which you can buy online for as low as $10.

Rent on Amazon, iTunes or FandangoNow: Parasite, Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood, Joker and Jojo Rabbit (available Feb. 4) Stream on Netflix: The Irishman and Marriage Story Watch in theaters: 1917, Little Women and Ford v Ferrari 52

FEBRUARY 2020 @PACIFICSD

GETTY IMAGES

Dress to impress: Encourage guests to dress up as their favorite character, actor or director in a nominated film. Or if you want to spice up a traditional black tie, consider emulating a memorable red carpet look — there are endless photo galleries online to lend inspiration. Along with voting for Oscar categories, have attendees cast a ballot for their

Parting gifts: Did you know every directing and acting nominee in 2019 received a $100,000 gift bag?! While you can’t give everyone a swag bag on that level, make sure they take home some party favors like mini bottles of champagne, (plastic) gold award trophies, or Polaroid photos snapped throughout the evening.

Jojo Rabbit

Marriage Story

Alternative plans: If you don’t want to celebrate The Academy Awards at home (or don’t have a way to watch), head to an Oscars screening event in San Diego. Book a table for your crew at downtown’s Carté Hotel, where its Oscars “Best Dressed” rooftop viewing party will start at 3 p.m. The San Diego International Film Festival will also hold a black tie event at a private residence; details and tickets are available at sdfilmfest.com/awards-viewing-party.

OSCAR BUZZ

No party is complete without drinks!

Here are a few “golden” cocktail options, and how to make them.

Joker

Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood

Little Women

Parasite

favorite look in the room and give out an award for Best Dressed at the end of the night.

with activities throughout the evening. Along with keeping track of the winners, try playing Oscars bingo or a red carpet drinking game.

Get creative!

On the table: With so much happening, it’s best to avoid a sit-down dinner. Instead, whip up some finger foods like mini sandwiches, sausage rolls and quiches that can be enjoyed during commercial breaks or less interesting categories.

You also can’t go wrong with a cheese board or chips and dip — and of course, don’t forget the popcorn.

Play a game: The Academy Awards are famous for lasting nearly four hours — not including the red carpet — so keep your guests engaged

How to watch: Unfortunately, if you don’t have ABC, you can’t watch the awards ceremony for free at 5 p.m. But you can access it with online subscription services like Hulu Live, Sling TV and AT&T Now. If you and your friends are just there for the fashion, tune into E! Live from the Red Carpet at 2 p.m. The Academy will also live stream the official Oscars pre-show on Twitter, featuring exclusive interviews, interactive elements with social media users and more.

The Golden One: a raspberry lemon rose sparkling vodka drink. Muddle four raspberries in the bottom of mixing glass.

Add ice, 1.75 ounces of Reyka Vodka, 0.75 ounces of fresh lemon sour and 0.24 ounces of Combier Rose Liqueur. Cap, shake and strain into a chilled glass, then pour in 1 ounce of sparkling wine and 2 ounces of club soda. Garnish with a raspberry and gold flakes.

Golden Ticket: a honey lemon tequila cocktail. Combine 1.5 ounces of Milagro Reposado Tequila, 0.50 ounces of Montelobos Mezcal Joven, 1 ounce of honey syrup and 1 ounce of lemon juice. Shake and strain over ice cubes into highball glass. Add 2 dashes of bitters on top, and garnish with a lemon wedge.

Golden Holiday: a simple gin and tonic. Add ice to a glass, pour in 2 ounces of Hendrick’s Gin, then 4 ounces of tonic water. Garnish with golden dusted cranberry balls (make with gold flakes).

@PACIFICSD FEBRUARY 2020

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CHEF SPOTLIGHT

PROMOTION

GlassDoorRestaurant

Cesar Reyes

GlassDoor is a stylish restaurant, bar and lounge on the fourth floor of the Porto Vista Hotel in Little Italy. The restaurant offers diners stunning panoramic views of Little Italy and San Diego Bay with indoor, outdoor and balcony seating. Specializing in classic French-inspired dishes with a coastal twist and made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, GlassDoor’s seasonal menus are not only tasty, but socially conscious. They also offer fresh, handcrafted cocktails in addition to an extensive local craft beer and regional wine list. Whether you’re looking to grab a bite to eat before heading out on the town or planning a date night, GlassDoor offers something for all occasions. It’s elevated dining in every sense of the word.

GlassDoor’s new Executive Chef, Cesar Reyes, has been creating beautiful food at the Porto Vista’s signature restaurant.

An industry veteran, Reyes was trained under award-winning chefs like Joseph Elevado (Nobu), Geno Fontanoza (Katsuya) and Tyler Shipton (Borough), who helped him develop his craft.

Now, Reyes brings his expertise to GlassDoor with a seasonal menu that launches in February.

Enjoy the pan-seared salmon with seasonal farmer’s market vegetables in a carrot puree and red wine reduction, or the organic roasted beet salad with beet root gelatin, orange segments, candied walnuts and a citrus vinaigrette.

roasted beet salad

GLASSDOOR RESTAURANT PORTO VISTA HOTEL 1835 Columbia Street, San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 564-3755 portovistasd.com/eats

CHEF SPOTLIGHT

PROMOTION

GlassDoorRestaurant

Cesar Reyes

GlassDoor is a stylish restaurant, bar and lounge on the fourth floor of the Porto Vista Hotel in Little Italy. The restaurant offers diners stunning panoramic views of Little Italy and San Diego Bay with indoor, outdoor and balcony seating. Specializing in classic French-inspired dishes with a coastal twist and made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, GlassDoor’s seasonal menus are not only tasty, but socially conscious. They also offer fresh, handcrafted cocktails in addition to an extensive local craft beer and regional wine list. Whether you’re looking to grab a bite to eat before heading out on the town or planning a date night, GlassDoor offers something for all occasions. It’s elevated dining in every sense of the word.

GlassDoor’s new Executive Chef, Cesar Reyes, has been creating beautiful food at the Porto Vista’s signature restaurant.

An industry veteran, Reyes was trained under award-winning chefs like Joseph Elevado (Nobu), Geno Fontanoza (Katsuya) and Tyler Shipton (Borough), who helped him develop his craft.

Now, Reyes brings his expertise to GlassDoor with a seasonal menu that launches in February.

Enjoy the pan-seared salmon with seasonal farmer’s market vegetables in a carrot puree and red wine reduction, or the organic roasted beet salad with beet root gelatin, orange segments, candied walnuts and a citrus vinaigrette.

roasted beet salad

GLASSDOOR RESTAURANT PORTO VISTA HOTEL 1835 Columbia Street, San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 564-3755 portovistasd.com/eats

PULSE | C OV E R ST ORY

From Breakup

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to Bliss

After crushing breakup, Becca Kufrin pulls herself from reality TV wreckage to find a new on-screen match — and aims to help others find their Valentine in The Bachelor Live on Stage tour STORY BY KARLA PETERSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY K.C. ALFRED

S

he was the winner of the 22nd season of The Bachelor.

Until she wasn’t. She did not represent the best-case scenario for finding love on a reality TV show. Until she did.

In a glitzy, made-by-ABC-TV fairy tale, Becca Kufrin survived the worst on-screen breakup in Bachelor history and lived to meet the man of her real-world dreams when she starred in the 14th season of The Bachelorette. She knows all about the romantic powers of Champagne and roses, so it is no surprise that Kufrin has some very strong feelings about Valentine’s Day. They just might not be the ones you’d expect.

“My whole issue is with the Hallmark card idea of Valentine’s Day, with dinner at the expensive restaurant and all of the hoopla.

I like to make it more intimate,” said the 29-year-old Kufrin. “Last year, we made dinner, cracked open a bottle of Champagne and just had a date night in. You don’t need one big day to show someone you love them.”

The other half of Kufrin’s “we” is Garrett Yrigoyen, the man she picked as her Bachelorette winner in the summer of 2018. The man who is her fiancé and the PRETTY IN PINK: Becca Kufrin at Little Italy’s brunch hotspot, Morning Glory, wearing the Elsie slip dress

by Van De Vort, shopvandevort. com; Shannon necklace in 14K gold and Danielle hoop earrings, Kendra Scott, kendrascott.com.

Styling: Kristi Brooks; Hair and Makeup: Amanda Thorne (Thorne Artistry); Photographer’s Assistant: Denis Poroy

@PACIFICSD FEBRUARY 2020

57

PULSE | COVER STORY doting co-parent of their Corgi, Minno. The three of them live in Carlsbad, where they spend a lot of time socializing in the dog parks and eating at the Shorehouse Kitchen and Casa de Bandini.

