4L Magazine – May 2015 by 4L Magazine

MAY 2015

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FROM THE EDITOR

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VOLUME 3 * ISSUE 4 * MAY 2015

PUBLISHER/EDITOR CHRIS LAPHAM DIRECTOR OF SALES/SENIOR EDITOR STEVE KANG

Well folks, another year is in the books. That’s correct, May marks the two-year anniversary of 4L Magazine.

SENIOR MANAGING EDITOR CORY WATERHOUSE

As I sit here writing this, I do so with mixed feelings. Mainly, I’m excited for what the future holds. Starting any new business, especially a magazine in a world seemingly dominated by social media and the Internet, is a scary endeavor.

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING PETE ROCKY CREATIVE CONSULTANT/PHOTO EDITOR JOHN SCHNACK

The first two years have brought many highs, and to be honest, a few lows. With that said, we’ve met some amazing people. We forged some truly great, lasting relationships. Most importantly, we’ve built a base of loyal readers who the love the mag.

ONLINE EDITOR JERAN FRASER

My grandfather always taught me that life is about relationships, and to that end, we’re doing pretty damn well. I’m truly grateful for all the people who are a part of this magazine. Whether it is our business partners, our contributors, the friends and family who have supported us through thick and thin, or the people who pick up the magazine from the stands, I’m genuinely thankful. You all make it an enjoyable ride.

RESEARCHER ALYSSA THOMAS CONTRIBUTORS Meghan Balser, Mike “Mikey Beats” Beltran, Hilary Chambers, Erika Delacruz, Michelle Lyn, Taj Lyn, Erik Martin, Lara Miller, Jeremy Pritchard, Miles Roberson, Jason Stewart, Alyssa Thomas, Max Wettstein, Steve Woods

May is one of my favorite months of the year. Summer is nearly upon us, the weather is warming up, and baseball is in full swing. The sunsets are not only beautiful, but they’re getting later and later every day, which gives me ample time to get down to the beach after work. Watching the sunset is one of my favorite things about this beautiful city that we’re all fortunate enough to call home.

PHOTOGRAPHERS Lauren Fraser, Andi Pianalto, John Schnack, Maribel Vasquez ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVES Tim Knowles (Senior Account Executive) Amelia Dolsey, Marissa Goodbody, Teresa Strom

It’s also the month of Cinco de Mayo, and I love nice tequila, an ice-cold cerveza and fresh fish tacos. Let’s be honest, is there any other place on the planet that has better fish tacos than San Diego? I think not. This year should be interesting, Cinco de Mayo and taco Tuesday fall on the same day. Watch out, it’s a double whammy.

ACCOUNTING Jessica Murphy

One of our goals for this year is to get out among our readers. We’re excited to get to know you on a more personal level. We also plan to have some fun contests and giveaways. In the next couple of months look for the 4L team at Bacon Barrels and Oyster Fest. We’ll have a tent at each event with some goodies and giveaways. We’d love it if you drop by and say hello. We were very fortunate to be able to meet some really gifted artists for this issue. The entire team at Bearcat is incredibly talented. The cover painting was done by the lovely and talented Karla Hegewisch. Karla is the founder of KHEGS and you can see more of her work at www.khegsdesign.squarespace.com. In closing, remember to give a big hug to all of the amazing moms who touch your lives. Breakfast in bed, flowers and a day at the spa. Nothing but the very best for mom, you can bet she deserves it.

MAY 2015

ART & INK PAINTING BY KARLA HEGEWISCH

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Thanks again to everyone for a great year. Cheers! APRIL 2015

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4L Magazine is published monthly except Dec/Jan is bi-monthly. The known office of publication is 1880 Diamond St., San Marcos, CA 92078. 4L is published by Known Publishing Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Articles and stories appearing in 4L may not necessarily represent the views and opinions of 4L Magazine. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written consent is strictly prohibited.

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vacation time C a r l s b a d California

CONTENTS

FEATURES

FEATURES MAY 2015

BEARCAT TATTOO

ABSOLUTE

PAT KIM

16 24 28

Tattoo Parlor meets Art Gallery

Laser Tattoo Removal

Tattoo Artist Extraordinaire

FINE ART +

INK 6 4L MAGAZINE | MAY 2015

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MAY 2015 | Fully cultured, yet unshaven | 4L MAGAZINE 7

CONTENTS

DEPARTMENTS

GAMBLING FITNESS

10 FAST BREAK: Summer Goals 12 MAX WETTSTEIN: 6-Pack Abs

FOOD/DRINK

60 TIPS: Pai Gow Poker

ON PAR 62 JC Golf at Carmel Mountain Ranch

FASHION 66 No Junk in the Trunks

32 CHEF’S TABLE: Hanna Tesfamichael

STUNNING SAN DIEGO

34 BEATS & EATS: Rebecca Jade at Oceana Coastal Kitchen

68 Eileen Hogan

40 UNCORKED: The Gift of Grapes

70 WEEKENDER: Sayulita, Mexico 73 LOCALE: Welk Resort, Escondido

42 RESTAURANT REVIEW: GameDay Sports Bar & Grill at Sycuan Casino

RHYTHM

44 CRAFTY: Bottega Americano

78 94/9’s HILARY: Show Date Picks 80 HOT WIRE: Concerts and Show Dates

48 HAPPIEST HOUR: Glass Door at Porto Vista Hotel 50 BEER ME: Benchmark Brewing Co.

TRAVEL

AROUND TOWN 84 MAY EVENTS: Local happenings and things to do

54 TENDER: Maria Wiles Beachcomber Bartender 56 DISH: Butternut Squash Street Tacos

76 ALL HANDS ON TECH: Lust-worthy gadgets that we all don’t need 8 4L MAGAZINE | MAY 2015

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FITNESS

FAST BREAK

“Be a couch potato when it is appropriate.”

Others may not believe this, but I’m a firm believer that stretching and sleeping in late for junior high and high school students produce the best results for any growing potential that player has. What am I saying? “Be a couch potato when it is appropriate.”

SUMMER TIME! Are you focused or have you become distracted? BY JASON STEWART

Recently, parents of one of my beloved students shared with me some off-season goals their son had in his summer plans. One goal was to put on weight to compete with players at the next level. This is the goal of many high school athletes. So I asked, “What activities will he be doing in the summer?” They went on to tell me how their son is lifting weights, doing personal workouts and small group workouts and playing at least five games per week almost every weekend for the entire summer with his travel club basketball team. “WHAT!?!” Red Flag! Personal and small group workouts are excellent. Basketball is a “touch” sport, meaning that you should never go long without touching the ball, crafting your skills. Lifting weights is exactly what this young man needs to do. Basketball players don’t need to be as big as football players, but you shouldn’t look like a string bean either. If you need to put on weight, then you should be lifting some.

Playing five games every weekend for most of the summer means that he is playing 40 plus games in the “off” season. That’s almost double what high school kids play during their season!! That doesn’t include the practices that go with it! If he is not gaining weight during the season with a 25game schedule, how is he going to gain weight with a 40-game schedule? A doctor friend of mine once explained to me in part how the body works with regard to athletes and weight gain. He told me that when the athlete is working out, the metabolism starts to speed up. The body starts burning energy. It searches its resources starting with whatever is in the stomach. After it burns whatever was eaten, it begins to burn fat. Once it is done with the fat, it then starts to eat the muscle!! So, if you are fairly lean to begin with, you can’t expect to gain weight when you’re running so much. I explained that it would be wise for the parents’ son to be selective about which tournaments he is going to attend. I suggested that he concentrate his efforts on personal skills with occasional pick-up games only to test a newly crafted skill.

I agree that players need exposure to higher levels of play found in travel basketball. However, if money is an obstacle for your family, higher levels of play can be found at recreation centers. In North County San Diego many players go to LA Fitness. Lord knows I couldn’t afford club basketball growing up, but I would travel 45 minutes to an hour away to find the competition I needed in Los Angeles. Guess what? I played Division I basketball at Arizona at six feet tall. Rough pick-up basketball, where there is no referee, produces grit and perseverance that is rarely developed when wearing a jersey. I will say again, if your desire is to play college basketball, you should be a part of a travel team that is going to major tournaments where college coaches will be watching. The point here is that this particular player and his parents were so “busy” doing basketball that they were not thinking about how it was ultimately altering their son’s goals. They were distracted by the rush of the crowd that says “do this” and “do that.” We all need to pause and give thought to the activities that produce the desired results we need. At work as adults, some of us get caught in the same riptide of distraction. We get busy, but not always busy doing activities that produce results necessary for ultimate success. I want to encourage all of you to think about how to get from point A to point B using a straight line. Remember that your line might look different from the next person’s. That’s OK, because we are not all made the same way. Don’t get distracted–get the job done.

Jason Stewart can be reached through his website at www.ProUniversity.net or by email at Coach@ProUniversity.net 10 4L MAGAZINE | MAY 2015

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FITNESS with Max Wettstein

6-PACK ABS

THE INTERNATIONAL BENCHMARK OF A FIT PHYSIQUE “Six-pack” abdomens are highly sought after for purely vanity reasons by many of us, but that’s OK. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to rock a nice 6-pack at the beach. In fact, that is what I get asked about most–“How can I get abs?” or, “How can lose this belly fat?”

DISCLAIMER Not medical advice. Opinion only.

