September 2015

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PAIGE SPIRANAC ALSO INSIDE:

San Diego Street Styles A Fashionable Blind Date 26 New Restaurants San Diego Film Festival (the 14th sequel) S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 5 PA C I F I C S A N D I E G O . C O M

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EDITOR’S NOTE {SEPTEMBER 2015}

Skirting the Issue ne summer afternoon at the end of the 20th century, I took my college girlfriend to meet my grandparents.

“She’s lovely,” my grandmother said when Beth left the room.

Grandpop said, “Where’s the other half of her skirt?”

I majored in bong hits and frat-boy tattoos (the “Sigma Chi” on my ankle has since morphed into a lion I wish didn’t look like Jerry Garcia) not fashion, but the hem of Beth’s “mini” skirt, which hit just above her knee, didn’t seem short to me.

For my grandparents, she might as well have been wearing a garter belt.

Grandmom was aghast. They seemed like such prudes.

Now, I’m the prude.

From Downtown to Uptown and South Bay to North County, bitches be goin’ craycray. Sorry to let my inner Kanye and the “B” word slip (Mom used to wear slips), but lady-folk seem to have lost their mother-lovin’ minds when it comes to skirt lengths.

I know, I know, I sound like a grandpa: I remember, back in the ’90s, when a skirt would cover a women’s entire tuchas. Butt… I mean “but,” more than ever, women’s backsides are top of mind because they’re actually on display in public.

Looks that used to make sense for go-go girls have become de rigeur for professional women on the go. Perhaps the revelation of flesh is due to the glute, make that glut, of fitness fanatics. Crossfit, yoga and veganism are giving people sexier bodies, and the trend is to show them off.

Even guys’ shorts are getting shorter. I wonder how high can I cut my jorts without people being able to tell I’m Jewish.

The real issue, I’ll admit, is that I’m lost when it comes to fashion. I buy t-shirts at Target, shoes at DSW and jeans at Off Fifth. I’m so behind, I’m wearing last year’s clothes... right off the (Nordstrom) rack.

My beautiful and stylin’ wife has offered help; it’s past time for me to accept.

But no matter what I’m wearing, I don’t have the guts (or my girlish figure from college) to show that much skin while walking down the street. I certainly don’t have the confidence of Caitlyn Jenner, who would attest — it takes balls to undress for success.

While I try to man up at the new John Varvatos store at Fashion Valley, please enjoy this fashion-forward issue of PacificSD. And take my advice: when it comes to fashion, don’t take my advice — I was born when short skirts were long.

Sincerely, The mini-skirt in this 2010 photo is long by today’s standards.

Publishing a more recent image might be too revealing.

12

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • SEPTEMBER 2015

David Perloff, Editor-in-Chief

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SEPTEMBER 2015 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

15

San Diego

M

A

G

volume 9

|

A issue 9

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SEPTEMBER 2015

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

David Perloff

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Kenny Boyer MANAGING EDITOR

Catlin Dorset DIRECTOR OF CONTENT

Chris Cantore CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Michael Benninger CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Brandon Hernández, Tony Lovitt, Brandon Matzek, David Nelson, Sarah Pfledderer COVER photography

Dhrumil Desai CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kate Auda, Michael Auda, Brevin Blach, Paul Body, Dhrumil Desai, Arlene Ibarra, Brandon Matzek

PUBLISHERS

David Perloff Simone Perloff DIRECTOR OF SALES

Scott Fisk (scott@pacificsandiego.com) MARKETING DIRECTOR

Alyson C. Baker (alyson@pacificsandiego.com) Promotions MANAGER

Tewa Canterbury (tewa@pacificsandiego.com) CLIENT SERVICES MANAGER

Beverly West (beverly@pacificsandiego.com) ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Michael Christopher (mike@pacificsandiego.com)

Reach America’s Finest readers via print, web, social media, email, street team and events. Read, click, connect... BOOM! 619.296.6300 | pacificsandiego.com | @PACIFICSD Facebook “f ” Logo

16

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • SEPTEMBER 2015

CMYK / .eps

Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .eps

CONTENTS SE P T EM B E R 2 0 1 5

FEATURES

64 72

fairway to heaven A rising-star golfer performs way above par (in a good way) workin’ it A stylish Monday on the streets of Downtown S.D.

ON THE COVER: Paige Spiranac was photographed by Dhrumil Desai at Torrey Pines Golf Course and The Lodge at Torrey Pines. Styling by Amanda ThornePritchard of Thorne Artistry. Hair and makeup by Melissa Graff of Melissa Rae and Co. Ms. Spiranac is wearing a white crop top by BCBGMaxazria ($95), orange skirt

by Maje ($240), black wedges by Via Spiga ($100) and necklace by Aqua ($35), Bloomingdale’s, bloomingdales. com; gold link bracelet ($29), Pink Soul Boutique, pinksoulboutique.com.

(See “Fairway to Heaven,” page 64.)

THIS PAGE: Photo by Dhrumil Desai.

Paige is wearing a dress ($124) and black booties by Rebel ($126), Pink Soul Boutique, pinksoulboutique.com; turquoise ring ($900), Shel Couture, shelcouture.com; gold feather bracelet ($75), TRE Boutique, treboutique.com. (See “Fairway to Heaven,” page 64.)

20

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • SEPTEMBER 2015

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2015 Reggae/punk band The Expendables performs September 26 at the Hop Heads & Dreads event at Harrah’s Resort SoCal. (See story, page 32.)

DEPARTMENTS CURRENTS 32 Nine.Fifteen

Event calendar 42 Laughing Stock

September stand-up roundup PULSE 46 Art Beat

September gallery and

exhibition openings 54 Curtain Calls

Performing arts preview 56 The Reel World

September motion

picture preview 60 Star-spangled Planner

Silver screen

celebs

scheduled

to attend

the San Diego

Film Festival

22

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • SEPTEMBER 2015

TASTE 80 Dine of the Times

See the latest menu of

new local restaurants

102 Breaking the Ice

Meet the frosty star of

Downtown’s chillest

new lounge

96 How to Blend In

A standout breakfast with

a powerful punch

GROOVE 104 Sounds Like A Plan

September concert calendar

98 Take it from the Tap

A monthly taste of

beer from here

114 Take a Spin

Upcoming EDM

and DJ performances 118 Ain’t Life Grant?

Mixing it up with

Grant Grill’s new

Chef de Bar LOVE 126 Fashionably Date

It’s time for a change in

more ways than one

Relax responsibly.速 Corona Extra速 Beer. Imported by Crown Imports, Chicago, IL

[Promotion]

Ask not what your country can do for you, but who’s going to sit at my desk in 2016.

Poll Position

The race for the White House heats up B y C raig S e wing

24

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • SEPTEMBER 2015

Do you hear the sounds of a circus off in the distance? It’s not the Ringling Brothers at Sports Arena or the PETA protestors outside the show… it’s the 2016 Presidential election, coming to a 24/7 news cycle near you.

We’ll see what’s in store this time around, but needless to say (in fact need-way-less to say), this country is due for a political cleansing.

August kicked off the first GOP debate, and there was no shortage of sound bites. We were even blessed with a Hillary Clinton-Kim Kardashian selfie that came out that night.

Interesting timing. Next, perhaps we’ll see a Clinton-Kanye “Rock the Vote” porn with a cameo by Monica Lewinsky. Cue cigar scene…

Sad thing is, Hillary’s stunt will probably boost her poll numbers. I’d suggest this is pathetic, but I’d hate to be accused of being part of the “War on Women.”

As for politics, we talk a lot about them on my show, The American Dream. Why? Because we care. My sarcasm is intended to lighten the sad state of politics, but not ignore the fact that it’s time to get serious. Congress has a 10-percent approval rating. A recent study shows that toothaches are regarded more favorably. In the midst of a war on terror against a real evil, a sputtering economy and an evaporating middle class, people should care.

If you’re wondering which party I favor, please save the question. I don’t believe our twoparty system is doing anyone justice, so I don’t claim a side. In this case, two polarized parties with this many wrongs don’t make a right; they make dumb.

Rather than argue along party lines, lets engage in conversation around individual topics. If we disagree, that’s not a terrible thing — to the contrary, it can be the means to finding a solution.

Let’s not forget there are major hypocrisies in being “one-sided.” For example, how can

the “party of freedom” and small government, fiscally, tell you who you can marry? That’s not exactly the free country we claim to be.

Despite not feeling at home on either side of the political aisle, I’ll offer my two cents (the value of which inflation is deteriorating rapidly) on each candidate in the GOP debate.

There are currently 17 republican candidates.

Personally, I don’t mind a larger field. How exciting would American Idol be with only three singers, right? This way, there’s more drama.

Here’s my analysis of the top GOP candidates who debated in mid-August: The Donald: Just like his hairpiece, the Don goes too far sometimes. However, there is something refreshing about someone outside of Washington who doesn’t have to sell his soul for lobby money. As a country, we’ve become so politically correct, we’re not willing to tell the truth anymore. President Obama, for example, will not even reference the war on terror as having anything to do with radical Islam. But Don is a ratings circus, and much better on reality TV than in the Oval Office.

Scott Walker: Took a hardline in Wisconsin.

Young mover and shaker, people love or hate him. Jury is still out on him.

Jeb Bush: When I hear “Bush” or “Clinton,” I have this knee-jerk reaction to roll my eyes.

Important to remember, he’s not George... but even still, hard to believe the country is ready for another Bush. At the debate, he looked like a deer in the headlights. The guy is rolling in dough, so time will tell if he can correct.

Ted Cruz: Tea Party Conservative — says some bold things that people need to hear. Like The Don, however, he often makes himself look foolish by going too far. Anyone who believes that everything Obama has done is wrong is hard to take seriously. Gonna have a tough time winning moderate votes.

Marco Rubio: A very serious contender — wellpolished, immigrant background, coming from the swing state of Florida. Someone to keep an eye on.

Mike Huckabee: Hard-core conservative. If you were gay and introduced yourself to him, he’d probably wash his hands after. When he ran in 2012, the race caused his personal income

from book sales and speaking engagements to skyrocket. And that’s the only reason he’s running again. It’s a PR stunt. Huck’s not someone to take seriously.

Rand Paul: Libertarian — bold, controversial.

Hair as silly as Trump’s, but an interesting candidate. Did not show well in first debate, but another one of those disruptors to keep an eye on. Alas, his ranking is disappearing faster then Hillary Clinton’s emails.

Ben Carson: Neurosurgeon. The guy used to work on brains for a living, so maybe there’s hope for his leading politicians. Another guy from outside Washington. This guy’s IQ is higher than that of everyone else on both sides combined. A great guy to keep an eye on, if having a smart President is important to you. It’s not for many Americans who are more turned on by cool speeches. Cue the “Hope and Change” clip.

Carly Fiorina: She wasn’t in the Top 10 predebate, but she’s definitely worth an honorable mention. Out of the private sector, she’s a businesswoman who showed well and, after the debate, embarrassed MSNBC’s Chris Matthews when he tried to talk down to her. Fiorina’s got grit and will stick around.

This is the field, and the personalities within it have time to develop.

Whether you consider yourself a republican or a democrat, let’s join forces in hoping both sides will bring their strongest candidates to the party so we can end up with a bold new leader in the White House.

We live in a world that’s fighting an asymmetric war against an enemy whose version of “War on Women” involves beheading people just for being women. They aren’t politically correct and they’d love to duplicate 9/11. A strong commander in chief is critical to this nation’s future. Add other important issues — the economy, disappearing middle class, immigration dilemmas, social matters — and one thing becomes clear: a true leader is exactly what this country needs.

Participate in the democratic process. That’s what makes this the greatest country on the planet. And for now, let’s take the media circus with a grain of salt. After all, just like Ringling, they’re still trying to broadcast the “Greatest Show on Earth.”

Craig Sewing is a television and radio personality and consumer advocate who confronts polarizing issues head-on. Forever focused on cutting through the media clutter, he states his views bluntly, making friends and enemies along the way. Tune-in to Sewing’s intriguing and sometimes controversial broadcasts on The American Dream every Saturday at 10 a.m. on Cox or Time Warner Channel 4, and on The Craig Sewing Show weekdays at 6 p.m. on KCBQ 1170-AM to hear his engaging and enlightening conversations with the region’s political, business and finance luminaries.

Follow Craig at Facebook.com/CraigSewing or on Twitter @craigsewing SEPTEMBER • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

25

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Feature Market:

Talmadge 92115

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Number of homes for sale: 63 Number of homes sold: 37 Highest price: $1,675,000 Lowest price: $299,000 Median home price: $539,000

Business Spotlight Tokyo Sushi offers a vibrant atmosphere and music, couples with both traditional and innovative sushi selections.6502 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92115.

Market Expert Melissa Tucci is the Official Real Estate Agent of the San Diego Padres. #1 ranked Century 21 agent in the nation, Tucci is a top producing professional and an experienced San Diego Realtor and Broker providing a superior level of informed, professional real estate services to buyers and sellers in San Diego County.

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Watch Melissa Tucci on The American Dream on Saturday, September 12, at 10 a.m. on Cox or Time Warner Channel 4.

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Feature Market:

Pacific Beach 92109

Market Update (July 2015 data)

Situated in the prime area of Crown Point, just a ten minute walk to the beach, this home offers everything you want and more! You’ve found your beach house!

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Number of homes for sale: 82 Number of homes sold: 59 Highest price: $3,100,000 Lowest price: $230,000 Median home price: $670,000

Business Spotlight Known and loved by many as a charming restaurant and bakery, The French Gourmet has been conjuring up decadent, flavorful delicacies from scratch since 1979. Enjoy casual decadent pastries, classic hors d’oeuvres and other specialties paired with award-winning wines.

Market Experts Glen Henderson and Shannon Keatley are the brokers and owners of Alliance Group Real Estate.

They go beyond the scope of traditional real estate services by providing turnkey financial solutions through their network of professional partners. They are a valuable resource for buyers and sellers throughout San Diego.