The 30-year-old Yrigoyen is also the guy who captured Kufrin’s heart after it had been broken on live television. The heartbreaker was Arie Luyendyk Jr., who proposed to her at the end of The Bachelor, only to call off the engagement a few weeks later so he could pursue Lauren Burnham, the show’s runner-up.

The New York Times called the two-part live-TV meltdown “endless and painful,” and Kufrin doesn’t disagree. But less than two years later, she is vouching for the whole Bachelor experience on a stage near you.

ABOVE: Becca and her suitors on The Bachelorette compete in a football-themed challenge.

BOTTOM: Becca as The Bachelorette (peep her future fiancé Garrett, second row, far right).

WA RNER HORIZON

ABC PHOTOS

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CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP: Becca and Garrett on their “last-chance date” in the Maldives; Becca and Garrett with Chris Harrison, host of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette; Becca gives Garrett the final rose.

WA RNER HORIZON

ABC PHOTOS

For her latest gig, Kufrin is cohosting The Bachelor Live on Stage, a touring show that compresses the multiepisode Bachelor experience into one evening of on-stage matchmaking. The cross-country tour — which comes to the San Diego Civic Theatre on Feb. 27 and the Ace Hotel in Los Angeles on Feb. 28 — will feature games, challenges and lots of speed

dating. (To apply or nominate a friend to be the Bachelor or one of the Bachelorettes during The Bachelor Live on Stage, visit bachelorliveonstage.com/bachelor).

When it’s over, there will be a love match between the hometown bachelor and one of the eligible ladies from the audience. Or if not a forever match, at least an adventure to remember. @PACIFICSD FEBRUARY 2020

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PULSE | C OV E R ST ORY

THEY DO: Becca and Garret practice for their future wedding by posing in bridal-inspired clothing at the Porto Vista Hotel.

On Becca: Flora dress, The Dress Theory, thedresstheory. com; Ari necklace and Zorte hair clip, Kendra Scott, kendrascott. com. On Garrett: Astian suit, Hugo Boss, Irving shirt, Theory, bloomingdales.com; sneakers by Gola, golausa.com.

“Not many people can say they have been a part of this,” said Kufrin, who is co-hosting the tour with Bachelor Nation favorite Ben Higgins. “I would say to potential contestants, ‘Just embrace it as something unique and special.’ ” When it comes to romance, TV or otherwise, Becca Kufrin is a survivor with war stories to share and triumphs to savor. So in the words of the straight-talker herself, “Let’s do the damn thing.”

Best Date, Reality-TV Version

Thanks to The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, Kufrin and her gentlemen have picnicked in Tuscany, explored the Bahamas by sea plane and ridden a camel in Las Vegas. But the most fun she had on a TV date was during her first oneon-one adventure with Bachelorette runner-up Blake Horstmann.

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PULSE | C OV E R ST ORY

“

You don’t need one big day to show someone you love them.”

– Becca Kufrin on the topic of Valentine’s Day

IN BLOOM: Becca sips a cocktail at Morning Glory wearing the Super 8 Flutter mini dress from Zimmermann, zimmermannwear.com; Chet hat, Van De Vort, shopvandevort.com; Shannon necklace in 14K gold and Danielle hoop earrings, Kendra Scott, kendrascott.com.

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FEBRUARY 2020 @PACIFICSD

VALENTINE'S

DAY

SPECIAL

Friday, February 14th | $26 Per Couple Includes: Beverage Option (two fountain drinks OR small hot sake)

2 Bowls of Ramen 2 Mochi Ice Creams

no substitutions. additional toppings can be added at an additional charge.

North Park | Hillcrest | East Village | Convoy | Mercury

VISIT US!

TAJIMASANDIEGO.COM

" /TAJIMARESTAURANTS

! @TAJIMARESTAURANTS

PULSE | C OV E R ST ORY

BRUNCH READY: Becca wears the Celeste blouse, Samira pant and Chet hat, all by Van De Vort, shopvandevorte.com; Shannon necklace in 14K gold and Danielle hoop earrings, Kendra Scott, kendrascott.com

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FEBRUARY 2020 @PACIFICSD

It wasn’t fancy, but it sure was cathartic. Which made it perfect.

“We went into this big industrial space and we just broke things,” Kufrin said of the search-anddestroy encounter. “It was one of my favorite dates. It was just such a cool experience.”

Best Date, Real-Life Version

No cameras. No hoopla. No complaints. For Kufrin, the best, most-romantic date with Yrigoyen is no date at all. (But she would never say no to a nice cold beer and a warm oven mitt.)

“If I’m having a bad day or I’m stuck in traffic, I come home and the house has been cleaned up and he has a beer waiting for me in a bucket of ice. It’s nice to be wined and dined, but I just love to have him in the kitchen cooking with me, with the candles lit and some swing music playing. When I think of romance, it’s the little things that make me love Garrett more.”

But About That Breakup

Speaking of Garrett and cozy nights, Kufrin knows she would not be in the good place she’s in now without the bad place she was in the night The Bachelor Season 22 finale aired. It was not the outcome she envisioned, but it wasn’t the end, either.

“It was terrible. And seeing it for the first time with a live audience didn’t help,” Kufrin said. “When it went down, I was so shocked, I didn’t know how to process it. But what I learned going through the whole process with Arie and getting engaged is that I still wanted a partner and I still wanted kids someday. That made it easier to go on The Bachelorette and say what I wanted and what I didn’t want.”

A Toast To Sweats, And A No-Sweat Future

In addition to The Bachelor Live on Stage, Kufrin’s post-TV life includes launching B the Label, a line of soft, comfy loungewear that reflects Kufrin’s muchchronicled love of sweatpants. It also reflects her support of women’s causes. A percentage of the label’s

PINK LADY: Becca poses in the Elsie slip dress by Van De Vort, shopvandevort.com; Shannon necklace in 14K gold and Danielle hoop earrings, Kendra Scott, kendrascott.com; Derella slides by Jeffrey Campbell, nordstrom.com.

sales benefit WomenOne.org, a nonprofit dedicated to providing education to women and girls in need.

Kufrin might be wearing her adored sweatpants when she and

Yrigoyen celebrate this Valentine’s Day. She will be on the road with The Bachelor Live on Stage, and Yrigoyen will be keeping her company. She is hoping there will be time for sushi, which she loves.

She knows there will be time for the things she loves most.

“I don’t know what life will be like on this tour, but as long as I can cuddle with Garrett and Minno, I’ll be good.”

Shot on location at the Porto Vista Hotel, Piazza della Famiglia and Morning Glory in Little Italy; Special thanks to: Broadway San Diego, Little Italy Association of San Diego, Consortium Holdings, Olive Creative Strategies

@PACIFICSD FEBRUARY 2020

65

TASTE EAT | DRINK | PUFF

DINING OUT

BY JACKIE BRYANT

Romance, redefined

Who says Valentine’s Day has to be all about couples? There are plenty of fun things to do on February 14 that celebrate love in whatever form works for you Valentine’s Day is a weird holiday. For me, a pricklyon-the-outside person who secretly loves nothing more than being in love, any display of affection that seems performative, forced or rooted in anything other than absolute genuineness causes me to roll my eyes.

Aside from not loving heart-shaped everything and “romantic” prix-fixe menus, though, I also think Valentine’s Day misses the mark by focusing solely on romantic love. Not having a romantic partner on the arbitrary designation of any old February 14th shouldn’t be a reason to write off the day altogether.

Instead, I vote we celebrate Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to celebrate whatever love we have in our lives, be it coupled, familial, between friends, or, arguably the most important kind, love of ourselves.

Here are some things to do on Valentine’s Day that are guaranteed to be fun and celebratory, minus the cheese and definitely with no partner required.