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FITNESS Well, I am putting together a list of tips for you right here–simple concepts that most trainers will bury in a 300-page book or DVD series and then sell it to you. I should know, because I too have shamelessly done both of these: written books on how to get “Amazing Abs,” and even produced a DVD on the subject (which at least is now published free on YouTube). My expertise came through the fortunate combination of genetics, lifestyle, timing, location and desire. I was able to become Men’s Health magazine’s primary abs model for a period of about four years, from 2005 to 2009, appearing on more than 10 of their magazine and book covers. Yes, that Men’s Health magazine. So of course after that, I instantly felt qualified to write a book and produce a DVD on the subject. Seriously though, my genetic-fortune aside, after 15 years of being a professional fitness model I did manage to learn a few things about attaining and maintaining lean abs and a strong core, even if only through repeated trial and error of applied Bodybuilder Bro-Science. I was my own physiological guinea pig and having shredded, cover-ready abs was literally my bankable brand. While it’s true that bodybuilding and its commercial spawn of fitness modeling are highly vain, there is one fact that is undeniable: We know how to get ripped! In fact, I would argue that no other “athlete” genre knows how to get as lean as the professional fitness model. Why? Because the fitness model has the luxury of training for appearance first and athletic performance second, which I do not advocate unless you are getting paid for your looks. Otherwise, I believe we should all train for optimum function, mobility and health, first and foremost. Before I get to the coveted, insider knowledge you are awaiting, there’s one last caveat I need to emphasize. As much as the weight-loss industry doesn’t want you to know it, genetics indeed play a significant role in being able to attain lean abs as well as how they are shaped and proportioned. The weight-loss industry is a billion dollar, never ending revenue source, so why would they ever credit anything to genetics? And since we have absolutely zero control over our genetics, we may as well not worry about them and simply focus on the lifestyle factors we can impact. I can’t quote actual statistics here, but our genetic code plays a role in everything about us, including our body composition, our metabolism, our muscle shape and proportion, as well as bone structure and skeletal ratio. That can be a lot to try and alter through training, diet and other lifestyle factors. My point is, we all have the ability to get lean enough to reveal our 6-Pack (rectus) Abs, but we can’t change their shape or symmetry, or the gap (linea alba) that runs between them. Not all of us have the genetic potential to unveil an “8-Pack” because, for most of us, that rare, last row of abs are forever sealed under a layer of core-strengthening, muscleencapsulating, fascia tissue. Not all of us will have the extra top row of “abs,” which are really our intercostals. Some of us have a natural genetic homeostasis setpoint of 6 percent body fat levels without much effort, while others of us seem to hover around 12 percent body fat, all else being equal. Age is another factor that works against us. But there is a lot we can do, all while strengthening our core and improving our health and longevity–imagine that!

01 You cannot spot-reduce body fat: On average, you must reduce your overall body fat percentage to below 8 percent to reveal your 6-Pack Abs, also known as the rectus-abs. The ideal (healthiest) way to reduce your body fat levels is through a combination of consistent exercise to include both strength and cardio, and clean-eating, to create a small calorie-deficit each day while optimizing your metabolism. 02 Include high-intensity workouts at least three times per week: High-intensity exercise—where you are literally reaching some sort of physiological failure either aerobically, anaerobically or both— triggers a cascade of metabolism-boosting, hormone-optimizing, blood-sugar-dysfunctionfixing magic that takes too long to explain here but which I covered in detail last issue. Health experts now agree that consistent exercise is great but that incorporating some high-intensity workouts is even better. If you start training with high intensity on a regular basis, I promise you that your body composition will start noticeably transforming within a matter of weeks. Aim for 20 minutes of very high-intensity levels (after warming up) three times a week, along with your other workouts. 03 If you’re over age 40, swap out your 24-yearold trainer for an old guy: While accountability is key to workout consistency and success, and all trainers can provide that service, age awareness matters greatly. The young trainer, though s/he has good intentions, has never experienced your old-guy physiology and fading hormones (also known as andropause or male menopause). Young ‘uns also don’t relate to your normal, age-related aches and pains for that matter. Find a trainer or a likeminded buddy about your age who is literally in the shape you want to be in, and hire him or ask to work out with him. He will understand you, your physiology and your recovery time much better, and he will provide the training and nutrition advice appropriate for you. If you are over age 40, it is time to transition to the holistichealth and longevity approach and let the gethuge, meathead mindset finally die.

MAY 2015 | Fully cultured, yet unshaven | 4L MAGAZINE 13

FITNESS with Max Wettstein

obliques, which get little love even though they are more commonly known as love handles. The best way to exercise the transversus abdominus—and therefore train for a flatter stomach—is by planking. The plank exercise, and all its variations to include push-ups, target the transversus abdominus. Unlike most muscle groups, the collective abs are almost all slow twitch, type 1 muscle fibers. You can train them or at least isometrically flex them every day to maximize tone and buffness.

04 Limit sugar: It’s lurking all around you: sugar, glucose, fructose, corn syrup, natural sugar, organic sugar, cane sugar, dextrose, soda, juice, high fructose corn syrup … no matter what it’s called, it is ALL SUGAR! Don’t be fooled by the fancy names. One form is really no better, or worse, than the other. They all trigger insulin. Therein lies the problem. It’s not that sugar is evil or that insulin is a villain—if you are active and only eat it in moderation. But if you work a sedentary job, are already over weight or age 40 or older, then you need to closely monitor your sugar intake and eat it strategically, or at least with constant awareness. If you are going to eat a high carbohydrate or sugary meal, it is best to do it right after you work out during the post-exercise recovery and uptake window. Sugar seems to turbo-charge the internal belly-fat storage process, causes the liver to work harder and increases risk of insulin-resistance and systemic inflammation. All these are collectively known as creating metabolic dysfunction and an apple-shape abdomen, marketed in the weight-loss industry as Syndrome X or metabolic syndrome.

your largest daily dose of growth hormone, the most powerful, lean-body, restorative hormone we produce.

05 Get a good night of sleep: Sleep is the foundation of a healthy lifestyle and to optimizing your metabolism. Nothing fixes your metabolism like a sound night of sleep. It is also by design a natural fatburning opportunity and a chance for all your hormones to reset. This is also when you get

07 There is more to attaining amazing abs than the 6-Pack: The 6-Pack or rectus abs get all the credit and attention, but it is the transversus abs underneath them that cause a flat belly and tight waist by pulling in the entire abdomen like a corset. The abs are also framed by the

14 4L MAGAZINE | MAY 2015

06 Use caffeine strategically and in moderation: Caffeine is one of nature’s most powerful body-fat mobilizers, allowing us to burn more stored body fat during our workouts or during intermittent fasting by unlocking stored fat and dumping it also from the liver. That is, until caffeine becomes abused. Too much caffeine serves to unnecessarily elevate your cortisol levels all day (the “fight-or-flight” stress hormone), which also is linked to turbo-charging internal belly fat storage on the omentum. So consume your caffeine strategically, like right before your workout, especially emptystomach cardio, to maximize fat-burning and workout focus-factor. Cortisol actually helps you work out with more intensity and it balances melatonin to naturally wake us up every morning. However, lay off the caffeine within five hours of your bed time because if it interferes with your sleep quality, offsetting any benefit.

08 Final presentation: You need to properly present your abs by not wearing your board shorts too high. If you wear them too high–above where your obliques taper in–you will give yourself the appearance of a wider, blocky waist and shorter torso. Your board shorts should sit on your hips to maximize a long, torso-tapering appearance. This does not mean go full gangster, saggy drawers’ style. Just say “no to crack!”–the quickest way to repel all potential beach babes. Butt crack is whack. Some manscaping may be necessary depending on how low your board shorts are sitting. Again, nobody really needs to see the jungle of growth that might be going on down south, bro. A tan to set it all off really completes your entire beach, board-shorts presentation. And when in doubt, just add in a subtle bit of isometric flexion to make your abs pop a bit. Don’t go full flex or you will just look like a meathead—or like you have gas! I actually have about 10 more tips but my editor is telling me I have already rambled on long enough (They don’t have enough pages for me!). So hit me up online if you want some more insider advice from a self-proclaimed expert like myself. I have easily invested about 12 years of my life learning how to attain, maintain and present amazing, strong abs and core. And please remember that as vain and shallow as this article reads, your core is involved in every movement you make and is where your center-of-gravity is located. By training your abs to look good you will simultaneously, inherently be strengthening them and allowing your core to function at its optimum. Lastly, once you get your swimsuit abs dialed in, as tempted as you might be to share your results, please avoid the weird bathroom selfie. That’s another quick way to repel any potential babes. Trust me, my newsfeed is full of ab-aficionado selfies. While I’m proud to have inspired all of these guys, I just can’t seem to hide them fast enough.

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Happy Hour: 4pm - 7pm Daily // $3 Craft Beers // $4 Wells // $5 Food Specials

828 6th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 • (619) 702-8410 • Brians24.com MAY 2015 | Fully cultured, yet unshaven | 4L MAGAZINE 15

BY LUCIA VITI

16 4L MAGAZINE | MAY 2015

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Fine art meets tattoo parlor.

Tattoo parlor meets art gallery. Art gallery meets portico. Portico meets artistic elegance. Artistic elegance meets groovy dudes. Groovy dudes meet tattoo masters. Tattoo masters, welcome to Bearcat: the coolest tattoo parlor/art gallery in Southern California. Owned and operated by Sierra Colt, Bearcat is the artistic residence of Sierra Colt, Chad Whitson, Alonzo Villa, Nate Anderson and apprentice Matt Heinz, who are a trendy collection of incredibly talented tattoo artists with passions for fine art. Located in the heart of Little Italy because that

community inspires the tattoo artists, Bearcat gives body art the life it deserves while mindblowing—and I do mean mind-blowing—art adorns its walls. One walks into an art gallery described as “relaxed” by its resident masters because of its ambiance of warm colors, hip music and lack of clutter and noise associated with most tattoo shops. But with art that left me breathless, I was everything but relaxed. Flabbergasted, mesmerized, speechless and overawed, yes, but relaxed would have required chamomile tea and a budget to bring several pieces home. “Our tattoo shop is an art gallery,” explains Colt. “Every artist was hired not only for his talent with tattooing, but for his artistry in

multiple fashions. Bearcat’s a group of guys with positive energy tattoo mojo. My goal with Bearcat is to make great contributions to the world of art and tattoos. And we’re on the right track. In the last three years, we’ve done amazing art shows that translate art paintings to cut and paste tattoos.” Bearcat’s synergy is palpable, their talent colossal and their eloquence comforting. These dudes truly transform art layered on a flat surface medium to the curve of one’s body. According to Colt, customers are welcomed to sit with each artist and generate colorful creative ideas that “push the tattoo boundaries of fine art.” They are, as they put it, “antiblotch.”