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Listen to Glen and Shannon on The Craig Sewing Show Tuesday, September 22, at 6 p.m. on KCBQ 1170 AM and watch them on The American Dream on Saturday, September 5, at 10 a.m. on Cox or Time Warner Channel 4.

Glen Henderson & Shannon Keatley Alliance Group Real Estate Services 3131 Camino Del Rio North, Ste. 1420, San Diego, CA 92108, 619.500.3222, AllianceGroupRE.com, info@alliancegroupre.com

[Promotion]

Feature Market:

Downtown 92101

Market Update Stunning south-facing open views of the city skyline and San Diego Bay from this highly-desired 17th floor two bedroom home.

Ideal split master floor plan with upgraded appliances, carpet, and custom paint. La Vita is Little Italy’s most sought-after high-rise.

Just steps away from dining, shopping, and entertainment.

(July 2015 data) Number of homes for sale: 232 Number of homes sold: 87 Highest price: $2,030,000 Lowest price: $202,000 Median home price: $494,000

Business Spotlight Another new luxury high rise tower was just announced. To join our VIP list and have exclusive access to reserve a condo, visit us online at www. welcometosandiego.com/newcondos and sign up.

Market Info

The downtown market is hot right now! Rents continue to rise, motivating more renters into the lower end of the purchase market, with foreigners and retirees fueling the luxury market.

Market Expert Chad Dannecker is broker and owner of Welcome to San Diego Real Estate.

He runs a team that has proven time and time again that they are the go-to professionals for downtown real estate. If you do any research on downtown, you’ll quickly find welcometosandiego. com, Chad and his team’s website, and their five-star client reviews on Yelp, Google and Zillow.

BRE#01459513

Listen to Chad Dannecker on The Craig Sewing Show Tuesday September 15, at 6 p.m. on KCBQ 1170 AM and watch him on The American Dream on Saturday, September 5, at 10 a.m. on Cox or Time Warner Channel 4.

Chad Dannecker Welcome to San Diego Real Estate - Dannecker & Associates 875 G. St., Ste. 108, San Diego, CA 92101, 619.356.3099, WelcomeToSanDiego.com, chad@welcometosandiego.com

Just when you think you are out of the housing market because you have a short sale on your credit history in the last couple of years, this is proof that you can still purchase a home for your family. With the help of Mike Cameron’s great negotiating skills in a very hot housing market, we were able to get this family into the award winning school district they were looking for before the school year began. If you have had that past credit challenge, whether it is a BK, Short Sale or Foreclosure, reach out and let’s see if we can get you back into home ownership.

Neighborhood: Del Sur Purchase price: $820,000 Home size: 4 Bedrooms/ 3Bath 2,771 sq ft.

Buyer’s credit score: 725 Loan term: 5 Year Arm Down payment: 30% down

CALL JJ TODAY FOR A FREE MORTGAGE ANALYSIS AND RECEIVE A $500 CREDIT AT CLOSING! WWW.ASKJJNOW.COM Loan Originator: Jonathan “JJ” Jerotz Synergy One Lending 990 Highland Drive, Ste. 302, Solana Beach, CA 92075 760.522.2298, AskJJNow.com jj@synergyonelending.com

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Listen to JJ’s new show, The Answer, Wednesday nights at 8 p.m. on KCBQ 1170 AM. Watch him on The American Dream on Saturday, September 12, at 10 a.m. on Cox or Time Warner Channel 4.

Michael L. Cameron - ABR, IMC, PMC, CDPE Owner-Broker Cameron Real Estate Group (CRES) CA BRE# 01477924 www.JustListedinSanDiego.com www.JustSoldinSanDiego.com 800-966-1899 direct office 619-248-9409 cell Cal BRE#01413801

JONATHAN (JJ) JEROTZ Synergy One Lending 990 Highland Drive, Ste. 302, Solana Beach, CA 92075, 760.522.2298, AskJJNow.com, jj@synergyonelending.com

Craigsewing.com

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Mary Maloney Hometown Realty BRE #01405238

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Michael Gaddis: Michael Gaddis, J.D. Realty Group BRE #01465493

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CURRENTS

SEPTEMBER event calendar

NINE . f i f t e e n e v e n t c a l e n d a r

9.26 New Belgium Brewing’s Tour de Fat Golden Hill Park, Golden Hill, newbelgium.com

The Colorado-based beer company’s annual touring event celebrates bikes, beer and bemusement in 10 U.S. cities while also challenging festival goers to swap their hooptie for a two-wheeler to support greener living. (cont. on page 34)

32

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • SEPTEMBER 2015

By CATLIN DORSET

C U R R E N T S {calendar} (cont. from page 32)

paul savage

9.5

San Diego Stair Climb San Diego Hilton Bayfront, Downtown sandiegostairclimb.com Climb the San Diego Hilton Bayfront’s staircase three times — for a combined 110 floors, equivalent to climbing one of New York’s former Twin Towers — to honor the 403 fallen emergency response heroes of 9/11 and to raise money for nationwide veteran and firefighter foundations.

T ed Walton

9.5-7

Festival of Sail Maritime Museum of San Diego, Downtown sdmaritime.org Say Ahoy! to a weekend of swashbuckling pirates, faux cannon battles and beer at this nautical event touted as the West Coast’s largest tall ship festival.

9.4-7

U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge B Street Cruise Ship Terminal, Downtown ussandsculpting.com Enjoy live entertainment and food truck fare while perusing 3-D, 10-ton sand masterpieces sculpted by expert artists from all around the world.

9.5

San Diego Bacon Fest Liberty Station at NTC Park, Point Loma sdbaconfest.com Unlimited samples of bacon-wrapped baby back ribs, bacon pecan praline cinnamon buns, bacon chocolate cake and more await swine addicts at this hog heaven.

PADRES HOME GAMES

9.6

Pier Pressure SD Mega Yacht Party The Inspiration Yacht, Downtown californianightlife.com Hop aboard a $10 million yacht with 1,000 party people dressed entirely in white, grooving into the wee hours to the beats of DJ Dynamiq and five other mixmasters.

8/31-9/2: vs. Texas Rangers (Taco Tuesday 9/1) 9/3-6: vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (College Night 9/3; BeerFest 9/4; Ferrell Takes the Field 9/5; U.S. Air and Air National Guard Appreciation Day 9/6) 9/7-10: vs. Colorado Rockies (Taco Tuesday 9/8) 9/22-24: vs. San Francisco Giants (Taco Tuesday 9/22; College Night 9/24) 9/25-27: vs. Arizona Diamondbacks (Fiesta in the Park 9/25; Padres Team Photo 9/26; Salute to the Military Family 9/27) 9/29-10/1 vs. Milwaukee Brewers (Taco Tuesday 9/29; Shirts Off Their Backs Post-Game Ceremony 10/1)

34

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • september 2015

CHARGERS HOME GAMES

9/13: vs. Detroit Lions

(cont. on page 36)

9.10

C U R R E N T S {calendar}

Taste of Old Town Restaurants throughout Old Town oldtownsandiegoguide.com Ride the Old Town Trolley to move between the 16 Mexican eateries offering traditional plates, desserts y mucho tequila samples during this annual event.

(cont. from page 34)

9.11

Disney Live! Three Classic Fairy Tales Valley View Casino Center, Point Loma disneylive.com Snow White, Belle, Cinderella and more than 20 other Disney characters re-enact their classic tales and happily-ever-afters through live song and dance.

9.12

9.10

Taste of Downtown Dozens of downtown restaurants downtownsandiego.org This 23rd annual self-guided dining tour features more than 50 downtown restaurants serving samplesize portions of their most popular dishes.

South Bay Pride Bayside Park, Chula Vista southbaypride.org See pop artist Ivy Levan perform on the main stage and attend the first-ever crowning of Mr., Miss, Ms. and Mx. Gay Pride during this South County LGBT celebration.

9.13

Brazilian Day San Diego Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach bzday.com.br/en Thousands of merrymakers fill the streets of Pacific Beach for Brazilian food, music and dancing while celebrating this year’s “Olympic Spirit” theme in advance of the 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro.

C hristopher Denslow

9.18-20

San Diego Bayfair Vacation and Fiesta Islands, Mission Bay sandiegobayfair.org Enjoy live music and beer pints onshore while watching some of the world’s fastest hydroplanes race offshore at speeds topping 200 mph.

36

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • september 2015

9.18

Neon Nights at Sea Adventure Hornblower, Downtown diveneonnights.com DJ Schoeny lays down mad beats for a crowd of 500 aboard this floating, twostory nightclub, marking the final Neon Nights at Sea event of the season.

(cont. on page 38)

th 6 ber 2 nds Septelm u Mar Fairgro

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at the De

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AS SEEN ON

F R U S E TH

WHERE

E H T S T E E M

DIRT

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9.19-20

C U R R E N T S {calendar} (cont. from page 36) chris brake

Fleet Week Coronado Speed Festival Naval Air Station North Island, Coronado fleetweeksandiego.org Prewar sports cars, Trans Ams and even sedans get in on the racing action at the 18th annual “Race at the Base.”

reed settle

9.19

Coastal Cleanup Day Several local beaches cleanupday.org Join I Love A Clean San Diego in removing debris from more than 100 cleanup sites countywide and trying to beat last year’s record-breaking haul of 104 tons of litter.

9.20-27

San Diego Restaurant Week Restaurants countywide sandiegorestaurantweek.com Dine at a discount at nearly 200 participating restaurants offering prix fixe menus for lunch and dinner during this semi-annual foodie favorite.

9.25-26

Poway Rodeo Poway Valley Riders Association powayrodeo.com Rednecks from far and wide (and east) head to North County for a weekend of beer drinking, bull riding and broken bones.

9.26

Bootcamp Challenge Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Midway District bootcampchallenge.com Tunnel crawls, pushup stations and nearly 40 other obstacles lining a three-mile course stand between brave challengers and the cold beers at the post-race festival.

9.26

Hop Heads & Dreads Harrah’s Resort SoCal, Valley Center harrahssocal.com Dozens of local craft breweries and food trucks offer suds-tenance and sustenance to attendees jamming out to live performances by reggae acts The Expendables and Mike Love (pictured). (cont. on page 40)

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PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • september 2015

9.26

C U R R E N T S {calendar}

Ceviche Showdown Fat Fish Cantinagrill, Pacific Beach pacificticketing.com Seven local chefs compete for culinary glory and to win the hearts and mouths of throngs of Mexican-food lovers at Fat Fish, where live Latin beats set the tone for a delicious evening that begins with complimentary drinks (one margarita and one beer included with ticket) and ends with a trophy for best ceviche.

(cont. from page 38)

bryson kim

9.26

Del Mar Mud Run Del Mar Fairgrounds delmarmudrun.com Run this filthy 5K for the free Miller Lite at the finish line and to raise money for the Challenged Athletes Foundation’s Operation Rebound program.

9.26-27

Pacific Islander Festival Ski Beach, Mission Bay pifasandiego.com Celebrate and experience Melanesian, Micronesian and Polynesian culture through traditional food offerings and dance performances at this 21st annual event.

9.27

Bridal Bazaar San Diego Convention Center, Downtown bridalbazaar.com Taste wedding cakes, meet photographers, see the latest in bridal fashion and arm yourself with the resources to plan your big day(s) at this one-stop shop featuring more than 200 nuptial know-it-alls.

9.27

Coronado Pet Parade & Chili Cook-Off Promenade Park, Coronado pawsofcoronado.com Because nothing quite complements a hot bowl of beans (the musical fruit) like a four-legged fur-ball panting at your feet, enter your pooch and chili recipe in the corresponding contests for a shot at winning “Best of” nods.

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PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • september 2015

9.27

Ironman 70.3 Superfrog Silver Strand State Beach, Coronado ironman.com Founded in 1979, the Superfrog Triathlon (1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, 13.1-mile run) is touted as the longest-running half-distance marathon in the world.

SEPTEMBER 2015 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

41

C urrents {COMEDY}

laughing stock

september stand-up roundup Comedy curator: Catlin Dorset

“I love the male Workaholics fans, ’cause y’all crazy. Y’all love screaming my lines at me in public like, ‘Montez, show me yo’ d*ck!’”

—Erik Griffin on The Half Hour 9/4-5: Erik Griffin @ The Comedy Store La Jolla, lajolla.thecomedystore.com

“Yes, I am gay. Unlike most gay people, though, I did not come out of a closet. My name is Fortune…

I came out of a cookie.”

—Fortune Feimster on The Half Hour 9/10-12: Fortune Feimster @ The American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com

—Craig Robinson as himself in This is the End 9/3-5: Craig Robinson @ The American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com

J erry Metellus

“Ain’t no party like a no-panty party, ’cause a no panty party don’t stop!”

“The average American spends one third of his life sleeping, and two thirds of his life untangling his ear buds.”

—Brian Regan on Twitter 9/11: Brian Regan @ SDSU’s Open Air Theatre, as.sdsu.edu

(cont. on page 44)

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PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • september 2015

C urrents {COMEDY} (cont. from page 42)

“The FBI chief says Al Qaeda and ISIS are apples and oranges.

Where does he get his fruit?”

—Paula Poundstone on Twitter 9/11: Paula Poundstone @ Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, humphreysconcerts.com

“I’ll tell you what, though, you guys, every comedian appreciates you guys coming out for live shows, and I even more than other comedians.

Because having two young kids at home… I’m looking for an excuse to get out of the house.”

—Maz Jobrani on I Come in Peace 9/17-19: Maz Jobrani @ The American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com

“I love it when you’re sick, and people tell you to go to Jamba Juice. You know, because a $48 Slurpee is good for you.”

—Andrew Norelli on Live at Gotham 9/25: Andrew Norelli @ Harrah’s Resort SoCal, harrahssocal.com

“I call [my wife]; she tells me my dog, Sluggo, just took a dump on the new carpet. I’m like, ‘Shoot him.’ She goes, ‘That’s just like you, Ron. I have a genuine problem, and you’re being sarcastic.’ ‘Alright, honey, I’m sorry. Put the dog on the phone, I’ll talk to him.’