GETTY IMAGES

Metl Bar & Restaurant

Gaslamp Quarter

On Valentine’s Day, the agave spirits and rock music-focused bar is holding a singles mingle. The “Love Your Neighbor” special is a buy-one-getone-free cocktail with Ilegal Mezcal ($1 of proceeds goes toward 350.org, an organization combating climate change). Five dollars will get drinkers a “Skrew my Ex” shot of Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey. Dinner purchase will net an included glass of Champagne or Miller High Life (the “Champagne of Beers”), live music by Josh Rosenblum and a raffle for prizes. metlsd.com

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ARLENE IBARRA

JOIN US FOR THE

IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

$6 DRAFT BEERS. $7 HOUSE WINES. $8 SIGNATURE COCKTAILS. + DISCOUNTED APPETIZERS, SALADS, PIZZAS & FLATBREADS

LA MESA

BAY PARK

LITTLE ITALY

8141 LA MESA BLVD. LA MESA, CA 91942

3055 CLAIREMONT DRIVE SAN DIEGO, CA 92117

550 DATE STREET, SUITE #A SAN DIEGO, CA 92101

MYFARMERSTABLE.COM | FOLLOW US! EQ FARMERSTABLESD

TAST E | DINING

The Rope Collective Chula Vista

In recent years there’s been a genuine upwelling of interest in kink, particularly in rope play (also known as the Japanese tradition of Shibari), which despite being sexual for some people also translates into performance art and other expressions of self and intimacy.

The Rope Collective, a San Diego-based group that hosts events and provides education on rope play, is hosting an Anti-Valentine’s Day workshop at Upright Citizen Studio that’s open to singles, friends and partnered people who want to learn the ropes (pun intended) of this particular kink. Those rolling solo or with friends can either take notes, self-tie or link up with other partners in attendance who may also be un-partnered. eventbee.com/event?eid=137783094#/tickets

IRENE LECHOWITZKY

Lakehouse Hotel & Resort / Lake San Marcos

Staycations need not be just for those with significant others. Lakehouse Hotel & Resort is, as the name suggests, a luxury lakefront hotel on Lake San Marcos with views for days, an outdoor pool, golf amenities, boat rentals and a short hop to all of the breweries and bars downtown San Marcos has to offer. The resort is offering its Valentine’s Day-themed special throughout February called “Treat Yourself at the Lake,” which costs $259 and includes overnight accommodations; a $100 dining credit to Decoy Dockside, the on-site restaurant; a bottle of rose on arrival and two pink rose sheet masks. Bring a friend or family member or indulge alone — there’s something deliciously decadent about dining solo and using both face masks yourself. lakehousehotelandresort.com

The Casbah / Midtown

The Rose / South Park

One of San Diego’s funkiest-in-a-good-way wine bars is The Rose. True to form, rather than holding a traditional Valentine’s Day special, the bar will instead be hosting its annual craft party, which is open to everyone and free to attend. “Servers hate it but everyone else loves it,” owner Chelsea Coleman told me via text. “There’s glitter, feathers and construction paper scraps everywhere at the end of the night. It’s a great, giant mess!”

Sounds like a great time to me. therosewinebar.com 68

FEBRUARY 2020 @PACIFICSD

ISIAH JONES

San Diego’s most legendary music venue throws a banger of a concert on Valentine’s Day. Headliner Chastity Belt, an indie all-woman foursome from Washington state, will be playing with Aussie threepiece, genre-hopping band Loose Tooth. Grab a $15 ticket, as well as a few friends, and rock out to distorted guitar and a girl group that perfectly melds ’90s grunge with early-2000s dance punk. casbahmusic.com

PROMOTION

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

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

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.

TAST E | DINING

Liuyishou Hot Pot / Kearny Mesa

Brand new to the Convoy District is Liuyishou Hot Pot, an upscale Chinese chain restaurant that originated in Chongqing, the epicenter of infamously spicy Sichuanese cuisine. Hot pot consists of simmering soup stock, either one flavor or up to three in Liuyishou’s case, placed in the center of the table until brought to a rolling boil. The classic broth includes beef tallow and Sichuan peppercorns, which are astringent and exceptionally hot, but delicious.

Other broths are more savory and don’t include spice at all. Perfect for groups, diners sit around the table and cook premium meats and vegetables in the stock before garnishing it with a wide variety of condiments, which are available in the restaurant’s sauce bar. liuyishouna.com

GINA FERAZZI

Blonde Bar / Mission Hills

This upmarket dive bar is best known for simple cocktails and nearly nightly live music, whether by DJ or musicians, spanning mainly dance/ electronic, art pop and rock genres. Blonde’s cover band nights typically draw big crowds that always end up in a full-on dance party. Their Valentine’s Day show should be no different: Three tribute bands will play sets of Strokes, Interpol and Yeah Yeah Yeahs songs, ensuring a little something for everyone on the indie rock spectrum. blondebarsd.com

Tuetano Taqueria / San Ysidro

There isn’t anything special, necessarily, going on at San Ysidro’s Tuetano Taqueria on Valentine’s Day. There doesn’t need to be, though, because Tijuana-native Priscilla Curiel’s beef birria tacos with a side of bone marrow are so sinfully decadent, to me, eating them is the very best way to give into any feelings of love, lust, obsession and adoration.

To kick it up a notch, be sure to order the quesabirria with fresh corn tortillas — her birria, which per tradition is cooked in its own juices for hours with a top-secret mix of spices, shines when served over cheese and heirloom corn tortillas and LA TIMES adorned with a healthy glop of piping hot bone marrow. But the best part? It’s almost impossible to share a taco. This one is best tackled on your own. facebook.com/tuetanotaqueria1

Cherry Bomb / Bankers Hill

RICK NOCON

The Smoking Gun / Gaslamp Quarter

Also bucking the trend of holding events just geared toward couples is The Smoking Gun, which is holding a singles night on Valentine’s Day from 9 to 11 p.m. Themed games and activities accompany a special cocktail menu with drinks made with Uncle Ed’s Damn Good Vodka. This one seems ideal for anyone going stag or, owing to the fact that this is one of the most fun bars in the Gaslamp with a more local crowd, a group of buddies. thesmokinggunsd.com 70

FEBRUARY 2020 @PACIFICSD

If, by the end of this article, nothing has inspired a celebratory attitude when it comes to Valentine’s Day, that’s OK. Like I said, it’s a weird day with a lot of heavy feelings and assumptions. For those who just want to get through the day and forget about it until next year, there’s certainly a case to be made for simply drowning one’s sorrows. That’s where the time-honored classic establishment, the dive bar, comes in. Arguably the grungiest watering hole in town, Cherry Bomb specializes in dirt-cheap giant shots of booze, which makes even the savviest of bargoers and workers wonder how the bar makes money on such margins. A rough-and-tumble crowd of bikers and friendly but grizzled locals ensures maximum fun and minimal romantic vibes. As a bonus, tamales made from scratch by Hijas del Maiz chef Lety McKenzie will also be on sale on that day.

(619) 544-1173 PHOTO CREDIT

PROMOTION

Hungry? Check out one of these noteworthy San Diego restaurants.

THE TACO STAND Inspired by the taco stands of Tijuana and many adventures along the Baja Peninsula, their authentic taco experience features handmade corn tortillas, grade A meats, and fresh ingredients used to make guacamole and salsas from scratch daily. Besides amazing tacos and burritos, they also have a great selection of Mexican flavored popsicles, refreshments, imported beer and freshly prepared Rosarito-style churros.

BLUE WATER SEAFOOD OCEAN BEACH Every day, Blue Water starts with the freshest fish they can get and carefully prepares it to enhance its flavor. Indulge in their dishes that are made to order with fresh and local seafood.

Pair your meal with a local craft beer and enjoy the view!

BUB’S AT THE BEACH In 1998, a young man (at least compared to now) set out to follow his dream to create the best and most successful bar and grill Pacific Beach had to offer. Instead, he created BUB’S. Good, fresh, homemade food is what they’ve been about since day one. Cold beer, cocktails and fun don’t hurt either. With its chill beach vibe and enthusiastic crowds, it’s no surprise BUB’S was voted one of the best places to catch a game by Yahoo! Travel. Visit their site for happy hour, brunch and daily specials.

La Jolla, North Park, Encinitas and Downtown San Diego (619) 546-0570 letstaco.com

5083 Santa Monica Ave., San Diego, CA 92107 (619) 255-8497 sdbluewater.com

1030 Garnet Ave., San Diego, CA 92109 (858) 270-7269 bubspb.com

BO-BEAU KITCHEN + BAR

COASTER SALOON

C LEVEL LOUNGE

Located in the heart of Mission Beach across from the Belmont Park Rollercoaster, Coaster Saloon offers delicious food, tasty brews and good times. Enjoy Chef Tim Eylens’ BBQ-driven menu featuring classic Texas-style comfort food including Beef Brisket, Baby Back Pork Ribs and the Best Mac & Cheese. The full bar offers a selection of craft cocktails and over 30 beers on tap. Both indoor and patio seating is available along with a foosball table, cornhole and 15+ TVs. Coaster Saloon is open for lunch and dinner daily and brunch on Saturday and Sunday.