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SIERRA COLT Owner and Operator of Bearcat Tattoo Gallery

“I’m a dramatic artist who focuses on detailed, ornate designs in my paintings and tattoos,” Colt says. “I use filigree–embellishments and ornamentally adorned detailed pieces of lace, gems and jewelry–to make a painting interesting and reflective while inspiring a new tattoo. Chad’s an illustrative artist who builds characters into his creative designs. Alonzo and Nate are photo realists, which is as close to fine art as you can get. Photo realists replicate a beautiful photograph as an oil painting on the skin. Alonzo excels in Star Wars nerd while Nate’s a photo realist with a side order the World of Disney characters. And Matt, our resident apprentice, sticks to the traditional, darker colored pieces. Bottom line, we take attributes of our artwork and translate it to the skin.”

Alonzo Villa, Colt’s onetime apprentice, defines his paintings as scattered in style but genre specific. “I do a lot of pop culture, hipster and photo realistic portrait work,” says the 26-year old. “Bearcat customers choose an artist based on his area of expertise. With no particular artist in mind, clients look at portfolios and select one best suited to their style.”

The dudes are smart, the gallery’s rad, and nothing within eyesight is considered out of reach as a tattoo. Tattoo sketches are neatly hung at respective stations along with an easel and painting in progress. And Bearcat’s really quiet. Screeching, high-pitched, buzzing coil machines have been replaced with silent rotary motor machines. Tatted by the likes of these artists may just be the new black. And yet talk to any one of them and you discover these are the gentlemen you want your daughter and sister to marry. Choosing the unchosen may just be harder than choosing one’s tattoo.

Nate Anderson, Bearcat’s sole San Diego native, embarked on his tattoo career through teenage graffiti. Art classes at Mesa College followed suit, giving the already arty kid donning his first tattoo at age 16 the ability to “hone in on developing what I love to do. I knew I wanted to be a tattoo artist after my first tattoo. I love having the freedom to create and Bearcat’s the perfect atmosphere for artistry. Painting and tattooing go hand-in-hand. One medium inspires the other. My tattoos feed my paintings and my paintings inspire my tattoos. I create in an environment of good vibes. This is family.”

Inspired by the likes of Leonardo Da Vinci, Peter Paul Rubens and Caravaggio, Marine brat

Anderson’s Disney characters and portraits are larger than life. Photographs should only look so

Villa prided Bearcat as a friendly, yet professional, atypical environment. Customers are doted on and indulged with fine art. “Everyone’s first reaction–WOW! Bearcat’s not your average tattoo shop,” he says. “We have a mysterious vibe between our display of fine art and our quiet calm. And that quiet relieves anticipation and anxiety, especially for a first-time client.”

good. A print of Anderson’s Wizard of Oz holds court above my desk. And oddly enough, the blond-haired, blue-eyed cutie is humble, really humble. “I believe that everyone has the talent to do what they love. You just have to work for it. And I intend on working with my art for the rest of my life.” Thirty-five-year-old artist Chad Whitson originally landed in San Diego while networking tattoo artist guest spots. Determined not to settle for a street shop covered with flash walls more concerned with income than quality while “cranking out tattoos,” Whitson found a spot in Ocean Beach that “wasn’t perfect but it worked for color and cover-ups. The shop’s mainstay was Polynesian art. I’m a white kid from Toledo who didn’t know much about Hawaiian tribal. I met Sierra who was working with Alonzo in another shop in Pacific Beach. I knew immediately that I wanted to work with Sierra as both an artist and an individual. Everything fell into place when he contacted me with an opportunity at Bearcat.” Whitson said that tattoo art was his way of learning art without attending school. “I didn’t want to go to college to be told what or how to draw by following someone else’s rules. I wanted creative freedom, not art flash. That is, pick a cookie cutter, massed produced and distributed, B4 flash design. Fifteen years ago tattoos were mostly all flash. Nowadays clients come in with creative ideas that we turn into fine art instead of something that looks like a sticker.”

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HISTORY OF TATTOOS He added that 85 percent of his tattoos are cover-ups, mostly names no longer held in high esteem and/or bad tattoos that need restoration or complete blast overs. “I fix cursed relationships and mistakes,” he says. “But I consider it a blessing to love what I do. From the minute I learned how to hold things in my left hand, my love for art evolved into one of the most fulfilling parts of my life. I love drawing with colored pencils, painting, sculpting and crafting anything into creation. Tattoos are my permanent and positive impressions on people. I’ve watched the tattoo industry completely change for the best. And I commend all the artists and shop owners for stepping up their games.” Whitson’s apprentice Matt Heinz claims no formal training other than his twoyear apprenticeship. “I had no idea that I had this talent,” he confides. “It took everyone else to believe in me, to believe that I could do it. Every day is a different challenge to work through and learn. It’s insane.” Looking to side-step common names of “skin something,” Colt named the former Day of the Dead store Bearcat to commemorate a World War II, singleengine American fighter airplane that served the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. How fitting: The landmark (1906) little orange house with blue trim sits directly beneath the flight path of incoming planes. “Bearcat’s a destination,” Colt says. “If you build it, they will come.” He learned the business side of tattoo from owning his first shop in Breckenridge, Colo., although San Diego was always the ultimate destination. “Living by the ocean has always been my dream,” says the Minnesota native. “And Southern California has the best reputation for tattoo art. My art outgrew the transient population of Breckenridge. Not enough clients wanted my large scale, full body tattoos. And that’s what I do, striking sleeves, backs, legs and chest pieces that command attention. Pieces that are just bad-ass.” Colt leaves no stone unturned. Workshops, conventions and guest spots are a mainstay at Bearcat because “education’s key for getting better at what we do.” According to Whitson, Sierra’s an amazing boss. Not only does he strive to keep the guys happy, shop revenue orbits right back into Bearcat. “It’s the kind of place,” he says, “where you want to stay.” “I’m in this little orange house by a twist of fate and years of doing what I do,” concludes Colt. “Bearcat customers know what every artist is capable of and trust us with the freedom to create. It’s amazing, really amazing. There’s a voodoo behind tattoos. That is, you shouldn’t be but you are.”

Tattoos date back to 12,000 B.C., when ancient body paint identified one’s tribal origin, marital status and hunting and battle achievements. Widespread throughout Egypt during the historical timeline of the Great Pyramid, the art of tattooing swept through Arabia, China and Greece and was later followed by Polynesia and South America. While the Aztec, Inca and Mayan cultures tattooed their faces to signify their roles within spiritual ceremonies, the Celts, Danes and Gauls used tattoos to brand their family crests. Japan dates the onset of its tattoos to 300 B.C. Japanese facial tattoos noted criminals, religious and social events, although all body art required clothing as cover. In 787 A.D., Pope Hadrian I and the British Council of Churches at Calcuth, Northumberland, relegated and therefore forbid tattoos as a pagan ritual. The secretive underground art would not emerge until the latter part of the 17th Century during the exploration of the Pacific Islands. In 1691, William Dampier, an English explorer and buccaneer, brought the tattooed Prince Jeoly from the Philippine Islands to London. Dubbed “The Painted Prince,” Jeoly became an instant sensation among European sailors who used the word tatau—translation: to make a mark—to describe the body art. Tattoo artists became virtual celebrities in harbor ports worldwide. The art remained a slow and expensive process until the invention of a prototype electric tattoo machine. This afforded London’s lower and middle classes to also embrace the art formally limited to the elite. Martin Hildebrandt, a German immigrant who settled in Boston in 1846, is America’s first documented tattoo artist. The pricey, hand-done, laborious and painful process continued until 1891, when Samuel O’Reilly patented a tattooing machine that combined London’s machine with a prototype of the perforated pen invented by Thomas Edison. Tattoos became a circus and carnival sideshow extravaganza until the onset of World Wars I and II, when they were sported by soldiers and sailors, thus achieving patriotic significance. Dipping post war in popularity and fear of hepatitis C due to a lack of sterilization, the art form remerged in the 1960s during the hippie revolution. San Francisco tattoo artist Lyle Tuttle became the face that was splattered across the media. Tuttle worked with the Department of Communicable Diseases to write new health regulations for the ancient art. Celebrities and customers flocked to Tuttle, leaving little doubt of its newly acquired popularity. Tattoos are more popular today than ever. More than 20 percent of Americans–that’s one in five–don one or more tattoos, with no sign of slowing down.

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absolute

laser tattoo removal BY STEVE KANG

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Absolute Laser Tattoo Removal | 3760 Convoy St., Ste. 114, San Diego | (858) 737-4555 | AbsoluteTatRemoval.com

I had been thinking about getting a tattoo removed that I got after I graduated from college. My roommate and I decided to get one together. He was getting a killer whale on his right hip and I was getting a cartoon kangaroo on my left hip. We thought we were being so cool because no one really had them at the time. Like a lot of people, we got them on our hips so that they weren’t visible unless you wanted them to be. Little did we know that years later tattoos would become very mainstream, and hip tattoos were no longer “hip tattoos.” A friend suggested I check out Absolute Laser Tattoo Removal. I was slightly nervous for my consultation, but as soon as I walked in, I was greeted by a very friendly (and super attractive) staff. After I checked in, I noticed a giant saltwater fish tank filled with fish and anemones. It immediately brought a sense of calm and relaxation to my nerves.