—Ron White on Comedy Central Presents 9/25: Ron White @ Pechanga Resort & Casino, pechanga.com

“When life throws you dick, you make dick-ade!”

—Kevin Hart as Darnell Lewis in Get Hard 9/19: Kevin Hart @ SDSU’s Viejas Arena, as.sdsu.edu

“I’ve never not finished a masturbatory session or a pizza. Those are the two things I’ve never left behind.”

“For guys, sex is like going to a restaurant, and no matter what you order off that menu, you walk out of there going, ‘Damn, that was good!’”

—Wanda Sykes on Wanda Sykes: Tongue Untied 9/26: Wanda Sykes @ Pala Casino, palacasino.com

—Adam Carolla on Twitter 9/20: Adam Carolla @ The American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com

“[People in first class] look at you like, ‘We get on the plane first and we get our drinks first.’ I feel like going, ‘You hit the mountain first, too, okay?’”

—Todd Glass on Comedy Central Presents 9/24-26: Todd Glass @ The American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com

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PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • september 2015

“Race makes things funny. A black guy driving in NASCAR: not funny. A black guy driving a car sponsored by Tide: not funny. A black guy driving a car sponsored by Aunt Jemima: hilarious.”

—Carlos Mencia on No Strings Attached 9/24: Carlos Mencia @ Sycuan Casino, sycuan.com

“A baby, if you really break it down logically, it is a tiny human being.

And it’s shirtless, which is really creepy. It’s a shirtless, bald human being with a bag of its own crap around its waist.”

—Patton Oswalt on No Reason to Complain 9/26: Patton Oswalt @ Balboa Theatre, sandiegotheatres.org

PULSE

SEPTEMBER gallery and exhibition openings

By Sarah Pfledderer

A R T B EA T

9.

1 9-2.21 “Made in America ”

Mingei International Museum, 1449 El Prado, Balboa Park 619.239.0003, mingei.org From a rocking chair to a glass jar, this final installment of the 18-month-long “American Icons” series displays artwork representing all 50 U.S. states. (cont. on page 48)

“Celestial Blue Basket Set with Carbon Lip Wraps” by Dale Chihuly

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PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • september 2015

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P ulse {ARTS} (cont. from page 46)

“Jazz” by Carol Mansfield

9/4-1/3: “Paper Pattern Story” by Bhavna Mehta Oceanside Museum of Art 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside 760.435.3720, oma-online.org Using a knife as her brush and cut paper as her medium, artist Bhavna Mehta recounts a series of workshops she held earlier this year.

9/1-26: “deliberate distortions: jazz in today’s art” The Studio Door 3750 30th St., North Park 619.255.4920, thestudiodoor.com This group exhibition presents the sights and sounds of jazz through visual and audio arts.

“Gush” by Bhavna Mehta

(From left) “Star Flower,” “Sailing in Glory” and “Coming Into Alignment” by Isaias Crow

9/5-27: “Everything Flowers” by Isaias Crow TPG2 1475 University Ave., Hillcrest 858.354.6294, TPG2.net Isaias Crow uses layered lines, bold shapes and powerful colors to portray positivity in his abstract paintings.

9/11-10/31: Max Ernst Greis Lux Art Institute 1550 S. El Camino Real, Encinitas 760.436.6611, luxartinstitute.org Using materials he gathered while voyaging from New York to California, Max Ernst Greis constructed a video landscape portraying nature in a post-industrial world.

“The Balance of Nature” by Max Greis (cont. on page 50)

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A FATHER’S STORY. A SON’S JOURNEY. AN EPIC ADVENTURE. Heads “Under The Stars” to Raise Funds for Moonlight Cultural Foundation

October 2, 2015

Moonlight Amphitheatre / 8:00 PM Gates Open at 7:00 PM Moonlight Cultural Foundation presents a unique concert featuring the rising star Megan Hilty in, “Megan Hilty Under the Stars.” With powerhouse vocals and an affable rapport with both her band and the audience, Hilty exudes the essence of good cabaret. Her impressive accomplishments have made her one of the fastest rising talents in the entertainment world.

The larger than life Broadway musical Based on the Tim Burton film and Daniel Wallace’s novel

SAN DIEGO REGIONAL PREMIERE! Tickets start at just $22 and are on sale now.

SEPTEMBER 9 – 26 AT 7:30 PM

Proceeds from the concert benefit the Moonlight Cultural Foundation, to raise funds for arts education programs for youth and adults, to foster engagement of new audiences and increase student/educator participation in the artistic process.

Hilty rose to prominence for her roles in several Broadway musicals, including her performance as Glinda in “Wicked” and her portrayal of Doralee Rhodes in “9 to 5: The Musical.” Her best known role was as Ivy Lynn on the musical-drama TV series “Smash,” on which she sang many original songs, including the Grammy Award-nominated “Let Me Be Your Star.”

“Megan Hilty Under the Stars” is one night only on Friday, October 2, 2015 under the stars at Moonlight Amphitheatre in Vista, Calif. Gates open at 7:00 p.m. and concert begins at 8:00 p.m. Single tickets are priced $35 to $75, VIP meet and greet experience priced at $150. To purchase tickets or for more information, call (760) 724-2110 or visit www.moonlightfoundation.com.

VIP MEET AND GREET DETAILS

• Post-concert / Onstage / Photo Opportunity with artist • Champagne and gourmet desserts • Limited to 100

• Includes VIP parking

760.724.2110 MOONLIGHTSTAGE.COM

To reserve your seat call Vistix at (760) 724-2110 or purchase your tickets conveniently online at VistixOnline.com

P ulse {ARTS}

9/18-10/14: Photo Auction 2015 Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA) 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park 619.238.7559, mopa.org More than 50 photographers’ vintage and contemporary prints hit the block in conjunction with MOPA’s annual live and silent auctions to fund the museum’s exhibitions and education programs.

(cont. from page 48)

“Breathe” by Jon Jaylo

“Film Noir #1414” by Bill Armstrong

9/12-10/3: “As The Moon Draws Water”

by Jon Jaylo ArtHatch 317 E. Grand Ave., Escondido 760.781.5779, arthatch.org Artist Jon Jaylo presents his new, dreamlike paintings, which channel contemporary surrealism.

“Kanagawa Good” by Leslie Monroy

“Winged Green Beauty” by Michael Shane

9/19-1/11: “Butterflies and Insects” San Diego Natural History Museum 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park 619.232.3821, sdnhm.org Some of nature’s smallest creatures take the spotlight in 70 images captured by 24 award-winning wildlife photographers.

9/26-10/25: “Read the Vine Print” San Diego Cellars 2215 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy 619.269.9463, artbykami.com San Diego artists prove they have green thumbs in this display of plant-themed artwork.

(cont. on page 52)

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PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • september 2015

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SEPTEMBER 2015 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

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P ulse {ARTS} (cont. from page 50)

“Whisper” by Alison Haley Paul

9/26-11/29: “One Cannot Look: Graphic Wars” Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) 700 Prospect St., La Jolla 858.454.3541, mcasd.org MCASD and University of San Diego contribute prints from Rafael Canogar and Francisco de Goya, respectively, to draw attention to the traumas of war.

9/26-10/16: “Point of View” by Alison Haley Paul Contemporary Fine Arts Gallery 7946 Ivanhoe Ave., La Jolla 858.551.2010, contemporaryfineartsgallery.com Alison Haley Paul showcases her perception of nature’s colors and textures in an assortment of contemporary landscape and seascape paintings.

“El Herido” by Rafael Canogar

9/26-2/7: “The Art of Music” The San Diego Museum of Art 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park 619.232.7931, sdmart.org Celebrating the centennial of the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, when music played throughout Balboa Park for 365 consecutive days, this exhibit comprises more than 150 pieces of art.

9/26-1/10: “San Diego Collects” Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego 700 Prospect St., La Jolla 858.454.3541, mcasd.org See works owned by many of San Diego’s private art collectors.

“Lyre,” unknown artist

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PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • september 2015

“Open #117” by Robert Motherwell

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P ulse {ARTS}

curtain calls SEPTEMBER performing arts preview

By Sarah Pfledderer

9/8-10/4: Blueprints to Freedom: An Ode to Bayard Rustin La Jolla Playhouse 2910 La Jolla Village Dr., La Jolla 858.550.1010, lajollaplayhouse.org In the thick of 1963’s political and racial chaos, Bayard Rustin arranges an unprecedented civil rights march, despite being exiled from the movement.

9/9-26: Big Fish Moonlight Stage Productions 200 Civic Center Dr., Vista 760.724.2110, moonlightstage.com This onstage adaption of a Daniel Wallace novel and Tim Burton film delves into a traveling salesman’s tall tales and his son’s yearning for the truth behind them.

9/24-10/18: Orange Julius MOXIE Theatre 6663 El Cajon Blvd., College Area 858.598.7620, moxietheatre.com A daughter reconnects with her father while caring for him after he’s been poisoned as a result of herbicide warfare in Vietnam.

9/25-10/11: La Cage Aux Folles Spreckels Theatre 121 Broadway, Downtown 619.235.9500, spreckels.net Feather boas fly in this tuneful and touching tale of a family’s struggle to stay together as a nightclub owner’s son tries to hide the fact that his father is gay from his fiancée’s conservative parents.

9/9-10/4: The Fox on the Fairway North Coast Repertory Theatre 987 Lomas Santa Fe Dr., Solana Beach 858.481.1055, northcoastrep.org Set at a country club, this comedy follows the interplay of the club’s staff, including its randy vice president, his wife and sexy new waitress — all wrapped up in a highstakes golf tournament.

9/26-10/25: Full Gallop The Old Globe 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park 619.231.1941, theoldglobe.org After being fired as editor of Vogue, the hot and haute Diana Vreeland stages a comeback by creating a magazine of her own.

9/27: Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat California Center for the Art 340 North Escondido Blvd., Escondido 800.988.4253, artcenter.org One of Dr. Seuss’ most beloved characters takes the stage to transform Sally and Conrad’s dull day into one they’ll never forget.

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PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • september 2015

9/16-10/25: In Your Arms The Old Globe 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park 619.231.1941, theoldglobe.org Romance, love and lust come to life in 10 dance vignettes — ranging from ballet to the Charleston to rock ‘n’ roll — in this onstage musical performance by 20 dancers realizing the collaborative dream of an all-star creative team that has, collectively, amassed more than a dozen Tony Awards and Pulitzer Prizes.

9/29-10/25: Healing Wars La Jolla Playhouse 2910 La Jolla Village Dr., La Jolla 858.550.1010, lajollaplayhouse.org A cast including a young U.S. Navy veteran uses dance and multimedia storytelling to portray how soldiers and their healers combat the physical and psychological scars of war.

P ulse {MOVIES}

Richard F oreman

Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials The Maze was just the beginning.

Sci-Fi | Thriller Starring: Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Thomas BrodieSangster In Theatres: September 18 Based on the second book of the Maze Runner Trilogy, this film features a group of millennials who confront a wasteland of the worst kind while investigating the corporation that’s tormenting them.

THE REEL WORLD SEPTEMBER motion picture preview

By Michael Benninger

A Walk in the Woods When you push yourself to the edge, the real fun begins.

Drama | Comedy Starring: Robert Redford, Nick Nolte, Emma Thompson In Theatres: September 2 An expatriate author commemorates his return to the U.S. with a 2,200-mile hike along the Appalachian Trail, and the only one who’ll join him is a bygone buddy who turns out to be tagging along for a reason far different from the one he represents.

The Transporter Refueled Action | Adventure Starring: Ed Skrein, Ray Stevenson, Gabriella Wright In Theatres: September 4 In this sexy reboot of the 2000s franchise, a dangerous squad of femme fatales kidnaps a mercenary’s father, forcing the fearless and fast-driving son to help them take down a ring of wretched rogues from the Russian Federation.

The Visit Don’t ever leave your room after 9:30 p.m.

Thriller | Horror Starring: Kathryn Hahn, Ed Oxenbould, Olivia DeJonge In Theatres: September 11 When a single mom unloads her son and daughter at their grandparents’ farm for a week, the kids soon find out that their forebears are pretty f***ed up — and that the depraved oldsters are not only oddballs, but also charting the children’s demise.

Black Mass The unholy alliance between the FBI and Whitey Bulger, one of the most notorious gangsters in U.S. history.

Crime | Drama Starring: Johnny Depp, Benedict Cumberbatch, Dakota Johnson In Theatres: September 18 In this fact-based film, a brutal Bostonian gangster becomes the Irish mob’s godfather before teaming with the FBI to eradicate the Italian mafia encroaching on his territory. (cont. on page 58)

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PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • september 2015

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SEPTEMBER 2015 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

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P ulse {MOVIES} (cont. from page 56)

Hotel Transylvania 2 (3D) Drac’s pack is back.

Animation | Comedy Starring: Adam Sandler, Selena Gomez, Andy Samberg In Theatres: September 25 Soon after Dracula starts welcoming humans into his hotel, his conservative dad, Vlad, drops by and becomes enraged by the abandonment of his traditional vampiric values.

The Intern Experience never gets old.

Thriller | Drama Starring: Anne Hathaway, Robert De Niro, Nat Wolff In Theatres: September 25 Tired of retirement, a senior citizen takes an internship in the fashion industry and becomes BFFs with the woman he works for.

Captive Faith. Redemption. Survival.

Crime | Drama Starring: David Oyelowo, Kate Mara, Michael K. Williams In Theatres: September 18 Inspired by actual events, this uplifting drama tells the tale of an alleged murderer who takes a drug-addled, down-on-herluck mother captive, ultimately releasing the woman after she uses a pastor’s book to persuade him to turn his life around.

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PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • september 2015

Everest Never let go.

Thriller | Drama Starring: Jason Clarke, Josh Brolin, John Hawkes In Theatres: September 18 Thrill-seekers embark on a trek to the tip of Mt. Everest, where a horrendous tempest threatens their lives.

Cooties Please don’t feed the children.