Visit one of San Diego’s premier waterfront dining destinations. Located on Harbor Island, next door to sister steakhouse Island Prime, C Level Lounge offers a delicious bistro style menu and breathtaking bay views. Celebrated Chef Deborah Scott’s menu features Lobster Bisque, Seared Ahi Stack, Steak Frites and the famous Lobster Mac n’ Cheese. Guests can enjoy outdoor seating on the covered lanai and patio overlooking the city skyline and Coronado Bridge. C Level is open for lunch and dinner daily and accepts reservations.

744 Ventura Place, San Diego, CA 92109 (858) 488-4438 thecoastersaloon.com

880 Harbor Island Dr., San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 298-6802 islandprime.com

Rustic charm meets bohemian chic in this endearing neighborhood eatery located in the heart of Ocean Beach. BO-beau kitchen + bar showcases a delicious French-Cal menu with favorites such as the famous Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Moules Marinieres and Steak Frites.

Enjoy delicious craft cocktails at the quaint bar or dine out on the intimate patio featuring a wood burning fireplace.

4996 W. Point Loma Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107 (619) 224-2884 bobeaukitchen.com

PROMOTION

[PA C I F I C

E AT S

]

SHABU WORKS

MIKAMI REVOLVING SUSHI

DEL’S HIDEOUT

Shabu Works is San Diego’s premier all you can eat shabu-shabu restaurant, a traditional Japanese hot pot style dining, with thin slices of tender meat and fresh vegetables, cooked in an open pot. They serve premium grade USDA Choice Wagyu Beef, Grass-fed Australian Lamb, plus other quality proteins, seafood, and seasonal vegetables, all of which are perfectly complemented by daily made-from-scratch broth. Enjoy freshly brewed teas, 50 + soft drinks and snow shaved ice station.

Mikami’s vision is to bring a new revolving sushi restaurant and bar to San Diego featuring a conveyer belt spinning sushi dishes past booths. There is also a bar with sake, wine and beer.

9841 Mira Mesa Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92131 (858) 231-5952 shabuworks.com

7319 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego, CA 92111 (858) 278-2166 mikamisd.com

This family-friendly neighborhood eatery in the Del Cerro/Allied Gardens community offers delicious food and a fun atmosphere. Enjoy Chef Tim Eylens’ BBQ-driven menu featuring classic Texas-style comfort food like brisket sandwiches and mac & cheese, alongside nutritious salads and bowls. Both indoor and patio seating is available along with a small arcade area and a children’s activity zone. The full bar offers craft cocktails, an impressive wine list and over 30 beers on tap. Enjoy complimentary self-serve ice cream cones after your meal.

PREP KITCHEN

MONGOLIAN HOT POT

SEA180˚ COASTAL TAVERN

Their season menus are inspired by fresh, high quality, organic, often local ingredients. They incorporate American classic traditions with relevant, modern preparations. The Chefs and culinary teams have come together from James Beard Award Winning, AAA Five Diamond, Five-Star, Best Restaurant backgrounds to form a collection of creative and inventive dishes.

Equally talented, the mixology team has handcrafted some of the most exciting spirits, cocktails, wines and beers to complete your experience.

Family owned and operated, Mongolian Hot Pot is a fun and interactive dining experience dedicated to serving authentic Chinese fare and offering superb service. Family style hot pots include their signature broth bases, original and spicy, made with Chinese herbs and spices, plus quality ingredients including protein, seafood, vegetables and fresh handmade noodles. Save room for the Yam Mochi with Red Bean Filling. Visit their website for weekday lunch and happy hour specials.

Located in the Pier South Resort in Imperial Beach, SEA180 Coastal Tavern offers delicious cuisine and oceanfront dining. Enjoy fresh seafood favorites such as the Clam Chowder and Shrimp Scampi or the SEA180 Cheeseburger and Braised Short Rib. Enjoy breakfast at the beach and try the famous Bloody Mary. SEA180 is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.

Little Italy, Del Mar, La Jolla, San Marcos prepkitchen.com

4718 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92117 (858) 274-204 mongolianhotpot.com

5351 Adobe Falls Rd., San Diego, CA 92120 (619) 255-8175 delshideout.com

800 Seacoast Dr., Imperial Beach, CA 91932 (619) 631-4949 sea180.com

[PA C I F I C

BULL & BOURBON AT SYCUAN Bull & Bourbon is a cut above other steakhouses – literally. Their innovative approach to classic steakhouse cuisine makes for a multi-sensory experience. Because they source local coastal California seafood, use steaks cut from an in-house butcher program, and choose select cuts from their on-site aging room, they always start with top-quality ingredients to create mouthwatering dishes.

5469 Casino Way El Cajon, CA 92019 (619) 659-3374 bullandbourbon.com

333 PACIFIC Located just across from the historic Oceanside Pier, 333 Pacific is the premier oceanfront dining destination for North County. The modern California menu showcases signature steaks and seafood specialties, with favorites including the Sashimi Grade Ahi Stack and the 333 Filet Trio. The main dining room offers 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean while the outdoor patio puts you just steps from the boardwalk. The bar and lounge features an extensive wine list, delicious craft cocktails and more than 100 vodkas from around the world.

333 N. Pacific St., Oceanside, CA 92054 (760) 433-3333 333pacific.com

E AT S

PROMOTION

]

GLASSDOOR

THE BLIND BURRO

Porto Vista’s GlassDoor restaurant is a stylish lounge and bar located on the fourth floor, giving diners stunning, panoramic views of Little Italy and the bay. GlassDoor is elevated dining, in every sense of the word and it specializes in taking classic French-inspired dishes and adding a costal twist. Made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, the seasonal menus created by Executive Chef, Cesar Reyes, are not only tasty, but socially conscious. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails or a drink from their local craft beer and regional wine list.

The Blind Burro is a Mexican eatery and bar that specializes in Baja-style coastal cuisine and cocktails located steps away from Petco Park. In addition to classic Mexican fare, you can find standout items like Executive Chef Todd Nash’s Baja “Ramen,” a tasty homage to the Japanese dish with all of the south-of-theborder influence that San Diego has to offer.

1835 Columbia Street, San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 544-0164 portovistasd.com

639 J St., San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 795-7880 theblindburro.com

Want to be part of

Email: lifescool@pacificsandiego.com

TAST E | BE E R

Take it from the Tap

A monthly taste of beer from here

BY PETER ROWE

BEERS FOR BAE Go: Nason’s Beer Hall, 570 J St., Gaslamp Lo(cation): If you’re planning a romantic staycation, consider the Pendry.

Not only is this one of San Diego’s swankiest hotels, it is home to several well-regarded restaurants (Provisional, Lionfish), a cocktail bar (Fifth & Rose) and this beer hall.

Know: Nason’s tap lineup leans heavily toward San Diego brews, with recent offerings from Fall, Mother Earth, Belching Beaver, Duck Foot, Stone, Karl Strauss and other craft beer all-stars.

Pro tip: Bumble, the dating app, is hosting a “Swipe Right for a Valentine” party here on Feb. 13 from 7 to 10 p.m. Expect a DJ, conversation starters, a photo booth, plus food and drink specials. Check eventbrite. com for more details. pendry.com/san-diego

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SHAKE IT Beer: Beer Geek Vanilla Shake From: Mikkeller Brewing San Diego Why: Even before opening his San Diego brewery in 2016, Danish brewer Mikkel Borg Bjergsø was renowned for his Beer Geek Breakfast beers, a line of imperial stouts. The vanilla shake edition is sweet and creamy, with a hop nip keeping it from getting too sticky.

This is a strong beer, so enjoy with someone you love and trust.

Geek out: 13 percent alcohol by volume.

Seek out: 16-ounce cans are available at some of the area’s better bottle shops, while Vanilla Shake has been on tap at Mikkeller’s tap rooms in Little Italy (2021 India St.) and Miramar (9366 Cabot Drive). mikkellersd.com

you had me at SAN DIEGO’S BRUNCH DIRECTORY

brunch!

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

OLD TOWN COSMOPOLITAN HOTEL & RESTAURANT

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

Additional kids, $5.95. ...............................................................................................................................................................................................

HORNBLOWER CRUISES & EVENTS (buffet style) 1800 N. Harbor Drive 619.686.8700 | hornblower.com 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. ...............................................................................................................................................................................................

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 $31.95 and regular pricing is $36.95 (per adult). Children ages 4-10 are $18.95.