I entered Dr. Eric Korsh’s office and sat with his certified physician’s assistant Mitch, who looks like a male model, so ladies watch out! (Just kidding, Mitch; you were personable and professional, too.) I wasn’t sure what to expect from Dr. Korsh. I knew he was obviously educated because he is also a Diplomate for the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, but his quick wit and his friendliness could easily land him a second career as a comedian. Who knew doctors were so cool? Dr. Korsh explained that he was inspired to start a laser tattoo removal business after his son got his first tattoo. Like most young guys, he picked the BEST QUOTE EVER: “Live Fast, Die Young.” Needless to say, dad was not impressed. As a doctor and father, his first thought was, “How do I get this thing off?” Absolute Laser Tattoo Removal uses the PicoSure, the latest and greatest of laser technology for tat-

too removal. Until the launch of PicoSure, Qswitched lasers had been considered the gold standard for removing tattoos. Q-switched laser treatments use thermal energy to heat up and break apart the ink particles. Now with PicoSure, ultra-short pulses (one trillionth of a second in length!) hit the ink particle with a pressure so great, the ink shatters into tiny dust-like particles. Because the particles are so small, they are more readily absorbed and eliminated by the body. This can mean better clearance of the tattoo and less treatments overall. Also, I learned that the traditional lasers often struggle to remove the colors blue and green completely, and I need this kangaroo gone, completely. This rare and advanced laser can actually remove your tattoo entirely in much less time and in a lot fewer sessions. Even though the old system might be cheaper per session, it

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can be up to 18 sessions and up to three years to complete. Absolute’s system only takes three to six sessions and up to a year to complete. Not to mention, a cover-up job only takes them one or two sessions. So when it’s all said and done, your total cost is less as well as your time spent. Dr. Korsh’s son is now considering getting his regrettable tattoo removed. “Live Fast, Die Young” may be going away, but the story behind it will last forever, giving everyone a chuckle, but more importantly putting clients at ease when the Doc talks about it! After spending my time learning and laughing, I am ready to start my first treatment with confidence in a great team. Eric Korsh, MD, has been a licensed physician since 1986. He is originally from New Jersey and has lived in San Diego since 1997. Dr. Korsh received his undergraduate degree from Rutgers College and his medical degree from New Jersey Medical School. He completed his residency at Seton Hall University and fellowship at Cornell University Medical Center in New York City. Dr. Korsh is also a certified Laser Safety Officer.

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HOW TO ENTER: Simply follow 4L or Absolute Laser Tattoo Removal on Instagram and Email a photo with your brief story to 4L Magazine.

26 4L MAGAZINE | MAY 2015

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Pat Kim is currently a tattoo artist who works at Ace of Hearts in San Pedro, Crimson Unicorn in Downtown Los Angeles and guest tattoos at Adora Tattoo Studio in San Diego. He is the former bass player of Unwritten Law, which was formed in Poway in 1990. He joined them in 1997 right after they released their self-titled album and signed with their first major label, Interscope Re-

cords. They quickly became recognized with groups such as Blink-182, Buck-O-Nine, etc. They joined the Vans Warped Tour, which took them across North America, Europe and Australia. I was referred to PK by my good friend TJ (Timothy Joseph), front man for the Palace Ballroom. (I guess rock ‘n’ rollers like to go by initials … ha-ha.) 4L has a great relationship with TJ because he played at our

launch party and last two anniversary parties. We were doing a tattoo issue and TJ immediately said that I had to contact PK. After a few weeks of playing phone tag and trying to get everything together, I finally sat down and chatted with PK. As soon as he greeted me, it was like meeting a long lost friend. We figured out that we were the same age and we are both Korean American.

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Steve: Hey Pat, good morning, how are you doing? PK: Is this Steve? How are you doing, bro? Great. Want to jump right into it? Yeah, ask me whatever you want. Are you Korean? Yeah, I was thinking that you were, too I knew you were because Kim is like one of the original, Korean-only last names. Mine can actually be Chinese also, but I am Korean. How old are you? 44. I am too, what a coincidence, I bet we have a lot in common. On that note, tell me about your childhood. Well, as you know the typical Korean family outline of our generation is to have their children grow up to be a doctor or a lawyer. (Laughs)

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Right? I thought I was going to go to law school up until I graduated from college. Luckily, my parents were pretty cool and let me explore the artsy side that I had. And Korean parents always made you play an instrument, mostly piano. Oh, I logged in years and years on the piano and now I’m making my daughters do it too. (Laughs) So I grew up in Glendale then ended up in San Diego right out of high school. I applied to a bunch of colleges but got rejected by every single one except for San Diego State. (Laughs) At the same time my buddy who eventually became the lead singer of Buck-O-Nine whom I knew since junior high school decided he was going to move down with me because he wasn’t really into L.A. anymore. So that’s how you formed Sprung Monkey? Well, I was going to SDSU as an art major, which didn’t make sense because they didn’t have a

great department for it. During that time I just met some dudes through the Reader and we eventually became Sprung Monkey. John was just hanging out and somebody asked him if he could sing. So he would just hang out with us and sing lead once in a while. We started doing really well and started doing tours with Unwritten Law, before I was in the band obviously, Blink-182 and Pennywise. Wow, that’s a pretty cool lineup of bands, especially the early punk years before everybody got really popular everywhere. Was it tough touring and going to school? I ended up breaking my parents’ hearts. I decided to drop out and pursue my music career. So after about five or six years with Sprung Monkey, I decided to quit and move to San Francisco. I lived there for about a year and all of a sudden got a phone call from Unwritten Law.

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Weird, you leave your band in SD to go up north and just a year later they are trying to call you back down? Yeah, it was weird. Their bass player just quit and they wanted me to audition. I just got up here and was digging the scene and I really didn’t like their music so I was going to decline. Then I listened to their latest self titled release and loved it. I was floored, they finally found their voice and their direction. I said, “HOLY SHIT, I’m all in!” So I moved back to San Diego and played with them full time from 1997 to about 2011. Crazy, any cool groupie stories? I was always in a serious relationship so I didn’t take part in any of it. But, some crazy stuff happened. When girls come back to the tour bus, they seem to do just anything. We were popular but nothing like bands like Led Zeppelin, I can’t even imagine what was going on with those guys. Right? Once you get to a certain level, normal stuff has to just be boring. Well, think of it this way: Imagine getting back stage with The Go-Go’s. Hot rock ‘n’ roll chicks wanting to take me back with them? Man, I would have stuck a banana in my butt! (Laughs) I would have put the entire bunch in mine! (Laughs) So how did you get started with your tattoo career? After I quit Unwritten Law, I didn’t want to become the cliché musician guy who didn’t know what he wanted to do next. I decided to get back into art so I started picking up some Photoshop classes, etc. It was fun to learn all the new stuff but all the younger kids were kicking ass. It was so hard to keep up with them because they were all well versed in all the cutting-edge technology. Then all of a sudden I heard that my old buddy Glen was opening up a tattoo shop in San Diego. I used to even live with him at his mom’s house when I first moved back to SD for Unwritten Law. I was living in L.A. and I asked him if I could be his apprentice. He told me that if I was dedicated that he would throw all the hazing bullshit aside and teach me how to straight up tattoo. I would drop my kids off Tuesday morning then stay in SD until Thursday night. I drove back and forth and did this for three years. I am so appreciative for what Glen has done for me. He is my tattoo mentor. Isn’t tattooing nerve racking because you’re putting something permanent on someone’s body? Well, when I first started off, a bunch of my friends were nice enough to be my guinea pigs. To become good, you can’t be tattooing fruit for practice, you need a real human canvas. Any parting words? Even though I have established myself, I always consider myself a student. I want to always be learning. If you decide that you only do a certain style or have only a certain direction, you will become stagnant. I’m excited about all these young new artists coming out with their new techniques and their new visions. You don’t have to be able to draw to be fundamentally sound. You can make a good tattoo just by copying stuff. I don’t want to tattoo butterflies all day long. I want to be an artist and continually evolve.

The interview with Pat Kim wrapped up with scheduling the two tattoos he’s going to do for 4L Magazine. I was able to round up a couple of hot chicks to volunteer for the artwork. I finished the interview feeling really good about Pat’s past, present and future. He is a super cool dude and is really funny. At one point he told me that he was married to a German woman so his daughters will be able to make the ultimate driving machine but won’t be able to drive it … ha-ha!

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Escondido may mean “hidden” but it’s no secret that there’s a lot going on here! Visit us online for the complete wine map, dining and a calendar of events! Visitors Center 235 East Grand Avenue Tuesday-Friday | 10am-4pm 760.839.4777

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FOOD/DRINK

CHEF’S TABLE

HANNA TESFAMICHAEL HANNA’S GOURMET BY MICHELLE LYN

Located in the heart of University Heights, Hanna’s Gourmet has been dishing out globally inspired fare to locals for years. The cozy, under-the-radar eatery is a choice spot for those seeking fresh, seasonal dishes of an unfamiliar quality. Think of it like taking a culinary trip around the world, without ever leaving your seat! The chef and owner, Hanna Tesfamichael, recently added a few standouts to the dinner menu, making Hanna’s Gourmet a must-visit on your list.