Horror | Comedy Starring: Elijah Wood, Rainn Wilson, Leigh Whannell In Theatres: September 18 An ensemble of elementaryschool educators struggle to stay alive after tainted chicken nuggets transform their students into savages.

Pawn Sacrifice On the board he fought the Cold War. In his mind he fought his madness.

Drama | Biography Starring: Tobey Maguire, Liev Schreiber, Peter Sarsgaard In Theatres: September 18 A Brooklyn-born chess prodigy faces off with his Soviet counterpart in the midst of the Cold War while also battling a debilitating mental illness that commonly accompanies genius.

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P ulse {MOVIES}

Starspangled Planner

Silver screen celebs scheduled to attend the San Diego Film Festival

By Benjamin E. Farquhar

T

here will be much to be seen when the 15th annual San Diego Film Festival (SDFF) returns to the S.D. scene with five days of movies, plus preand post-screening parties at several of the city’s most popular venues.

SDFF will screen more than 100 films (features, documentaries, shorts) at the Gaslamp’s Reading Cinemas and La Jolla’s ArcLight Cinemas during the festival, which runs September 30 to October 4. But the stars won’t be only on the silver screen — they’ll also be appearing, in person, on discussion panels and at nightly after-parties.

Academy Award-winning actress Susan Sarandon, for example, will participate in a panel called Social Justice Initiative, wherein she and Thomas Morgan (writer/codirector of Waiting for Mamu and Sarandon’s partner in the independent production company Reframed Pictures) will discuss a collection of documentaries that make an impact by bringing to light important social issues.

“Reframed Pictures is delighted to expand its involvement in bringing awareness to worldwide social issues through this partnership with the San Diego Film Festival,” Sarandon says. “We have much to look forward to.”

Other celebs expected to make appearances at this year’s SDFF include Danny Glover and Scott Eastwood. Alan Arkin, Beau Bridges, Josh Duhamel, Eli Roth and Michelle Monaghan attended the 2014 festival.

For a complete list of SDFF films and events, check the nonprofit’s website, sdfilmfest.com, where movie buffs and star gazers can purchase single-movie tickets or five-day passes, the latter of which grant access to all film screenings, discussion panels and after-parties. Celebrity sightings included. sdfilmfest.com

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PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • SEPTEMBER 2015

Fab Five

A sneak peak at a handful of films screening at SDFF 2015

By Michael Benninger

Fire up the microwave — it’s time get poppin’. Here’s a quick look at a selection of the star-studded movies slated to draw big crowds when SDFF lands in downtown and La Jolla theaters beginning September 30.

Diablo

Director: Lawrence Roeck Cast: Camilla Belle, Scott Eastwood, Walton Goggins, Danny Glover In this heart-pounding Civil War-era western, part-time Encinitas resident Scott Eastwood stars as a young farmer hunting the Mexican gang that captured his wife. As he closes in on the brutal bandidos, the husband finds himself face-to-face with menacing criminals and mysterious tribesmen, (cont. on page 62) endangering his own life with every step.

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P ulse {MOVIES} (cont. from page 61)

This is Happening Director: Ryan Jaffe Cast: James Wolk, Mickey Sumner, Cloris Leachman, Judd Nelson

A willful grandma goes rogue with her dead dog and five pounds of reefer after discovering that her troubled grandson and dope-slinging granddaughter are dropping her off at an old-folks home.

As granny heads for Seattle with her granddaughter’s stash, the disaffected siblings have no choice but to chase their unmanageable matriarch while reluctantly reestablishing a relationship themselves.

Meadowland

Director: Reed Morano Cast: Olivia Wilde, Luke Wilson, Elisabeth Moss, Giovanni Ribisi, John Leguizamo An NYPD officer’s marriage devolves into madness after the young couple loses their son under an unimaginable set of circumstances. While the father struggles to cope with the tragedy and compromises his ethics, his shattered wife follows an even darker trajectory, repeatedly risking her own life while searching for stability.

YOUTH

Director: Paolo Sorrentino Cast: Harvey Keitel, Michael Caine, Rachel Weisz, Paul Dano, Jane Fonda Italian-born writer and director Paolo Sorrentino presents this film about two talented men in the twilight of their lives who venture to the Alps on vacation and learn it’s never too late to change their old ways. The feature includes scenes shot in Rome, Venice and other enchanting European locales, and is accompanied by a soundtrack of timeless tunes.

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PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • SEPTEMBER 2015

Sex, Death and Bowling Director: Ally Walker Cast: Adrian Grenier, Drea de Matteo, Selma Blair, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Joshua Rush Largely known for her acting roles on TV shows including Sons of Anarchy, The Protector and Taxi Brooklyn, Ally Walker is also the writer and director of this film about an 11-year-old boy who enters a bowling tournament with his father.

When the kid’s dad falls ill before the big game, it’s up to his famous and estranged uncle to step up to the alley and bring home a win.

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ON PAIGE: White crop top by BCBGMaxazria ($95), orange skirt by Maje ($240), black wedges by Via Spiga ($100) and necklace by Aqua ($35), Bloomingdale’s, bloomingdales. com. Gold link bracelet ($29), Pink Soul Boutique, pinksoulboutique.com.

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PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • SEPTEMBER 2015

{

Photography by

Dhrumil Desai

{

Shot on location at Torrey Pines Golf Course and The Lodge at Torrey Pines Styling by Amanda Thorne-Pritchard of Thorne Artistry Hair and makeup by Melissa Graff of Melissa Rae and Co. Photographer’s assistant: Siobhan Webb Stylist’s assistant: Avery Helgeson

A rising-star golfer performs way above par (in a good way)

By Tony Lovitt ive seconds into the trick-shot video produced by the 2015 San Diego State University women’s golf team (which has now been viewed on social media by, oh, about a ga-zillion people worldwide) team captain Paige Spiranac does a no-hands cartwheel and flies from right to left through the frame. The dazzling maneuver, a metaphor for her now high-flying career, is but one of many Spiranac impressively executes in the production.

“We were joking when we first put it out [and thought] that, maybe, we’d get like five thousand views, and that would be impressive,” says Spiranac.

“Within a couple of days, we were at, you know, a hundred thousand... and five-hundred thousand. We were all shocked. It was unbelievable and so crazy.”

Irrespective of the SDSU video (because she didn’t yet have a Twitter, Facebook or Instagram account at the time it went viral), Spiranac has subsequently become a social media phenomenon in her own right. Her Instagram followers grew from 15,000 in late July to more than a quarter of a million by mid-August.

“It’s unbelievable that that many people find me interesting, I guess,” says Spiranac. “But it’s extremely flattering, and I’m very fortunate that this is happening.

It’s been a way to kind of help my golf career, so I’m very thankful for that.”

But don’t dismiss Spiranac as merely a golf trick-shot artist or social media curiosity. She’s got game. Her personal best is a 10-under-par 62, and she has twice shot 65 in competition. She’s also made three holes-in-one — some pro golfers go an entire career without sinking one.

A former competitive gymnast whose career was curtailed by a broken kneecap, Spiranac was 12 when she swung a golf club for the first time a decade ago.

“My dad [Dan Spiranac, a member of the University of Pittsburgh’s 1976 national championship football team] was like, ‘Hey, just try golf ’ [after gymnastics], so they bought me a lesson with Ann Finke, a veteran teaching professional in Colorado Springs,” she says. “I hit the first ball and loved it right away. I think my gymnastics background helped me a lot, just from my body awareness and being physically strong and fit... and also the work ethic, because I was in the gym almost seven hours six days a week.”

Spiranac’s work ethic quickly paid dividends. Only six months after taking up golf, she was shooting even par and won a couple of tournaments, including the first one she entered.

“That doesn’t happen too often, I don’t think,” Spiranac says, punctuating the modest statement with an infectious laugh. “I honestly didn’t really know that I was that good at [golf ] because I really had no idea. I don’t really come from a golfing family.”

Indisputable confirmation came when the University of Arizona offered Spiranac a full-ride scholarship. She played for the Lady Wildcats golf team as a freshman before transferring to San Diego State in her sophomore year. “(Arizona) just wasn’t exactly the right fit for me,” says Spiranac, who hails originally from Colorado. “I was looking for something a little bit different, and San Diego State just fit it perfectly. It was a really great change for me.”

Great for the Lady Aztecs, too. In her just-completed senior season, Spiranac helped lead SDSU to the Mountain West Conference championship. She turned pro in early August — and signed a sponsorship deal with Callaway Golf on August 8.

“She’s poised to become the top player in women’s golf,” says sports agent Todd Hahn of his new client, who can’t wait for her first professional tournament in September.

“I’d love to be on the LPGA [Tour],” Spiranac says.

“That’s the Number One goal, chasing that dream.”

And she’s certainly in the swing of making that fantasy come to fruition.

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ON PAIGE: White Madison Square Diamond playsuit ($88), black and white heels by Sol Sana ($179), black tassel necklace by Boho Gal ($56) and gold tassel necklace ($54), Van de Vort, shopvandevort.com. Coral bangle ($80), Shel Couture, shelcouture.com. Black floppy hat ($36), Pink Soul Boutique, pinksoulboutique.com.

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ON PAIGE: Dress ($124) and black booties

by Rebel ($126), Pink Soul Boutique, pinksoulboutique.com. Gold coral necklace ($2,500) and turquoise ring ($900), Shel Couture, shelcouture.com. Gold feather bracelet ($75), TRE Boutique, treboutique.com.

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ON PAIGE: Dress by Maje ($495) and nude booties by Kate Spade ($200), Bloomingdale’s, bloomingdales.com. Silver bracelet ($24), Pink Soul Boutique, pinksoulboutique.com.

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ON PAIGE: Black bra ($22), Free People, freepeople. com. Maxi skirt ($49), Pink Soul Boutique, pinksoulboutique.com. Shoes by Via Spiga ($100) and fringe necklace by Aqua ($38), Bloomingdale’s, bloomingdales.com. Coral bracelet ($500) and snake ring ($450), Shel Couture, shelcouture.com.

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Workin’ It A stylish Monday on the streets of downtown S.D.

After fashion trends transition from catwalk to crosswalk, hardworking San Diegans add their casual flair before strutting their respective stuffs around town. Another reason to look both ways before crossing the street: spotting Finest City folks who put chic into the workweek.

To see what’s new up and down the avenue, PacificSD hit the pavement during lunch break in East Village, the Gaslamp and Little Italy, asking city slickers — while the sun’s still glaring — “Who are you wearing?”

Nara L. (32)

Born: Los Angeles Resides: Downtown Describe your personal style: “Casual and comfortable.”

What are your favorite local clothing stores? “All online: BaubleBar, Nordstrom, Target and Loft.”

Who are you wearing? “Velvet Heart dress, Nordstrom necklace, Lucky Brand shoes, Fossil bag and Kate Spade sunglasses.”

Photos by Arlene Ibarra

Style moderator: Mercedes Glendon 72

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • SEPTEMBER 2015

Reggie R. (40)

Born: Los Angeles Resides: Los Angeles Describe your personal style: “Tailored and fashionable.”

What are your favorite local clothing stores? “Drobe [in L.A.], Nordstrom and whatever’s hot.”

Who are you wearing? “Hugo Boss suit, Drobe custom shirt, Bruno Magli shoes, Coach briefcase and Dita sunglasses.”

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Kiley H. (29)

Born: Liberal, KS Reside: Downtown Describe your personal style: “Skinny jeans, flats and comfy.”

What are your favorite local clothing stores? “Pretty Please Fashion and Charlotte Russe.”

Who are you wearing? “Armani Exchange jeans, Forever 21 flats, H&M tank and blazer, and Courtyard sunglasses.”

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Angela M. (21)

Born: San Luis Obispo, CA Resides: Pacific Beach Describe your personal style: “Business casual, urban chic.”

What are your favorite local clothing stores? “Free People, Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie.”

Who are you wearing? “Urban Outfitters top, Lucky Brand jeans and shoes from a boutique in Spain.”

Shaura W. (27)

Born: Phoenix, AZ Resides: Park City, UT Describe your personal style: “Comfortable, cute and classy.”

What are your favorite local clothing stores? “Online shopper: Rue21 and Forever 21.”

Who are you wearing? “Rue21 black dress, T.J. Maxx shoes, Steve Madden sunglasses, House of Harlow earrings.”

Shihomi B. (32)

Born: Tokyo, Japan Resides: East Village Describe your personal style: “Simple, classic, chic.”

What are your favorite local clothing stores?

“Online or out of town — L.A. and Santa Monica.”

Who are you wearing? “BCBG dress, Kate Spade bag and Taryn Rose shoes.”

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Vanessa B. (30)

Born: San Diego Resides: Eastlake Describe your personal style: “California chic, classic sophistication.”

What are your favorite local clothing stores? “Paris & Me Boutique, Nordstrom and Mimi & Red.” Who are you wearing? “Lush top, [Sweet Child of ] Mine harem pants, Aldo wedges, Coach sunglasses, Francesca’s purse and Nordstrom necklaces.”

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PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • SEPTEMBER 2015

Jason H. (36)

Born: Newberg, OR Resides: Downtown Describe your personal style: “Beach meets city.”

What are your favorite local clothing stores? “Dolcetti, Blends and Fortune 421.”

Who are you wearing? “Fortune 421 T-shirt, Zanerobe shorts, Jordan Eclipse sneakers and hat, TOMS Sunglasses and Nixon watch.”

Kendall C. (28)

Born: Encinitas Resides: East Village Describe your personal style: “Boho chic.”

What are your favorite local clothing stores? “Ma Cherie Boutique, Mimi & Red and Francesca’s.”

Who are you wearing? “Floral kimono, coral loose tank, lace shorts, Sam Edelman flats, Ma Cherie jewelry.”

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Sara B. (32)

Born: Tuscon, AZ Resides: East Village Describe your personal style: “Boho chic with an edge of sophistication.”

What are your favorite local clothing stores?

“Dolcetti, Vocabulary and Van de Vort.”

Who are you wearing? “Topshop dress, DVF sunglasses, MVMT watch, vintage rings, Tubac earrings and Tiffany & Co. necklace.”