TO ADVERTISE IN THE BRUNCH DIRECTORY, EMAIL LIFESCOOL@PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM

GROOVE MUSIC | NIGHTLIFE

SOUND DECISIONS

BY SCOTT MCDONALD

2.25

Flor de Toloache

Casbah, casbahmusic.com The Grammy-winning, all-female mariachi group returns to San Diego as a headliner after multiple recent trips as a support act. The latest album, Indestructible, was released last year and features appearances from the likes of John Legend, Miguel, Alex Cuba and more.

PHOTO CREDIT

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G ROOVE

Sound Decisions February concert calendar

BY SCOTT MCDONALD

2.3

DERMOT KENNEDY

Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, as.sdsu.edu/calcoast No, that’s not a typo. The Irish singer-songwriter is playing an outdoor venue here in February. Kennedy’s debut album, Without Fear, was released last October and he is currently on a North American tour of the same name. Fans in San Diego, which seems to be hosting the only roofless stop on this run, should be able to buy tickets to this show without fear — that is, as long as they have a really warm jacket.

ALLEN J. SCHABEN

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2.4 THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS

Observatory North Park observatorysd.com The long-running Canadian indie rock collective, which boasts crooner Neko Case as a member, released its eighth studio album, In the Morse Code of Brake Lights, last September.

It is the band’s second album without founding singer-songwriter Dan Bejar, but does feature one track (Need Some Giants) co-written by Bejar and bandleader A. C. Newman.

2.5 CAIFANES

House of Blues, houseofblues.com/sandiego After a 16-year hiatus, the Rock-en-Español godfathers reunited in 2011 for an appearance at Coachella. Four of the five original band members have performed together since, and the influential Mexico City group celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2017. Last year, Caifanes released a new single, Heridos, its first new song in 25 years.

2.5 ATMOSPHERE

Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com Veteran Minneapolis-based hip-hop duo Slug (rapper Sean Daley) and Ant (DJ/producer Anthony Davis) really do love the Observatory! Returning to the venue nearly one year from last playing there (and for the umpteenth time), the pair circles back with the new album, Whenever. The 12-song collection is their 10th together and features appearances from Murs, Gifted Gab, Nikki Jean and more.

2.8

Wynonna

Magnolia Performing Arts Center magnoliasandiego.com Although the country superstar released her eighth studio album, Wynonna & The Big Noise, in 2016, it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that she hasn’t released any new material since. The album, which featured collaborations with Susan Tedeschi, Jason Isbell and Derek Trucks, was her first collection of original material since 2003’s What the World Needs Now Is Love. @PACIFICSD FEBRUARY 2020

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G RO OV E | S OU ND DE C I S I ON S

2.8 GARZA

Music Box, musicboxsd.com It’s tour kickoff time! Garza, aka Rob Garza — half of electro-chill duo Thievery Corporation, will start his 16-date Where The Moon Hides run with an inaugural show in San Diego. The new tour is in celebration of Garza’s debut fivetrack EP with the same name, which was released in November.

2.8 TOBYMAC

Pechanga Arena pechangaarenasd.com What do you do if you love hip-hop but are worried that its questionable lyrics are going to taint your soul?

Well, you listen to multipleGrammywinning rapper/singer TobyMac, of course. The former member of Christian trio DC Talk has cranked out solo gospelrap records since 2001. His latest, last year’s The St. Nemele Collab Sessions, finds the artist (born Kevin McKeehan) joining forces with other Christian performers to remake songs from his 2018 eighth studio album, The Elements.

2.11

Sinead O’Connor

Belly Up, bellyup.com The Irish singer-songwriter of Nothing Compares 2 U fame changed her name to Shuhada Sadaqat when she converted to Islam in 2018, but still performs and records under the one she was given at birth. Sadaqat hasn’t released an album since 2014, but continues to be a draw, selling out shows, like this one, around the globe.

2.11 & 2.12 DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL

DONAL MALONEY

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Observatory North Park observatorysd.com Although he now looks like he plays mandolin for Mumford and Sons, everyone’s favorite emo poster boy Chris Carrabba returns to San Diego for a two-night stand. Last month’s 20-song The Best Ones of the Best Ones is the first greatest hits collection for Dashboard Confessional and includes fan favorites like Stolen, Hands Down, Vindicated and Screaming Infidelities.

2.13

Murder by Death

Belly Up, bellyup.com The Indiana-bred indie rock/folk act released its eighth studio album, The Other Shore, in 2018, but hits the road this year to celebrate its 20th anniversary. While new music is said to be on the horizon, the band did drop two remixes of its latest single, Bloom, in 2019.

2.21 THE FROGS

Soda Bar, sodabarmusic.com Jimmy Flemion, along with his older brother Dennis, founded the controversial alt rock act in 1980. But after Dennis’ tragic death in 2012, the band has been on hiatus. Now with singer/songwriter Evan Dando (of Lemonheads fame) on board, Flemion is giving new life to the songs that made fans out of everyone from Billy Corgan and Sebastian Bach to Eddie Vedder and Beck.

2.15 BEETHOVEN VS. COLDPLAY

Jacobs Music Center at Copley Symphony Hall, sandiegosymphony.org Let’s face it — if Beethoven and Coldplay were to really square off, the chart-topping English quintet would be the victors. After all, it’d be five against one, and Beethoven didn’t know jiujitsu. But in this case, it’s just composer/conductor Steve Hackman mashing up Beethoven’s Eroica with Coldplay lyrics as part of the Symphony’s ongoing celebration of the iconic composer’s 250th birthday celebration.

2.19 LYLE LOVETT AND HIS ACOUSTIC GROUP

California Center for the Arts artcenter.org The multiple-Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and horse enthusiast was just here last year with his Large Band. He returns once again with his Acoustic Group.

Pretty sure it’s not as big, but don’t hold that against them.

2.21 MIRANDA LAMBERT

Viejas Arena, viejasarena.com The multiaward-winning country music superstar released her seventh studio album, Wildcard, last November. It features a duet with fellow country siren Maren Morris on the track Way Too Pretty for Prison, and another song from the album, It All Comes Out in the Wash, was nominated for a Best Country Song Grammy.

TIMOTHY KURATEK

2.22 DJ QUIK + THA DOGG POUND

House of Blues, houseofblues.com/sandiego DJ Quik, aka rapper and producer David Blake, has made a habit of coming through San Diego with a long list of fellow iconic hip-hoppers in tow. Recent trips have included shows with Warren G, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, and most recently, Scarface. He keeps the tradition alive with this new show featuring an appearance from the West Coast duo of Kurupt and Daz Dillinger. @PACIFICSD FEBRUARY 2020

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G RO OV E | SOUND DECISIONS 2.26 LOWER DENS

Soda Bar sodabarmusic.com Still fronted by dynamic singer Jana Hunter, the Maryland-bred indiepop duo released their fourth studio album, The Competition, last fall. It’s highlighted by the scathing political satire of lead single, Young Republicans, and finds the band at its most dance-y so far.

2.28 DR. DOG

Observatory North Park observatorysd.com The Philadelphia-based rock quintet heads back to the Observatory after last playing there two years ago.

Last year, the band released the Critical 7”, two songs taken from the sessions for its 2018 album of the same name.

2.28 THE STRUTS

SOMA, somasandiego.com Perennial local radio station “special show” participants, the English rock quartet returns to San Diego for a big headlining show of its own. While the band hasn’t released an album since 2018’s sophomore effort, Young & Dangerous, there have been two nonalbum singles, Dancing In the Street and Pegasus Seiya.

2.29 SUDAN ARCHIVES

Casbah, casbahmusic.com Sudan Archives, aka Cincinnati-bred, L.A.-based singer, songwriter and violinist Brittney Parks, released her debut fulllength studio album, Athena, last November. It comes on the heels of a pair of critically acclaimed EPs, 2017’s self titled and 2018’s Sink, released on Stones Throw Records.

2.29

SOB x RBE

SOMA, somasandiego.com An acronym for Strictly Only Brothers x Real Boi Entertainment, Bay Areabased hip-hop trio SOB x RBE released its third studio album, Family Not a Group (a collaborative album with fellow Cali rapper Hit-Boy), last year.

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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

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POSEIDONRESTAURANT.COM

ANTHONY’s

FISH GROTTO Beautiful & Unique Setting SD’s Favorite Seafood Dog-friendly OutdoorDining, Play Area, & Doggie Menu

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G RO OV E | LOCAL BAND SPOTLIGHT

The holy rise of Thee Sacred Souls

Soul trio reflects on drawing inspiration from obscure bands, committing to analog and achieving early success

BY SARA BUTLER

U

sually, it takes a band years to earn things like sold-out shows and record deals. But San Diego-based soul trio Thee Sacred Souls accomplished all that in less than a year.