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4L: Tell us about the menu at Hanna’s Gourmet. Hanna Tesfamichael: Our menu consists of fragrant and exotic dishes that draw from many cultures and countries around the world, such as Italy, Japan, France, India, Morocco, etc. The menu is laid out so that a table can order from different continents, and share and taste each other’s dishes. What are some of your new standout dishes from the menu? In addition to the dinner staples our guests love, the menu now features seasonal starters such as Roasted Pepper Ragu with fresh ricotta, and Indian Curried Cauliflower Fritters with mango jalapeño dipping sauce. Entrées include Seared Salmon with caramelized peaches, seasonal vegetables and orange wine sauce, and Tender Pork Loin with fried tomatillos and apples on a bed of cilantro cream. Tell us about your family-style dinners, and how they differ from your World Tour menu? The Word Tour menu is offered nightly, and consists of a soup and an entrée from a particular country that changes weekly. Our popular family-style dinners occur once a month and highlight a different country’s cuisine. For instance, May 21 will highlight a complete family-style menu featuring the cuisine of Greece. They are a great way to bring the community together. What is your number one selling dinner item? We have two bestselling items: our Apple and Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken, and our Bobotie, a South African meatloaf. What is your favorite cuisine to cook? I love cooking French cuisine. I find it to be the most challenging as well as the most refined style of cooking for me. When you are not cooking and running your restaurant, what can we find you doing? Spending time with my husband and friends. My obsession is reading cookbooks, magazines and food blogs, so I will also be doing that.

HANNA’S GOURMET | 2864 Adams Ave., San Diego | Neighborhood: University Heights | (619) 280-5600 | HannasGourmetCatering.com

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FOOD/DRINK

BEATS & EATS

BEATS&EATS What’s RAD about

BEATS & EATS? The food and the music!

BY MIKEY BEATS

[ INTERVIEW WITH ]

REBECCA JADE

at OCEANA COASTAL KITCHEN [ CATAMARAN HOTEL ]

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In this edition of Beats & Eats, I interview the illustrious Rebecca Jade during a staycation at the Evans family’s new gorgeous and gourmet restaurant Oceana Coastal Kitchen on the bayside of the Catamaran Hotel. 4Lmagazine.com

OCEANA COASTAL KITCHEN [ AT THE CATAMARAN HOTEL ] 3999 Mission Blvd., San Diego » Neighborhood: Mission Beach » (858) 488-1081 » CatamaranResort.com

Mikey Beats: The origin of Rebecca Jade, where are you from originally? Rebecca Jade: I call myself a San Diego girl, but I was born in New York City, lived there until I was three, then moved to Puerto Rico for about four years where my mom was a professional jazz singer. When my parents split, my mom stayed in Puerto Rico while my dad was in the Coast Guard and he got orders to move to San Diego. My mom eventually sold everything and came here to be with me and we’ve been here ever since. MB: Where did you go to high school? RJ: El Cajon Valley and then my senior year I transferred to Scripps Ranch. MB: You are from here. In those early years as a kid growing up in SD, what were you doing musically? RJ: Well, my mom was a singer, my grandfather was a singer and my uncle too, so I came from a musical family, it was my life. MB: There is trying to be and then there is, therefore you are singer. RJ: Absolutely, it is second nature. We were always involved in our church, I was part of the church choir and church plays. There is a picture of me when I was like five or six, and I

was singing a solo. My mom and my dad were very supportive, understanding and open to my creativity and whatever I wanted to try. I was very much into the arts in school, meanwhile I was into a ton of sports. I had a very much dichotomous life. I ran track, swam, played tennis, basketball and even baseball before high school. I was the only girl on the baseball team and such a tomboy.

pepper. Nathan Peel, chef de cuisine at Oceana, brings the Yellowtail Crudo, which is fresh sashimi grade yellowtail, dressed with an agua chile, which is onion and lime topped with an avocado, cilantro and pickled radish. We are getting the royal treatment.

MB: Were you involved in any musical projects in high school?

RJ: Correct.

RJ: When I was about 15, the musical director at our church, Tim Minor, saw some potential in producing an all-girl group with me and two other girls. We were recording but that didn’t really go anywhere because he wanted me to have more focus, but I was playing basketball. I had a lot of scholarships to play college basketball out of high school, but I was so against going to college because it was hard for me to focus in high school, so I took a year off. I just worked and I just kinda grew up a little bit and that’s when I decided to go to Mesa College were I played basketball for two years.

The waiter brings out a beer for me and a mimosa for Rebecca and we place another round for Rebecca and I switch to a Mai Tai. My plan is to get Rebecca buzzed so she eats seafood and tells me her life story. A waitress simultaneously brings out a toasted crostini with three spreads: pimento cheese, smashed avocado and roasted almond and red

MB: Now you have explained to me that you do not like seafood which is a shame because you are missing out on delicious ocean life.

MB: So we are going in on the toasted crostini and spreads together. I got my first taste of the red pepper and roasted almond spread and I think my salivary glands just popped. Judging by the smile on your face, you are happy with it. Since you will not be eating the sashimi, I will handle it on my own. RJ: Go right ahead.

I pop a piece of the fresh yellowtail in to my mouth and it is as I like it to be, cut thin and so freshly fresh that it disintegrates between the tongue and the roof of my mouth. I waste no time, pop the rest in my mouth and lick the plate. Well, I didn’t lick the plate, but if I knew Rebecca better and wasn’t in such a classy joint, I would have. This place is special and exactly the type of fine dining that Pacific Beach needs on the bay. MB: Where did you end up going to college after Mesa?

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FOOD/DRINK

BEATS & EATS

for two years. I sang the national anthem for a lot of my games as well as the men’s games. After college, I came back home.

Chef brings in Cabo Crab Louie, a traditional Louie salad with egg, pickled asparagus, tomato, a Louie dressing and Dungeness crab meat. RJ: What’s a Louie? Chef: A Louie is one of those classic salads. Kinda like a Caesar is a classic salad where it’s well known throughout the world. The dressing is like a Russian dressing or like a Thousand Island. MB: Excellent, I will take that please.

I take the Crab Louie and promptly inhale it. I have no time to play around with delicious food on my plate, I prefer it in and around my mouth. Besides, Rebecca doesn’t eat seafood, yet. The waiter comes by and I order passion fruit margaritas, which come out immediately and Rebecca doesn’t drink hers much. I spent time in Brazil so I love me some fresh passion fruit so I take hers and she orders a Long Island Ice Tea, which is in her hand before she can take a breath. MB: Most people would ask the question, “When did you realize music was your passion?” With you, music is you, so at what point did music become your business?

RJ: I went to UC Berkeley on a full basketball scholarship. MB: Were you musically active in the Berkeley music scene? RJ: It was very hard to be involved in anything other than basketball when I was there because as a full time student athlete that’s your commitment. I don’t know if a lot of people know this, but when you go away to college, they give you five years to play four. So that gives you a red shirt year, an extra year in case you get injured. So two weeks after I signed my letter of intent, I was backed into as a pedestrian by a drunk driver in a parking lot. MB: That was in San Diego? RJ: Yeah, it pinned my legs. Luckily, everything was OK and I didn’t break anything, but it was a lot

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of tissue damage. I tried to go play and I had a horrible year, my third year, at Berkeley. Then after a year, I was getting healthier so my fourth year was much better. I did pretty good and then I re-injured my knee and that was it. MB: Not that injury is ever a good thing, but it gave you a chance to get sports out, get the music back in the last year and then focus on your major. RJ: Yes. If nothing else, I had to focus my goals on the fact that if I stayed true to this, I was going to walk out with a degree from Berkeley and no one could take that away from me. My degree was in theater and performance studies so that fifth year came in really handy because I was then able to do some of the performance things that I was not able to do during season. I was also part of the Berkeley Gospel Choir. I did that

RJ: After I came home from college, I got introduced to Kamau Kenyatta through an old friend named Damien Willis. Kamau ended up becoming my music mentor. I owe so much of my growth and understanding as a singer and a musician to him because he took me under his wing and helped me to understand music from a totally different perspective. He built my repertoire up, but he didn’t really push me too hard. He grew me slowly by getting me to understand how the form of a song goes, how to let the band solo and then come back in with the vocals. After about three years I started getting calls from people saying, “Hey, I need a singer for this gig. Kamau recommended you and he said you’re a singer so I don’t even need to audition you.” MB: Kamau was the one who led you into being a professional gigging musician? RJ: Yes, absolutely.

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MB: When were you in the Anthology house band? RJ: In 2007. It was open for 5 1/2 years. Kamau brought me into that project because he was part of the house band. He told me, “There’s a house band for this club that’s opening up and they have a singer, but you should just come with me to these rehearsals because in case she can’t do it, maybe you can be the first in line.” I started going with him to all these rehearsals and the girl who was supposedly the house singer never showed up because she lived in Orange County. I love this story, this is the epitome of how to be present. If an opportunity comes to you, jump on it. MB: Be present and show up. RJ: This was probably six to eight weeks before the club even opened doors and I’m going with Kamau to these rehearsals. Mind you, this other girl has not even showed up for one rehearsal and the bandleader, who wasn’t Kamau, was like, “Well, you’ve been here for every rehearsal. As far as I’m concerned, you’re the singer now for the house band.” That’s how the opportunity just presented itself: Kamau told me to show up, I was there and because of that I was in the house band for 5 1/2 years. I was there from before the club opened to the day it closed.

MB: Wow! RJ: I’m so grateful because I’ve gotten so much exposure and the name that came with Anthology …

MB: Would you say that your residency there was career defining? RJ: I would say it had a strong influence on it, yes. MB: That room was AMAZING. RJ: AMAZING. MB: Post-Anthology Rebecca Jade, more projects. I think you said six different acts. RJ: I’m in like six different bands, yeah. (Laughs) You can’t be a living, working musician unless you’re in a handful of different projects. Unless you’re in the big leagues. MB: You must be diversified. How many gigs do you do on average a week throughout your various projects? RJ: I average about four to five gigs a week. MB: That’s a mix of private and public gigs?