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Mercedes G. (23)

PacificSD street fashion patrol moderator, currently workin’ it in more ways than one.

Born: San Diego Resides: Carmel Mountain Describe your personal style: “Bohemian chic.”

What are your favorite local clothing stores? “Free People, Urban Outfitters and Topshop.”

What are you wearing? “Nordstrom blazer and booties, Brandy Melville dress, Free People necklace, Marc Jacobs watch, and Urban Outfitters sunglasses.”

Brett H. (46)

Born: Seattle, WA Resides: East Village Describe your personal style: “Just like my dad: classic and all tailored.”

What are your favorite local clothing stores? “Nordstrom Rack and Suitsupply.”

Who are you wearing? “Gucci glasses, Goorin Bros. hat, all custom [shirt and slacks], and Magnanni shoes.”

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DINING O U T

Dine of the Times See the latest menu of

By David Nelson

new local restaurants

Forget about sticking a fork in it — San Diego’s restaurant renaissance ain’t done. Case in point: here are two baker’s dozen (26 total) new eateries that have (cont. on page 82) recently opened or are coming soon.

Sicilian antipasto plate at Café Gratitude.

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taste {DINING OUT} (cont. from page 80)

A

s America’s Finest city continues to become the nation’s most hospitable metropolis, our collective appetite for biting into something seems yet to be satisfied. From the ultramodern iDessert, where tablet-ordered sweets come to the table at the touch of a button, to the La Jolla classic George’s California Modern spinoff, Galaxy Taco (you bet Uranus it’s good), there’s never been more dining scene to be seen.

Bon appetit!

Buttermilk Fried Chicken salad with a fried egg at Burnside.

L ori S okolowski

Burnside (opened in June) What a delightful idea: a creative sandwich shop in Normal Heights that stuffs baguettes (Cuban and New Orleans-style), builds Veggie Portobello sandwiches on levain bread, and combines cheeses and wine-melted leeks inside country bread.

(Location: former site of Country Kabob.)

3375 Adams Ave., Normal Heights 619.501.7715, burnsidesd.com Civico 1845 (opened in June)

Inside Civico 1845 in Little Italy.

C otch D iaz

The only way to cook Italian is the hometown way, say brothers Dario and Pietro Gallo, who bring handmade pastas, long-cooked sauces and a veganfriendly attitude from Consenza, Italy, to Little Italy. (Location: former site of Zia’s Bistro.)

1845 India St., Little Italy 619.431.5990, civico1845.com

Ocean Pacific Grille (opened in June)

The diverse, distinctive flavors of the Pacific Rim come together as “Filipino Fusion” at Ocean Pacific Grille, which has been receiving rave reviews since its opening. The olive oil-poached ono is one of many standouts. (Location: former site of Encore Champagne Bar.) 531 F St., Gaslamp 619.578.2828, oceanpacificgrille.com

Olive oil charred octopus at Ocean Pacific Grille.

(cont. on page 84)

taste {DINING OUT} (cont. from page 82)

S’mores French toast at Breakfast Republic.

An assortment of meringuetopped treats at iDessert.

Breakfast Republic (opened in June) Beer for breakfast is one hot draw at this 7 a.m.to-3 p.m. North Parker from breakfast meister Johan Engman. Whimsical décor complements enjoyably off-kilter pancakes, French toasts and eggs Benedicts. (Location: formerly Western Steakburger.)

2730 University Ave., North Park 619.642.0299, breakfastrepublicca.com

iDessert (opened in July) Say “Beam me up” at dessertier Jean-Philippe Maury’s futuristic patisserie, where patrons order customized desserts, sundaes and milkshakes at iPad stations and wait briefly for the vividly flavored and colored fantasies to materialize.

1608 India St., Ste. 104, Little Italy 619.544.1033, idessert.com

Galaxy Taco (opened in July)

George’s California Modern founder, George Hauer, and chef/partner Trey Foshee have unveiled their out-of-this-world Galaxy Taco, which is now serving inventive tacos and mucho tequilas in La Jolla. (Location: formerly La Jolla Shores Market.)

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

Inside Galaxy Taco in La Jolla.

The “Happy” Mediterranean raw wrap at Café Gratitude.

Café Gratitude (opened in July)

With locations in hip-hot L.A. neighborhoods and elsewhere, this gourmet vegan restaurant has now set up shop in expansive Kettner Boulevard quarters to showcase seasonal menus partly sourced from the co-founders’ farm in Vacaville, California. (Location: retail space at Broadstone Little Italy.)

1980 Kettner Blvd., Ste. 20, Little Italy 619.736.5077, cafegratitude.com (cont. on page 86)

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taste {DINING OUT} (cont. from page 84)

Blushie drinks at Blush Ice Bar + EastWest Kitchen.

Lamb-roasted asado, heirloom beans, panfried potatoes, and garlic and herb salsa verde at Bracero Cocina De Raíz.

Blush Ice Bar + East-West Kitchen

(opened in July) Feel pretty in pink at this vast Gaslamp newcomer, where frothy, fruity and frequently pastel cocktails accompany clever Asian-American cuisine from the “East-West Kitchen.” The raw bar is already a pearl in the minds of shellfish fanciers. (Location: formerly Wet Willie’s.)

555 Market St., Gaslamp 619.501.9158, blushicebar.com

Inside the recently rebuilt Pacific Beach AleHouse.

Pacific Beach AleHouse (reopened in July)

Newly rebuilt and glorious, this wave-close haven by OMG Hospitality (Union Kitchen + Tap in Encinitas and Gaslamp, Backyard Kitchen + Tap, etc.) offers serious hospitality daily and entertains at both ends of the day on weekends, when brunch starts at 9 a.m., and a DJ begins spinning at 10 p.m.

721 Grand Ave., Pacific Beach 858.581.2337, pbalehouse.com

Bracero Cocina De Raíz (opened in July)

Perhaps the most important newcomer of 2015 thus far, Javier Plascencia’s stunning two-story eatery in a Little Italy tower presents “cooking of the roots,” irresistible Mexican fare like incredibly textured shrimp and bone-marrow sopes.

1490 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy 619.756.7864, bracerococina.com

(cont. on page 88)

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[Promotion]

Rolling in Dough

Get rich (flavor) quick at Woodstock’s Pizza

By David Nelson Photos by Sara Norris

W

Creative pies loaded with quality toppings is the name of the game at Woodstock’s

hen Pittsburgh battles New England during the first game of this year’s NFL season on Thursday, September 10, even deflated Patriots fans will have something to cheer about at kickoff: the new Kickin’ Carnitas pizza at Woodstock’s.

“We wanted to take advantage of an occasion that’s already a big event, and the carnitas will resonate with football fans,” says Woodstock’s owner and president, Jeff Ambrose. “We’re featuring a new product we’re really proud of.”

This pizza is off the pie charts.

Designed for San Diego, the Kickin’ Carnitas unites tender, slow-marinated Mexican-style pulled pork with crisp bacon, red onions and fresh cilantro. The kicker is the creamy chipotle ranch, and the playing field is hand-tossed white or whole-wheat crust made fresh daily with the restaurant’s famous secret pizza sauce rolled into the dough to form delectable pockets of flavor (thin and crispy gluten-free crust also available).

“We’re spicing the carnitas with our creamy chipotle to create a flavor profile different from anywhere else,” says Ambrose. “We’re capturing the popularity of Southwestern cuisine and featuring it in a pizza.”

Creative pies loaded with quality toppings is the name of the game at Woodstock’s, where legendary pizza meets epic party. Touchdown at a location near you for rockin’ good times, cold craft beers and NFL action on big-screens. Woodstock’s — always a hometown favorite… even if our home team moves to L.A. 6145 El Cajon Blvd., near SDSU 1221 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach Dine in, take-out, delivery WoodstocksCA.com

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taste {DINING OUT}

Inside Lemonade in Hillcrest.

(cont. from page 86)

The Hog, Hen and Bovine sliders at Soda & Swine.

Soda & Swine

vanessa Stump

(opened in July) “Much Ado About Meatballs” could be the motto for Consortium Holdings’ revolutionary joint in Liberty Station, where Point Lomans and meat-loving visitors kick up their heels with tasty tacos, serious spaghetti and really red wines.

2750 Dewey Rd., Ste. 104, Liberty Station sodaandswine.com Inside Kearny Mesa’s newly remodeled Emerald Chinese Cuisine.

Lemonade

(two locations opened in August) There’s everything sweet and nothing sour about the eye-catching Hillcrest and University Town Center locations of L.A.’s ultra-hip Lemonade chain, a “fastcasual” redoubt specializing in salads, sandwiches, savory foods, desserts and deluxe lemonades. (Location: formerly Amici’s Pizza in Hillcrest.)

3958 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest, 619.293.7900 4525 La Jolla Village Dr., Ste. D35, UTC, 858.251.0912 lemonadela.com

Emerald Chinese Cuisine

(reopened in August) Completely rebuilt and considerably up-scaled, Convoy Street’s grand palace of Hong Kong-style fare now boasts a stylish lounge, an up-to-date bar program, lively music, dim sum day and night, and exquisite seafood.

3709 Convoy St., Kearny Mesa 858.565.6888, sdchinesecuisine.com

Tostada de Atun at Coasterra.

(cont. on page 90)

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K ate and Michael Auda

Coasterra (opened in August) Designed by Cohn Restaurant Group, Chef Deborah Scott and late architect Graham Downes, this behemoth, waterside restaurant and private events complex on Harbor Island specializes in upscale Mexican fare, generous cocktails and sizzling city views.

880 Harbor Island Dr., Harbor Island 619.814.1300, coasterra.com

GET YOUR SOMETHING EXTRA TEXT AlwaysSummer TO 24455 F O R A N E N T RY C O D E C O R O N AU S A . C O M NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Enter your Official Entry Code at www.CoronaUSA.com, beginning 12:00:01 AM (ET) on 5/6/15 through 11:59:59 AM (ET) on 9/8/15. Open only to residents of 50 U.S. and Washington, DC, 21 or older. Text message entry code requests must be received by 11:59:59 AM (ET) on 9/8/15. Online entries must be received by 11:59:59 AM (ET) on 9/8/15 to be eligible for the last daily drawing. Message and data rates may apply for text messaging (available on participating carriers only). Text STOP to 24455 to cancel.

Text HELP to 24455 for help. Void where prohibited. For complete details, daily entry deadlines and other ways to obtain an Official Entry Code, see Official Rules at www.CoronaUSA.com.

Relax responsibly.

速

Corona Extra速 Beer. Imported by Crown Imports, Chicago, IL

taste {DINING OUT} (cont. from page 88)

A few of the more than 100 beer taps at Yard House.

Fireside by The Patio

(opening in September) Liberty Station is flaming hot thanks to The Patio Group’s wise reworking of a vintage Navy structure as an indooroutdoor setting for fire pits, wood-fired grills and family-style eats by Executive Chef John Medall.

2855 Perry Rd., Liberty Station firesidesd.com

Yard House (opening in September)

Near the 20-screen AMC theater in Mission Valley Center, this branch of the brewskyoriented chain will offer the good stuff everybody loves, like lobster-crab-artichoke dip and barrels of beer with which to chase.

1640 Camino Del Rio North, Ste. 157, Mission Valley yardhouse.com

Fireside by The Patio’s executive chef, John Medall.

Crazy Goose Bar & Lounge (opening in

September) — not pictured Complete JJ’s Burger Challenge (consuming a fourplus-pound burger feast) in less than eight minutes to get your name on Crazy Gooses’ Wall of Flame. Big bar, big menu, party-time vibe. (Location: formerly Quality Social.)

789 Sixth Ave., Gaslamp 619.255.6703, crazygoosebar.com

Rendering of North Park’s incoming Beerfish.

Beerfish

(opening in September) The name of this soon-toopen North Parker expresses the mission statement of Sessions Public owner Abel Kaase, who transformed a former house into an airy destination for craft beer and docks-fresh seafood.

2933 Adams Ave., North Park facebook.com/ beerfishsandiego (cont. on page 92)

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RESTAURANT WINE BAR

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A V A I L A B L E

V E G E T A R I A N

F R I E N D L Y

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DOWNTOWN (EAST VILLAGE) 906 Market St. San Diego, CA 92101

HAPPY HOUR Mon. - Fri. 5pm - 7pm Sat. & Sun. 12pm - 7pm Lunch Specials Mon. - Fri.

HILLCREST 3761 6th Ave. San Diego, CA 92103

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619.595.0115

619.299.8272

OPEN FOR LUNCH & DINNER

Ocean Views... as far as the eye can sea.

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

Poseidon on the beach 1670 Coast Blvd., Del Mar | (858) 755-9345 | poseidonrestaurant.com SEPTEMBER 2015 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

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taste {DINING OUT} (cont. from page 90)

The Swell Cafe (opening in October)

The second location of the popular, artisan-style coffee house in Mission Beach will bring the same casual vibe, cold-brew javas, and comfort-food breakfast and lunch menus to Del Mar’s upscale Flower Hill Promenade.

2670 Via De La Valle, Del Mar theswellcafe.com A crafty cup of joe at The Swell Cafe.

The Crack Shack

(opening in November) Kind of an annex to celeb chef Richard Blais’ Juniper & Ivy, this revamped toolshed coddles Jet Set foodies with eggs and chicken prepared every which way, from breakfast through dinner.

2226 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy crack-shack.com

Flour & Barley (opening in November) There’s already a pizza kitchen installed at The Headquarters space where Mozza flopped, so this Vegasbased pizzeria will reheat the ovens to serve fancy pies and suave pastas alongside craft beers and barrel-aged cocktails.

789 W. Harbor Dr., Downtown flourandbarley.com Ziti Rustica at Flour & Barley.

The Crack Shack culinary director Richard Blais.

Pressed Branzino sushi at CRUDO By Pascal Lorange.

CRUDO By Pascal Lorange Chef/restaurateur Brian Malarkey of The Herb Shop.