It all began with 23-year-olds Alex Garcia (drums) and Sal Samano (bass). They both grew up in Chula Vista, surrounded by Chicano Soul music, piles of records and lowrider culture.

In 2018, Samano and Garcia formed an oldies band and started writing instrumentals.

But without a knack for lyrics, or a dedicated vocalist, they weren’t sure what to do with the half-finished material.

A few months later, Garcia stumbled upon Josh Lane — and his magical voice — on Instagram. Lane, a 29-year-old City Heights resident, moved from Sacramento in 2017 after studying music in college. The melody master had “been writing songs forever,” but was having trouble finding his place on the San Diego scene as a solo artist.

Garcia and Lane began messaging on Instagram, then eventually set up a date to jam at Garcia’s house with Samano. From Day 1, they knew it was a good match.

“When Josh came in, it made things a lot easier, because now there was a vision, you know, he wrote a song on the spot,” Garcia said, referencing the band’s first single, Can I Call You Rose.

The trio formally established Thee Sacred Souls in April 2019, and began performing small gigs in Los Angeles, Riverside and San Diego.

About a month in, Thee Sacred Souls was offered something most new bands only dream about: 84

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LAUREN WILSON

Thee Sacred Souls members from left, drummer Alex Garcia, bassist Sal Samano and vocalist Josh Lane.

a record deal.

Producer Gabe Roth (aka Bosco Mann) caught one of Thee Sacred Souls’ first gigs up in Fullerton and liked what he saw, signing the group to Daptone Records. Now, the band regularly travels to Riverside to record a collection of original songs on vinyl.

Then in November 2019, Thee Sacred Souls was asked — a mere two days before the show — to open for Mac Ayres, a popular indie artist playing a sold-out show at Music Box. “Honestly (it was) probably one of the best audiences I’ve experienced … It felt like we

were playing to a crowd that wanted to see us,” Samano said.

In addition to the crowd’s positive response, Thee Sacred Souls received the Mac Ayres stamp of approval. The singer and his bass player told the group that Thee Sacred Souls was their favorite opener to date, and to keep them posted when the band releases its first single.

Despite its growing popularity, you can’t listen to Thee Sacred Souls on Spotify — or anywhere.

Unlike many local bands independently releasing material online, Thee Sacred Souls is working on recording analog with its record label, which is a

slower and more complicated process.

Though they understand the delay is frustrating for the fans — the band gets a lot of Instagram messages asking when the music will be available — debuting on vinyl first is important to the musicians. The band members have a long history with the analog format; they bond by listening to their favorite records together, and enjoy the ritualistic element it takes

to listen to a vinyl.

Many of the band’s fans are “collectors,” music lovers deeply ingrained in the vinyl record culture, who appreciate that process and support Thee Sacred Souls’ decision. However, the soul trio understands that we live in a digital culture, and acknowledge the music will be available on streaming services eventually.

But for now, if you want to listen to Thee

Sacred Souls, head to a show to hear it live. In 2020 alone, the band has already performed at the Casbah with The Sure Fire Soul Ensemble, as well as completed a Monday night January residency at Soda Bar. While there are no shows on the books for February yet, Samano said that many of the gigs are booked last minute, so follow the group on Instagram (@theesacredsouls) to stay in the loop.

LAUREN WILSON

While there are only three official band members, Thee Sacred Souls invites friends to the stage for shows including Ray Castro (guitar), Riley Dunn (keyboard) and Jensine Benitez (background vocals).

Melting pot of music: The band’s original focus was on rare Chicano Soul music from lowrider culture. But once Lane joined the project, its sound was swayed by his own influences, including what he calls “the trinity of soul — Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin and Al Green,” as well as his love of alternative indie and traditional folk. The blend of backgrounds has resulted in a traditional Chicano Soul band with a modern twist.

Home sweet home: When they aren’t recording in Riverside or performing on Southern California stages, you can find the band members practicing new songs at Garcia’s home studio in Chula Vista, which gives the trio a comfortable place to experiment without the stresses of reserving a room or paying for time. “Having this space really helps us write and throw ideas out,” Garcia said.

Thee story behind the name: The “Thee” in the band’s catchy name actually pays homage to its inspirations: obscure soul acts of the 1960s — like rock band Thee Midniters — who they think didn’t really have the chance to share their music with a wider audience. As for Sacred Souls? Years back, Samano’s father had the idea for a 45s collectors group called Sacred Souls Club. But that project never came to fruition, so he gifted the new band with the name — and it stuck.

Take time to sing the roses: Remember that song Lane wrote on the spot in the band’s first session? Turns out the lyrics were inspired by a woven blanket with a rose hung up on the home studio wall, and it was meant to be a placeholder song until Lane could work out the melody. But it ended up becoming Thee Sacred Soul’s first official song, Can I Call You Rose, which is now one of the few audio snippets fans can listen to on Instagram.

Want to be featured in PACIFIC’s Local Band Spotlight? Email sara@pacificsandiego.com.

@PACIFICSD FEBRUARY 2020

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G RO OV E

Spin Cycle

February EDM +DJ performances

BY SCOTT MCDONALD

2.29

Maya Jane Coles

Spin, spinnightclub.com This superb, heavy-hitting house DJ has been here to play events like Groundwater at Petco Park and the CRSSD Festival, but it’s been awhile since she was in town to just do a show of her own.

Last Year, Coles released her latest LP, Full Circle, as Nocturnal Sunshine. Highly recommended.

2.1 COM TRUISE

Bang Bang, bangbangsd.com Last year, New York-bred, L.A.-based DJ/producer Seth Haley (aka Com Truise) played a show at the Music Box in Little Italy. He returns to the cozier confines of Bang Bang, still promoting his fifth EP, the nine-track Persuasion System.

In December, he released remixes for the album’s title track done by Danish DJ Anastasia Kristensen.

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2.1 MARK SIXMA

Spin, spinnightclub.com Dutch trance DJ and producer Mark Sixma had an incredibly busy 2019.

In addition to his new The World of Six EP, Sixma released a new single, The Bass, as well as remixes for three songs from the EP and a handful of older tracks. In January, he paired with M6 for the KhoMha remix of Fade 2 Black.

2.5 ARMIN VAN BUUREN

SOMA, somasandiego.com For his latest San Diego stop, the veteran Dutch DJ, co-founder of Armada Music, radio host, and Grammy nominee gets out of the clubs and into the big room at SOMA. Last year, van Buuren released his seventh studio album, the massive 28-track Balance, which features guest appearances from the likes of Above & Beyond, BT, Ne-Yo, Sam Martin, Luke Bond, Matluck, HALIENE and more.

2.7 TRITONAL

OMNIA omnianightclub.com Texas-based DJ/producer duo Tritonal (aka David Reed and Chad Cisneros) made their real breakthrough partnering with The Chainsmokers on the 2015 hit single, Until You Were Gone. Last summer, the pair released their third fulllength studio album, U & Me, featuring Sultan + Shepard, Rachel Platten, Apek and more.

2.8 JAUZ

Observatory North Park observatorysd.com You have to love seeing DJs getting their own headlining shows in big rooms. L.A.based DJ and producer Jauz (aka Sam Vogel) is as deserving of the upgrade as anyone, having successfully remixed Marshmello, deadmau5, Calvin Harris, Porter Robinson, DJ Snake, Ed Sheeran and more. Vogel’s latest single, January’s Bring Em Back with TYNAN, comes from his just-released new EP, Dangerous Waters.

2.15 PARTY FAVOR

OMNIA omnianightclub.com L.A.-based DJ Dylan Ragland (aka Party Favor) is such a San Diego regular, it’s a bit surprising that he waited this long into 2020 to make his first appearance. He’ll help cure any Valentine hangovers by playing cuts

2.27 HIPPIE SABOTAGE

from his 2019 debut, fulllength album, Layers. The 11-track collection finds Ragland collaborating with the likes of A$AP Ferg, Rich The Kid, Juicy J and more.

2.16 STEVE AOKI

OMNIA omnianightclub.com Aoki, another San Diego and OMNIA regular, was just here in December. The founder of Dim Mak Records, Grammy-nominated DJ, and entrepreneur makes a quick return while waiting on the official release of his sixth full-length collection, Neon Future IV. He’s been talking about it for a year, and a 10-track playlist featuring collaborations with everyone from Backstreet Boys to South Korean boy band Monsta X has been confirmed, so it should be on its way soon.

