BellaTwins
The
NIKKI, BRIE AND THEIR NEW SHOW ON E!
+ ALSO INSIDE
The Whole Kit and KAABOO(dle) 40 New Restaurants 59 Concerts + DJ Shows 12 Art Openings Local Brews to Peruse Blind Date at Fashion Valley SEPTEMBER 2016 PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM
S E P T E M B ER 2 0 1 6 CA L E NDA R THUR S DAY
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AM E R I C A’S B E ST DJ
TICKETS & VIP RESERVATIONS | OMNIANIGHTCLUB.COM | 619.544.9500
WORK HARD & DRINK BEER
Introducing our 5th core beer, Hoppy Pilsner.
NOW AVAIL A BLE TASTING ROOM
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Join us for beers 7 days a week 9550 Distribution Ave. San Diego, CA 92121
EDITOR’S NOTE
CELEBRATE NATIONAL YOGA MONTH
WARRIORS FOR KIDS
PRESENTS:
THE ONE LOVE MOVEMENT + $10 Donation to benifit San Diego based The One Love Movement + Monday, September 12, 19, 16 + 5:30PM on the Tower Deck + Deepen your practice with post-class happy hour at JRDN Restaurant
DON’T FORGET YOUR MAT! The One Love Movement is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, raising money to support local San Diego kids as well as their One Love shelter in India. Thank you for helping us support our youth! www.jointheonelovemovement.org
Tongue in
CHIC
I’m a jeans-and-t-shirt kinda guy. Sneakers or shiny shoes depend on where I’m eating dinner or having drinks. Now that I have a new job*, though, I’m having an existential fashion crisis. WTF am I supposed to wear to work? In my previous gig, I was boss-man, and my employees dressed as casually as I. When I needed to look sharp-ish, I’d throw on a blazer and be ready to rock a client meeting. These days, however, I have boss-men rungs above me on the corporate ladder. Not that they’re fashionistos or anything like that (they’re not), but they do expect me to comport myself with a modicum of dignity. So, no blue jeans or Converse kicks – not even on casual Fridays – I get that. No big. But what kind of pants am I supposed to wear, then? On my first few days at the new office, I wore a suit. By the end of that first week, I was leaving my tie at home and my jacket in the car. To bring a level of snazz to my game for Week Two, I scored new slacks and grown-up shoes. On Day Three of Week Two, I caught a glimpse of my new get-up in a window between the parking structure and the skyscraper I now call my second home. Who was that schmuck looking back at me? And what are slacks, exactly? Am I slacker now? The saleswoman at Nordstrom told me I had selected a nice “pant.” Does that mean I’m not the one wearing the pants any more? They say clothes make the man, and I’m the same guy I used to be, so wearing new shiz wasn’t adding up. My solution: new jeans and new t-shirts. Boss-men haven’t said anything yet, so I may be in the clear. Or maybe they’ve put a note in my employee file: Shows promise. Gets along well with others. Not dressing to company standards. At least I don’t wear my Cheech & Chong t-shirt to the office during the week. I’m saving that for casual Fridays. I hope you enjoy this Fall Fashion issue of PacificSD, which features clothing selected by people other than me. Sincerely,
TICKETS ONLINE OR AT THE DOOR
David Perloff, Editor-in-Chief
www.t23hotel.com/events
TOWER23 HOTEL + JRDN RESTAURANT 4551 OCEAN BLVD PACIFIC BEACH CA 92109 + 858.270.5736
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PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM • SEPTEMBER 2016
*Actually, I have the same job, but now I do it for someone else. In case you haven’t picked up a copy of PacificSD in a while (which is unlikely, I know), The San Diego Union-Tribune acquired the magazine a couple months ago.
EVERY DISCOVERY HAS ITS REWARD
VOLUME #10 ISSUE #9 SEPTEMBER 2016
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
David Perloff EDITORS
Leslie Hackett, Michael James Rocha C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R
Kenny Boyer DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
John McCutchen CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
Jennifer Ianni CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Michael Benninger, Michelle Dederko, Brandon Hernandez, Pam Kragen, Scott McDonald, Karla Peterson, Sarah Pfledderer CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
K.C. Alfred, Nancee E. Lewis, Jamie Scott Lytle, Rick Nocon
PUBLISHER
Jeff Light A S S O C I AT E P U B L I S H E R
David Perloff VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES
Paul Ingegneri L I F E S T Y L E / E N T E R TA I N M E N T S A L E S
Scott Fisk ADVERTISER SERVICES MANAGER
Edith Zamora DISTRIBUTION MANAGER
Greg Johannsen Facebook “f ” Logo
CMYK / .ai
Facebook “f ” Logo
P R O M O T I O N S C O O R D I N AT O R
Daniela Ruz
Reach America’s finest readers via print, web, social media, email, street team and events. Read, click, connect... BOOM! PacificSD is a media property owned by The San Diego Union-Tribune.
619.296.6300 | PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM | @PACIFICSD 16
PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM • SEPTEMBER 2016
CMYK / .ai
B R E A K F A S T
L U N C H
D I N N E R
comfort food
$4 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 ®
2 4 H O U R S A D A Y
comfy comforting
Brian’s 24’s Waffle Cristo — ham, turkey and melted cheddar cheese between two halves of a bacon waffle sprinkled with powdered sugar. Served with sweet potato fries and warm syrup on the side.
Come be comfortable, any time of day or night. 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
CONTENTS FEATURES
54 A TWIN-WIN SITUATION The Bellas get a reality show? Totally!
64 KAABOO
Del Mar’s safest bet returns to the coast
ON THE COVER: Brie and Nikki Bella were photographed by K.C. Alfred around Liberty Station, including in front of the USS Recruit. Styling by Kristi Brooks. Hair by Mercedes Amezquita. Makeup by Eileen Sandoval. Brie is wearing a Sandro Iris top ($325) and Sandro Lily skirt ($325) from Bloomingdale’s Fashion Valley; Dior Petale heels ($830) and Kendra Scott Sawyer earrings ($80) from Nordstrom Fashion Valley. Nikki is wearing an A.L.C. crochet fringe knit top ($295), A.L.C. knit skirt ($365), and a Brixton felt hat ($68) from Nordstrom Fashion Valley; Ted Baker Saviy heels ($210) from Ted Baker Fashion Valley; Love Tatum red geode cuff ($488), and Love Tatum red geode ring ($348) from lovetatum.com; and Aqua threader earrings ($18) from Bloomingdale’s Fashion Valley. (See story, page 54.) THIS PAGE: Photographed by K.C. Alfred in front of the USS Recruit at Liberty Station. WWE star Brie Bella, who will star in E! channel’s new “Total Bellas” with sister Nikki, is wearing a Sandro Iris top ($325) and Sandro Lily skirt ($325) from Bloomingdale’s Fashion Valley; Dior Petale heels ($830) and Kendra Scott Sawyer earrings ($80) from Nordstrom Fashion Valley.
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SEPTEMBER 2016
PROMOTION
GETTING A HEAD REVEALING AN INNOVATIVE, AND POTENTIALLY PERMANENT SOLUTION FOR MIGRAINES Migraine, a neurologic disorder characterized by recurrent and debilitating episodes of headache that often present with a variety of other symptoms, affects nearly 35 million Americans, or about 18 percent of women and 6 percent of men. The debilitating pain caused by migraine can be severe and can last a few hours to a few days. Associated symptoms include nausea, vomiting, photophobia (fear of light) and phonophobia (fear of sound), which can occur with unpredictable intensity and vary from person to person as well as from one attack to the next. Traditionally, physicians have used only behavioral and pharmacologic therapies to treat patients’ migraine
headaches. Despite advancements in both fields, however, many patients remain unresponsive to both forms of treatment. In the early 2000s, patients who underwent forehead-lift surgery reported significant improvement, if not complete resolution, of migraine headaches. The theory was that nerve compression was a major cause of symptoms associated with migraine. Today, the California Migraine Surgery Center at FACES+ is one of only a handful of facilities in the world to offer minimally invasive surgery for migraine headache. The procedure provides patients with significant reduction in the frequency, intensity, and duration of migraine attacks, and sometimes complete resolution.
It’s not hocus-pocus; it’s the result of Ivy League training, decades of practice and clinical research. For patients, however, the result is pure magic. The process is elegant but simple. First, the surgeon at Migraine Surgery Center at FACES+ locates a patient’s migraine trigger-point (an entrapped peripheral nerve) during a pre-operative evaluation. Then, through a tiny incision hidden in the scalp, the nerve branch responsible for producing the symptoms is released. After surgery, patients return home the same day and recovery is generally quick. If migraines have been affecting your life, a simple surgical procedure may now help you see the light versus hiding from it.
4510 Executive Dr., Ste. 200, UTC area, 858.453.7224, www.FACESplus.com
SEPTEMBER 2016
CONTENTS DEPARTMENTS CURRENTS 30 NINE.SIXTEEN Event calendar 40 LAUGHING STOCK September stand-up comedy shows
PULSE 42 ART BEAT September gallery & exhibition openings
Fall drinks from Grant Grill include (from left) The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly; The Treasure of Sierra Madre; The Outlaw Jose Wales; True Grit Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid; and Once Upon a Time in the West.
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PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM • SEPTEMBER 2016
48 CURTAIN CALLS Performing arts preview 50 REEL COOL September motion picture preview
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HOW THE WEST WAS FUN Meet Grant Grill’s most wanted
GROOVE 96 SOUNDS LIKE A PLAN September concert calendar
TASTE
88 TAKE IT FROM THE TAP A monthly taste of beer from here
102 TAKE A SPIN Upcoming EDM and DJ performances
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94 STOKED An amped barman fuels North County nightlife
LOVE
FARE ENOUGH A satisfying selection of America’s finest new restaurants
104 OPEN AND CLOTHES A story of matchmaking and matching colors
[PROMOTION]
REAL ESTATE MARKET-WATCH:
Downtown 92101
This stunning, southwest-corner view residence in San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter has dramatic bay and city views from every room, including the generous private balcony. The former builder’s model is immaculate and includes hardwood floors throughout; sexy modern design with quartz, marble, frosted glass cabinetry and power shades; and brilliant interior design. It also includes stainless appliances, a wine cooler, 2-car parking and storage.
92101 MARKET UPDATE
BRE#01459513
(JULY 2016 DATA SHOWN)
Homes for sale: 196 Homes sold in June: 79 Highest price: $4,000,000 Lowest price: $231,000 Median home price: $520,000 ABOUT THIS MARKET This summer has been a hot one, and so has the Downtown real estate market. With some new listings coming on the market, the inventory is still low. If you’re looking to sell, now would be the time. Having someone to guide you and help you navigate the busy market has never been more important. DOWNTOWN BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Salvucci’s is Downtown’s newest authentic Italian restaurant. It is rooted with Italian culture with recipes that have been passed down through generations. Enjoy lunch and dinner daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. If you work Downtown, take advantage of the Express Lunch option that allows you to call in a pre-order that is ready minutes after you are seated. 935 J St., East Village, 619.255.1112, savluccissd.com
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
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.
@welcometosandiego #welcometosandiego @WelcometoSD www.welcometosandiego.com
REAL ESTATE MARKET-WATCH:
University City 92122
2872 Brannick Pl., $989,000 Stunning 5-bedroom, 3-bath home with 3-car garage in desirable University City. Bright and open floor plan with vaulted ceilings, bamboo flooring, 70” smart TV and new furnace. Main level offers bedroom and full bath, entertaining kitchen with built-in island, granite counters and stainless appliances. Spacious private backyard with 2 decks, shade trees and drought-tolerant landscaping.
92122 MARKET UPDATE
BRE # 01380034
(JULY 2016 DATA SHOWN)
Homes for sale: 54 Homes sold in June: 33 Highest price: $1,398,000 Lowest price: $339,900 Median home price: $699,000 ABOUT THIS MARKET The market is still going strong, and many buyers are taking advantage of the low interest rates. Prices are stabilized and continuing to trend upwards, while inventory is starting to increase as well. It’s a great time to sell and buy, and areas like University City are close to schools, shopping and La Jolla beaches. Easy freeway access makes the neighborhood that much more sought-after. UNIVERSITY CITY BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Outcast Grill is a local eatery providing high-quality food and low prices, Outcast Grill serves burgers, pizza and sandwiches. Charming location with great outdoor patio right in the heart of University City. Also offers pick-up and delivery services. 6104 Regents Rd., University City, 858.202.0097, outcastgrill.com
MELISSA GOLDSTEIN TUCCI Coldwell Banker 1820 Monroe Ave., San Diego, CA 92116, 619.787.6852, MelissaTucci.com, Sold@MelissaTucci.com
MELISSA TUCCI is the official real estate agent of the San Diego Padres. She’s the No. 1 ranked Coldwell Banker agent/broker. 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. She was recently named Spotlight Agent in Zillow Nationwide, was the Front Cover Winner of Top Agent Magazine’s August issue and is rated 5-stars in customer-service satisfaction in San Diego Magazine.
CURRENTS
CALENDAR PG. 30 | COMEDY PG. 40 NINE.SIXTEEN: SEPTEMBER EVENTS | BY MICHELLE DEDERKO
U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge 9.2-5 & Dimensional Art Exposition B STREET PIER/CRUISE SHIP TERMINAL, DOWNTOWN
Watch master sculptors from around the globe create gravity-defying threedimensional art using 300 tons of sand piled on B Street Pier during this fourday event featuring live bands and gourmet food trucks. CONT. ON PAGE 32
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NANCEE LEWIS
ussandsculpting.com
CUR R ENTS
9.3
CALENDAR CONT. FROM PAGE 30
SAN DIEGO BACON FESTIVAL PREBLE FIELD AT NTC PARK, LIBERTY STATION, POINT LOMA
sdbaconfest.com Celebrate International Bacon Day by double-fisting unlimited samples of bacon-driven dishes and cold beers at this outdoor carnivore’s paradise. BRADLEY SCHWEIT J O H N G A S TA L D O
9.3
JULIAN GRAPE STOMP FESTA MENGHINI WINERY, JULIAN
visitjulian.com MISAEL VIRGEN
9.3-5
Help make Julian’s Grape Stomp Festa’s 20th anniversary a crushing success by jumping in with two feet and sipping vino from 11 local wineries.
FESTIVAL OF SAIL MARITIME MUSEUM OF SAN DIEGO, DOWNTOWN
9.8
sdmaritime.org
TASTE OF DEL MAR DOWNTOWN DEL MAR
visitdelmarvillage.com
The largest tall-ship festival on the West Coast transforms the North Embarcadero into a nautical theme park complete with a floating parade, cannon battles and twilight sails.
Take a self-guided evening culinary tour of more than 20 Del Mar restaurants, pausing at “Sip Stops” featuring beer, wine and spirits along the way.
9.10
SOUTH BAY PRIDE ART & MUSICAL FESTIVAL BAYSIDE PARK, CHULA VISTA southbaypride.org Dance the day away with an expected 20,000 revelers at Chula Vista’s rapidly growing celebration of LGBT pride.
9.10
CARLSBAD BREWFEST HOLIDAY PARK, CARLSBAD
carlsbadbrewfest.org More than 30 craft breweries will haul their beers to Carlsbad for an afternoon of suds and fun in the sun.