Chef Nathan brings out the Oceana House Roll with eel, crab, tempura shrimp with an unagi sauce as well as the Yasai Roll, which is a vegan option composed of pickled Berdock root (a.k.a. gobo), avocado, cucumber and radish sprouts. MB: This might be a little extreme for you, but this eel is better than I had expected. I am not trying to change you in any way, shape or form and I don’t need to make a believer out of you, but I will say that this stuff is excellent. You don’t even like shrimp? RJ: I do eat shrimp. MB: Here, try the veggie roll and go from there. Might I suggest you dip the veggie roll in the eel sauce so you know what it tastes like? RJ: OK. Mmm.

I nonchalantly take a nice piece of eel off the top of the roll and place it on the plate, in the sauce. MB: OK, I am going to isolate some of the eel from the rest of the roll and remove the skin. Now, that is eel, it is cooked and it is good.

The mood suddenly changes. Maybe it is the beautiful setting, maybe it is the alcohol, but Rebecca Jade is about to eat seafood!

RJ: Yes.

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FOOD/DRINK

BEATS & EATS

MB: Random factoid, the keyboardist Victor is the brother of a guy I graduated from high school with, Remo Sagastume. RJ: Yeah, Victor is the bandleader/keyboardist and his wife Angie Sagastume is the band manager/singer. We’re a modern, Top 40 act covering Lady Gaga, Ke$ha, Beyonce and Ariana Grande, among others. MB: I really enjoyed the “Bang Bang” cover you all did because there’s some notes that you all sing that are like, whoa. RJ: Thank you very much. We have a YouTube video of that song that we did a cappella. MB: One of the other bands you are in is Rebecca Jade and the Cold Fact. RJ: Let’s fucking do this! I am going to put it on this veggie roll.

She puts a small piece on a veggie roll, dips it in the sauce and pops it in her mouth. RJ: It’s not bad. I am going to try this bigger piece. These are baby steps.

She eats a bigger piece of eel and my mission is complete. RJ: It is sweet. I can now say I ate eel! I think that gets a high five! That’s big for me, I am trying to venture to and try new things and I am proud of myself!

Cheers all around as even Chef Nathan bore witness to this special moment as he laid down the last round of food: the fabled Drugstore Hamburger made famous by Oceana sister property, The Lodge at Torrey Pines and their famous clients the pros of the PGA Tour. MB: Seeing this on a menu in Pacific Beach makes me believe that Rocky’s now has competition for the best burger in PB.

The guys in the kitchen quartered the burger for us so we could share it and I take a bite out of one piece, narrowly missing my finger nail, because I got excited. MB: Oh wow … that is juicy. Mmm, that’s really good. It’s a simple looking burger with just

38 4L MAGAZINE | MAY 2015

lettuce, tomato, mayo, a juicy patty, jalapeño jack cheese and a sesame seed bun, but it is so fan-fucking-tastic!

Rebecca goes in for a bite. RJ: That’s a juicy burger.

We both dig into the fries. MB: These fries are the bomb. They’re almost like McDonald’s fries. (Laughs) RJ: You’re right. I can taste that actually. It’s like McDonald’s fries with sea salt. MB: OK, back to the beats. We recently hung out together at the House of Blues doing a corporate show together, and there was one of your many acts that you play in, Siren’s Crush. How long have you been one of the performers? RJ: Before we became Siren’s Crush, we were just Crush and the three girls from the band and the keyboard player broke off and started Siren’s Crush. So that was four years as Crush and then about four and a half years as Siren’s Crush. Crush helped me build another level of stage presence that I didn’t have at that time. Siren’s Crush plays everything live, they don’t play to backtracks. Victor Sagastume is the keyboard player and he finds all the samples and sounds from the songs to play live, so we sound very authentic.

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RJ: That’s relatively new; we started everything in 2013 and completed the project in 2014. We earned a San Diego Music Award for the album, which was really cool and unexpected. MB: So whatever you’re doing, you’re doing it right because you attracted the attention of Joe Rinaldi, who booked you for the sixth annual Oyster Fest at the Embarcadero Park North on June 13!

RJ: Bless your heart my son, this looks amazing! I am so full! MB: Whoa! OK! I’m a big brownie fan so this one is going to be me. … You go right in there. Do not be shy.

There are sugary smiles and gluttonous grunts as we spoon our ways through the variety of delicious desserts.

can hone it, of course, but there becomes a false reality that one can sing and that’s all you need, but that’s not true. There was a turning point for me, when I didn’t want to be considered just a singer so I spent two or three years at Grossmont College studying theory and voice. So put in that work and don’t just be a singer, be a musician. Learn how to run a band, how to talk to your musicians because that’s so important and it’s helped me tremendously.

RJ: You get to do this all the time? MB: That is a cold fact Rebecca Jade, and thank you for delivering it.

RJ: Yes! I can’t wait! MB: Once a month.

Chef Nathan brings out desserts. Chef: Here we have our a traditional crème brulee done with shots of espresso to make it coffee flavor and caramel sugar on top to make it crispy and creamy. Triple chocolate fudge brownie baked to order in a skillet topped with a nice vanilla gelato that is made locally. Also we have a new school banana pudding. It’s a banana cake layered with banana pudding and then crusted with cookie crumbles and topped with caramelized bananas.

RJ: I think you found a winning ticket, my friend MB: Ha-ha, I think so. Is there anything else you would like to add for our readers?

You can check out Rebecca at Po Pazzo on India Street on most Thursdays and all over the city on other nights of the week. She is also the artistic director at Seaside Center for Spiritual Living in Encinitas. Keep up with her at RebeccaJadeMusic.com.

RJ: This is something I think is important, especially for singers. We have such a bad stigma of being “just singers.” Musicians have to work their asses off to really hone their instrument and craft. Then there are singers who have been given a gift. We

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FOOD/DRINK

UNCORKED

THE GIFT OF GRAPES S PA AT T H E LO D G E AT TO R R E Y P I N E S BY MICHELLE LYN

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I’ve always thought I looked better after a glass of wine. Even better after two, but that has nothing to do with the real reason why grapes are good for us. There actually is some science behind the rosy glow I get in my cheeks when drinking wine and the many more benefits I see when I use skin-care products that contain ingredients that come from all components of grapes. Grape-seed polyphenols are a powerful antioxidant, resveratrol is an ingredient found in grapevine stalks and is great for antiaging, and Viniferine, which comes from grapevine sap, is very effective in combating dark spots. Grapes are actually considered to be one of the best remedies for overall skin care. Rich in vitamin C and loaded with phytochemicals and phytonutrients that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, grapes are good to eat, drink and rub on our skin. To get a good dose, visit the Spa at the Lodge at Torrey Pines for their Napa Valley Ritual. The 140-minute treatment comes straight from the vineyards of Napa Valley and utilizes grapes in more ways than you can imagine. You start out with a 30-minute soak in the hydrotherapy tub, infusing the body with the power of grape seeds while moisturizing the skin with cold-pressed grape seed oil that is added to the bath. After emerging from the tub, you’re brushed with an application of Cabernet passion fruit French clay, wrapped and left to relax with a scalp massage while the rich clay absorbs impurities, tones and moisturizes the skin. Twenty minutes later, you’ve rinsed the clay with a passion fruit wash and melted into a deeper state of relaxation with a grape seed and green tea body butter massage to fully hydrate and moisturize the skin. This full body treatment utilizes various components of the grapes, all intended to rejuvenate and recharge your skin. Just add a glass of wine and you’ve found the perfect Mother’s Day gift.

The Lodge at Torrey Pines | 11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla | (858) 453-4420 | LodgeTorreyPines.com

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FOOD/DRINK

RESTAURANT REVIEW

SYCUAN CASINO’S

GAMEDAY S P O R T S

B A R

G R I L L

BY STEVE KANG

GAMEDAY SPORTS BAR & GRILL [ AT SYCUAN CASINO ] 5485 Casino Way, El Cajon (619) 445-6002 Sycuan.com

TYPE OF CUISINE:

American

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When you come to visit Sycuan, you immediately realize the casino has much more to offer than gambling. There is an intimate concert venue and great places to eat. Do you want to get some great casual fare while washing it all down with a choice of 30 beers on tap featuring San Diego’s finest and beyond? If beer isn’t your thing, they have a full bar and serve up craft cocktails like the best of ‘em. GameDay also has giant flatscreens everywhere so that you can watch your favorite game from any seat. What’s even better is that you can play video poker while sitting at the bar.

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WHAT WE ATE & DRANK: 01 GAMEDAY CHEF SALAD

(Chopped romaine lettuce, crisp bacon, chopped ham, grilled chicken, cheddar cheese, jack cheese, red onion, fresh avocado)

It’s a classic chef salad that features a trio of meat, two oinks and a cluck. The lettuce is crisp and the veggies are fresh. This can be a great starter to be shared or a meal onto itself. 02 PESTO CHICKEN PIZZA

(Pesto sauce, grilled chicken, mozzarella, red onions, fresh basil)

This is a wonderful alternative to the BBQ Chicken Pizza. It’s the same but way different. There’s a classic savory-ness from the pesto instead of the sweet and tangy from the BBQ. The super thin crust lets all of the flavors from the toppings shine through. 03 IT’S A DOUBLE

(Two half-pound Angus burger patties topped with jack, cheddar and Swiss cheeses. Served with lettuce, tomato, red onion) GAMEDAY SAMPLER PLATTER

(Spinach dip, cheese dip, buffalo chicken wings, potato skins, fried mac ‘n’ cheese, hoops, freckles, cheeseburger sliders, jalapeno poppers, Philly egg rolls, served with a basket of flour tortilla chips)

Where do I begin? No seriously, where? This thing is huge! Well, I guess I’ll just talk about my favorites. Firstly, I love both dips because I love any kind of sauce/dip. Make ‘em savory from cheese and I’m all in. I’m dipping everything in them, literally everything, in both! The fried pickle spears make my mouth water just looking at them; I plop one in my mouth and it begins to gush. This thing has something for everyone and you can definitely share it with the whole gang.