2.16 LED ANNIVERSARY

Pechanga Arena pechangaarenasd.com After back-to-back years featuring acts like Madeon, RL Grime, Brohug, 4B and Malaa at this annual event, LED ups the ante with its ninth anniversary show.

The latest 18+, 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. blowout features

Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com CA-based sibling DJ and production duo Hippie Sabotage (aka Kevin and Jeff Saurer) are perhaps best known for remixing Swedish crooner Tove Lo’s breakthrough hit, Habits (Stay High).

But it’s not like that’s the only thing they’re known for, either.

Their 2016 hit Devil Eyes has well over 100 million views on YouTube and the pair released 10 new singles last year alone.

Boombox Cartel (L.A.-based DJ Americo Garcia), Deorro (L.A.-based DJ and producer Erick Orrosquieta), San Holo (Dutch DJ Sander van Dijck), Joyryde (English DJ/producer John Ford) and more.

2.21 BINGO PLAYERS

OMNIA omnianightclub.com Originally a duo, Dutch DJ/producer Maarten Hoogstraten continues to perform under the moniker he once shared with former collaborator/co-founder of Hysteria Records, Paul Baumer. Since Baumer’s death in 2013, Hoogstraten has remixed Charlie Puth, Laidback Luke, Gorgon City, Hardwell and Camille Jones among others. Hoogstraten also has released more than a dozen original singles of his own.

2.22 SPAG HEDDY

Bassmnt, bassmntsd.com Back at Bassmnt, Dutch-

born, Spain-based DJ Mischa Reining spent the end of last year teaming with L.A.-based DJ/ producer Dubloadz on the single, Blood of the Weak, as well as releasing one of his own, December’s Oh My! (VIP).

2.28 RIOT TEN

House of Blues houseofblues.com/ sandiego Texas-based dubstep/ hardtrap DJ and producer Chris Wilson (aka Riot Ten) returns to San Diego after releasing a pair of EPs (Hype Or Die: Genesis (Remixes) and Hype Or Die: Sun City), as well as a full-length album — September’s 10-track Hype Or Die: Nightmares.

With that much new music, he’d certainly be able to carry the night by himself.

But fellow DJs G-Rex, Jessica Audiffred, Sharps and Throwdown are coming along anyway. @PACIFICSD FEBRUARY 2020

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LOVE | BL I N D DAT E

Cryo Me a River

Daters freeze up at a luxury spa

O

BY JENNIFER IANNI

nce upon a time (1998, to be exact), a pop princess named Britney Spears burst onto the scene with her infectious debut single, …Baby One More Time.

In it, she sings, “My loneliness is killing me; I must confess, I still believe.”

In the spirit of these lyrics, PACIFIC set up two singles who might be feeling lonely, but still believe in finding their chance at love — just in time for Valentine’s Day. On paper, this month’s daters, Josh, 34, and Mateo, 39, have a decent amount in common: They 88

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PHOTOS BY MISAEL VIRGEN

MATCHMAKING BY COLLEEN PERONE

both live in East Village. They’re both young, single, working professionals (a realtor and a registered nurse, respectively). And, as we’ll later find out, they’re both fans of Britney Spears.

But is all this commonality enough to spark a romance?

Josh and Mateo have just met in an Epic Limo that will take them up to La Jolla for an evening of pampering at a luxury spa, followed by dinner at a Hillcrest hot spot.

Before we find out whether these two are going to get Lucky or if this whole thing is Toxic, let’s get to know them better via their predate interviews.

adero’s

PACIFIC HIGHLANDS DENTISTRY AND ORTHODONTICS

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NOW OPEN

13490 PACIFIC HIGHLANDS R ANCH PKWY, SAN DIEG O, CA 92130 | PHRVILL AGE.COM @T HEVILL AG E AT PHR FOLLOW US THE VILL AGE AT PACIFIC HIGHLANDS R ANCH

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"

LOVE | BLIND DATE Where are you from and where do you live now?

JOSH: Originally from Maryland and now I live in Makers Quarter.

MATEO: I was born in Phoenix, Ariz., and raised in New Mexico.

How old are you?

JOSH: 34.

MATEO: I’m 39 years old.

What do you do for a living?

JOSH: Realtor and full-time grad student, along with stints on a board for a nonprofit and a member of many local organizations.

MATEO: I’m a registered nurse.

What’s your Instagram handle?

JOSH: @JPolancoRealtor.

MATEO: I don’t have an Instagram account.

on my short-term focus.

Unfortunately, I think mobile devices have made it so easy to disconnect and distract yourself.

“Oh look, a squirrel!”

MATEO: I suck at sports … and giving a damn.

JOSH: #GoodVibes.

MATEO: I don’t tweet.

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

JOSH: 7.69.

MATEO: Again, I’ll leave that for my date to rate my appearance.

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

JOSH: I hate labeling — I have lots of tastes and many times it comes down to the connection and chemistry. I like stability, authenticity and drive. Physically, dark features get me going…

MATEO: I’m looking for an easygoing time, not an interviewtype situation. But I guess that’s how many first dates are. Getting to know the other person.

Physically, I like a man looking like a man.

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

JOSH: 12+extra.

MATEO: My personality on a scale of 1 to 10 is a 10. I’m awesome. My mom says so.

What are you best at?

JOSH: I love connecting with others. I like tearing away the superficial, the walls and listening/ sharing stories.

MATEO: I am best at sarcasm.

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

JOSH: I want to enjoy life and make sure those around me are doing the same. I’m easygoing, a good listener and all about experience. If you’re not having a good time, why are you doing it?

Putting yourself through that?

MATEO: I’ll leave that up for my date to decide. I can only be me and see how the other person takes it.

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

JOSH: Selfishness, towards me or to others. I can’t stand watching people beat each other up for self-pleasure, gain or lack of selfconfidence. It shows an absence of judgement and class.

MATEO: A Trump supporter!

What do you suck at?

JOSH: I really need to work

Describe your special brand of sex appeal in a Tweet.

How long have you been single?

JOSH: A little over a year now.

Every relationship is a learning and growing experience in love.

MATEO: I’ve been single for eight years now.

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

JOSH: Nada. I’m more of the organic type.

MATEO: I’m currently on Scruff and Grindr.

Where can you be found on the weekends?

JOSH: Out and about with my St. Bernard, yoga or Barry’s class.

I frequent Spin (nightclub) for Burning Man fundraisers and DJ sets. Most weekends have work involved either with showings or at my office in Bankers Hill.

MATEO: Weekends don’t mean anything to me. I work weekends, holidays. So when I have a day off, THAT’S my weekend. But my happy place is Urban Mo’s.

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What’s your cocktail of choice?

JOSH: I’ve been on a gin kick; it could be just some Hendrick’s and an extra-squeezed lemon over crushed ice.

MATEO: Vodka and club soda is my drink of choice. Trying to cut back on calories.

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

JOSH: Approachable and openminded.

MATEO: I want my date to be charming and funny. Like Ryan

Reynolds. Not like I could ever get a guy like that, but I can dream.

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

JOSH: Only one way to find out!

MATEO: I am completely open to how the night could end. I’ve been known to cross that finish line on a first date. I’m not a prude.

The biggest takeaway from the pre-date interview is that Mateo doesn’t have Instagram (gasp!).

In fact, Mateo prides himself on being a bit stuck in the ’90s (aside from being on modern dating apps like Grindr and Scruff). He says he doesn’t even have Internet in his home.

Mateo has those dark features that Josh says really get him going.

Plus, Josh wants his date to be “open-minded.” Lucky for him, Mateo boasts that he’s no prude (guess you can say he’s not that innocent).

Josh also says he’ll be a good dater because he’s “easygoing” — the same word Mateo used to describe what he’s looking for in a date.

Could these two be on the road to an iconic romance, like Britney and Justin? Will Josh be telling Mateo he was Born to Make Him Happy? Will Mateo be a Slave 4 Josh?

Let’s get to Work, B*tch, and find out.

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LOVE | BL I N D DAT E

Break the Ice

Daters chill in La Jolla

L

IVKRAFT is a luxury spa that recently opened in downtown La Jolla. It offers a variety of services, including massages, float therapy, infrared saunas and different forms of cryotherapy. (Cryotherapy, for the uninitiated, is sometimes known as cold therapy. The technique involves using low temperatures to treat a variety of ailments, like tissue damage and inflammation, and it’s also good for increased cell rejuvenation, improvement of skin tone and reducing the signs of aging.)