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9.10
SAN DIEGO BRAZILIAN DAY FESTIVAL BELMONT PARK, MISSION BEACH
braziliandaysandiego.com Samba by the sand at this free outdoor festival celebrating Brazilian culture and music with live bands, dance performances and a carnaval-esque parade. CONT. ON PAGE 34
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 2016 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM
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CUR R ENTS
CALENDAR CONT. FROM PAGE 32
D AV I D B R O O K S
9.10
SAN DIEGO 9/11 MEMORIAL STAIR CLIMB HILTON SAN DIEGO BAYFRONT, DOWNTOWN sandiegostairclimb.com SEAN M HAFFEY
Climb 110 flights of stairs — the number of flights in the former Twin Towers — while wearing the name of an emergency responder killed on September 11, 2001.
9.10
SAN DIEGO BLUES FESTIVAL EMBARCADERO MARINA PARK NORTH, DOWNTOWN
sdbluesfest.com EARNIE GRAFTON
Los Lobos headlines the annual event, which features 10 acts performing a broad spectrum of blues styles while helping to raise money for the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank.
9.10-11
CORONADO ART WALK CORONADO FERRY LANDING, CORONADO coronadoartwalk.com
Peruse and purchase paintings, handcrafted jewelry and other works at this free two-day show.
9.10-11
CARDIFF GREEK FESTIVAL SAINTS CONSTANTINE AND HELEN GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH, CARDIFFBY-THE-SEA cardiffgreekfestival.com Eat like a god, enjoying Greek cuisine and culture (from A to Zeus) in Cardiff. Opa!
9.15
TASTE OF DOWNTOWN VARIOUS RESTAURANTS, DOWNTOWN downtownsandiego.org
MISSION BAY
SAN DIEGO BAYFAIR MISSION BAY PARK,
sandiegobayfair.org Powerboats thunder to the finish line, reaching speeds in excess of 225 mph during this annual event on Mission Bay.
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PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM • SEPTEMBER 2016
MISAEL VIRGEN
9.16-18
9.16-18
Sample menu offerings from more than 40 restaurants throughout the Gaslamp, East Village and The Headquarters during this four-hour culinary walkabout.
KAABOO DEL MAR DEL MAR RACETRACK, DEL MAR
kaaboodelmar.com
Aerosmith, Jimmy Buffet and Jack Johnson headline the second KAABOO Del Mar, which also features stand-up comedy, art and pop-up installations of popular local restaurants. (See story, page 64.) CONT. ON PAGE 36
CUR R ENTS
CALENDAR CONT. FROM PAGE 34
9.17
SOCAL BEAST SPARTAN RACE PALA RACEWAY, PALA
9.23-25
spartan.com
Celebrate 100 years of the Marine Corps Reserve at the nation’s largest military air show, which brings 700,000 people to Miramar to see the Navy Blue Angels perform and the Shockwave Jet truck barrel down the runway at 300 mph, among other incredible spectacles.
miramarairshow.com
Try to conquer more than 30 obstacles while racing along a grueling course that stretches a dozen miles.
9.23
MAGIC MEN LIVE HOUSE OF BLUES, DOWNTOWN magicmenlive.com Get thrust into the action of this musclebound stage show where clothing is minimal and faninteraction abounds.
9.24
DEL MAR MUD RUN DEL MAR FAIRGROUNDS, DEL MAR
delmarmudrun.com Get down and dirty while racing through a muddy, obstacle-filled 5K course providing free beer and a clean t-shirt at the finish line.
9.24-25
ADAMS AVENUE STREET FAIR ADAMS AVENUE, NORMAL HEIGHTS
adamsavenuebusiness.com Adams Avenue transforms into a massive two-day outdoor music fest with more than 90 bands. Come for the music, stay for the beer garden, carnival rides and festival fare. CONT. ON PAGE 38
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MCAS MIRAMAR AIR SHOW MARINE CORPS AIR STATION, MIRAMAR
NOW OPE N I N L I T T L E I TA LY
‘WHAT ’S THE KEY TO MY HEART?… FEED ME.’ C H E F
G I S E L L E
W E L L M A N
STANDA IFIC RD AC OASTAL KITC H •C
EN
AN DIEGO • •S P
-
2137 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92101 619.819.0090 | #pacificstandard | @pacificstandardkitchen
PACIFICSTANDARDKITCHEN.COM
• LITTLE ITAL Y
CUR R ENTS
9.24
CALENDAR
SAN DIEGO ZOO FOOD, WINE & CELEBRATION SAN DIEGO ZOO, BALBOA PARK
CONT. FROM PAGE 36
zoofoodandwine.com Have a roaring good time celebrating 100 years of the San Diego Zoo with live music and dancing; food and drinks from more than 150 restaurants, wineries and breweries; and close-up encounters with exotic animals.
9.24
9.28-10.2
TOUR DE FAT SAN DIEGO GOLDEN HILL PARK, SOUTH PARK
SAN DIEGO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL BALBOA THEATRE, HORTON GRAND THEATRE AND REGAL CINEMAS, DOWNTOWN; AND ARCLIGHT CINEMAS, LA JOLLA
newbelgium.com Join a crowd of 10,000 in Golden Hill Park for New Belgium Brewing Company’s annual traveling festival, which promotes sustainability and a two-wheeled way of life with a bicycle parade, costume contests and great beer. One person who pledges to go car-free for an entire year will win cash and a new ride: a brand new Fat Tire bicycle.
sdfilmfest.com Watch films from around the world as independent filmmakers and studios converge to showcase their work during five days of screenings downtown and in La Jolla, then rub elbows with actors and directors at nightly after-parties.
9.25-10.2
SAN DIEGO RESTAURANT WEEK 180-PLUS PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS, SAN DIEGO COUNTY sandiegorestaurantweek.com For eight days, San Diego foodies can feast their eyes and mouths on dishes from nearly 200 participating restaurants offering prix-fixe, multicourse lunch and dinner menus at a discount.
9.29-10.2
FASHION WEEK SAN DIEGO HOTEL LA JOLLA, LA JOLLA fashionweeksd.com Two dozen emerging designers will hit the runway to showcase their 2017 spring/ summer collections for women, men and even dogs.
SAN DIEGO PADRES HOME GAMES 9/5-7 VS. BOSTON RED SOX
9/8-11 VS. COLORADO ROCKIES
(promotions: Bark at the Park 9/5; Biotech All Stars, Taco Tuesday 9/6; All-American Special, Roberto Clemente Day, PCL 80th Anniversary 9/7)
(promotions: Star Wars Day 9/8; American Red Cross Salute, BeerFest, Native American Heritage Night, Nurses Night 9/9; Pacific Islander Heritage Night 9/10; Military Salute to Veterans, Sunday Funday, KidsFest 9/11)
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9/19-21 VS. ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS (promotions: Bark at the Park, 4-ALS 9/19; Biotech AllStars, Taco Tuesday 9/20; All-American Special 9/21)
9/22-25 VS. SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS (promotions: Fiesta in the Park 9/23; postgame fireworks, team photo and 2017 schedule 9/24; Military Appreciation Day, Shirts off their Backs, Domingos Padres, KidsFest 9/25)
9/27-29 VS. LOS ANGELES DODGERS
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
(promotions: Biotech All-Stars, Taco Tuesday 9/27; All-American Special 9/28; Oktoberfest 9/29)
Qualcomm Stadium, Mission Valley
9/1 VS. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (preseason) 9/18 VS. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
CUR R ENTS
COMEDY
LAUGHING STOCK SEPTEMBER STAND-UP COMEDY SHOWS By Michael Benninger
9/1-3 COLIN KANE “Why get married and ruin one person’s life, when you could keep dating and ruin so many more?” — Colin Kane on Twitter @ American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com
9/10 KATHY GRIFFIN “I was raised right — I talk about people behind their backs. It’s called manners.”
9/22-24 NICK THUNE “So crazy that Trump also gets a 33% applause ratio / didn’t think we had anything in common”
— Kathy Griffin in “Official Book Club Selection” @ California Center for the Arts, Escondido, artcenter.org
— Nick Thune on Twitter @ American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com
9/8-11 PABLO FRANCISCO “What’s the job application at Hooters? They give you a bra: ‘Here, fill this out.’ ”
9/16-17 STEVE SIMEONE “That’s when you know you’re getting drunk – when you ‘beer goggle’ yourself. You ever do that? You pass a mirror and you’re like, ‘oh s***’ ”
— Pablo Francisco on “Bits and Pieces” @ American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com
— Steve Simeone in Irvine Improv show @ The Comedy Store, thecomedystore.com
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9/23-24 BRET ERNST “A man can never truly be a man until he’s put a duvet on a comforter by himself. #husbandlife” — Bret Ernst on Twitter @ The Comedy Store, thecomedystore.com
9/30 NEMR ABOU NASSAR “The most exciting thing about Pokémon Go is the porn that will eventually be based on it: Look! I found herpieslipuff! Gotta catch them all!”
9/30-10/1 THEO VON “My father was 70 years old when I was born. True story. It was kinda cool growing up with a dad in his 70s, because of the time we would spend. Shortly after I was born, my dad had a stroke. So we were both learning to walk at the same time. We used to play games like catch ... or don’t.”
— Nemr Abou Nassar on Twitter @ Balboa Theatre, sandiegotheatres.org
— Theo Von on “No Offense” @ The Comedy Store, thecomedystore.com
9/30 PAULA POUNDSTONE “I’m afraid when someone says they’ll take me places I’ve never been before, the 1st place will be a mattress on their friend’s garage floor.” — Paula Poundstone on Twitter @ Humphreys by the Bay, humphreysconcerts.com
MINDY TRUCKER
9/30-10/2 JAMES ADOMIAN “Space is dumb. Stars and galaxies crashing onto each other. Morons.” — James Adomian on Twitter @ American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com SEPTEMBER 2016 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM
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PULSE
9.3-12.11
ART BEAT PG. 44 | PERFORMING ARTS PG. 48 | MOVIES PG. 50 SEPTEMBER GALLERY AND EXHIBIT OPENINGS | BY SARAH PFLEDDERER
“THE LAST HURRAH” BY ABE ORDOVER SAN DIEGO NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM (SDNHM)
“Mirror Lake” by Abe Ordover
1788 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.232.3821, sdnhm.org Longtime SDNHM curator Abe Ordover has one final exhibit to complete before retirement: his own. The fine art photographer presents images he captured while wandering around the world during the past 20 years.
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PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM • SEPTEMBER 2016
9.2-25 “GALACTIC PLEASURES” THE STUDIO DOOR
“Artemisia’s Absinthe” by Ramona Szczerba
3750 30th St., North Park 619.255.4920, thestudiodoor.com Space out over works produced by local collagist Ramona Szczerba and other artists in this national exhibit that orbits all things futurist, scientific and Steampunk.
2730 Historic Decatur Road, Ste. 103, Liberty Station 619.233.7963, womensmuseumca.org Follow the rise of feminism as chronicled by 1960s and ’70s art and artifacts that allude to the movement’s strides to overcome gender inequality and discrimination. CONT. ON PAGE 44
COURTESY OF WOMEN’S MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA
9.2-10.30 “MAKING WAVES: POLITICS AND THE NEW WOMAN” WOMEN’S MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA
“Equal Rights Amendment Buttons” SEPTEMBER 2016 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM
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PUL S E
ART BEAT CONT. FROM PAGE 43
“Bowling for Medellin #3” by Camilo Restrepo
9.10-10.29 CAMILO RESTREPO LUX ART INSTITUTE 1550 S. El Camino Real, Encinitas 760.436.6611, luxartinstitute.org
Kicking off Lux’s new season, Camilo Restrepo’s bright, cartoonish paintings depict a desire for perfection — and the obstacles standing in the way of achievement for people (including the artist himself) from the drug-addled nation of Colombia.
9.10-10.1 “TRANSITION” BY ROSS JAYLO ARTHATCH
“Eclipse” by Ross Jaylo
317 E. Grand Ave., Escondido 760.781.5779, arthatch.org Following in his father’s footsteps, emerging painter and multimedia artist Ross Jaylo debuts his notions of ideal love in his first-ever U.S. solo show. RIGHT: “Elvis the zebra” BELOW: “Coffee Shop” by Marisa Scheinfeld
9.14-11.30 “CARRY ME OHIO” BY MATT EICH JDC FINE ART 2400 Kettner Blvd., Ste. 208, Little Italy 619.985.2322, jdcfineart.com Having focused his lens on small-town Ohioans, the photojournalist presents images reflecting the pulse of Middle America and where the nation is headed.
9.15-11.6 “WITH ABANDON” SDSU DOWNTOWN GALLERY 725 W. Broadway, downtown 619.501.6370, art.sdsu.edu/sdsu-downtown-gallery San Diego State University alumni who graduated between 2011 and 2016 showcase how their artistic talents have evolved from the techniques they learned while enrolled at their alma mater. CONT. ON PAGE 46
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A benefit for the SAn Diego FooD BAnk
THE JACOBS & CUSHMAN
Sept. 10 2 s ta g e s  9 a c t s
Los Lobos
Bobby Rush, Nikki Hill and more noon to 8 p.m. Embarcadero Marina Park North
Tickets
$25
VIP: $150 Super VIP:$250 PleASe BRing 2 CAnS oF FooD to DonAte
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EXISTING USERS
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ART BEAT CONT. FROM PAGE 44
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: “Mermaid Love” by Sonia Lopez-Chavez; “Mocking Desire” by Kristy Deetz; “Bringing the War Home” by Martha Rosler; “A Conversation with Yesterday” by Jon Jaylo
9.24 “THE LITTLE BIG ART SHOW” LA BODEGA GALLERY & STUDIOS 2196 Logan Ave., Barrio Logan 619.255.7036, instagram.com/labodegagallery A large group of artists display small works of art in this show that requires pieces to be no more than eight inches, regardless of style or medium.
9.23-11.13 “ALL THESE ANSWERS THAT MAY NEVER COME OUR WAY” BY JON JAYLO CALIFORNIA CENTER FOR THE ARTS 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido 800.988.4253, artcenter.org Renown for his contemporary surrealist style, Filipino artist Jon Jaylo flies solo in this exhibit of 11 new paintings and many drawings.
9.24-11.13 “HEATED EXCHANGE: CONTEMPORARY ENCAUSTICS” CALIFORNIA CENTER FOR THE ARTS 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido 800.988.4253, artcenter.org Melted wax receives a twist in this exhibit centered on contemporary encaustic (wax-based paint) art and the beauty and versatility behind its multidimensional surfaces, luminous colors and layering.
9.29-12.2 “PERFORMING IN PUBLIC” BY ANGELA WASHKO GALLERY@CALIT2 9.24-1.2 “THE USES OF PHOTOGRAPHY” MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART SAN DIEGO (MCASD) 700 Prospect St., La Jolla 858.454.3541, mcasd.org Look back in time at how the progressive-photography community formed in and around UC San Diego from 1960-1980 helped pave the way for the medium’s ultimate political influence.
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9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla No phone gallery.calit2.net Gamer-turned-thespian Angela Washko displays screenshots and other stills from her fouryear mission to perform under miscellaneous stage titles in the video game World of Warcraft.