This thing is a BEAST! I had to use my inner python so that I could un-hinge my jaw to try to take a bite of what seemed like an entire cow. The bun is toasted on the inside only so you get the crispiness without the roof-of-mouth torture! It comes standard with crisp fries and a fat pickle.

LIBATIONS These great meals were enjoyed with a Belching Beaver Peanut Butter Stout and an Ale Smith IPA.

THE JOINT 03

Executive Paul Schwab says he’s got to keep it real and make it sports fare. It’s more than that though because it’s all high quality; burgers are all made from 100 percent certified Angus. Schwab adds that the great atmosphere accents the great food and drinks. They also do beer dinners once a month paired with a local brewery. On May 24, they team up with Green Flash Brewery so make sure to pop on. This can be your new home away from home.

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CRAFTY

BEVILO TUTTO AT

BOTTEGA AMERICANO BY MILES ROBERSON

Bevilo Tutto or “Drink It All” is a famous Italian drinking song dating as far back as the 1880s. After sipping on a few cocktails at Bottega Americano in the East Village neighborhood, you’ll be so happy you’ll want to sing the song out loud! There’s nothing like a sip of pleasantly bitter Campari or a lemony, palate-cleansing Sgroppino cocktail before an Italian meal. From old standbys like the Negroni to new twists on

44 4L MAGAZINE | MAY 2015

Italian classics, these refreshing cocktails are a delight enjoyed on their own or alongside their amazing salumeria boards. Americans are enamored by the easy-going Italian lifestyle and how it’s expressed in glamorous magazines and fashion, stunning Italian automobiles like the Lamborghini or the Maserati and, of course, the food. What’s better than authentic, fresh-from-scratch Italian food? The traditions are incredible.

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NOW... THE COCKTAILS Entering Bottega Americano, the elegance of Italy’s style and culture is captured inside the rustic, chic, 8,000-square-foot, multi-faceted space. You may not be able to afford a Maserati or a pair of Ferragamo shoes, but any man can invite a bit of la dolce vita into his life by ordering up some of these Italian-inspired cocktails only found at the magnificent Bottega Americano:

LA DOLCE VITA (THE SWEET LIFE)

Appropriately named with Skyy Vodka as its base spirit. Vodka … boring, right? Nope! Where it gets interesting is when the blackberry-mint jam vanilla reduction is introduced. In cooking, reduction is the process of thickening and intensifying the flavor of a liquid mixture such as a soup, sauce, wine or juice by simmering or boiling. The reduction process is a form of distillation leaving only the most intense flavors behind. So think about it: Vodka will take on the flavor of anything you add to it. This beauty adds pressed grapefruit juice to the intense reduction described above to give it a delicate, sweet balance of vanilla, blackberry, mint and citrus. Garnished with a blackberry and mint, this may have the color of a Purple Hooter (remember those?) but so much more sophisticated and grown up. Delizioso!!!

02 03

LA BIETOLA FELICE (THE HAPPY BEET)

MY FAVORITE! Drinking La Bietola Felice is like submerging your face into a liquid garden. Fresh, earthy, vegetal and simply amazing! Almost makes me want to go vegan, just kidding! Never! The base spirit is Old Harbor Southwest Gin, which comes from a San Diego-based crafter of spirits. A gin usually hints at floral and berry like qualities where Old Harbor Southwest Gin provides the flavor and aroma of cilantro, a pleasant surprise as I was expecting something completely different. The gin is complemented by beet water, fresh pressed lemon and topped with a fresh ground black pepper. Al Fresco!

NEGRONI SPEZIATO (SPICY NEGRONI)

In Honor of Negroni Week June 1-7, I present to you the Negroni Speziato. A basic Negroni is normally three ingredients (Campari, gin and vermouth). Bottega differentiates themselves by adding a house made vermouth with a rosemary infusion including hints of cinnamon topped with a few dashes of angelica-rhubarb bitters. You’ll get the fresh, piney and citrusy flavors from the gin balanced nicely with the bitterness of the Campari and rounded out with the tea-like aroma and piney finish of the rosemary. My favorite part: A sprig of rosemary is suspended inside one large ice cube. Again, aroma for me is a huge part of enjoying a cocktail. I’ll take one of these over a dozen roses any day! Cin cin! (CONTINUED)

FOOD/DRINK

CRAFTY

04 VENTIMIGLIA (A CITY IN NORTHERN ITALY) Starting with America’s first bottled bourbon in Old Forrester, the Ventimiglia includes Amaro Averna, an Italian bitter liqueur, pressed lemon, cinnamon and chicory, which is a plant and caffeine-free substitute for coffee that actually tastes like coffee. Egg white is added for frothy texture finished with cedar cologne. If you miss the holiday season, come in and embrace the scents and spices of Christmas, pretend it’s less than 70 degrees outside and warm up with this boozy cocktail. Buone vacanze!

05 DIGESTIVO You can probably guess what digestivo is in Italian, right? Finish off your meal but continue to be liquored up with this after-dinner drink. A Digestive’s purpose is to aid in digestion after a meal. Bottega kicks up the traditional after dinner drink by combining Cynar, an Italian Amaro, a Sambuca rinse and espresso to keep you going so you can hit The Gaslamp after dinner.

The amazing cocktails mentioned are classics with a modern twist, inspired by what’s going on in the kitchen and a collaboration between San Diegobased cocktail consultants Snake Oil Cocktail Co. and the talented team at Bottega Americano.

HAPPY HOUR When Daily from 3-6 p.m. in the bar and lounge.

In addition to superb Italian inspired cocktails and old world meets new world cuisine, Bottega hosts several events throughout the spring and summer months that I am definitely taking part in:

NEGRONI WEEK, JUNE 1-7 - I ce Cream Social serving up Negroni ice cream, Aperol gelato presented to you in a housemade waffle cone. Where else can you find something like that C’mon!

BASEBALL SUMMER SERIES PAYING HOMAGE TO TONY GWYNN - T hroughout the baseball season, Bottega will offer local beers, spirits and BBQ all atop the rooftop patio overlooking the park. Hear the crack of the bat, watch fireworks illuminate the sky as another Padre home run flies out of the park. Ten percent of all proceeds go to the Tony Gwynn Foundation. What’s better than that? Dates are as follows, but make sure to check the website or come in, have a drink and ask Josh the Bartender.

• May 2, 16, 30 • June 13, 27 • July 18, 25 • Aug. 8, 22 • Sept. 5, 26 Stay tuned for ongoing events throughout the year but until then, do yourselves a favor and check this place out! 46 4L MAGAZINE | MAY 2015

MIXOLOGY MINUTE RINSE The purpose of the rinse is to impart the taste of a strongly flavored ingredient to a cocktail, without that ingredient overpowering the rest of the drink. The Sazerac is probably the best-known cocktail to feature a rinse, with its traditional wash of absinthe. In the case of the Sazerac, the absinthe provides a hint of anise flavor, which complements the rye whiskey and enhances similar spicy notes in the Peychaud’s bitters.

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striving to make a

DIFFERENCE ENVIRON-FRIENDLY INKS SDP uses custom formulated, soy based, low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) inks for our printing processes. These inks are B.A.C.T. Compliant (Best Available Control Technology) and are certified by The San Diego County Air Pollution District. SDP uses environmentally friendly roller and blanket wash as part of our commitment to help lower greenhouse gasses.

All Waste Paper, Plates And Inks Are Recycled

SAN DIEGUITO PRINTERS 1880 Diamond Street • San Marcos, CA 92078 Phone: 760.744.0910 • sd-print.com MAY 2015 | Fully cultured, yet unshaven | 4L MAGAZINE 47

FOOD/DRINK

HAPPIEST HOUR

PORTOGLASS VISTA HOTEL DOOR BY STEVE KANG

HAPPY HOUR Daily: 3-7 p.m. Wednesday-Friday 10 p.m.-close (Drinks Only)

Are you tired of the hustle and bustle of the Gaslamp District? Are you tired of being surrounded by mostly tourists? Take a slight detour and cruise into Little Italy. This area has great restaurants and bars without all the hubbub. But what’s even better is that it also has it’s very own beloved hotel, the Porto Vista. Go up a few levels to their restaurant, Glass Door, and you will be able to relax with a sweet happy hour.

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WHAT WE

ATE

01 Merguez Sausage Flatbread

(Caramelized onions and peppers, ricotta cheese, sunny side up eggs, roasted garlic)

The creamy rich ricotta cheese blends well with the merguez sausage that reminds me of his brother chorizo. The nice crisp crust and the caramelized onions really finish this flatbread up nice. 02 Beef Pinchito

(The Tunisian hot chili pepper paste harissa, white balsamic vinegar, charred tomato, truffled lentils) The tender morsel of beef

has a great flavor and it feels as if it fills you up because it’s a dense piece of protein. The truffled lentils make you feel special because they’re super high end.

WHAT WE DRANK 01 Pacific Beach Punch

(Svedka Vodka, grenadine, triple sec, lime, lemon, with citrus soda)

It’s just like hanging out in PB. At first it’s sweet then all of a sudden somebody sucker punches you in the face. This thing will kick your can. 02 Blood Orange Martini

(Svedka Vodka, blood orange puree)

The taste lives up to its name. I have a buddy who loves anything with blood orange and I would have to concur. This thing is bloody good! 03 Bayview Cadillac Margarita

(Cazadores Tequila, fresh lime, sweet and sour, Grand Marnier)

I love it because it’s not too tart. Even 4L publisher Chris Lapham can drink it and he gets heartburn just thinking about Margies. 04 Pineapple-Mango Mule

(Svedka Vodka, mango puree, pineapple juice, squeezed lime, ginger beer)

A nice refreshing upgrade to the already super popular mule in a copper cup. The mango and pineapple give it a great tart taste that makes your mouth water.