C hantelle M arie

(opening in December) Belgian-born French chef Pascal Lorange, a master of the Riviera-centric cuisine served by chic Fig & Olive restaurants, will open his Mediterraneanstyle CRUDO in The Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch. Firsthand knowledge: this dude can cook.

5965 Village Way, Ste. E107, Del Mar crudopl.com

The Herb Shop

(opening in December) Brian Malarkey’s The Herb Shop on upper Kettner Boulevard. won’t be gardenvariety. The name umbrellas the trendy Herb & Wood restaurant and the Herb & Eatery cafe-market, with eat-in and takeout foods and an on-site butcher.

2210 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy (cont. on page 94)

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b r e a k f a s t

l u n c h

d i n n e r

2 4 h o u r s a d a y

One a scale from 1 to 10, we’re a 24/7.

$3 CraFT brEWs ( 4 - 7 p. m . d a I Ly ) d o W N T o W N ’s o N Ly F u L L - s E rV I C E 2 4 / 7 r E s Ta u r a N T

T h E r E s Ta u r a N T T h aT N E V E r s L E E p s ®

The all-new Brian’s 24 — all-day and all-night never looked this good.

8 2 8 s i x t h av e n u e

G a s l a m p Q u a rt e r

619.702.8410

brIaNs24.Com

taste {DINING OUT} (cont. from page 92)

Liberty Public Market

(opening in December) Designed to mimic such worldfamous markets as Seattle’s Pike Place, Blue Bridge Hospitality’s sprawling space in Liberty Station will house a wonderful variety of food vendors including crafty small eateries.

2816 Historic Decatur Rd., Liberty Station libertypublicmarket.com

Rendering of Liberty Public Market, the indoor-outdoor marketplace coming to Liberty Station.

Pueblo (opening late 2015) — not pictured Nacho daddy’s kind of Mexican place, Pueblo, from onetime George’s at the Cove partner Mark Oliver, will perfume the premises of PB’s long-running China Inn with new-style Baja Coastal cuisine, heavy on seafood and Baja wines.

877 Hornblend St., Pacific Beach

Stab in The Dark Tart at Blackmarket Bakery.

Blackmarket Bakery

(opening early 2016) North Park scores again with this third location of a Costa Mesa-based chain. Blackmarket celebrates self-indulgence with sky-high cakes, irresistible tarts, gingery cookies, breakfast pastries and, when sweet teeth sleep, savory sandwiches.

4686 30th St., North Park blackmarketbakery.com

STK Rebel (opening early 2016) Meanwhile, back at the Andaz, The ONE Group Hospitality will open its fourth STK Rebel in the hotel’s spacious ground-floor restaurant space. (The other three are in Miami, Denver and Austin.) ONE GROUP calls the concept “A modern twist on the American steakhouse.”

600 F St., Gaslamp stkhouse.com 94

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • september 2015

Tomahawk steak at STK Rebel.

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taste {what’s cooking}

How to Blend In A standout breakfast with a powerful punch Recipe and photos by Brandon Matzek

This Spiced Oatmeal Smoothie Bowl elevates the humble breakfast smoothie with the addition of healthful toppings, a motley mix of crunchy seeds, shaved coconut, fresh fruit and sweet maple syrup. Out of the glass and into the bowl, the thick smoothie base, flavored with apples, oats and spices, is consumed using a spoon rather than a straw. Toppings are scattered over the surface of the bowl, providing contrasting flavors and textures. Packed with various nutrients, this smoothie bowl can fuel an entire morning.

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Easy Recipe

follow me!

T

he recipe starts with a smoothie base made of old-fashioned oats, almond milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, cinnamon and vanilla. A pinch of kosher salt and a squeeze of lemon juice lift flavors. Optional ingredients include turmeric, for its myriad health benefits, and a date, for depth of sweetness. Apple is the main fruit flavor. Apple, oats and cinnamon combine harmoniously. However, this smoothie base will gladly receive many other types of fruit. Here are some ideas: Apricot and Cardamom: Switch out the apple for 2 ripe, pitted apricots and blend in a pinch of ground cardamom. Add a spoonful of apricot preserves with the toppings.

Mixed Berry: Switch out the apple and ice cubes for 2 cups frozen mixed berries and sweeten with honey instead of maple syrup. Add chopped, toasted almonds with the toppings.

Banana Walnut: Switch out the apple for 1 ripe banana and blend in a small pinch of grated nutmeg. Add chopped, toasted walnuts with the toppings.

Peach and Pecan: Switch out the apple for 1 ripe, pitted peach. Add chopped, toasted pecans and a dollop of peach preserves with the toppings.

Pumpkin Spice: Switch out the apple for 1/2 cup pumpkin puree. Add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice and additional maple syrup to taste.

Now, let’s talk toppings. In this recipe, the spiced-oatmeal smoothie base is topped with handfuls of roasted pumpkin seeds, roasted sunflower seeds, coconut flakes and chopped apple, and a drizzle of golden maple syrup.

These toppings are just suggestions. Use whatever you have available in your pantry. Fruit (fresh or dried), nuts (toasted or raw), seeds, preserves, chocolate and peanut butter are wonderful additions.

Spiced Oatmeal Smoothie Bowl Ingredients 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats (not quick-cooking) 1/4 cup sweetened almond milk (any milk will work here, really) 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt 1 tsp. maple syrup, plus more to taste 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract Pinch of ground turmeric (optional) 1 apple, cored and chopped 1 date, pitted (optional) Squeeze of fresh lemon juice Small pinch of kosher salt 6 - 8 ice cubes Toppings: roasted pumpkin seeds, roasted sunflower seeds, coconut, chopped apple and additional maple syrup drizzled over.

Process Blend and season.

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

The texture should be thick enough to eat with a spoon.

Adjust flavors by adding more maple syrup or lemon juice.

Top and enjoy.

Pour smoothie into a bowl, and add toppings to taste.

Enjoy immediately!

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taste {BEER}

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

By Brandon Hernández

Harvest Saison: More than a year into its successful bid to provide El Cajon a hub for hometown suds, URBN St. Brewing Co. is thriving and earning high marks for its saison.

A farmhouse ale brewed with Belgian yeast, it comes across with vibrant fruitiness and a finish that’s bone-dry and peppery.

In equal celebration of autumn and the Beer to the Rescue campaign benefiting Southern Californians stricken with lupus, head brewer Callaway Ryan is infusing his already lovely saison with a mélange of indigenous, seasonal spices and botanicals to create a limited-edition beer worth falling for. URBN St. Brewing Co., 110 S. Magnolia Ave., El Cajon, urbnstbrewing.com

Nectarine-Peach Beatitude: When Liz and Curtis Chism opened Council

DO ME A FLAVOR New beers to cheers and brews to peruse

Brewing Co., their goal was to have a simple, highly drinkable sour beer available at all times. That beer, a tart saison called Beatitude, has become so popular that, although it’s brewed many times and infused with a farmer’s market’s stock of fresh fruits, it’s very hard to keep on tap. It’s in such demand, the couple recently leased a warehouse solely to produce and bottle it. The latest version is packed with 31 pounds of ripe stone fruit procured from Central California’s Masumoto Family Farm — and it’s just peachy. Council Brewing Co., 7705 Convoy Ct., Kearny Mesa, councilbrew.com

(cont. on page 100)

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taste {BEER} (cont. from page 98)

COMING TO A HEAD

What’s new in brew or coming soon

Alpine Beer Company Pub: Alpine’s namesake brewery has always had great beer. What’s been missing from the equation for far too long is enough space for the hordes of fans trekking to the remote mountain town in search of said ales. That all changed when the family-run operation (which was recently acquired by Mira Mesa-based Green Flash Brewing Co.) took over a large restaurant space, outfitting it with plenty of taps (serving mostly Alpine and Green Flash beers plus a number of guest brews) and a menu offering stick-to-your-ribs fare brought to new heights courtesy of craft culinary touches. 1347 Tavern Rd., Alpine, alpinebeerco.com

Bay City Brewing Co.:

SEPTEMBER beer events

let’s go to the hops

Former Monkey Paw Pub and Brewery assistant brewer Chris West has ventured out on his own, setting up camp as the master of his own domain in Lomaland. Tucked away to serve Point Loma locals and visitors to Valley View Casino Center (pre-Gulls fuel-up, anyone?), Bay City Brewing Co. is a “coastal urban” brewery that shares San Diego’s old-time nickname and offers multiple tiers of beers broken down between hoppy, malty and sour brews. Crafted on a 20-barrel system from Escondido brewhouse-building stalwart Premier Stainless Systems, Bay City will serve a whopping 11 core beers year-round. 3770 Hancock St., Point Loma, baycitybrewingco.com

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Carlsbad Brewfest: Flower fields are fine, but at

the second go-round of this annual fermentation fest, it’s hop flowers that will be celebrated, along with fine beers from more than 30 breweries. National interests will be ontap alongside local brewing stars. Sometimes it’s good to be ’Bad. Sept. 12, 12 p.m., Holiday Park, 3400 Pio Pico Dr., Carlsbad, carlsbadbrewfest.org

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • september 2015

San Diego Festival of Beer: San Diego’s very first beer fest has been around so long that it’s now old enough to drink. Celebrate 21 years of beery trailblazing along with hundreds of revelers and a smattering of brewers, local and visitor alike, at what remains one of the city’s most fun imbibing traditions. Sept. 18, 6 p.m, Broadway Pier, 1000 N. Harbor Dr., Downtown, sdbeerfest.org

eorge Thornton and his wife, Molly, own and operate one of San Diego’s most highly regarded homebrew supply shops, North Park’s The Homebrewer. Earlier this year, they added an on-site nanobrewery and tasting room to show customers how to get the most out of the retail component’s ingredients and brewing apparatuses. Though young, the Thornton’s aptly, yet somewhat ironically, named Home Brewing Company is generating a good amount of buzz throughout the local bee(r)hive.

meet your maker Brewmaster Q&A George Thornton

Owner and brewer, The Homebrewer and Home Brewing Co.

Brandon Hernández: When did you decide to add a brewing arm to The Homebrewer?

GEORGE THORNTON: It had always been a dream, but without formal training, I felt it was not my role to open another brewery. I began to realize that my experience as a homebrewer and store owner gave me enough confidence and knowledge to make the leap. The main factor from the beginning was to have an emphasis on educating consumers about beer and how it’s made.

It felt like it could be our way of making a positive contribution outside of just increasing the barrel-count for San Diego.

Tell us about your brewing background.

I began brewing out of necessity when I was 19. I had been to Europe a few summers prior and was exposed to having a quality beer with dinner… and then a lot more at the pub afterwards. It was a bummer being back home, getting straight As in college, working 40-plus hours and not being deemed “responsible” enough to select my own beer. My sister made me an offer in 2001 to buy me a homebrew kit and pay for my ingredients. I just had to keep the beer on tap at her place. Deal!

What’s your brewing style at Home Brewing Co.?

I’m a student of beer, so I enjoy brewing classic styles.

I know that some people see that as being lame or a copout, but I don’t see it that way at all. I see it as a challenge, especially since we could arguably be making more money if we had every color of IPA on tap. So far, we’ve brewed a few English milds, a few American pale ales, a 3.3-percent alcohol-by-volume Belgian single, Schwarzbier, rauchbier, smoked saison, French saison, rye brown and more. All of the recipes for our beers are available online, along with brew notes. If I have a shitty brew day, I talk about it in the notes and explain my thoughts.

How has San Diego’s homebrewing community strengthened its pro brewing reputation?

I don’t think there is any doubt that the San Diego pro scene is fueled by homebrewers. Homebrewers are turning pro about every month in this town. Homebrewers and pro brewers are constantly engaging one another, asking questions and sharing ideas. It’s a great time to be a beer drinker in San Diego.

PAU L BO DY

Brandon Hernández is a native San Diegan with a fervent passion for craft beer and the talented individuals who produce it. He is the author of Complete Guide to San Diego Breweries, Senior Communications Specialist for Stone Brewing Co. and contributes beer-centric content to national and San Diego-based publications. The first publication for which he ever wrote about beer was PacificSD. Follow him on Twitter: @sdbeernews and @offdutyfoodie.

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taste {drink}

BREAKING THE ICE Meet the frosty star of downtown’s chillest new restaurant

By Michael Benninger Photo by Paul Body

O

n July 30, after 18 months in the works, Blush Ice Bar + East-West Kitchen cracked open its doors on the corner of Sixth and Market in the Gaslamp (across the street from Side Bar). Sporting simple décor, modern fixtures and an airy atmosphere, this raw bar and oyster lounge has a spacious dining room and topflight kitchen that serves up Asian-American cuisine.

But the mouth-watering menu is just the tip of the iceberg.

At the heart of Blush is the bar’s namesake drink, which spawned the restaurant’s sister (and original) location in San Jose. Blush Cocktails, aka Blushies, are refreshing, fruit-forward libations

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featuring a flurry of blended ice floating above seriously spirited sips.

“Blush cocktails are built just like any other handcrafted cocktails — plus frosted ice,” says Taylor Kim, the inventor of the icy intoxicant and a co-owner of both Blush locations. “The frosted ice itself contains no alcohol, however we’re generous in our pour, and our fans enjoy that.”

The bar offers 14 signature Blush cocktails, including glacial takes on many traditional drinks — like the BGT, a Blush Gin and Tonic.

“On top of that, our Build-Your-Own-Blush menu allows visitors to get interactive and create their own concoctions,” says Kim. “The combinations are endless.”

While the scorching September sun radiates from the concrete jungle, this wintry treat will help downtown denizens keep their cool, especially during Blush’s happy hours (weekdays from 3 - 6 p.m.), when oysters are only a buck a shuck; the two-dozen beers on tap are all half-price; and the frigid, fruit-laden drinks are just $5 apiece. Looking to cool down during the weekends? Brunch at Blush and chill out to rhythmic reggae beats or live, local musicians. It doesn’t get much cooler than that.