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PERFORMING ARTS
9.24-10.2 19TH ANNUAL TROLLEY DANCES CONTINUING EDUCATION/ CÉSAR E. CHÁVEZ CAMPUS
CURTAIN CALLS SEPTEMBER PERFORMING ARTS By Sarah Pfledderer
9.6-10.2 TIGER STYLE! LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE
9.10-10.23 OCTOBER SKY THE OLD GLOBE
2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla 858.550.1010, lajollaplayhouse.org
1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park 619.234.5623, theoldglobe.org
When Chinese siblings Albert and Jennifer discover they’re no good at adulting, they embark on an Asian Freedom Tour in hopes of igniting the go-getter attitudes instilled during their upbringing.
9.7-10.2 THE COCKTAIL HOUR NORTH COAST REPERTORY THEATRE 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Ste. D, Solana Beach 858.481.1055, northcoastrep.org This comedy becomes a family night with a twist when John shares a provocative script with his over-privileged New England kin, leaving more than their drinks shaken and stirred.
9.7-10.2 DISNEY’S THE LION KING SAN DIEGO CIVIC THEATRE 1100 Third Ave., downtown 619.570.1100, sandiegotheatres.org “Hakuna matata,” what a wonderful phrase — and one to enjoy live during this off-Broadway musical production of Disney’s animated tale about a lion cub’s search for his identity.
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Based on the 1999 film starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Laura Dern, October Sky follows a West Virginia coalminer’s quest to break free from his assumed destiny by building a rocket during the space race.
9.11-10.9 PEERLESS MOXIE THEATRE 6663 El Cajon Blvd., College Area 858.598.7620, moxietheatre.com Inspired by Shakespeare’s Macbeth, this dark comedy centers on a pair of twins’ ambition to kill a classmate they believe was accepted to college instead of them.
9.23-10.9 THE PRODUCERS SPRECKELS THEATRE 121 Broadway, downtown 619.235.9500, sdmt.org This on-stage comedy (adapted by Mel Brooks from his own 1968 film) tells the story of a theater producer and his accountant who scheme to get rich by raising money to produce Broadway’s biggest flop.
1901 Main St., Barrio Logan 619.225.1803, sandiegodancetheater.org Board the MTS Blue Line to see San Diego Dance Theater’s site-specific dance shows, which transport audiences to performances at trolley stops in Barrio Logan, East Village and beyond.
9.28-11.6 SEVEN GUITARS CYGNET THEATRE 4040 Twiggs St., Old Town 619.337.1525, cygnettheatre.com It’s 1948, friends of a burgeoning blues artist taken too soon gather in the backyard of a Pittsburgh tenement to recall the week leading up to the man’s unnatural death.
9.29-10.30 THE LION THE OLD GLOBE 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park 619.234.5623, theoldglobe.org Armed with six guitars, Benjamin Schemer strums up an amusing story about the voyage through pain and healing associated with transitioning from boyhood to manhood.
9.29-10.30 LIZARD BOY DIVERSIONARY THEATRE 4545 Park Blvd., Ste. 101, University Heights 619.220.0097, diversionary.org This original musical teaches a lesson of individuality, portraying how a boy changes forever after encountering a mystical monster arisen from Mount St. Helens’ ashes.
9.30-10.9 BLOOD AT THE ROOT EXPERIMENTAL THEATRE 5500 Campanile Drive, College West 619.594.6884, ttf.sdsu.edu Racial tensions in smalltown Louisiana turn violent in this production, which uses poetry and hip-hop to examine the true events surrounding the Jena Six, black teenagers convicted of beating a white student 2006.
B ROA DWAY ’S B E S T U N D E R T H E STAR S Experience Award-winning Broadway musicals in our beautiful outdoor theatre.
They’re creepy and their kooky and they’re on stage in a new hilarious musical comedy. You’re invited to the party. Come in, we’ll leave the lights off for you!
SEPT 14 - OCT 1 AT 7:30 PM NEW! RESERVED LAWN
Now you can purchase prime lawn areas close to the stage in advance.
NEW! DISCOUNTED LAWN AND RESERVED SEATING
Discounted tickets on the Great Lawn and in the Fringe Reserved Seat and Fringe Lawn sections saves you money.
MOONLIGHT AMPHITHEATRE MOONLIGHTSTAGE.COM • 760.724.2110 SEPTEMBER 2016 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM
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MOVIES
DEEPWATER HORIZON
THE REEL DEAL SEPTEMBER’S MOTION-PICTURE PREVIEW By Michael Benninger
DEEPWATER HORIZON When faced with our darkest hour, hope is not a tactic. Drama | Thriller
Director: Peter Berg Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Gina Rodriguez, Kurt Russell In theatres: September 30 This film takes an inside look at the lives affected by the 2010 explosion of an offshore drilling rig in the Gulf of Mexico, which leads to the most devastating oil spill in United States history. CONT. ON PAGE 52
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MOVIES CONT. FROM PAGE 50
KEN JACQUES SNOWDEN EN
THE MAGNIFICENT SEV
THE LIGHTS BETWEEN OCEANS Love demands everything.
Drama | Romance Director: Derek Cianfrance Starring: Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, Rachel Weisz In theatres: September 2 A couple in mourning finds happiness after choosing to keep an infant they find floating at sea — until they meet the child’s heartbroken mother who believes her baby is dead.
THE WILD LIFE
Drama | Comedy Director: John Krasinski Starring: John Krasinski, Margo Martindale, Anna Kendrick In theatres: September 2
Just because you’re stranded … doesn’t mean you can’t make some friends.
When his mom is diagnosed with a brain tumor, a New York artist takes his pregnant girlfriend to his childhood home and lives to regret it when his effed-up family, meddlesome friends and oversexed ex throw him for a loop.
MORGAN
SULLY
Don’t let it out.
The untold story behind the miracle on the Hudson.
Sci-Fi | Thriller Director: Luke Scott Starring: Kate Mara, Anna Taylor-Joy, Toby Jones In theatres: September 2 A corporate consultant investigates the case of a genetically engineered girl whose accelerated growth-rate poses a serious threat to the company that created her.
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THE HOLLARS
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Drama | Biography Director: Clint Eastwood Starring: Tom Hanks, Aaron Eckhart, Laura Linney In theatres: September 9 After saving lives by safely landing a disabled passenger plane on New York’s Hudson River, a pilot struggles to accept his hero-status, and then finds himself at the center of an investigation that threatens to destroy his life. Based on actual events.
Animation | Comedy Directors: Ben Stassen, Vincent Kesteloot Starring: Matthias Schweighöfer, Kaya Yanar, Cindy aus Marzahn In theatres: September 9 After a shipwrecked human washes ashore on a remote island inhabited exclusively by animals, a parrot with wanderlust sees an opportunity to explore someplace new in this film loosely based on the story of Robinson Crusoe.
WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS She’s carrying more than just a secret.
Mystery | Drama Director: Jon Cassar Starring: Morris Chestnut, Regina Hall, Jaz Sinclair In theatres: September 9 When a couple with fertility issues enlists a gorgeous young woman to serve as a surrogate, the pregnant woman develops an obsession with the fetus’ father, ultimately holding the bun in her oven hostage.
QUEEN OF KATWE ILDREN
ME FOR PECULIAR CH
MISS PEREGRINE’S HO
SNOWDEN
In theatres: September 16
The only safe place is on the run.
Convinced his sister’s disappearance is tied to tales of a witch in the Maryland woods, a college kid who sets off to explore the forest with friends encounters something sinister.
Political | Drama Director: Oliver Stone Starring: Joseph GordonLevitt, Shailene Woodley, Nicolas Cage In theatres: September 16 Director Oliver Stone presents the inside story of the former NSA contractor who rocked the world by exposing the farreaching surveillance operations the U.S. government conducts on its enemies, allies and citizens.
BRIDGET JONES’S BABY We’re going to need bigger pants.
Romance | Comedy Director: Sharon Maguire Starring: Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth, Patrick Dempsey In theatres: September 16 After hooking up with a recent ex and having a fling with a debonair foreigner, a news exec in her 40s finds herself pregnant, with each man insisting he’s the father.
BLAIR WITCH There’s something evil hiding in the woods.
Thriller | Horror Director: Adam Wingard Starring: Corbin Reid, Wes Robinson, Valorie Curry
children, but instead drop off packages for an Internet retailer, the company’s fastest feathered employee mistakenly starts a baby-making machine and must deliver a newborn before anyone notices.
MISS PEREGRINE’S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN Stay peculiar.
THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN Justice has a number.
Crime | Action Director: Antoine Fuqua Starring: Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke In theatres: September 23 In this remake of the 1960 classic (which was inspired by the Japanese film The Seven Samurai), an evil industrialist threatens a small town in the Wild West, leading its helpless citizens to recruit seven rugged strangers to save the day.
STORKS Find your flock.
Animation | Comedy Director: Nicholas Stoller, Doug Sweetland Starring: Andy Samberg, Jennifer Aniston, KeeganMichael Key In theatres: September 23
Fantasy | Adventure Director: Tim Burton Starring: Eva Green, Asa Butterfield, Chris O’Dowd In theatres: September 30 A curious adolescent must save his newfound friends after entering a hidden world in which young people have unusual abilities and face formidable foes.
QUEEN OF KATWE Biography | Drama Director: Mira Nair Starring: David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong’o, Madina Nalwanga In theatres: September 30 Upon discovering the game of chess, a young Ugandan girl sets her sights on becoming an international champion.
In a world where storks no longer deliver
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Photography by K.C. Alfred
e l B laS Styled by Kristi Brooks | Hair by Mercedes Amezquita | Makeup by Eileen Sandoval Photographer’s assistants: Rick Nocon and Ryan Miller | Stylist’s assistant: Sammi Manning Shot on location at Liberty Station
The
A Twin-Win Situation
The Bellas get a reality show? Totally! By Karla Peterson
When wrestling champions Brie and Nikki Bella traded the gloves-off drama of a reality show co-starring fellow female members of the WWE Superstars for a reality show co-starring their family, pets and partners, the twin sisters figured they were in for a warm and fuzzy good time. They were wrong. If life on the E! channel’s “Total Divas” is a circus, life on the new “Total Bellas” is more of a zoo. The Bellas might be birds of the same feather, but when they had to share a TV nest, those feathers flew. “People got a taste of our family in ‘Total Divas,’ and now it’s like, ‘Let’s throw us all in a house and see what happens.’ That’s what we wanted to give the fans,” Nikki says of the new show, which premieres in October.
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And what will the Bellas’ millions of social-media followers get on “Total Bellas”? During their recent visit to Foodie Heaven (also known as the Liberty Public Market in Point Loma), Nikki and Brie shared a few choice tidbits. In the Bella Twins’ new show, expect juicy drama as Brie and her husband, wrestler Daniel Bryan, move in with Nikki and her boyfriend, wrestler John Cena, to help Nikki recover from neck surgery. Look for emotional meltdowns as Bryan attempts to cope with retirement; the twins’ mother, Kathy Colace, prepares for her marriage to WWE producer John “Johnny Ace” Laurinaitis; and the more spontaneous Brie and Bryan wrestle with Cena’s many in-house rules – starting with a morning routine that went over like a lead pancake.
S
Brie Bella is wearing a Maje white chiffon blouse ($250) with Maje black lace crochet shorts ($210) from Bloomingdale’s Fashion Valley along with Valentino studded boots ($1,395) and Hinge felt hat ($48) from Nordstrom Fashion Valley and a black stalactite ring ($398) from lovetatum.com. Nikki Bella is wearing a Maje black tie neck blouse ($275) with Maje leather shorts ($495), Theory cashmere and wool coat ($595) and Alexis Bittar crystal earrings ($250) from Bloomingdales Fashion Valley. She also has on a Kendra Scott arrowhead ring ($80) from Nordstrom Fashion Valley and Steve Madden Stecy heels ($79.95) from stevemadden.com.
POWER DRESSING They regret some of their early wardrobe choices (“My midriffs were ridiculous,” Brie says), but that has not stopped the Bellas from becoming fashion entrepreneurs. Their Birdiebee line of lingerie and loungewear will be launching soon, and the plan is to expand it into a femaleempowering lifestyle brand. “A lot of women are confused about what empowerment is,” Brie says. “It’s about how brave you are inside, your courage, your confidence and what you stand for.”
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felt like I was living in ‘Downton Abbey.’ I felt like my sister was Lady Mary, and John was Matthew. I felt like I was Lady Edith trying to fit in and getting belittled,” Brie says of life in Nikki and John Manor, where guests were expected to make their beds in the morning and meet for coffee and breakfast. “We’re more like, ‘Let’s enjoy the morning, and if that means we’re not making the bed so we can slowly enjoy the morning, so be it.’” (Let the “Total Bellas” record reflect Nikki is still on board Cena’s morning-coffee train. “I thought it was the greatest rule ever,” says Nikki, who shares her boyfriend’s neat-freak habits.) With Nikki’s bone-fusion surgery, Bryan’s struggles to figure out his post-retirement life and the bumpy road to the Kathy Colace-Johnny Ace wedding, “Total Bellas” will give fans heaping portions of the personal stuff they crave. Just save room for a side of good vibes. “I thought this would be more fun with the family (than with the Total Divas),” Nikki says. “With your family, you can bicker and fight, and it’s fine. We had a blast.”
EXTREME CLOSE-UP The “Total Bellas” cameras have stopped rolling, but the Bella show just keeps rolling along. The twins will be part of “Total Divas” when it returns to E! in the fall, and they don’t mind sharing the spotlight with their WWE cast-mates. It turns out there is a lot of heat in the center of the reality TV universe. “It’s crazy,” Brie says. “I thought (‘Total Bellas’) would be exactly like doing ‘Divas,’ but it was all us all the time.”
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Opposite page: Nikki shows off a McQ by Alexander McQueen floral lace dress ($990) and St. Laurent Janis heels ($765) from Nordstrom Fashion Valley, along with Double Happiness Charmella earrings ($82) from doublehappinessjewelry.com. Brie is wearing a Chloe smocked scalloped lace dress ($3,395) and Giuseppe Zanotti A-line strappy heels ($1,150) from Nordstrom Fashion Valley, and a Love Tatum white opal dendritic ring ($428) from lovetatum.com.
HOT TIPS Of all their favorite San Diego landmarks, Nikki and Brie have a special place in their hearts for the Hooters in Mission Valley where they waited tables and made friends they have to this day. The tips were great, but the “aha moment” they had while the watching wrestling matches playing on the restaurant’s TV screens was a gamechanger. “We connected with it instantly,” Brie remembers. “It was like, ‘Oh, my god, that is what we should be doing.’”
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T O T A L LY SAN DIEGO The twins fell in love with San Diego while they were students at Grossmont College, and they are always ready for a hike at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, a tour of Balboa Park’s many museums, and happy hour almost anywhere. Nikki gets her local’s fix with a home in Pacific Beach. Brie gets hers by visiting Nikki. “I’ve told John we really have to live here,” says Nikki, who splits her time between San Diego and Tampa, Fla. “I do a lot of traveling, and I really feel like San Diego is the most beautiful city.”