Josh is feeling brave and chooses to try full-body cryotherapy first. Mateo is slightly more apprehensive, but eventually, he decides to try the same treatment, which means they’re about to become intimately acquainted.

They each strip down to their skivvies, put on the protective gloves, socks, masks and ear warmers. When they’re told they get to choose the music to listen to in the chamber, each decide that no one except Britney Spears will do.

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2018 at Eitol Towers. Described as an “urban oasis,” insideOUT has made a name for itself, thanks to its lively brunches, wine-pairing dinners and Mediterraneaninspired menus, not to mention the waterfall and pool in the middle of the restaurant.

After Josh and Mateo get some cocktails, we separate them for a quick mid-date interview.

The only conflict is which Britney era they’ll choose: Josh likes Spears’ more recent work (Till the World Ends, specifically, from 2011), while Mateo, being a ’90s fan, appreciates her earlier catalogue and chooses (You Drive Me) Crazy from 1999. Both are solid choices.

Each full-body cryotherapy session lasts three minutes. After freezing in temperatures ranging

from -130°F to -220°F, our daters are feeling invigorated. With boosted energy levels, they keep the cold theme going and indulge in some cryotherapy facials. They chat here and there throughout their treatments, with Mateo filling Josh in on his adventures with one of his cats, Butters.

Post-treatments, the daters are whisked to dinner at insideOUT in Hillcrest. insideOUT opened in

How’s it going so far?

JOSH: It’s going good. It’s been a fun experience with some new things that I’ve never tried before.

MATEO: It is going well, very well. I like it, it’s fun. I’ve never done anything like this before, so I am excited and happy.

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

JOSH: I would probably swipe left.

MATEO: Right. He’s goodlooking. He’s a cutie.

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

JOSH: No. It’s just different mindsets. I’m not, you know,

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MATEO: I couldn’t say anything.

At this point and time, no.

(Laughs) Unless he starts saying he’s a Trump supporter. Then I’m done.

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

JOSH: I would say a six.

MATEO: I’d say eight or nine.

He’s cute. He’s no Ryan Reynolds, who is a 10. But he’s a cutie, he really is.

And for personality?

JOSH: I’d say a six as well.

MATEO: Same thing. He really matches, when he talks and converses, he’s really on the same par. He’s not someone like Kylie Jenner, who relies totally on her looks. No, he has it.

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

JOSH: His dimples.

MATEO: I like his eyes, he has pretty eyes.

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

JOSH: (Laughs) You guys are terrible. I don’t know.

MATEO: I haven’t seen all of him yet, so I don’t know.

at Mo’s three nights a week, that kind of thing.

MATEO: Yes, but I might break him. He’s very thin and I’m heavy.

How was your experience at LIVKRAFT? JOSH: It was great. That was a lot of fun. It was a neat experience, a beautiful environment and a really fun way to spend an evening.

MATEO: That was an experience.

I don’t know about that cryo stuff, that froze me the f*ck up. But it was an experience and I probably would do it again. It gets your heart pumping and it rushes you.

Initially I was put off by it, but afterwards, I felt good about it.

What caught your eye on the menu here at insideOUT? JOSH: Chicken soup, which is nice after being in a cryotherapy chamber. That will warm me up.

The drinks are great and I also ordered a chicken dish, the Super Tuscan (a breaded chicken breast with grilled eggplant, Calabrian 94

FEBRUARY 2020 @PACIFICSD

chili tomato sauce, melted fontina and mozzarella cheese and broccoli rabe).

MATEO: The chicken soup. It’s a little chilly out, so we wanted to warm up. And I also got the Australian Hot Stone (an 8 oz.

Angus filet mignon, served rare and cooked on a hot stone at the table).

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

JOSH: He’s really funny and animated and very easy to get along with.

MATEO: (Laughs) The most attractive thing is he wasn’t offput by me. I’m not charming, I know that. It’s not where I’m in my home court advantage, where I could wine someone and dine someone. So I do have to go by my personality, so that’s kind of worse.

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

JOSH: Nothing, really. He hasn’t done anything.

Do you want to kiss your date right now?

JOSH: I’m going to say no.

MATEO: I would kiss him.

Does your date want to kiss you?

JOSH: Possibly.

MATEO: (Laughs) No. Is this someone you’d take home to mom, just take home or none of the above?

JOSH: None of the above.

MATEO: I would, I could take him [home to family]. He seems like a decent person.

How and when will the date end?

JOSH: I’m going to go home to my sick dog.

MATEO: I don’t know, I would really like to take him home to meet my kitties and show him my ’90s apartment. (Laughs) Because I don’t have Internet, I still have VHS tapes, I still have a Nintendo.

Well, dear readers, much like Britney Spears in 2007, our daters are struggling. Josh isn’t saying Gimme More to Mateo. In fact, after dinner, Josh says he’s going to go home to his sick dog, not back to Mateo’s to meet his kitties.

Guess Josh prefers living in this decade.

After the interviews, the PACIFIC crew called it a night and left Josh and Mateo to enjoy the rest of their evening.

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LOVE | BLIND DATE

insideOUT’s filet served on an Australian hot stone.

Cool Company, But No Spark

Daters won’t be more than just friends

J

osh and Mateo spent the evening getting to know each other better in freezing temperatures, then warming up during a romantic dinner.

Despite that, there didn’t appear to be a lot of romantic chemistry between the two.

Don’t worry. We won’t Hold it Against Them.

We checked in the next day to find out just how their night ended.

How did everything go last night?

JOSH: It was good. I can’t say that there was any romantic kind of spark or anything like that, but I really enjoyed the activities and the dinner. Mateo is a really good guy, he’s really funny. We had a great friendship connection and that’s all that really matters. I don’t think there needs to be any pressure or anything like that. It was just kind of nice to meet someone else and do something kind of random.

MATEO: I had a great time, I really did. He was wonderful company and it was a good time. I enjoyed myself.

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FEBRUARY 2020 @PACIFICSD

Super Tuscan chicken dish.

LOVE | BLIND DATE Where did you go and what did you do for the rest of the evening after insideOUT? JOSH: We just took the limo home.

MATEO: Oh, we just took the limo back to our own individual places. He said something about having to get ready for the morning and his trip.

Did you guys exchange numbers?

JOSH: We did not.

MATEO: No, we didn’t. But I did reach out, I don’t know if we’re allowed to do that, through you all, you know, if you want to hang out again or just grab drinks, just let me know.

Hook up?

JOSH: No. MATEO: No. I didn’t want to seem too forward.

What’s the funniest thing

that happened during the date?

JOSH: Probably dancing in the cryotherapy chamber.

MATEO: (Laughs) That cryo thing. I actually liked it.

What was the best part of the date and why?

JOSH: The best part of the date was definitely trying out something new and even getting Mateo on board with doing the cryotherapy.

He was a little worried about it, but he did it and he was a champ and it was awesome.

MATEO: Just talking in the limo.

Having a good time, just talking to each other, sharing.

What was the worst part of the date and why?

JOSH: Probably just being really chilly. After the therapy chamber, of course, you’re pretty chilly. And then at insideOUT, it’s an outdoor venue, so we were both a little cold

throughout the date.

MATEO: Taking the photos (for the magazine) and trying to hold a smile.

Will there be a second date?

Why or why not?

JOSH: I’m going to say no. But we live close to each other, so we might see each other out on the street or something like that. We’re just very different in our tastes or likes and things like that.

MATEO: I would like a second date, possibly. If he’s on the same page.

Do you have any dating tips for your date?

JOSH: There was a lot of repeating of himself, so maybe just keeping it fresh.

MATEO: No, I really don’t have any. It was actually a very good date.

Oops, we did it again. We set up a couple that wasn’t able to cross that finish line, as Mateo would say.

We learned a lot on this date, though. We learned that Mateo really likes Ryan Reynolds. And his 98

FEBRUARY 2020 @PACIFICSD

cats. And we learned he doesn’t like Trump. Or Kylie Jenner.

Or the Internet.

We also learned that sometimes, a shared love of chicken soup and Britney Spears isn’t enough to seal the deal.

But, like Britney, both men are going home a little stronger tonight, with great skin and a few good stories to tell their friends.

We hope they’re able to rise out from under this experience and we hope that, despite being single on Valentine’s Day, their loneliness ain’t killing them no more.

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 LIVKRAFT 858.401.2383, livkraft.com INSIDEOUT 619.888.8623, insideoutsd.com MATCHMAKER COLLEEN PERONE naturalselectionsd.com