BLUSH ICE BAR + EAST-WEST KITCHEN 555 Market St., Gaslamp 619.501.9158, blushicebar.com

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GROOVE SO U ND DECISIONS

Fitz and the Tantrums

Young the Giant

9.18-20: KAABOO

Music Festival @ Del Mar Racetrack, kaaboodelmar.com

no doubt

switchfoot

More than 100 musicians, comedians, artists and chefs make their way to Del Mar in September for KAABOO — a Coachella-esque three-day music festival minus the twoand-a-half-hour drive to, and blazing temperatures in, Indio.

Top 40 artists No Doubt, The Killers, Zac Brown Band, Train, Snoop Dogg, Foster the People and more than 70 other musical acts will perform live on seven stages throughout the long weekend, while comedians Joel McHale, Lewis Black, Chris D’Elia, Anthony Jeselnik and more perform inside the air-conditioned Humor Me comedy club.

A craft beer garden, local chefs and restaurants, and more than a dozen on-site artists and galleries round out the offerings of this inaugural fest, held where the surf meets the turf. (cont. on page 106)

F it z and the Tantrums photo by Nataworry Photograph y; N o D oubt photo b y Yu T sai ; Switchfoot photo by Chris Burkard; T he R oots photo b y B en Watts ; T he Killers photo by Williams + Hirakawa ; Snoop D ogg photo b y Anthon y M andler

Zac Brown Band

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311 Slightly Stoopid

PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM • september 2015

the roots

Sheryl Crow

counting crows

the killers

snoop dogg

groove {sound decisions} (cont. from page 104)

Sounds Like a Plan SEPTEMBER concert calendar

By Catlin Dorset

9/1: Miguel @ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com This R&B artist dropped his new album, Wildheart, in June.

9/3: The Marshall Tucker Band @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com The 2008 film Swing Vote, starring Kevin Costner, features this southern rock band’s song “Can’t You See.” 9/4: Magic! @ House of Blues, hob.com Canadian pop/reggae foursome best known for their 2013 debut single “Rude.”

9/5: Yes and Toto @ Pala Casino, palacasino.com Rock bands Yes and Toto coheadline a U.S. summer tour through mid-September.

9/6: The Gipsy Kings @ Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, humphreysconcerts.com In January 2014, this flamenco/ pop band’s Savor Flamenco album won the Grammy Award for Best World Music Album.

9/6: Sara Evans @ Syucan Casino, sycuan.com Country singer-songwriter known for several chart-topping hits including “Suds in the Bucket” (2004), “A Real Fine Place to Start” (2005) and “A Little Bit Stronger” (2010).

9/7: Gondwana @ House of Blues, hob.com This Chilean group performs reggae en español.

9/8: Hopsin @ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com In July, rapper Marcus Jamal Hopson, aka Hopsin, released his Pounds Syndrome album.

9/11: El Tri @ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com This rock band from Mexico City went by the moniker Three Souls in My Mind before changing its name in 1985.

9.9 ARIANA GRANDE

@ Sleep Train Amphitheatre, livenation.com Nicki Minaj, The Weeknd and Zedd are some of the big-name acts with whom this 21-year-old pop singer has collaborated.

9.6 Weezer

@ Del Mar Racetrack, delmarscene.com The soundtracks for Cars 2 and Shrek Ever After feature songs by these L.A.-based alt. rockers. (cont. ON page 108)

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groove {sound decisions} (cont. from page 106)

9/11: Kansas @ Pauma Pavilion, casinopauma.com TV shows South Park, Family Guy and Scrubs have featured this classic rock band’s 1976 hit, “Carry on Wayward Son.” 9/11: Boyz II Men @ Pechanga Resort & Casino, pechanga.com In 2012, this R&B trio received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

9/11: Alejandra Guzmán @ Harrah’s Resort SoCal, harrahssocal.com This pop/rock artist’s mother is Silvia Pinal, an internationally known actress; her father, Enrique Guzmán, is considered a pioneer of Mexican rock and roll.

9/12: Indie Jam 2015 @ Junior Seau Oceanside Pier Amphitheatre, fm949sd.com Indie/alt. rockers Silversun Pickups, Metric, Houndmouth, Meg Myers and others take the stage during FM 94/9’s annual concert event.

9/13: Chayanne @ SDSU’s Viejas Arena, as.sdsu.edu Elmer Figueroa Arce, aka Chayanne, is a Puerto Rican pop singer whose recent single, “Tu Respiración,” is the theme song for the Mexican soap opera Lo Imperdonable.

9/13: Marco Antonio Solis @ Pechanga Resort & Casino, pechanga.com Latin Grammy Award-winning pop singer, guitarist and producer.

9/14: Hollywood Undead @ House of Blues, hob.com Hip-hop rock outfit on the road through October with Crown the Empire and I Prevail.

9/15: Four Year Strong @ SOMA, somasandiego.com Blink-182, New Found Glory and Paramore are among the bands with whom this pop punk foursome has toured.

9/16: Mobb Deep @ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com Hip-hop duo from Queens, New York.

9.14 the who

@ Valley View Casino Center, valleyviewcasinocenter.com The legendary English rock band kicks off its North American leg of The Who Hits 50! tour on this night in Point Loma.

9.13 zz top

@ Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, humphreysconcerts.com At the 2014 CMT Music Awards, Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line and Jason Derulo joined these blues rockers on stage to perform a mashup of all of the artists’ hits. (cont. ON page 110)

R oss Halfin

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groove {sound decisions} (cont. from page 108)

9/17: Chris Brown @ Sleep Train Amphitheatre, livenation.com On February 20, this hip-hopper released Fan of a Fan: The Album, a collaborative collection co-created by rapper Tyga.

9/17: Megan Nicole @ House of Blues, hob.com This 21-year-old pop starlet rose to fame via YouTube by uploading her covers of songs by Bruno Mars, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift and others.

9/18: Chris Cornell @ Balboa Theatre, sandiegotheatres.org This alt. rocker and Soundgarden frontman/founder drops his new album, Higher Truth, on this same date.

9/18-19: Julieta Venegas @ Music Box, musicboxsd.com In 2006, this pop/rock musician’s Limón Y Sal record won the Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album.

9/20: George Benson @ Thornton Winery, thorntonwine.com Ten-time Grammy Award-winning jazz singer and instrumentalist.

9/19: Paul Anka @ Pechanga Resort & Casino, pechanga.com Canadian singer-songwriter Paul Anka wrote “She’s a Lady,” which became a huge hit for Tom Jones in 1971.

9/20: The Beach Boys @ Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, humphreysconcerts.com Rolling Stone magazine ranked this iconic American rock band at No. 12 on its “100 Greatest Artists” list.

9/20: Ricky Martin @ SDSU’s Viejas Arena, as.sdsu.edu The “Livin’ La Vida Loca” (1999 breakout hit) pop star currently serves as a judge on the Aussie version of The Voice.

9/21: Mark Knopfler @ Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, humphreysconcerts.com Former frontman of Dire Straits, this British rocker composed 1987’s The Princess Bride soundtrack.

9/22: CocoRosie @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com Sisters Sierra and Bianca Casady compose this indie folk twosome.

9/22: Damian Marley @ SDSU’s Open Air Theatre, as.sdsu.edu This reggae artist was a couple months shy of his third birthday when his father, the great Bob Marley, passed away.

9/23: Panteon Rococo @ House of Blues, hob.com Mexican ska rock band touring worldwide through October.

def leppard

Sleep Train Amphitheatre, livenation.com Five-piece English rock band on a U.S summer tour with Styx and Tesla. (cont. ON page 112)

A ndrew Mac P herson

(cont. ON page 112)

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groove {sound decisions}

9/25: Rascal Flatts @ Pala Casino, palacasino.com This country music trio has enjoyed huge success with singles “Bless the Broken Road” (2005), “Life Is a Highway” (2006) and “Riot” (2014).

(cont. from page 110)

9.24 foo fighters @ Sleep Train

Hayle y Madden

Amphitheatre, livenation.com Dave Grohl and his alt. rock bandmates were the last group to perform on Late Show with David Letterman, the finale of which aired in May.

9/26: Air Supply @ Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, humphreysconcerts.com Soft rock duo most known for its slew of sappy hits, including “All Out of Love” (1980) and “Making Love Out of Nothing At All” (1983).

9/27: Duran Duran @ SDSU’s Open Air Theatre, as.sdsu.edu Pop rock quartet on its Paper Gods tour in support of the album of the same name, which drops September 11.

9.25 death cab for cutie SDSU’s Open Air

Theatre, as.sdsu.edu In March, this Washingtonian alt. rock group released its eighth studio album, titled Kintsugi.

9.28 tove lo @ Observatory North

Park, observatorysd.com This Swedish singersongwriter became an overnight success in 2014 after her single “Habits (Stay High)” rocketed up the Top 40 charts.

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9/27: Dead Kennedys @ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com On September 26, these San Franciscan punk rockers will headline the Hi-Fi Rockfest in Long Beach.

9/27: Cimorelli @ House of Blues, hob.com Sisters Christina, Katherine, Lisa, Amy, Lauren and Dani Cimorelli compose this pop a cappella sextet.

9/29: Years & Years @ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com Electronica pop threesome most known for their current hit, “King.”

9/30: Chicago @ Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, humphreysconcerts.com Founded in 1967 in its namesake city, Chicago ranks as one of the most successful American rock bands of all time, second only to the Beach Boys according to Billboard.

9/30: Van Halen @ Sleep Train Amphitheatre, livenation.com These hard rockers are rumored to begin working on a new album once their tour wraps this fall.

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groove {spin cycle}

take a spin

Upcoming EDM and DJ performances

By Catlin Dorset

9/3: Blasterjaxx @ OMNIA San Diego, omnianightclub.com Carly Rae Jepsen, Tiësto and David Guetta are among the big names for whom this Dutch electro house duo has remixed tracks.

9/3: Sick Individuals @ Parq Nightclub, parqsd.com On August 3, these progressive house remixers released “Waiting for You,” a collaborative track with DBSTF. 9/4: Arty @ OMNIA San Diego, omnianightclub.com This Russian progressive house producer has made DJ Mag’s “Top 100 DJs” list for the past five consecutive years.

9.10 The Chainsmokers

@ OMNIA San Diego, omnianightclub.com Electro house twosome most known for its 2014 hit single, “#Selfie.”

9/4: Paul Oakenfold @ Del Mar Racetrack, delmarscene.com The 51-year-old electronic beatmaker plans to release his new studio album, Pop Killer, sometime next year.

9/5: Kill the Noise @ Bassmnt, bassmntsd.com Dubstepper Jake Stanczak, aka Kill the Noise, is featured on Korn’s 2012 track “Narcissistic Cannibal” with Skrillex.

9/11: Dada Life @ OMNIA San Diego, omnianightclub.com On July 18, these EDM Swedes broke the Guinness World Record for “largest gathering of people dressed as fruits” at their Dada Land festival. Of the 15,000 attendees, 629 dressed the part.

9/12: Jay Hardway @ OMNIA San Diego, omnianightclub.com Jobke Heiblom, aka Jay Hardway, is an electro house DJ and drummer from the Netherlands.

9/13: Major Lazer @ Mad Decent Block Party, maddecentblockparty.com This electro outfit created by EDM heavyweight Diplo has enjoyed huge success with its current single, “Lean On,” featuring DJ Snake.

9.6 toro y moi @ Rooftop 600 at

Andaz, rooftop600.com Indie electronic artist whose stage name is a Spanish and French mashup meaning “bull and I.”

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Andrew Paynter

(cont. ON page 116)

groove {spin cycle} (cont. from page 114)

9/17: Borgeous @ OMNIA San Diego, omnianightclub.com L.A.-based dance music producer most known for his 2013 hit, “Tsunami” featuring DVBBS. 9/19: Dzeko and Torres @ OMNIA San Diego, omnianightclub.com Tiësto’s remix of this progressive house twosome’s single “L’Amour Toujours” drops on September 8.

9/25: Adventure Club @ Valley View Casino Center, valleyviewcasinocenter.com EDMers Adventure Club, 3LAU, Martin Solveig and more take over the Point Loma arena for an all-night (9 p.m. to 4 a.m.) show.

9/25: R3HAB @ OMNIA San Diego, omnianightclub.com Rihanna, Calvin Harris and Lady Gaga are among the megastars for whom this Dutch house DJ has remixed tracks.

9/26: Cosmic Gate @ Bassmnt, bassmntsd.com Claus Terhoeven and Stefan Bossems compose this progressive trance duo from Germany.

9.28 tommy trash

@ OMNIA San Diego, omnianightclub.com In 2013, this house music DJ’s remix of Deadmau5’s “The Veldt” earned him a Grammy nomination for “Best Remixed Recording.”

9.15 zedd

@ Valley View Casino Center, valleyviewcasinocenter.com Selena Gomez and Echosmith collaborated with this house music turntablist on his True Colors album, which dropped in May.

Local Seen Catch this act on the downtown scene: creative director at RMD Group (FLUXX, Side Bar, F6ix, Don Chido, Rustic Root, Ciro’s Pizzeria) by day and house music DJ by night, Erick Diaz recently played the mainstage at the Pride Music Festival in Balboa Park and regularly makes the room go boom at Bassmnt, OMNIA, Bang Bang and FLUXX.

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Nick Walker

Catch Diaz at one of his upcoming local shows: 9/3 @ FLUXX fluxxsd.com 9/4 @ OMNIA San Diego omnianightclub.com 12/18 @ Bang Bang bangbangsd.com

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groove {BARTENDER}

Ain’t Life Grant?

Mixing it up with Grant Grill’s new Chef de Bar

O

By Michael Benninger / Photos by Kate and Michael Auda

nce upon a time (true story, by the way), in a land far, far away (New Hampshire), the regular bartender showed up for work drunk one fortuitous evening. Coming to the rescue, the then 17year-old Cory Alberto jumped into action at his father’s establishment — and he’s been behind the bar, happily, ever after.

Regarded by enthusiasts as something of a cocktail hero, Alberto has since made a name for himself by pioneering innovative drinks at esteemed San Diego establishments including Table No. 10 in East Village, where his electric-purple Flux Capacitor was the talk (and drink) of the town last summer.