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While lounging outside of Liberty Public Market, Nikki wears a Ted Baker Juxtapose Rose dress ($279) and Ted Baker Rynne heels ($195) from Ted Baker Fashion Valley and Love Tatum 3 stone Onyx cuff ($428) and Love Tatum 4 stone Onyx cuff ($428) from lovetatum.com. Sister Brie, wears a Ted Baker Vickiye cape ($369) and Ted Baker Ruthee shorts ($165) from Ted Baker Fashion Valley, Maje a lace camisole ($110) from Bloomingdale’s Fashion Valley, Rebecca Minkoff Ridley booties ($194) from Nordstrom Fashion Valley, and a Love Tatum Bumble Bee Sapphire ring ($548) from lovetatum.com.
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TOP DOG So, who was the biggest diva in the “Total Bellas” house? Was it the control-freaky John Cena? Post-surgery Nikki? The rule-averse Brie? Postretirement Daniel Bryan? In fact, the big drama queen in the house was Nikki’s French bulldog Winston, whose adorable neediness turned Nikki into the most doting dog mom ever. Not that anyone noticed, right? “My sister always thought I was the crazy dog mom,” Brie says. “But she is just as crazy as me.”
B E L LY U P , B E L L A S Brie and Nikki grew up in a half-Mexican, half-Italian, all food-loving household. So, as fall approaches, it’s time to talk Turkey Day. The Bella Thanksgiving starts the night before with tamales, beans and rice. On the big day, it’s their Nana’s turkey, cheese rice with chilies, and a very special “salad” featuring Jell-O, crushed pretzels and frosting. And never mind about the calories. They’ve earned them. “A few days before, I really start counting the calories, and I work out every day and on Thanksgiving morning,” Nikki says. “You have to prep.”
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Brie is wearing a black Topshop body suit ($58), Topshop Satin bomber jacket ($100) and Topshop floral shorts ($60), all from Nordstrom Fashion Valley, and a Love Tatum hematite black necklace ($168) from lovetatum. com. Nikki is wearing a Saint Laurent leather bomber ($3,950), Alia square neck knit dress ($3,360) from Nordstrom Fashion Valley, a Love Tatum knock out ring ($468) from lovetatum.com and Double happiness Adara earrings ($180) from doublehappinessjewelry.com.
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GRIDIRON GANG Are you ready to rumble … over football? They are always ready in the Bella universe, and these sports fanatics are not messing around. Nikki, Brie and the gang are huge Philadelphia Eagles fans from way back. How huge? The first-place winner in the family fantasy football competition takes possession of a vintage Eagles’ helmet. “Last year, John and I lost by two points,” Nikki says. “Yesterday, I was like, ‘We really need to look at who we want in the draft.’ John said, ‘We got to No. 2, that’s great.’ But that’s not great.”
Brie is wearing a black Topshop body suit ($58), Topshop Satin bomber jacket ($100) and Topshop floral shorts ($60), all from Nordstrom Fashion Valley, and a Love Tatum hematite black necklace ($168) from lovetatum.com. Nikki is wearing a Saint Laurent leather bomber ($3,950), Alia square neck knit dress ($3,360) from Nordstrom Fashion Valley, a Love Tatum knock out ring ($468) from lovetatum.com and Double happiness Adara earrings ($180) from doublehappinessjewelry.com.
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OFF THE ROPES It took more than a herniated disc to keep Nikki Bella down, but the battle wasn’t pretty. And being cared for by her sister and mother while The “Total Bellas” cameras were looking on wasn’t even the hard part. “I feel so good now, but I never want to get neck surgery again,” says Nikki, who is ready to get back in the ring. “Being in a neck brace 24/7 was so aggravating and so uncomfortable. It made the days seem so slow. It was a really difficult time.”
Brie is wearing a Sandro Iris top ($325) and Sandro Lily skirt ($325) from Bloomingdale’s Fashion Valley; Dior Petale heels ($830) and Kendra Scott Sawyer earrings ($80) from Nordstrom Fashion Valley. Nikki is wearing an A.L.C. crochet fringe knit top ($295), A.L.C. knit skirt ($365), and a Brixton felt hat ($68) from Nordstrom Fashion Valley; Ted Baker Saviy heels ($210) from Ted Baker Fashion Valley; Love Tatum red geode cuff ($488), and Love Tatum red geode ring ($348) from lovetatum. com; and Aqua threader earrings ($18) from Bloomingdale’s Fashion Valley.
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KAABOO DEL MAR FESTIVAL
September 16-18 Del Mar Racetrack and Fairgrounds, Del Mar (877) 987-6487, kaaboodelmar.com Tickets: $119 daily; $299 one-day VIP pass; $779 three-day VIP pass
BY THE SEA? SURE! Del Mar’s safest bet returns to the coast BY GEORGE VARGA For fans of big-time rock bands and other entertainment A-listers, September promises a shore thing: KAABOO. KAABOO Del Mar is several festivals rolled into one. Now in its second year, the music, comedy, food, drink and visual-art extravaganza returns to the Del Mar Racetrack and fairgrounds September 16 to 18. This year’s musical lineup includes performances by Aerosmith, Jack Johnson, Jimmy Buffett, Fall Out Boy, Lenny Kravitz, Ludacris and such rising young acts as St. Paul & the Broken Bones, and Chainsmokers. Also on the lineup are performances from more than 30 comedians, including the cast of HBO’s Silicon Valley, Dana Carvey, Natasha Leggero and Jeff Ross. Food offerings will be available from standout Southern California chefs and restaurants, plus a multitude of spirits, wines and brews. KAABOO is a “mixperience” aimed “at a more sophisticated and discerning audience than a traditional music festival,” says the three-day event’s mastermind Bryan E. Gordon, who heads Madison Capital Management, a multibillion-dollar private investment holding company based in Denver. Among KAABOO’s non-traditional concert amenities are a swimming pool with cabanas overlooking the main stage; a volleyball court; gourmet dining options; an indoor spa and relaxation zone (offering massages and blow-dry services); and VIP packages that include valet parking, a personal concierge and access to a backstage artists’ lounge where lucky ticket-holders can meet performers. Here’s a quick preview of the rockin’ weekend, a guide to what’s neat and what to eat, plus an exclusive interview with headliner Jack Johnson.
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JACK JOHNSON DON’T KNOW JACK? That’s about to change… BY GEORGE VARGA
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Jack Johnson’s headlining KAABOO performance on Sunday, September 19, will mark his first performance anywhere in a year. It’s also his only show on the planet in 2016. So what made the professional-surfer-turned-mellow-singer-songwriter choose the 2-year-old festival at the Del Mar Racetrack and Fairgrounds for his sole appearance this year? “That’s a good question,” says Johnson, speaking from his home on the North Shore of Oahu in Hawaii, just down the road from the house he grew up in. He lives on the island with his wife, Kim, and their three sons. “I wasn’t sure if we’d tour this year, or not,” he says. “We had to decide pretty early on if we were in or out [with KAABOO]. We
decided that, even if we don’t tour, it will be fun to go to San Diego. My wife’s dad lives there, and we have some aunts, uncles and friends there. So, if nothing else, we thought it would be fun to play in San Diego. We’re excited to come there.” A UC Santa Barbara film studies graduate, Johnson, 41, has topped the U.S. Billboard charts three times. He has headlined major festivals such as Coachella and Bonnaroo, and counts such legends as Neil Young, Willie Nelson and Jackson Browne among his
collaborators. His eight albums have sold 20 million-plus copies worldwide. Armed with a growing batch of songs, Johnson says he may put out a new album next year. Or not. A devoted environmentalist, he’s now completing music for the documentary film The Smog of the Sea, which chronicles a weeklong Sargasso Sea journey he took with friends to study the effects of single-use plastic bottles and other plastics that pollute oceans. Johnson and his wife are co-founders of the Kokua Hawaii Foundation, which supports environmental education in Hawaiian communities and schools. The couple also head the Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation, which supports environmental, art and music education worldwide. Since 2001, the two nonprofits have helped raise more than $30 million. For a man who loves the ocean so much, making music next to it just makes sense. PacificSD: You’ve performed at the Del Mar Racetrack before, haven’t you? JACK JOHNSON: We did play there, back in 2001 or 2002. Other than that, I went to a race there once, back when I was in college. Did you bet? I don’t think I had any money to bet. A friend of mine put a little money down. Early on, your music career really got going in San Diego, right? It really is the first spot our music took off. I was living in Santa Barbara, and San Diego was the first place that really embraced us. 91X was the first radio station to start playing our music.
Do your concert-performance contracts include pro-environmental stipulations? Yeah, especially when we go on tour. Backstage, we always have refillable water stations, and we do that in the [venue] as well. It’s written into our contracts — there has to be hookups for refillable water stations at our shows. It’s also in our contract that fans have to be allowed to bring in reusable water bottles. We have an ability to educate at concerts, especially since a lot of the fans that come are young and are still shaping their consciousness. What about your tour buses and other factors? We run all our tour buses on bio-diesel fuel. We have an informational area at every show we do called the Village Green, which has booths for the Surfrider Foundation and other environmental organizations. So we try to incentivize — especially the young new fans — to learn about their local nonprofit groups. It’s an ongoing conversation and learning process.
K JOHNSON
MICHAEL LOCCISANO GETTY IMAGES
When will the documentary film The Smog of the Sea be released, and how did it come about? We’re figuring that out right now and we’ll do a couple of screenings in September. It’s in the final stages of being edited by a friend of mine, filmmaker Ian Cheney, who did King Corn, Truck Farm, The City Dark and a lot of other great documentaries. We met him years ago and started talking. I was invited to go on a trip with him put together by the 5 Gyres Institute.
How’d the movie come about? I asked if I could bring my friend, Ian, along on the trip, and he brought sound gear and a camera. We filmed everything and made a documentary. The title, The Smog of the Sea, refers to Dr. Marcus Eriksen of the 5 Gyres Institute. He’s a scientist who was on board for our trip. He equates the plastic-pollution problem we have to pollution in the air and calls it the “smog of the sea.” You don’t really see it unless you take a closer look. When you drag trawls behind a boat, even in the bluest ocean you still pull up these small plastic items. We sailed from Florida to the Bahamas, where we had a three-day youth summit on plastics polluting the ocean, and then sailed on to Bermuda and beyond.
Is gyres a Latin word? I think so. Gyres are places in the ocean where the rotating currents bring things together. The institute is a plastic-pollution research group, and they focus on these five places in the ocean, including the North Atlantic, that have gyres.
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JIMMY BUFFETT
Jimmy Buffett’s 1977 breakthrough hit, “Margaritaville,” is a song about “wastin’ away” in a tropical paradise. The perennial hit has since spawned Buffett’s Margaritaville business empire, which includes a brand of tequila; two casinos; five restaurant and bar chains; an array of hotels, resorts and vacation clubs; several clothing lines; an online TV and radio station; and more. Buffett’s first musical, “Escape to Margaritaville,” opens in 2017 at the La Jolla Playhouse. [Editor’s note: Many of Buffett’s other popular songs — including “Why Don’t We Get Drunk (and Screw)” and “My Head Hurts, My Feet Stink and I Don’t Love Jesus” — have enjoyed less merchandising success.] Factor in his often sold-out concert tours, and it’s no surprise Forbes magazine estimates Buffett earned $35 million in 2015. In advance of his oceanfront August 13 concert in Atlantic City, N.J., Buffett Tweeted: “If there’s a heaven for me, I’m sure it has a beach attached. With a stage on it?!” His Friday, September 16, seaside performance at KAABOO promises to be paradise for the 69-year-old rocker, not to mention his legions of fans known as Parrot Heads.
ST. PAUL & THE BROKEN BONES
If the show-stealing 2015 Coachella performance by St. Paul & The Broken Bones was typical, expect this red-hot band from Alabama to shake things up in a big way when it performs Friday, September 16, at KAABOO. Led by singer Paul Janeway — who first attended Coachella as a fan to see Prince in 2008 — the eight-piece Broken Bones specializes in brassy, groove-happy 1960s soul music and funk, which had the Coachella audience dancing and roaring in approval.
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LUDACRIS
Even if only a small fraction of Ludacris’ 20 million Facebook fans and nearly 12 million Twitter followers shows up for his Saturday, September 17, KAABOO performance, a major crowd will be on hand. Now 38, the man born Christopher Bridges knows how to command a stage, both as a rapper with nine albums under his belt and as an actor whose credits include key roles in four of the Fast & Furious movies. Don’t be surprised, in this contentious presidential election year, if Luda freestyles through an updated version of his combustible 2008 classic, “Politics As Usual.”
AEROSMITH
Members of Aerosmith aren’t quite ready to retire, but lead singer and frontman Steven Tyler, 68, says his legendary Boston rock band will launch its farewell tour next year. (Tyler and guitarist Joe Perry consumed so much alcohol and drugs in the 1970s and ’80s that they were nicknamed the Toxic Twins. Somehow, they lasted this long.) This year, the group will perform live at 11 shows worldwide, and the Saturday, September 17 headlining slot at KAABOO Del Mar will be its only U.S. concert appearance of 2016. Since releasing its self-titled debut in 1973, Aerosmith has sold more than 115 million albums, thanks to such chart-topping classic songs as “Dream On,” “Love in an Elevator” and “Dude (Looks Like a Lady).” And don’t forget “Walk This Way,” a hit for the band in 1976 – and again in 1986, when Aerosmith re-cut the song with pioneering New York hip-hop trio Run-D.M.C., thereby creating the template for rap-rock.
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STEELPULSE
Founded 41 years ago in Birmingham, England, Steel Pulse has maintained a loyal international following for its righteous reggae riddims, infectious melodies and thought-provoking lyrics. The group’s commitment to social and political causes is evident on such albums as 1982’s “True Democracy,” 1984’s “Earth Crisis,” 1988’s “State of Emergency” and 2004’s “African Holocaust.” In 1986, Steel Pulse became the first non-Jamaican act to win a Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album. In 1992, the group became the first reggae act from any country to perform at a presidential inauguration, thanks to rootsrocking Bill Clinton. They will perform on Saturday, September 17.
LENNY KRAVITZ
Some fans will attend Lenny Kravitz’s Saturday, September 17, KAABOO performance to hear him sing “Fly Away,” “Let Love Rule” and some of his other biggest hits. Others will attend to watch the multi-instrumentalist demonstrate his high-octane electric guitar chops. And some, no doubt, will be there hoping that, just maybe, history will repeat, and Kravitz will accidentally rip his skintight leather pants mid-song and expose his junk, as he did at his concert in Stockholm last summer. Video of the incident went viral, prompting singer Steven Tyler of Aerosmith (which also performs at KAABOO September 17) to text longtime pal Kravitz: ““Dude... No underwear and pierced. F*** me. You never showed me that sh**.” Kravitz shared a screenshot of Tyler’s text with his 5.7 million Twitter followers, adding the caption: #penisgate.
WORLD’SFARE Local and global cuisines, wines and brews — and KAABOO’s booze RESTAURANTS: Alforon, Angel’s Salumi & Truffles, BCN, Bobboi Natural Gelato, Bottega Americano, Bugsy’s BBQ, Buona Forchetta, Ca’Momi Bearish, Cardiff Seaside Market, City Tacos, Cream, JINYA Ramen Bar, JSix, The Lanai, The Milk Bar, Poseidon, Puesto, Roti Rolls, Saiko Sushi, Searsucker Del Mar, So Rich Chocolate, Tostadas North Park. CHEFS: Richard Blais (Juniper & Ivy, The Crack Shack), Josiah Citrin (Melisse in Santa Monica), Michael Fiorelli (Love & Salk in Manhattan Beach), Ray Garcia (Broken Spanish in Los Angeles), Timothy Hollingsworth (Otium in Los Angeles), Brian Malarkey (Searsucker, Herb & Wood), James Montejano (Cardiff Seaside Market), Javier Plascencia (Bracero, Misión 19 in Tijuana), Steve Samson (Sotto in Los Angeles), Anthony Sinsay (previously Dukes La Jolla, Harney Sushi), Marcel Vigneron (Wolf in Los Angeles)
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WINERIES: Chateau Montelena (Calistoga, CA), Flora Springs (St. Helena, CA), Ghost Pines (St. Helena, CA), John Anthony Vineyards (Napa Valley, CA), One Hope Winery (Napa Valley, CA), Sequoia Grove (Napa, CA), Trujillo Wines (St. Helena, CA), Villa Maria Winery (Auckland, New Zealand) CRAFT DISTILLERS: American Revolution Vodka (Boise, Idaho), Blue Chair Bay Rum (Rochester, N.Y.), BuzzBox Beverages (Rancho Mirage, CA), Casa Noble Tequila (Canandaigua, N.Y.), Crystal Head Vodka (Newfoundland, Canada), Double Cross Vodka (Slovak Republic, Slovakia), Dragos Cantina Tequila (Jalisco, Mexico), Gran Centenario -Tequila (Jalisco, Mexico), Mercado de Mezcal (Escondido), Momenti Spirited Ice Creams (Las Vegas, NV), New Amsterdam Vodka (Modesto, CA), Serpent’s Bite Whiskey (Canandaigua, N.Y.), White Claw Hard Seltzer (Chicago, IL),
Woodchuck Hard Cider and Wyder’s Cider (Middlebury, Vermont) CRAFT BEERS: Angel City Brewery (Los Angeles), Ballast Point (San Diego), Deschutes (Portland, OR), Golden Road Brewery (Los Angeles), Kona Brewing Company (Kailua-Kona, HI), Lagunitas (Petaluma, CA), Mason Ale Works (Oceanside), Saint Archer (San Diego), Sapporo (Japan), Uinta Brewing (Salt Lake City, UT), Victoria Beer (Mexico)
Friday, Sept. 16
GAVINDEGRAW
THE CHAINSMOKERS
NATASHA LEGGERO COLLECTIVE SOUL
DARYL HALL & G. LOVE & JOHN SPECIAL SAUCE OATES
STEVEAOKI
Jimmy Buffett and The Coral Reefer Band Fall Out Boy Daryl Hall and John Oates DJ Snoopadelic GROUPLOVE Gavin DeGraw Echosmith Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness Citizen Cope (Solo/Acoustic) St. Paul & The Broken Bones Sugar Ray Shovels & Rope Saturday, Sept. 17 Gin Blossoms Matoma Aerosmith Dumpstaphunk Lenny Kravitz Orianthi The Chainsmokers Finish Ticket Steve Aoki Steve Poltz Goo Goo Dolls POWERS Third Eye Blind Lawrence Taylor Capital Cities Future Thieves Flo Rida LEX Ludacris Andrew Luce Steel Pulse The Kickback G AV I N D E G R AW P H O T O Collective Soul BY JAMES MINCHIN The Dustbowl Revival I I I ; N ATA S H A L E G G E R O The Struts PHOTO BY MANDEE Leroy Sanchez JOHNSON; COLLECTIVE Colvin & Earle SOUL PHOTO BY ANDREW Shawn Jones RAC S WA R T Z ; H A L L A N D O AT E S PHOTO BY MICK ROCK; Barley Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe CHAINSMOKERS PHOTO BY FRANK APOLLONIO. Comedy: Rooney Dana Carvey The Mowgli’s Sunday, Sept. 18 Jeff Ross Matt Costa Doug Benson The Record Company Jack Johnson Puddles Pity Party Judah & the Lion The Avett Brothers Debra DiGiovanni Bahari Rebelution Bryce Fox Jason Isbell The Shelters Cypress Hill Stokeswood Cold War Kids Nancarrow Shakey Graves Scot Nery’s Boobie Trap Blues Traveler Almost Monday G. Love & Special Sauce Comedy: The Wildfeathers Sarah Silverman Atlas Genius Darrell Hammond The Green Vanessa Bayer Donavon Frankenreiter Brian Posehn ALO Taylor Williamson American Aquarium DJ DouggPound The Aggrolites Emily Warren The Main Squeeze The Walcotts Adam Topol Comedy: Cheech & Chong Garfunkel and Oates Natasha Leggero
DANA CARVEY
THE PERFORMERS
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DINING OUT PG. 72 | DRINK PG. 84 | BEER PG. 90
F A R E E N O U G H
A SATISFYING SELECTION OF AMERICA’S FINEST NEW RESTAURANTS By Pam Kragen
COMING SOON
BAR BY RED DOOR, MISSION HILLS The former Wellington Steak and Martini Lounge closed in June for a revamp and rebranding as an upscale cocktail bar that will feature locally sourced small plates, and cocktails featuring items from the adjacent Red Door’s garden. The reopening is slated for late-September/early October. 729 W. Washington St., Mission Hills. barbyreddoorsd.com CONT. ON PAGE 74
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As San Diego’s dynamic dining scene continues to sizzle, an ever-increasing smorgasbord of new eateries has been opening countywide, with dozens more on tap for fall and winter. Here’s a slice of what’s been cooking since July 1, plus a generous serving of what’s to come.
Belgian-style wheat ale brewed with coriander and orange peel.
TASTE RESPONSIBLY
©2016 BLUE MOON BREWING COMPANY, GOLDEN, CO
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OPENED SINCE JULY 1 THE CORNER DRAFTHOUSE, BANKERS HILL This upscale gastropub took over the former Hexagone space in Bankers Hill in late June. Run by partners Dan Sobek (of The Bier Garden in Encinitas) and executive chef David Creviston, it has more than 70 local beers on tap and a “seasonal West Coast” comfort food menu. Try the burgers, crab cakes or fish ‘n’ chips. 495 Laurel St., Bankers Hill. 619.255.2631, thecornerdrafthouse.com
The Corner Drafthouse
PACIFIC STANDARD COASTAL KITCHEN, LITTLE ITALY San Diego native and 2015 Top Chef alumnus Giselle Wellman helms this “rustic-refined, coastal-inspired” neighborhood restaurant serving locally sourced ingredients from Suzie’s Farm, Bird Rock Coffee Roasters and other San Diego purveyors. Situated inside the new Hilton hotel complex on PCH, it serves cocktails by esteemed L.A. mixologist Dino Balocchi and a wine list designed by sommelier Hayden Felice. 2137 Pacific Highway, Little Italy. 619.819.0090, pacificstandardkitchen.com
Italian-American friends Tom Tarantino, Antonia Buono and Vincenzo Bruno (whose family has deep roots in Little Italy’s dining district) opened this casual wine bar and “rosticceri” in July. Choose from more than three dozen Italian wines to accompany a menu of soups, salads, paninis, pastas, flatbreads and grilled and roasted meats. 2034 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy. 619.269.9341, rovinosd.com
PAM KRAGEN
ROVINO ROTISSERIE + WINE, LITTLE ITALY
Pacific Standard Coastal Kitchen
AMBROGIO15, PACIFIC BEACH
In July, this modern Sicilian restaurant replaced the 12-yearold Po Pazzo eatery. Owned by San Diego’s Busalacchi family of restaurateurs, the 4,200-square-foot indoor/ outdoor eatery has a white carrera marble bar, hanging charcuterie area, house-made pasta display and a crudo/ carpaccio bar. 1917 India St., Little Italy. 619.238.1917, barbusa.com
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Ambrogio15
LY U D M I L A Z O T O VA
BARBUSA, LITTLE ITALY
Rovino Rotisserie + Wine PAM KRAGEN
In mid-July, three young Milanese natives opened this gourmet pizzeria in the former Table 926 space. The restaurant, billed as the “Milano Pizza Experience,” serves Northern Italian-style pies with thin crust made from imported Italian flour, imported San Marzano tomatoes from southern Italy as well as all-natural Italian wines. Ambrogio, by the way, is the patron saint of Milan. 926 Turquoise St., Pacific Beach. 858.291.8650, facebook.com/ambrogio15
Barbusa
Crudo By Pascal Lorange
CRUDO BY PASCAL LORANGE, CARMEL VALLEY Pascal Lorange, the longtime executive chef of New York-based Fig & Olive restaurants, has created a Mediterranean-inspired menu that focuses on raw-seafood dishes and reimagines sushi rolls with Italian ingredients. He promises the restaurant, which opened July 28, will be the first of many. 13490 Pacific Highlands Ranch Parkway, Carmel Valley. 858.733.0775, crudopl.com
DNP, NORTH PARK DNP, or Dunedin North Park, is the latest New Zealandinspired restaurant from the creators of Queenstown Public House, Raglan Public House and Bare Back Grill. Opened in July, the indoor/outdoor bar/restaurant has a tropical-island vibe and a simple menu of salads, burgers and grilled meats. 3501 30th St., North Park. 619.255.8566, dnp-sd.com
PAIPA’S BUFFET AT SYCUAN CASINO, EL CAJON In July, Sycuan Casino reopened its Paipa’s Buffet. Among the revamped restaurant’s hits are the Loco Lobster Fiesta dinner, which features made-to-order lobster tacos and burritos, and The Ultimate All-American Build A Burger Bar, offering Sriracha mayo and ancho chile ketchup. Top it off with one of nine hand-scooped milkshake flavors, including salted caramel pretzel and peanut butter and banana. 5469 Casino Way, El Cajon. 619.445.6002, sycuan.com
DNP
COIN HAUS, LA MESA
Paipa’s Buffet at Sycuan Casino
Coin Haus H2O Sushi & Izakaya
Cohn Restaurant Group branched out in July with the opening of this industrial chic bar and retro arcade, packed with more than two dozen old-fashioned pinball and video game machines and a self-service beer tap system. Coin Haus is located next door to Cohn’s BoBeau Kitchen. 8361 Allison Ave., La Mesa. 619.741.2288, cohnrestaurants.com/coinhaus
H2O SUSHI & IZAKAYA, HILLCREST Octopus Restaurant Corp., which runs 20 Asian restaurants in L.A. and Orange counties, debuted in San Diego July 27 with this 180-seat gourmet sushi restaurant/bar (in the Hillcrest space that formerly housed D-Bar), offering an extensive menu and one of the best selections of Japanese whiskey in Southern California. Once it’s fully staffed this fall, owners say, H2O will offer an all-you-can-eat sushi menu. 3930 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest. 619.795.9090, octopusrestaurant.com CONT. ON PAGE 76
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AUGUST OPENINGS PONSATY’S, RANCHO SANTA FE
GRUB BURGER BAR, CARMEL MOUNTAIN RANCH
CHARLIE NEUMAN UT
On August 2, acclaimed French Master Chef Patrick Ponsaty opened his signature restaurant in the former Delicias space. Ponsaty’s is a project of Grand Restaurant Group, where Ponsaty has served as corporate chef for three years, helming its Bellamy’s in Escondido and The Ranch at Bandy Canyon. Ponsaty’s fine-dining menu specializes in classic dishes from the Basque regions of France and Spain. 6106 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe, 858.771.1871, grandrestaurantgroup.com Ponsaty’s
Launched in 2013 in College Station, Texas, Grub has 16 locations across the South and in Philadelphia. The San Diego location, which opened in mid-August, is the first on the West Coast. Grub will have a full bar and gourmet burgers with everything made in-house: buns baked hourly, hand-ground chuck/brisket burgers and house-made sauces and dressings. 12045 Carmel Mountain Road, Carmel Mountain Ranch. 619.430.4782, grubburgerbar.com
CRAFT & COMMERCE AND FALSE IDOL
Grub Burger Bar
COMING SOON CAMPFIRE, CARLSBAD Opening in September, this 6,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor restaurant will be built around the concept of rustic food cooked over open flames. Created by John Resnick (former GM of Little Italy’s Ironside Fish & Oyster), the restaurant will have a quonset hut, 8-foot-wide grill and exposed kitchen. Chef Andrew Bachelier (Addison, Cucina Enoteca) will create the menu, and Leigh Lacap (Ironside) will oversee the bar. 2725 State St., Carlsbad. 760.637.5121, thisiscampfire.com
Campfire
HERB & EATERY, LITTLE ITALY Opening in early September, this casual café and grab-and-go deli/market is the second half of chef Brian Malarkey and manager Chris Puffer’s Little Italy dual concept, which kicked off last spring with new farm-to-table restaurant Herb & Wood next door. 2210 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy. herbandwood.com CONT. ON PAGE 78
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Herb & Eatery
Craft & Commerce
ARELENE IBARRA
CH Projects’ Little Italy restaurant/bar reopened in mid-August after a near-yearlong revamp that includes an expanded patio, new kitchen and menu overhaul. As part of the renovation, Craft & Commerce has added an adjacent tiki bar, False Idol, designed with the help of tiki expert Martin Cate (of San Francisco’s famed Smuggler’s Cove), as well as a new executive chef, Ted Smith. 675 W. Beech St. 619.269.2202, craft-commerce.com
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Decoy Dockside Dining
CONT. FROM PAGE 76
COMING SOON
DECOY DOCKSIDE DINING, SAN MARCOS A late-summer opening is planned for this New American cuisine eatery on Lake San Marcos. Chef Danilo “DJ” Tangalin (of JRDN in Pacific Beach) is building his menu around a wood-burning-oven, where he’ll grill and roast wild game and fresh-water seafood. A weekend brunch is planned. Lakehouse Hotel & Resort. 1025 La Bonita Drive, San Marcos. 760.744.0120, lakehousehotelandresort.com
COMO CEVICHE!, EAST VILLAGE Co-owners Johan Engman (Rise & Shine Restaurant Group) and William Lopez (Alternative Strategies advertising/PR agency) will launch this fast-casual raw seafood eatery at the end of September. Ceviche recipes from Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Chile will be featured in bowls, salads and wraps for dine-in or takeout. 317 10th Ave., East Village. comoceviche.com
THE HAKE KITCHEN AND BAR, LA JOLLA The downtown La Jolla seafood restaurant is temporarily closed for an extensive remodel to expand its dining room and open up its back walls to add an ocean view. The revamp, by Mexico City architect Jorge Campos, will create two separate dining areas, a lounge and a relaxed fine-dining room. It’s expected to reopen in late summer. 1250 Prospect St., La Jolla. 858.454.1637, thehake.com
Como Ceviche!