Today, Alberto is the new Chef de Bar at Grant Grill, the snazzy restaurant and lounge at downtown’s famed U.S. Grant Hotel, where his new Fall lineup of drinks — let’s call them fairy ’tails — are poised to propel many happy endings.

Supervisor, with all focus on the bar and lounge. My typical day involves poking around the kitchens and dry storage to find things to play with and spark creativity. I experiment a lot and hang out with chefs to pick their brains. I have always looked at the bar as an extension of the kitchen, so it’s only natural I hang with the kitchen people a lot.

PacificSD: Where are you from and where do you live now?

CORY ALBERTO: I grew up in coastal New Hampshire, in a little town called Portsmouth. I moved to San Diego in 2008 and live in Bankers Hill. I love the neighborhood’s cool people, amazing views and proximity to everything. There isn’t a bad restaurant, bar or deli anywhere.

What are some of your new drinks on the menu at the Grill?

Fall in New England pays homage to my childhood. The goal is to bring people to the classic time of autumn, when leaves are changing, and winter is on its way. In that cocktail, I have cold-smoked apple juice with Irish whiskey, Vermont maple liquor, Alpine walnut and cinnamon bitters.

Another drink I’m doing is a play on one of my favorite beverages, root beer. I’m calling it The Levee was Rye, and it’s a base of rye whiskey combined with a toasted sarsaparilla syrup I make, maraschino liquor, Cynar and soda water.

La Paloma Peligrosa is my tribute to San Diego in the fall. In that drink, I’m utilizing more indigenous fall flavors: tequila, Ancho Reyes [spicy chili liqueur], local honey, Aperol

Describe the vibe and menu at Grant Grill.

Think James Bond, Connery Bond, especially when we have live jazz. As far as the menu goes, it’s truly world-class modern California cuisine. I would put our kitchen staff up against anyone with total confidence.

What’s your role there?

I’m Chef de Bar-slash-Food and Beverage

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What drives you to continue innovating?

Knowing that I have people from all over the world coming to try my creations keeps me motivated, and I find inspiration absolutely everywhere. One of the cocktails featured on the new menu actually came to me while walking in Balboa Park. The sound of dried maple leaves crackling under my feet, and the smell they gave off, instantly reminded me of my childhood in New Hampshire, hence the name “Fall in New England.”

What’s your bartending style?

I’m big on Omakase style [a Japanese term meaning, “I’ll leave it to you”] and would love to custom-create a drink for anyone who walks through the door. So don’t be shy about telling me what you like.

[Italian aperitif ] and a grapefruit reduction.

What unusual elements or ingredients do you incorporate in your drinks?

I come from a culinary background and understand flavors differently than some bartenders. I’ll use things like Peruvian mint and tarragon, extracts and reductions, and molecular creations like alcoholic caviar and compressions. Smoke and fire have always been part of my repertoire. I like to incorporate food in my drinks when I can and sometimes push the boundaries of getting weird.

PacificSD wrote about your Flux Capacitor drink last year. Will you serve that at Grant Grill?

It’s not on the menu, but you shouldn’t be shocked to see it make an appearance in the future.

What drink personifies you?

Scotch. It’s smoky, yet sweet; harsh, yet refined.

I think scotch and I share a lot of things.

Where do you like to unwind?

My home away from home is the Lion’s Share [in downtown’s Marina District]. The place is super cool, from the artwork to the taxidermy.

Cocktails are over the top. Other than that, I’m totally a dive bar kind of guy. Give me a heavy pour in a dark, somewhat-grimy bar, and I’m in heaven.

If you have a special someone in your life, what’s that person’s favorite drink you pour?

I am currently single, but if anyone is interested, come by, and I’ll make something extra special just for you.

What are you most grateful for?

Friends, family and mezcal.

GRANT GRILL The U.S. Grant 326 Broadway, Gaslamp 619.744.2077, grantgrill.com

SEPTEMBER 2015 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

119

L O V E {BLIND DATE}

Fashionably Date It’s time for a change in more ways than one

By David Perloff / Photos by Brevin Blach / Chaperoned by Jessica Pelligra

W

elcome to the 105th edition of the PacificSD blind date. This evening, stylin’ singles Lindsay and Mark will become the latest models — getting styled and posing for photos at Topshop and Topman at Fashion Valley Mall.

Before their Epic Limo drops the couple off for local craft beers at the new Quad Alehouse

(formerly Gaslamp Tavern) on Fifth Avenue, let’s review the predate interviews.

PacificSD: Where are you from and where do you live now?

LINDSAY: Orange Beach, Alabama. I live in Little Italy right now.

MARK: I’m from Northern Los Angeles and I live in downtown San Diego.

What do you do for a living?

LINDSAY: Speech-language pathologist, personal trainer and business owner.

MARK: I own and operate an Internet marketing agency. We help generate new leads and sales for small businesses… and save penguins.

What do you do for fun?

LINDSAY: Workout, fish, kayak, paddleboard, dance.

MARK: I’m a guy’s guy. I like to workout, golf, play poker and travel.

What are you best at?

LINDSAY: Being Mom to my son.

MARK: I’m best at anything

athletic. I grew up playing lots of sports, so athletics come naturally to me.

What do you suck at?

LINDSAY: Picking guys, apparently.

MARK: I suck at taking selfies.

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

LINDSAY: Someone with confidence and good communication skills. Obviously, it would help if he’s smokin’ hot.

MARK: I’m looking for an (cont. ON page 122)

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L O V E {BLIND DATE} (cont. from page 120)

attractive and loyal woman who’s a free spirit.

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

LINDSAY: MILF, or so I’ve been told.

MARK: Candice Swanepoel.

What do you like least about yourself?

LINDSAY: I learn my lessons the hard way. Always.

MARK: I can be a bit of a hermit sometimes. I get so involved in my business that I avoid doing anything.

Rate yourself on a scale from 1 to 10 for looks.

LINDSAY: Depends on who I’m standing next to.

MARK: I’d say I’m at least a five.

I have a nice butt.

Rate yourself on a scale from 1 to 10 for personality.

L L O R N ‘ K

LINDSAY: Eleven, duh.

MARK: Eight.

What’s your biggest fear?

LINDSAY: Killer whales.

MARK: Knocking over a bottle in a liquor store and causing a domino effect.

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

LINDSAY: Narcissism or any signs of poor character, really.

MARK: Insecurity, bad hygiene or constantly checking her phone.

Fill in the blanks: I want my

blind date to be “blank” and “blank.”

LINDSAY: Does “Christian” and “Grey” work?

MARK: Sexy and hungry.

LINDSAY: May the odds be ever in his favor — a kiss would be very generous.

MARK: Possibly, but she has to keep her hands above the waist.

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

What’s the most important thing in the world?

LINDSAY: My son.

MARK: Netflix.

THANK YOU! Epic Limo 858.270.LIMO (5466) epiclimo.com Quad Alehouse 868 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp 619.239.3339, quadalehouse.com (cont. ON page 126)

WWW.THESHOUTHOUSE.COM // #SHOUTHOUSE // 655 4TH AVE, GASLAMP QUARTER //

619.231.6700

L O V E {BLIND DATE} (cont. from page 123)

Behind Clothed Doors The daters disrobe (in separate dressing rooms, unfortunately)

A

s Lindsay and Mark arrive at Quad Alehouse for prestyling beer flights, they appear to be getting along well, but an instant love connection is not yet apparent. In case tequila shots can fashion change on that front, we send some over. Soon, nervous laughter seems to give way to more relaxed conversation.

After about an hour, the couple departs Quad mid-flight. Next stop: Fashion Valley, specifically, the brick-and-mortar outpost of British-born fashion label Topshop and its brother brand, Topman.

Inside, the daters meet their stylist, Alejandro, who outfits them in the store’s latest and greatest.

While looking in the mirror and reflecting on each other’s fresh looks, Lindsay and Mark channel Ben Stiller’s character in Zoolander by flashing their best Blue Steels at the camera. Laughter hits a crescendo when Mark tries on a man purse.

After the fashion show, they leave the store with parting gifts (Lindsay selects a Topshop blouse and a skirt, Mark scores two Topman shirts but foregoes the murse) and head to Pacific Beach for a sunset dinner at JRDN, the ocean-view restaurant at Tower23 Hotel. Once inside, they order wine and look over the menu. As their appetizers arrive, the couple is split for mid-date debriefings.

PacificSD: How’s it going so far?

LINDSAY: It’s going really well.

He’s a really nice guy.

MARK: Really good. I’ve had a great time today so far.

What were you first impressions?

LINDSAY: Good first impressions; he was really nice and charismatic.

MARK: Very beautiful girl. She definitely loves to have a good time and she likes fashion just as much as I do — both great things.

What’s the funniest/weirdest thing you’ve talked about so far?

LINDSAY: We talked about really bad dates; that was pretty fun.

MARK: Her crawling on the [fake zebra skin] carpet at Topshop.

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

LINDSAY: It’s not my typical guy.

I usually don’t date guys that are as clean-cut as he is. I guess I usually date guys that are a little more rugged.

MARK: I mean, sure. I think at first, not necessarily, but once I got to know her a little bit I realized she was an awesome girl, someone that I could definitely see myself dating.

How was your experience at Quad Alehouse?

LINDSAY: It was great all around.

It was a great atmosphere, and the beer flights were really good.

I definitely would go back for football season.

MARK: That was fun. The upstairs bar that we went to was great, a lot of really cool little themes inside of the bar, and there was a lot of different choices for flights of beer. I think that place is fun for day-drinking and great beer.

How was your experience at Topshop/Topman?

LINDSAY: Topshop was a lot of fun. I will probably be back in there very soon, spending way too much money. Alex was amazing, and I love [the outfit he styled me in]. I plan on wearing it very soon.

MARK: Amazing. I think I’m going to start sprucing up my style a little more hipster.

Which of you looks hotter?

LINDSAY: That’s a close call, but I might have to go with myself here.

MARK: Obviously, Lindsay does.

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

LINDSAY: Talking about his business and how he’s an entrepreneur.

MARK: Her poses when we were modeling our clothes.

Rate your date on a scale from 1 to 10 for looks.

LINDSAY: Seven.

MARK: Nine.

And for personality?

LINDSAY: From what I gather so far, probably an eight.

MARK: I’d say eight.

Do you want to kiss your date right now?

LINDSAY: No, but I’m not much of a kisser on the first date anyway.

MARK: Sure.

Does your date want to kiss you?

LINDSAY: I don’t know. You’ll have to ask him.

MARK: Yes. How and when will the date end?

LINDSAY: It’s going to have to end after dinner, unfortunately. I have to get back to mommy duties.

MARK: That’s yet to be determined.

THANK YOU! Topshop/Topman at Simon Fashion Valley 7007 Friars Rd., Mission Valley 619.294.5745, topshop.com, topman.com (cont. ON page 128)

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SEPTEMBER 2015 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM

127

L O V E {BLIND DATE} (cont. from page 126)

Son Day Funday

A sunset dinner before “mommy duties” begin again

A

fter the mid-date break, Lindsay and Mark pose for a final few photos. Once they’ve had a chance to enjoy their entrees and meet JRDN’s new chef, Danilo “DJ” Tangalin, the PacificSD film crew finally leaves the couple to enjoy the rest of their evening away from the camera. The next morning, we call to see what we missed.

PacificSD: How was dinner at JRDN? LINDSAY: I love everything about JRDN. You can’t beat the food and atmosphere anywhere else in PB. MARK: Everything there was fantastic. I really love that place, and the company wasn’t bad either.

What did you eat and drink there?

LINDSAY: I had the scallops and a glass of wine.

We had the tuna tartare and squash as appetizers.

Everything was delicious.

MARK: I had the Ahi Tuna Poke and the Squash Blossoms with a Sauvignon Blanc from South Australia.

Where did you go and what did you do for the rest of the evening after JRDN? LINDSAY: I went back to mommy duties.

MARK: I made the grownup decision to go home and get ready for the upcoming week. It was a long weekend, and the fun had to stop somewhere.

When did you get home?

LINDSAY: After we ate at JRDN. MARK: Somewhere around eight or nine p.m.

Was there a kiss or romantic exchange?

LINDSAY: No. MARK: That’s top secret.

How and when did the date end?

LINDSAY: The car drove me home after dinner.

MARK: The date ended when the driver dropped Lindsay off at home after dinner.

Fill in the blanks. I wish my date had a bigger “blank” and a smaller “blank.” (cont. ON page 130)

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L O V E {BLIND DATE} (cont. from page 128)

LINDSAY: I wish my date had a bigger alcohol tolerance and smaller appetite. Sorry, Mark, but I definitely could have eaten all of that food, and I know your hangover was killer the next day.

MARK: I can’t think of anything that would fit here.

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

LINDSAY: Probably trying on all of the outfits and working on our Zoolander face.

MARK: During the fashion part of the date, the photographer shot us doing our best Zoolander

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impression. We were laughing the whole time. It was great.

What was the best part of the date and why?

LINDSAY: Dinner. I was starving.

MARK: Definitely the fashion part of the date. I experienced a completely different type of style and had fun goofing around with everyone.

Will there be a second date?

LINDSAY: I think we would make better friends. I have to be extremely picky, though, because

I’m kind of a package deal. He goes out a lot, and that’s not really what I’m looking for. He’s a very nice guy, though.

MARK: Sure. We had a great time and share a lot in common.

Lindsay is a great girl.

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

LINDSAY: I would just tell him to continue being himself. He really is a nice guy, and I think he is going to find a great girl soon.

MARK: I’m looking for a sugar mama.

AFTERMATCH: A free ride from a sugar mama could be just the thing for Mark, but Lindsay seems focused on being a sweet mother to her new child (born in March 2015) instead. The son rises each morning, but Mark seems more inclined to sleep in.

If there’s a lesson to be learned here (there isn’t), it’s this: Don’t cry over spilled MILF. THANK YOU! JRDN at Tower23 Hotel 723 Felspar St., Pacific Beach 858.270.5736, jrdn.com

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