DOG HAUS, DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO This Pasadena-born brats, burgers and beer chain opens its first San Diego location in downtown San Diego in September. The fast-casual family eatery, owned locally by Laura Zhang and Kelvin Cui, specializes in gourmet hot dogs and sausages and chuck/brisket burgers that can be customized at a 30-ingredient condiment bar. 969 Ninth Ave., downtown. facebook.com/doghaussandiego
The Hake Kitchen and Bar
POKIRRITO/RAKIRAKI RAMEN, LITTLE ITALY
Dog Haus
CHLOE AT SCOUT, LIBERTY STATION Cafe Chloe co-owners Alison McGrath and John Clute expands from their East Village base to Point Loma, where this fall they’ll open a European-style outdoor cafe in the landscaped gardens at Scout at Quarters D, a home decor/ design business in Liberty Station’s arts district. 2675 Rosecrans Street at Dewey Road, Liberty Station, Point Loma. 619.232.3242, cafechloe.com CONT. ON PAGE 80
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Pokirrito/Rakiraki Ramen Chloe at Scout
JIM SLOAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Chef Junya Watanabe will duplicate his two Convoy Street restaurant concepts under one roof in Little Italy in September. The dual eatery will serve Rakiraki’s popular noodle dishes and Pokirrito’s poke bowls, sushi rolls and wraps for dine-in, takeout and delivery. 2254 India St., Little Italy. pokirritosd.com, rakirakiramen.com
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COMING SOON
MOTO DELI, ENCINITAS Chef Alex Carballo and entrepreneur Mario Warman launched their gourmet deli sandwich food truck in April, but their brick-and-mortar deli location has been delayed until early September. The location will have the nostalgic look of a classic motorcycle shop. 810 N. Coast Highway, Encinitas. 760.753.2105, motodeli.com
Moto Deli
POKEWAN, CARLSBAD This new, fast-casual, build-your-own-poke-bowl outlet will open this fall in the former Chin’s location in Carlsbad Village. The Chipotle-style eatery was conceived by the owners of the Love Boat Sushi chain and Blue Ocean Robata & Sushi Bar located next door. 2958 Madison St., Carlsbad. 858.886.9909, facebook.com/pokewansd
Pokewan
Dirty Birds
DIRTY BIRDS, LIBERTY STATION The wing-centric sports bar chain is building a third nest at Liberty Station that will open later this summer. Founded in Pacific Beach in 2008 and expanded to the College Area last fall, Dirty Birds serves more than 30 varieties of chicken wings with house sauces, along with burgers, salads and sandwiches. 2970 Truxtun Road, Liberty Station. dirtybirdspb.com
TAJIMA, NORTH PARK The fast-expanding, locally born noodle-house chain will open its sixth San Diego outlet in September in North Park. The new restaurant will serve beer, wine and chef Sam Morikizono’s signature spicy ramen dishes including Tonkotsu and Tajima. 3015 Adams Ave., Ste. B, North Park. tajimasandiego.com
PUEBLO, PACIFIC BEACH The old China Inn is being transformed into an airy, twostory restaurant that will serve traditional Baja seafood dishes and tequila-centric cocktails when it opens in September. The restaurant will have ground-floor and rooftop bars and a casual menu featuring, among other Mexican favorites, nopales tacos, grilled seabass and chicken posole. 877 Hornblend St., Pacific Beach. 858.412.3312, pueblopb.com
Tajima
COLD BEERS & CHEESEBURGERS The Arizona-based “neighborhood burger joint” chain opens its first California location in the Gaslamp this fall. As its no-nonsense name implies, it’s a back-to-basics beer bar with fresh-ground half-pound chuck burgers, grilled dogs and five varieties of mac ‘n’ cheese. 322 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp. 619.546.9292, coldbeers.com/restaurants/san-diego
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Pueblo
Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers
GOOD TIME POKE & THE GRASS SKIRT, PACIFIC BEACH Say aloha to SDCM’s Hawaiian dual-concept restaurant/bar opening in October. By day, diners can stop into Good Time for grab-and-go poke dishes and rice bowls. Then at night, they can find the hidden door into The Grass Skirt, a speakeasy-style tiki bar inspired by Chicago’s award-winning Lost Lake bar. It’s the latest concept from the San Diego team behind Kettner Exchange, Firehouse and underground speakeasy wine bar Vin de Syrah. 910 Grand Ave., #101, Pacific Beach. sdcm.com
BREAKFAST REPUBLIC, ENCINITAS & CARMEL VALLEY Johan Engman (Rise & Shine Breakfast Group) will double the size of his year-old Breakfast Republic chain this fall with two new locations in North County. In November, the old Firefly restaurant at 251 N. El Camino Real in Encinitas will reopen as a Breakfast Republic, followed quickly by a location at The Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch. 6025 Village Way, breakfastrepublic.com
Good Time Poke & The Grass Skirt
BARREL REPUBLIC, CARLSBAD
Breakfast Republic
Recently listed among Draft magazine’s top 100 Beer Bars in America, Barrel Republic recently added food to its self-service bar outlets in P.B. and Oceanside. Now, it’s expanding to a third location that will open in November in the former The Australian Grill location in Carlsbad Village. 2961 State St., Carlsbad. barrelrepublic.com
LIONFISH MODERN COASTAL CUISINE, GASLAMP Barrel Republic
Former Craft & Commerce chef “Jojo” Ruiz will helm the kitchen at this upscale, two-story dinner-house in the $100 million Pendry San Diego hotel, set to open this fall in the Gaslamp. San Diego is the first market for Montage Hotels’ Pendry luxury lodge line. Lionfish will offer an eclectic menu of small plates, local seafood, meat and regional cuisine. 550 J St., Gaslamp. pendryhotels.com/san-diego
KJ CHINESE KITCHEN, VALLEY CENTER Harrah’s Resort Southern California will host the second location of this Las Vegas-born restaurant chain in the fall. KJ, which debuted at the Rio Resort, specializes in house-made dim sum, and fresh seafood and shellfish. 777 S. Resort Drive, Valley Center. harrahssocal.com
BLUEWATER GRILL, CARLSBAD Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine KJ Chinese Kitchen
Bluewater Grill
The shuttered Fish House Vera Cruz in Carlsbad will reopen, likely in late October, as Bluewater Grill Seafood Restaurant, one in a small chain of fresh seafood eatery/fish markets owned by partners Richard Staunton and Jimmy Ulcickas. The 20-yearold building is being renovated to add a full-service bar, patio, upgraded fish counter and modern dining room. 417 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad. bluewatergrill.com CONT. ON PAGE 82
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COMING SOON
STK SAN DIEGO, DOWNTOWN The One Group’s Miami-born chain combines a steakhouse and a chic lounge with an in-house DJ, featuring a menu that ranges from bite-size Wagyu beef burgers and lobster mac ‘n’ cheese to ultrahigh-end steaks. STK will replace the shuttered Katsuya restaurant on the ground floor of the Andaz San Diego hotel in the fall. 600 F St., downtown. stkhouse.com
FARMER’S TABLE, LA MESA This new farm-to-table restaurant will serve “honest food done right” when it opens this fall. It’s the co-creation of local industry heavyweights Albert Morreale (Farmers Bottega and Fig Tree Café Liberty Station) and chef/owner Vincenzo Lo Verso (Fresh Catch Fish Market, Greystone steakhouse and more). It will occupy the old Sanfilippo’s pizzeria space in downtown La Mesa. 8141 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa. facebook.com/farmers-table-la-mesa
STK San Diego
OFFICINE BUONA FORCHETTA, LIBERTY STATION The men behind Buona Forchetta (Matteo Cattaneo) and Bice (Mario Cassineri) are planning a pizzeria with a showcase goldtiled pizza oven helmed by Buona’s pizza master Marcello Avitabile. Featuring multiple dining patios and a children’s play area, it’s set to open in the fall. 2865 Sims Road, Liberty Station. buonaforchettasd.com
Farmer’s Table
ROSCOE’S HOUSE OF CHICKEN & WAFFLES, BARRIO LOGAN
CRACK SHACK, ENCINITAS Top Chef Richard Blais and entrepreneur Mike Rosen are expanding their wildly successful fast-casual fried chicken concept to Encinitas in November/December. Their first chickenand-egg restaurant opened last November in Little Italy and now sells up to 600 chicken sandwiches a day. An old Coco’s is being remodeled into a mostly outdoor restaurant/bar with a children’s sandbox and dog-friendly patio. 407 Encinitas Blvd., Encinitas. crack-shack.com
Officine Buona Forchetta
CHAD THOMPSON
The Long Beach-born soul food chain announced it will open its first San Diego location in Barrio Logan in the fall. Founded by Harlem native Herb Hudson in 1975, the company, which now has seven stores, is famed for its simple meal plates like “Sir Michael” and “Stymie’s Choice.” Roscoe’s will open this fall in Barrio Logan. 1678 National Ave., Barrio Logan. roscoeschickenandwaffles.com
Roscoe’s
BORN AND RAISED, LITTLE ITALY
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Born and Raised
PAM KRAGEN
CH Projects is spending $2.5 million to convert the old Nelson Photo store into a two-story, 4,500-square-foot steakhouse with a midcentury design by Basile Studio. The meat-centric restaurant will have an in-house dry-aging program, chef’s garden and retail butcher shop. It will open in the winter. 1909 India St., Little Italy. consortiumholdings.com
TAST E
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HOW HOW THE THE WEST WEST WAS WAS FUN FUN
MEET GRANT GRILL’S MOST WANTED
BY MICHAEL BENNINGER | PHOTOS BY NANCEE E. LEWIS Galloping into downtown’s Grant Grill this month is a new gang of drinks straight out of the Old West, or at least as it has been portrayed on the silver screen. “Each drink is named after one of my favorite Westerns and inspired by that particular film, not only by the characters, but by where and when the film takes place,” says Cory Alberto, Grant Grill’s Chef de Bar. CONT. ON PAGE 86
Seven Samurai (1954) Jasmine green tea-infused Dickel White Whiskey, Byejoe (Chinese liquor), honey, orange-blossom water, Allspice Dram and house-made Buddha’s Hand bitters
The key to the Grant Grill’s Seven Samurai is jasmine green teainfused Dickel White Whiskey.
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Dedicated to the katana-wielding samurai in the Japanese Western of the same name (1960’s The Magnificent Seven is a remake of this film), this Asian-influenced drink includes elements of the Wild West and is served in an antique-style teakettle with two aged, casted teacups.
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The menu, titled The Magnificent 7 (a remake of the 1960 Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen, Charles Bronson film is slated to hit movie theaters September 23), pays homage to Alberto’s favorite Western. The members of this spirited septet are perfect for stopping in at sunset… or riding off into one.
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The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976) Bottled rye whiskey, Liquor 43 (vanilla citrus flavor), and house-made Mexican root beer Indian and Mexican sarsaparilla roots combined with cinnamon, ancho chili and star anise (from the root beer) form the foundation of this hard soda inspired by the classic Clint Eastwood revenge flick. The smidge of smoke and hint of chili peppers seal the deal before the house-brewed root beer is carbonated and bottled on-site.
True Grit (1969)
The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)
Scotch, brandy, Galliano liqueur, Drambuie, house-made herbal-orange soda (heavy on rosemary) and cinnamon bitters
Tequila, lemon, aperol, agave nectar, egg white and a tajincandied lemon wheel
This John Wayne-inspired cocktail (based on the actor’s role as a drunken, no-nonsense U.S. Marshal) holds true to its name, delivering a manly mixture unsuitable for the faint of heart. Presented in an antique glass, this drink sports an oldschool bandana that pays further tribute to the film’s star.
This riff on the Gold Rush (a classic bourbon cocktail popular during that era) draws inspiration from Mexico and the American Southwest. Served in an antique coupe glass with a gold rim affirms its treasure status and would no doubt get a nod from the film’s leading man, Humphrey Bogart.
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Once Upon a Time in the West (1968) Six-month Génépi Americana (Italian herbal liqueur), bourbon, glogg (Swedish mulled wine), peach puree, ginger beer If a Spaghetti Western and alcohol hooked up, this cocktail would be their love child, and Henry Fonda (the film’s leading man) would be its grandfather. Mixed with bourbon, Grant Grill’s Génépi Americana (a spirit aged onsite with domestic botanicals, white whiskey and locally made honey) is what makes this drink work. Refreshing peach puree and ginger beer make it easy for everyone to enjoy.
The Good, The Bad and the Ugly (1966) Dry-aged ribeye-fat-washed rye, Cynar (artichoke-based liqueur), sweet vermouth, cigar foam Like its name suggests, this drink combines three distinct ingredients to form one epic experience. And because Clint Eastwood’s character is rarely seen without a cigar throughout this film, the smoky foam completes the connection.
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) Mezcal, pineapple juice, grapefruit juice, Ancho Reyes (ancho chile liqueur), grenadine, smoked and flamed cinnamon stick While the mezcal embodies Butch Cassidy’s spirit in this cocktail, the infusion of grenadine with pineapple and grapefruit juices adds the look of a sunset, or Sundance. In the end, the smoky and sweet elements play off both protagonists (played in the film by Paul Newman and Robert Redford) and are certain to please palates.
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A MONTHLY TASTE OF BEER FROM HERE BY BRANDON HERNÁNDEZ
ERS
AVOR NEW BEERS TO CHE L F A E M O D FALLBROOK HOMEGROWN 2.0
The small town of Fallbrook has a rich brewing heritage attributable to former denizens who grew up in the North County burg before moving on to breweries elsewhere in San Diego County and beyond. Each year, Fallbrook Brewing’s owner holds a homecoming where brewers from Coronado, Firestone Walker, Green Flash, Ironfire Brewing and more collaborate on a beer utilizing ingredients sourced in Fallbrook. Last year’s inaugural beer was a saison brewed with local citrus fruits. This year, the home-boys went with a wethop IPA (an India pale ale brewed with freshly harvested whole hop cones) with Cascade, Chinook and Galena hops from SD Golden Hop Farm. Fallbrook Brewing Co., 136 N. Main Ave., Fallbrook, fallbrookbrewing.com
BELCHING BEAVER BATCH 1 It takes a special kind of brewer, like Peter Perrecone of North County’s Belching Beaver Brewery, to specialize in the unpredictable subcategory of wild ales, beers fermented using strains of wild and naturally occurring yeast and bacteria. Fascinated by Brettanomyces, Lactobacillus and Pediococcus, among others, Perrecone has learned to harness the wily bugs’ unique characteristics to create scrumptious oddities like the first of his brewery’s new line of sour beers, a blonde aged in French-oak red-wine barrels for nine months, then re-fermented for two months on 525 pounds of fresh raspberries. The tartness is clean, allowing the fruit character to shine through brilliantly. Belching Beaver Brewery, multiple locations, belchingbeaver.com CONT. ON PAGE 90
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EHREN MIODLBT SCBRH EWER, TO OX
J A M I E S C O T T LY T L E
HEAD A BREWING CO., VIST
KER BREWMASTER Q & A A M R U O Y T MEE
O
n his first day at Toolbox Brewing Company, Ehren Schmidt was tasked with resurrecting a once highly specialized, but then abandoned, beer program — without notes from the previous brewer. Armed with confidence, oak barrels and wild-ale cultures, Schmidt got ahead of the situation and now has his North County operation flying higher than ever while offering one of the most outthere beer-lists in San Diego. BRANDON HERNÁNDEZ: How did you get things on track while putting your personal stamp on Toolbox? EHREN SCHMIDT: First thing we needed to do was clean and get the place situated for the production we were going to do. Going along with that, we had to figure out how we were going to turn the business into what it is now, figuring out the brewing
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schedule, portfolio and identity. It’s still a work in progress, but we made it a priority to say that barrel-aging is what we want to be known for, and our stainless steel beers, which are mostly fruited goses and Berliner weisses [sour-beer styles of German origin], will be the beers we produce on a more regular and consistent basis. Something else we did right away was invest some money into lab equipment, which allows us to do what we do and make more consistent, quality products. How would you describe Toolbox? If you want to try something different that you may not have gotten to try at other places, you can probably find that in our beers. We’re a small-batch brewery that focuses on unconventional and mixed-fermentation beers. There’s a little of something for everybody here. Sometimes we put on our Brett [wild-yeast-fermented]
IPA for people who don’t like sours, and some of our beers are closer to wine than beers from being aged in wine barrels. So, people who enjoy drinking wine can find what they like here, even if they’re not beer fans. What are some Toolbox beers you’re particularly proud of? We can’t not mention Bramble on Rose [a wine-barrelaged wild ale rested on local blackberries] as a big favorite because of the gold ribbon it earned at the San Diego International Beer Festival and the bronze medal it garnered at the World Beer Cup. My personal favorite that I’d go for if I had to take a bottle home with me every week is Eau D’Vine, a barrel-aged sour blonde wine-beer hybrid aged with California Chardonnay grapes. I’m not a big wine guy, but I like the flavor of grapes, if that makes sense, and this beer has a perfect melody of mellow-oak and tart-grape characters.
What’s on the horizon at Toolbox? One of our more popular beers is called Purple Drink. We make that with boysenberries in our stainless steel fermenters, but we have a barrel-aged version coming out made with marionberries. This year’s boysenberry crop was poor, but the marionberries tasted much better. That’s one of the most anticipated beers we’ll release all year long. How can folks keep up with you? My Instagram handle is @thesourscientist. We get a lot of followers of the brewery who follow me because I post more operations-type stuff and stuff I’m doing in the lab when it comes to growing and harvesting wild microbes. People into the technical part of brewing, and even those who aren’t, can get an inside look at the business this way. And you never know, you might even learn something. CONT. ON PAGE 92
sink your teeth into football season!
coming soon to gaslamp coldbeers.com SAN DIEGO | 322 5TH AVENUE | SAN DIEGO CA 92101 | 619.546.9292 FB:COLDBEERS&CHEESEBURGERSSANDIEGO | TWITTER@CBCBSANDIEGO | IG:COLDBEERSANDCHEESEBURGERSCA
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HEAD COMING TO A
W
OR COMING W E R B IN W E N WHAT’S
ith breweries, tasting rooms and bars up, down and around 30th Street, North Park is San Diego’s sudsiest neighborhood. But it’s about to get a craft-beer first — a shared facility where visitors can check out not one, not two, but three unique breweries in one place. This H.G. Fenton development is called “CRAFT by Brewery Igniter” (3052 El Cajon Blvd. in North Park, hgfenton. com/brewery-igniter) and is scheduled to go live little-by-little starting in September. Meet its tenants…
EPPIG BREWING This business is new to North Park, but the original Eppig brewery was founded by German immigrants in Brooklyn 150 years ago. Their descendants are helming this revival, and aim to stay true to their heritage by producing traditional Germanic lagers while exploring modernday inventions such as West Coast IPAs, kettle-sours and barrelaged beers under the guidance of a head brewer hailing from Ballast Point Brewing and Spirits.
SOON
CRAFT will house three breweries under one roof.
PARIAH BREWING CO. Brian Mitchell, a veteran of several breweries (including Stone, where he was part of the company’s small-batch and barrel-aging team), will unveil this unconventional operation as a vehicle for pushing people’s buttons and breaking new beery ground — a tall order in the craft-brewing capital of the world. Sure, there’ll be IPAs, but there’ll also be out-there offerings like a beer fermented using yeast collected in the brewmaster’s backyard.
SAN DIEGO BREWING CO. After 23 years of brewing exclusively at its Mission Valley brewpub, the owners of this business are upping production and distribution of its beers via this ready-to-brew model. In doing so, ownership plans to extend the relaxed, come-as-you-are feel of its original location while offering its longtime fan-fave brews along with new-school ales (including some barrel-aged numbers) introduced by head brewer Jeff Drum.
E HOPS SEPTEMBER BEER EVENTS H T O T O G ’S T LE
WA LT E R W I L S O N P H O T O G R A P H Y
SEPTEMBER 16 | SAN DIEGO BREWERS GUILD GOLF TOURNAMENT Equal enjoyment of local ales and lagers in tandem with a glorious day on the greens is par for the course at this annual event, which includes lunch, beer tastings and dinner. 10 a.m., Rancho Bernardo Inn, 17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive, Rancho Bernardo
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SEPTEMBER 10 PETER REEVES MEMORIAL SOUR FEST Pucker up and say “ahhh” at one of the county’s largest annual events devoted solely to sour beers, from light, fruity Berliner weisses to tart, barrelaged strong ales. 11 a.m., Churchill’s Pub & Grille, 887 W. San Marcos Blvd., San Marcos
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, Chief Marketing Officer for Societe 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.
per person
7-9PM • 4 COURSE DINNER & COCKTAIL PAIRING RSVP • STEVIE@ANALOGBAR.COM 8 0 1
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Stoked AN AMPED BARMAN FUELS NORTH COUNTY NIGHTLIFE By Michael Benninger Photos by Jamie Scott Lytle
Soon to light up Carlsbad’s after-dark scene is a dining experience that will warm patrons year-round. Slated to open September 10, Campfire is a new, 180-seat indooroutdoor restaurant project from John Resnick, former general manager at Little Italy’s Craft & Commerce and Ironside Fish & Oyster Bar — two venues known for, among other offerings, their craft cocktails. Campfire promises an equally exciting beverage program. That’s where Leigh (pronounced “Lay”) Lacap comes in. Having worked alongside Resnick at each of those CH Projects hotspots, Lacap now brings his unique set of talents to Campfire as the venue’s bar manager and beverage director. On the eve of Campfire’s ignition, he talks about what to expect when this place gets cooking. PacificSD: How have you been prepping for the big opening? LEIGH LECAP: I’ve been working on the cocktail program. Coming from Consortium Holdings, we’re
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really passionate about our drinks. We’re creating this big synergy between the front- and back-house. We have a section of the cocktail menu that’s completely devoted to this collaboration. We’re taking seasonal produce and manipulating ingredients using different cooking techniques and equipment. For one of the drinks, we’re charring corn. For another, we’re burying plums in embers. We’re roasting beets, we’re grilling pineapple, and we’re playing with ingredients in ways I don’t think people have experienced before. What’s one of your favorite cocktails on the menu? We’re really excited about the charred-corn cocktail. It’s a tequila cocktail, but we’ve infused the tequila with activated charcoal to give it a little texture and that black, sexy color. Then we add corn that’s cooked over wood in its husk, before peeling the husk back to give it some char. We cut all the kernels off, make a syrup out of it and add fresh lime juice. We also grate activated charcoal in the salt, so we give you a charcoalsalted rim on this fresh tequila-and-corn cocktail that smells like sweet, sweet roasted corn. That kind of sets the vibe for the cocktails we’re doing. What’s a standout entrée you recommend trying? I’m really in love with this smoked opah belly that we’re doing. We smoke the belly and cut it up into pieces. And in season right now are these wax beans. So we have these long beans and then a perfectly sous vide soft-cooked egg that’s just cut in quarters. You would think that the opah belly’s the star, but it really just adds brine and smoke to these really crisp, tasty beans, and then the egg for the texture. It’s incredible. How do you spend your time off the clock? Lately, I’ve been really into cycling. I also draw and paint a little bit. I carry a sketchbook with me and go sit on a bench somewhere. I just like to draw what’s around me. It’s a little bit of Zen.
Leigh of the Land Birthplace: Chicago, IL Current ’hood: [Having just moved to Carlsbad] “I’m three blocks from the water, and three blocks from Campfire.” Childhood dream: To be a baseball player. Favorite movie: The Waking Life. “That film was a brain-buster for me.” Current jam: Anything by Dallas Green (aka City
and Colour). “I’ve never heard a voice like his.” Hero: Sasha Petraske (founder of NYC’s cocktail bar Milk & Honey). “He did everything his way.” Sense of style in five words: “Love is in the details.” Favorite Quote: “Art is never finished, only abandoned.” —Leonardo da Vinci
What are your long-term ambitions? In five years, I want to have a place of my own, working with the owner of Campfire. He’s really setting the precedent for me and putting me on the path to partnership and ownership in the next few years. I definitely want to open a cocktail bar. This is the Fall Fashion issue. Is fashion a big part of your life? Oh, yeah. When I was working at Craft & Commerce, we had suspenders and stuff, and I completely embraced it. I love looking sharp. I love trousers and button-down shirts. I keep my hair cut high and tight and slicked back, and I always like to wear a nice pair of boots. CAMPFIRE 2725 State St., Carlsbad 760.637.5121, campfireprovisions.com
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GROOVE
SOUND DECISIONS PG. 96 | SPIN CYCLE PG. 102 SEPTEMBER CONCERT CALENDAR | BY SCOTT MCDONALD
s l l i K e h T 9.4
@ OBSERVATORY NORTH PARK, OBSERVATORYSD.COM
Earlier this year, indie rock duo Alison Mosshart and Jamie Hince (aka The Kills) released their fifth studio album, “Ash & Ice,” after a five-year hiatus. CONT. ON PAGE 98
KENNETH CAPPELLO
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BY SCOTT M
CDONALD
N O C R E B M SEPTE
9/1: BLACK UHURU
9/8: COLD CAVE
@ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com
@ Music Box, musicboxsd.com
Anchored by founding member Derrick “Duckie” Simpson, the Grammy Awardwinning reggae legends return to San Diego.
9/1: HUEY LEWIS & THE NEWS
Synthpop prince Cold Cave (aka Wesley Eisold), who performed at skateboarding legend Tony Hawk’s wedding in 2015, released his latest single, “Nothing Is True But You,” earlier this year.
Humphreys Concerts by the Bay, humphreysconcerts.com
9/9: MANÁ
The band is celebrating 36 years together this year and has sold over 20 million albums to date. X Factor (Australian televised singing competition) contestant LeRoy Bell opens the show.
9/2: THE WAILERS
Recent additions to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the band hailed as the “U2 of Spanish Rock” celebrates 20 years of performing together while on the Latino Power Tour.
@ Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, dmtc.com
9/9: TLC + MONTELL JORDAN
Nearly 40 years after Bob Marley died, his band is still going strong. Bassist Aston “Family Man” Barrett is the group’s only remaining original member.
@ Pala Casino, palacasino.com
9/3: JA RULE @ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com Queens, N.Y.-based rapper and actor Ja Rule (born Jeffrey Atkins) comes to North Park ahead of the release of his upcoming eighth studio album, “Coup de Grace.” Ashanti opens the show.
9/4: RODNEY CARRINGTON @ Sycuan Casino, sycuan.com The 47-year-old country singer and stand-up comedian once had his own TV series and starred in the 2008 movie, Beer For My Horses.
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@ Viejas Arena, viejasarena.com
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Party like it’s 1995 – TLC is still chasing “Waterfalls,” and Montell Jordan is still proving “This Is How We Do It.”
9/10: BLONDIE @ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com Pioneering new wavers take a victory lap with legendary singer Debbie Harry still leading the way alongside fellow founding members Chris Stein and Clem Burke.
Juliette l ewis 9.8 @ CASBAH, CASBAHMUSIC.COM
Despite not having released an album since 2009, the singer and actress continues to perform live and can be seen in the current, second season of the ABC television series Secrets and Lies.
9/11: DIERKS BENTLEY
9/13: RAY LAMONTAGNE
@ Sleep Train Amphitheatre, livenation.com
@ Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, as.sdsu.edu/calcoast
The country singer/songwriter returns to San Diego on his Somewhere on a Beach Tour to promote his 2016 album, “Black.”
The Grammy Award-winning crooner is touring to promote his new album, “Ouroboros,” five tracks of which feature contributions by My Morning Jacket’s Jim James.
9/14: COUNTING CROWS/ROB THOMAS @ Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, as.sdsu.edu/calcoast This co-headlining tour, featuring two iconic frontmen, is hitting 40-plus North American cities this summer.
9/15: LOCAL NATIVES
9/16-18: KAABOO
9/21: LEON BRIDGES
9/22: THE NAKED AND FAMOUS
@ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com
@ Del Mar Fairgrounds, kaaboodelmar.com
@ Humphreys Concerts by the Bay, humphreysconcerts.com
@ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com
After its recent surprise concert at the Casbah sold out in minutes, the L.A. rock quintet returns to San Diego for a bigger show.
The second annual outdoor concert festival features headliners Jimmy Buffett, Aerosmith, Jack Johnson and Fall Out Boy, plus dozens of other bands, comedians and other live entertainment where the turf meets the surf.
Still touring on his acclaimed 2015 breakthrough album “Coming Home,” the throwback soul man returns to San Diego for a show with Brit chanteuse Lianne La Havas.
New Zealand’s premier indie electronic quintet is slated to drop “Simple Forms,” the group’s third studio album in October.
9/15: CHANCE THE RAPPER @ Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, as.sdsu.edu/calcoast The 23-year-old Chicago rapper released his third mixtape, “Coloring Book,” earlier this year and was recently seen dancing with Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry at the ESPYs on ESPN.
9/17: LUKE BRYAN @ Sleep Train Amphitheater, livenation.com
9/16: CARRIE UNDERWOOD
Named after his fifth studio album, released in 2015, Luke Bryan’s Kill the Lights Tour includes covers of Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On” and The Weeknd’s “Can’t Feel My Face.”
@ Valley View Casino Center, valleyviewcasinocenter.com
9/17: CRYSTAL CASTLES
The country singer, actress, seven-time Grammy winner and American Idol champion brings her Storyteller Tour to San Diego.
@ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com The Canadian experimentalelectro duo hit San Diego one month after releasing their fourth studio LP, “Amnesty (I).”
9/21: MICK FLEETWOOD @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com Led by one of the co-founders of British-American rock group Fleetwood Mac, The Mick Fleetwood Blues Band also features former Fleetwood Mac member Rick Vito.
9/22: DESCENDENTS
9/22: TROMBONE SHORTY + SHARON JONES @ Humphreys Concerts by the Bay, humphreysconcerts.com New Orleans multiinstrumentalist and singer Trombone Shorty teams with Brooklyn soul siren Sharon Jones for a night of upscale dance music.
@ SOMA, somasandiego.com
9/23: ATMOSPHERE
In July, the influential vet punkers dropped “Hypercaffium Spazzinate,” their first album in 12 years.
@ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com The Minneapolis-based indie rap duo returns to North Park after the release of its 11th studio album, “Fishing Blues,” in August. CONT. ON PAGE 100
9/16: FIFTH HARMONY @ Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, as.sdsu.edu/calcoast Third-place finalists on the second season of X Factor, the vocal quintet released its second album, “7/27,” earlier this year.
Ani mal C ollec tiv e @ OBSERVATORY NORTH PARK, OBSERVATORYSD.COM
9.20
TOM ANDREW
Noah Lennox (aka Panda Bear) returns to the electronic psych-pop band that started his career, supporting the quartet’s 10th studio album (which dropped in February), “Painting With.”
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9/23: SARA EVANS
9/24: THE GAP BAND
@ Pala Casino, palacasino.com
@ Pala Casino, palacasino.com
The former Academy of Country Music Awards’ Top Female Vocalist is currently working on a follow-up to the two albums she released in 2014.
Re-emerging from of a selfimposed retirement that began in 2010, the R&B/funk legends return to perform live shows — still led by indomitable singer Charlie Wilson.
9/23: SIGUR RÓS @ Copley Symphony Hall, sandiegosymphony.org Now a three-piece band, the ethereal Icelandic post-rockers hit the road in advance of their upcoming album release.
9/24: FREESTYLE REUNION @ Qualcomm Stadium Practice Field, payprosafe.com/freestyle The original Cover Girls (Trinere, Debbie Deb and more) revitalize their ’80s and ’90s old-school freestyle jams.
9/24: BAND OF SKULLS @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com The Brit rock trio hits Solana Beach in support of its fourth studio album, “By Default,” which dropped in May.
SoulR eb e ls 9.30 @ BELLY UP TAVERN, BELLYUP.COM
Fresh from touring with Bruno Mars, the New Orleans brass ensemble brings its Sound System Tour (featuring Talib Kweli) to San Diego.
9/25: TEGAN AND SARA @ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com The Grammy-nominated Canadian sister act released its eighth studio album, “Love You to Death,” in June.
9/26: THE SPECIALS @ House of Blues, houseofblues.com/sandiego Pioneering ska act The Specials hasn’t released an album in 15 years, but that hasn’t stopped the band from bringing its punk-influenced rocksteady beats to sold-out audiences around the globe.
9/26: MOLOTOV
9/27: DOLLY PARTON
@ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com
@ Valley View Casino Center, valleyviewcasinocenter.com
Last year, the Mexico Citybased rockers/pranksters celebrated two decades of performing together.
The country music legend brings her Pure and Simple Tour to San Diego on the heels of her August-released album of the same name.
9/30: THE HEAVY @ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com The British funk rockers return to San Diego after releasing their fourth full-length album, “Hurt & the Merciless,” earlier this year.
9/30: KEITH SWEAT @ California Center for the Arts, Escondido artcenter.org
K elli e P ic kle r 9.23 @ MOONSHINE BEACH, MOONSHINEBEACHSD.COM The American Idol contestant and country singer also won Dancing with the Stars in 2013.
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The Soul Train Lifetime Achievement Award-winner and R&B legend released his latest album, “Dress to Impress,” in July.
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9/16: MARKUS SCHULZ @ Omnia, omnianightclub.com
TAKE A
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McDo
9/2: AFROJACK @ Omnia, omnianightclub.com Having released his latest single, “Drop That,” in July, Dutch DJ, producer and Wall Recordings label head Afrojack returns to San Diego for Labor Day weekend.
9/2: FELIX DA HOUSECAT @ Bang Bang, bangbangsd.com This veteran Chicago House masher’s 2015 album, “Narrative of Thee Blast Illusion,” features an appearance by the legendary Lee Scratch Perry.
9/3: CHROMEO @ Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, dmtc.com The Canadian electro dancefunk duo closes out the summer concert series at Del Mar.
9/3: MSTRKRFT @ Bang Bang, bangbangsd.com Toronto electro duo MSTRKRFT (Jesse F. Keeler and Alex Puodziukas) released their third LP, “OPERATOR,” in July. Keeler also plays in “Death From Above 1979.”
9/9: EC TWINS @ Omnia, omnianightclub.com Manchester, England’s Marc and Allister Blackham are currently on the “Keep You in Mind” tour, named after the brothers’ recent remixes of Guordan Banks’ song of the same name.
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This German-born, Miamibased trance DJ brings his Watch The World tour (named after his 17-song album — which actually has 27 tracks, including 10 accompanying acoustic versions) to San Diego after stops in Europe and South America.
TIËSTO 9.23
@ OMNIA, OMNIANIGHTCLUB.COM Tiësto. At Omnia. ’Nuff said.
9/16: TONY JUNIOR @ Bassmnt, bassmntsd.com After collaborating with Tiësto on the club banger “Get Down” last year, Dutch DJ Tony Junior (aka Tony Peroni) has already released three singles in 2016.
9/16: SCUBA @ Bang Bang, bangbangsd.com
9/22: LE YOUTH
9/27: DJ SHADOW
@ Omnia, omnianightclub.com
@ House of Blues, houseofblues.com/ sandiego
L.A. (by way of Ohio) DJ/ producer Le Youth (aka Wes James) brings his Homewerk tour to San Diego. “Back2Life,” his recent collab with No Way Back, dropped in August.
This hip-hop turntablist celebrated his 20th year of making music with the release of his sixth studio album, “The Mountain Will Fall,” in June.
9/23: KLINGANDE
9/30: KILL THE NOISE
@ Bassmnt, bassmntsd.com
@ Bassmnt, bassmntsd.com
The single “Losing U (feat. Daylight)” is the latest release from French tropical house DJ/producer Klingande (aka Cédric Steinmylier).
9/16: KRAFTWERK
Earlier this year, New York DJ Kill The Noise (aka Jake Stanczak) released “Alt Classic,” a full-length album of remixed tracks from his irreverent 2015 LP, “Occult Classic.”
@ Balboa Theatre, sandiegotheatres.org
9/30: TRAMPS LIKE US
Last year, U.K. DJ Scuba (aka Paul Rose, currently based in Berlin) released his fourth full-length album, “Claustrophobia,” on his own label, Hotflush.
The pioneering German electronic quartet won a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Grammy Academy in 2014.
@ Valley View Casino Center, valleyviewcasinocenter.com This nearly all-night, 18-andup event features eight EDM acts headlined by Chicago trap duo Flosstradamus.
9/17: DIRTY PHONICS @ Bassmnt, bassmntsd.com Charly, Pitchin and Pho — the names of the French trap maestros comprising Dirty Phonics — may sound like a children’s book title, but the trio’s latest single, “Holy S***,” won’t be heard on Kidz Bop anytime soon.
9/18: DIPLO @ Parq, parqsd.com Performing at a string of massive festivals worldwide (both alone and with Skrillex as duo Jack Ü), Diplo stops in San Diego for an exclusive club date.
@ BASSMNT, BASSMNTSD.COM Canadian DJ/producer Datsik (aka Troy Beetles) launched his own label, Firepower Records, in 2012. He dropped his latest EP, the six-song “Darkstar,” in March.
DATSIK 9.3
LOV E
BLIND DATE
OPEN & CLOTHES
A STORY OF MATCHMAKING AND MATCHING COLORS By David Perloff | Photos by Rick Nocon | Matchmaker: Jessica Pelligra
Blind daters Julia and Alex met half an hour ago in the Epic Limo that’s about to drop them off at the new H2O Sushi & Izakaya in Hillcrest. Before they arrive to rock some rolls, let’s review their pre-date interviews. PacificSD: Where are you from and where do you live now? JULIA: Long story short, I was born in Romania, grew up in Orange County and moved to San Diego for school. ALEX: Originally from Reno,
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Nev. I now live in La Jolla. What do you do for a living? JULIA: I am a creative strategist, beauty blogger – holla at cho girl @juliapaulescu – and full-time student. So, I basically don’t sleep. ALEX: I shoot freelance commercial photography. What do you do for fun? JULIA: Makeup, makeup, more makeup; watching “Gossip Girl” and “Suits.” I’m obsessed with reading fashion magazines and
am an avid Pinterest pinner. ALEX: Attempt to surf, hike, yoga and reading, when I have time. What are you best at? JULIA: Giving advice. ALEX: Having fun. What do you suck at? JULIA: Making my cat love me. ALEX: Surfing, for sure. What are you looking for in a date, physically and/or
otherwise? JULIA: Knows the difference between “there,” “they’re” and “their”; is sarcastic; is ambitious and has a good smile. Brownie points for blue or green eyes. ALEX: Someone that can hold a conversation. Intelligence is essential. Describe your special brand of sex appeal in five words or less. JULIA: Always classy, never trashy. ALEX: Adventurous, fun. CONT. ON PAGE 106
KEEPING THE BOLTS FULLY CHARGED. WHATEVER YOUR MOUNTAIN
OFFICIAL SPONSOR OF
THE SAN DIEGO CHARGERS ©2016 COORS BREWING COMPANY, GOLDEN, CO
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Describe your personal style in five words or less. JULIA: Mary-Kate Olsen meets Kendall Jenner. ALEX: Beachy, but cleans up nice. What do you like least about yourself? JULIA: Over-thinkers anonymous. ALEX: I’m terrible with names. Rate yourself on a scale from one to 10 for looks. JULIA: I don’t know. ALEX: I’d give myself a seven. How about for personality. JULIA: I’m giving myself a solid 9.5 here, for sure. ALEX: Probably an eight. What’s your biggest fear? JULIA: Stupidity. ALEX: Drowning.
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What traits could your date exhibit that would be dealbreakers? JULIA: Arrogance, Debbie Downer and thinks he’s above others. ALEX: Being rude or entitled. Fill in the blanks: I want my blind date to be “blank” and “blank.” JULIA: Handsome and
intelligent. ALEX: Goal-oriented and fun. What’s the most important thing in the world? JULIA: Family, hard work, dedication, doing what you believe in, being good to others. Oh, and good eyebrows. ALEX: Family, for sure. As the limo pulls up along Fifth
Avenue, Julia and Alex step out and head inside H2O (at the previous site of celebrity chef Keegan Gerhard’s D-Bar), grab a booth and look over the menu. Arigato! H2O SUSHI & IZAKAYA 3930 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest 619.795.9090, h2osushiizakaya.com CONT. ON PAGE 108
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FASHION CENTS
PENNIES FOR THOUGHTS, FUN WITH QUARTERS, CLOTHES FOR FREE
Julia and Alex sit close to each other during dinner, talking and laughing as they get acquainted over sushi. An hour and an enormous blue cocktail later, they jump back into the limo and head to Fashion Valley for twilight shopping in style. Armed with $200 gift cards (provided by the fashionable folks at Fashion Valley), the couple struts over to Scotch & Soda for a mini shopping spree, where they browse the latest trends, select a few to try on, and then hit the dressing room. After passing judgment on each other’s outfits, they make their final selections. Then, with 108
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the shopping part of the date in the bag, they exit the mall and head to Coin Haus, the new bar/ arcade next to BO-Beau Kitchen + Garden in La Mesa. Inside Coin Haus, once they’ve had the chance to cruise the brews and grab a roll of quarters, the couple is split for mid-date debriefings. PacificSD: How’s it going so far? JULIA: It’s actually going really well. I’m actually very pleasantly surprised with the person I was picked to go out with on this date. ALEX: I think it’s going really well. What were your first impressions? JULIA: I walked out and I was
like, “Oh, god, we’re matching.” ALEX: She came out; she was dressed amazing. Seems super fun and upbeat, and I like that. It was nice. Is this the type of person you’d normally date? JULIA: Yes and no. He’s definitely a lot sweeter than what I’m normally used to, definitely a different person, definitely artistic like me. And, no – he doesn’t have that bad-boy personality, but there’s something about him that’s actually really attractive. ALEX: Yes. What do you think about how
your date is dressed? JULIA: He’s cute; he looks cute. ALEX: I thought she looked great. Her fashion sense was killer. How was your experience at H2O Sushi? JULIA: Honestly, that sashimi roll was the best thing I’ve ever had in my entire life. The drinks were amazing. He was super sweet. ALEX: It was awesome. The staff was super amazing; they were very friendly. Food was great there. Awesome. CONT. ON PAGE 110
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What did you have to eat and drink? JULIA: Too much to name. ALEX: Literally everything. The staff just kept bringing out delicious items. Then, for drinks, I tried the Japanese whiskey, and we both had this refreshing cucumber drink. How was your experience at Scotch & Soda? JULIA: I loved it. All the clothes were so sick. They were kinda like a very vintage-y sort of feel, and I had fun trying on everything with him. It was a very cute date, and I especially appreciated it because I love fashion so much. I loved running around and picking clothes for Alex. He looked so handsome in what I helped him pick out. ALEX: Awesome, but definitely under pressure. She definitely knows her way around a fashion store. But we both ended up with some really cool stuff. It was awesome; the staff was very knowledgeable. What’s the most attractive thing your date has done so far? JULIA: I think hold the door open for me. And he has this little sly smile that I think is really cute. ALEX: She’s a good DJ, but I think the most attractive thing is just being able to hold a conversation. She’s super intelligent, and I like that. Rate your date on a scale from one to 10 for looks? JULIA: There is no scale. He’s very handsome. ALEX: Nine. And for personality? JULIA: 9.5. ALEX: Definitely a 10. What’s your date’s most attractive quality? JULIA: His ambition. ALEX: Intelligence, by far.
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What would your parents say if you brought your date home? JULIA: “Cute!” ALEX: I think they’d like her. I think it’s cool that she’s not from the U.S. Do you want to kiss your date right now? JULIA: As Stephanie Tanner would say, “How rude!” Yep, that’s my final answer. ALEX: I would. Does your date want to kiss you? JULIA: Not sure. ALEX: Yeah, I hope so. THANK YOU! SCOTCH & SODA 7007 Friars Rd., #835A, Mission Valley 619.272.4294, scotch-soda.com EPIC LIMO 858.270.LIMO (5466) epiclimo.com CONT. ON PAGE 112
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PLAY’S COOL
THE DATERS PROVE THEY’VE GOT GAME After the mid-date break, the magazine crew finally leaves Julia and Alex alone to enjoy the rest of their evening away from the camera. The next morning, we call to see what we missed. PacificSD: What did you think of Coin Haus? JULIA: It was such a hipster place.… The games were fun. I kicked Alex’s butt in air hockey, so that was a plus.
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ALEX: I thought Coin Haus was great. We played air hockey, and I lost. What did you drink there? JULIA: Wine. ALEX: Copious amounts of beer and wine. Where did you go and what did you do for the rest of the evening after the magazine crew left?
JULIA: We had pizza, and he showed me some cool tricks with my camera. ALEX: We got dropped off downtown to hit a few bars, followed by some late-night pizza, and then cruised home.
super cool. I got to DJ, too, so that was fun. ALEX: The limo was fun. We had stocked Milagro Tequila and Blue Moons, so definitely no complaints while we cruised the city.
Describe the experience in the Epic Limo. JULIA: The limo was so fun. I’ve actually never been in a limo before, so this experience was
When did you get home? JULIA: I honestly lost track of time. Maybe one? ALEX: Two-ish. CONT. ON PAGE 114
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Was there a kiss or romantic exchange? JULIA: I beat him at air hockey. Does that count? ALEX: I don’t kiss and tell. How and when did the date end? JULIA: With pizza and some conversation about photography. He taught me some pretty sick things. ALEX: The night ended with us getting pizza downtown, and then exchanging numbers. What was the best part of the date? JULIA: The amazing sushi and conversation. ALEX: I loved the limo rides. It gave us alone time to chat, and it
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was fun not knowing where we were going next. Plus, she killed it as DJ. Will there be a second date? JULIA: Maybe, maybe not. We’ll see. ALEX: I’d be surprised if there wasn’t. I think we got along great. AFTERMATCH: Last night, Julia and Alex got the chance to size each other up and try on new clothes for size. And both turned out to be a good fit. Her first impression was, “Oh, god, we’re matching.” His was, “She was dressed amazing.” She said, “He’s very handsome.” He said her most attractive attribute is her “Intelligence, by far.” It was
a match from the start, and it appears both daters may give each other a second look for fall. But will the trend last or fade with the new season? Seams like it could go either way.
THANK YOU! COIN HAUS 8361 Allison Rd., La Mesa 619.741.2288, cohnrestaurants.com/coinhaus
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