03 Scallop Pinchitos

(Citrus vanilla bean vinaigrette, white peaches, arugula, sweet corn salad)

This is absolutely delicious. They cooked it perfectly so that it feels as if it just dissolves in your mouth. The bitterness of the arugula, the sweetness of the corn and the spiciness of the sauce tantalizes all of your eating senses.

04 Duck Fries

(Confit/parmesan with poached egg and sliced truffle) The duck is super savory and almost reminds me of carnitas, which I love. Rip open the poached egg and just let the yolk drip all over the fries.

THE JOINT

As soon as you walk in, you are greeted by a picturesque panoramic view of the bay. Couple that with attentive and friendly servers and tenders and you have found yourself a little piece of San Diego heaven. Come and stay for the night or just come by for few hours to enjoy happy hour while watching the sunset. Either way, you win!

FOOD/DRINK

BEER ME

BENCHMARK BREWING CO. BY JEREMY PRITCHARD

Sometimes the name can speak volumes for what a company does. If I mention the names Google, Apple or Mattel, you know exactly what the quality of each brand is and what to except from each product. So what about Benchmark? You would think that it’s a rather lofty goal to designate one’s self as THE example to which all else should be compared. But what if there is something more subtle to that name? You’ll find subtle is the name of the game at Benchmark, including the name. Given the brewing company is tucked away in an unassuming corner of Grantville, you would never know some of the best beer in San Diego is made there. Of course, Brewmaster and co-founder Matt Akin would never admit that, saying simply, “I make beer that I want to drink.” It all started for this native San Diegan when he was 16 and found out via the Internet that

he could make beer at home. The chemistry nerd soon found the science behind making beer fascinating, although he didn’t start home brewing until the day he turned 21. Akin went to the Home Brew Mart and bought kit No. 3 from Demian Binder (now at Best Damn Beer Shop) and started galvanizing his passion. As Matt wrapped up his BA in Sociology at UCSD, he volunteered to help out at AleSmith on bottling days. The day he graduated, Peter Zien gave him his first real job in brewing: keg scrubber. He then proceeded to work his ass off, including getting a brewing education from the American Brewers Guild. Within three years, Akin took over as head brewer at AleSmith. Always on a quest for furthering his science, Akin later left AleSmith to go to La Jolla Brewing, but due to complications with the alcohol license he never got

a chance to brew even one batch of beer. During his down time at La Jolla Brewing, he wrote out business plans and on one fateful afternoon while sitting with his father Jim at Jaynes Gastropub, the two decided to partner and form Benchmark Brewing. Benchmark’s name is a nod to a family long tradition of camping. Now, Benchmark is a family affair; it’s not an uncommon sight to see Matt or his wife Rachael walking around their tasting room, families with infants grouping around tables where Jim teaches the card game bridge or Matt’s mom Margaret leaning on the bar telling stories from the trail. In the Benchmark tasting room, everything around you is a subtle tribute to the Akin family and their love of camping. There is even a Coleman lantern hanging at the end of the bar that was a wedding gift to Jim and Margaret from her parents. A U.S. Geological Surveystyle benchmark with proper altitude, latitude

BENCHMARK BREWING CO. | 6190 Fairmount Ave., San Diego | Neighborhood: Mission Valley | (619) 795-2911 | BenchmarkBrewing.com

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and longitude of its location is also found there. In addition to beer and conversation, Benchmark offers a rotating art gallery, yoga and is the pick-up point for local organic farm Be Wise Ranch. You’ll also find them heavily tied to the San Diego River Park Foundation. The fun doesn’t stop there! Coming in the near future you can expect to find your favorite Benchmark beers in cans! With any luck, by the end of June you’ll be able to take their IPA, Brown and Table beers home in beautiful, 16-ounce aluminum vessels. Also on the way: an expansion of the brewery that includes a backyard complete with giant Jenga and more. Benchmark may not have set out to be the standard for what all beers are measured by, but the brewing company has certainly established itself as a standard for what craft beer should be. Whether it’s arrogance, pride or skill, I’ll let you taste and decide if Benchmark lives up to its name, but I already know much like the family behind the brand you’ll find their beer is excellent without the need of being boastful. [ CONTINUED ]

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BEER ME

TASTING NOTES BREWS

TABLE 4.00% ABV 30 IBU Style: Belgian Table Appearance: Pale golden Aroma: Subtle Belgian aroma Taste: Hugely quaffable, light grainy taste with a clean finish and a slight hint of Belgian yeast. BROWN 4.50% ABV 60 IBU Style: Brown Ale Appearance: Dark amber Aroma: Light roasty nose Taste: Dry brown with a balance of malt and hops and a clean finish. OATMEAL STOUT 4.50% ABV 50 IBU Style: Oatmeal Stout Appearance: Dark with a tan/toffee head Aroma: Lightly roasty aroma Taste: A GABF Gold Medal winner for a reason. For a session ale, this stout is balanced with subtle chocolate notes and a clean-hop finish. BEATEN PATH 5.00% ABV 70 IBU Style: Single Hop XPA Appearance: Brilliant golden with a slight white foamy head Aroma: Bold citrus nose Taste: This beer was first deemed “Get on the Bus” and brewed for DrinkAbout! It has a light body and a great tropical hop flavor with a clean finish. RIVER RYE 6.50% ABV Style: American Rye Appearance: Clear amber with a tan head Aroma: Hoppy/spicy nose Taste: Rich spicy flavor with a resin-y hop profile that still finishes clean.

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TENDER

BEACHCOMBER BARTENDER

MARIA WILES BY STEVE KANG

ORIGIN: Buffalo, New York. I moved here because I was sick of putting on my whole wardrobe before I went outside and I was looking for some West Coast adventure (Google “Buffalo, New York.”) CREDENTIALS: My dad owns an Irish bar so I grew up in the industry my whole life. I officially legally started when I was 18 because that’s the legal age in New York. SHIFTS: Weekends and every Tuesday night for trivia. WORDS OF WISDOM: Laugh more and whine less because laughing will get you far and whining will get you nowhere. SIGNATURE DRINK: Bloody Mary is my favorite to make. Both my brother and I are bartenders and it’s always a competition; I make the best, of course. (The best secret is in the horseradish.) But my drink of choice … I’m a Jameson girl through and through.

FIVE QUESTIONS

DRINKS MADE TODAY: Beachcomber White Russian

01 Hip-hop: West Coast or East Coast and why? Maria Wiles: East Coast. Biggie Smalls will always be a classic, but I can do an occasional Kanye and Tupac. You can never go wrong with the Southern flare, either. … Nappy Roots all the way.

(Vodka, Kahlúa, cream or almond milk instead of cream if I’m feeling like doing a cleanse) Das verdana, baby. …My goodness, it makes me feel like I’m in Moscow having a ball then all of a sudden in Siberia wondering where I am. South Mission Mai Tai 9

(Rum, pineapple, grenadine, Cadillac rum with an orange or cherry on top) It’s sweet, it’s alcoholic, it’s my type of drink. If I was dating a girl from Thailand, I would call her my Thai … Mai Tai. Cuba Libre NFL

(Bacardi and Coke with (N)o (F)ucking (L)ime)

Well, it’s basically a Bacardi Coke. But as the regulars say, NFL. (N)O (F)ucking (L)ime. It’s strong and it put me on my butt because it’s in a pint glass. … I love this.

THE JOINT It’s a no frills neighborhood bar. Where is it? Right smack dab in the middle of the neighborhood by the bay; when you see the roller-coaster, keep going. They have great specials and stiff drinks. It brings in all kinds of clientele but surprisingly, you will see most of them being in their mid twenties.

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02 Is a good looking man attractive from the outside in or from the inside out and why? He has a massive vocabulary, so I would have to say the inside out because if you’re intelligent and can make me laugh, that’s the way to my heart. If you’re sarcastic, yes … but the outside doesn’t hurt either. 03 You are a trivia master. Can you win at your own game? I created it so if I know the answers, YES! If it’s somebody else’s game, I’ll have to cheat. 04 What’s more important: a man who can cook or a man who can take you to a five-star restaurant? Somebody who can cook a five-star meal while I watch Netflix. 05 Why do you love the Beachcomber? Why wouldn’t I? It’s a Mission tradition from the 1940s. Whether somebody is celebrating their 21st or their 81st birthday, it’s a bar that welcomes all people and all walks of life. Each day I spend here is like a new episode of Cheers, and it’s never the same and everybody knows your NAME!

BEACHCOMBER

2901 Mission Blvd. // San Diego Neighborhood: Mission Beach (858) 488-2644 // TheComber.com 4Lmagazine.com

FOOD/DRINK

DISH

BUTTERNUT SQUASH STREET STYLE TACOS

WITH CHARRED POBLANO PEPPERS & GOAT CHEESE CREMA SERVINGS

THIS RECIPE

FEEDS 4-6 of your best amigos y amigas

onth m e h t k I thin fun.. ’ o s t o l of May is

We’ve got Cinco de Mayo, which is widely celebrated here in San Diego because of our large Mexican American population. There’s the fact that we are officially one month closer to summer, which is always a delight to celebrate. And the piece de resistance, of course, the holiday that all men everywhere should go to great lengths to celebrate in depth all day, e’rryday: Mother’s Day! Now the thing that all of these celebrations have in common, for me anyway, is the food! Shocking, I know.

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Most important being the fact that you gotta show your love and appreciation to your mama … or your baby mama, right? Skip the restaurant and make it count by cooking something special for her. And since summer is rapidly approaching, it would be most thoughtful to make something that’s nice and light, not too heavy.

think so?” it clearly means we are looking for an Oscar-worthy performance from your mouths to try and convince us that our butt looks like heaven in those jeans. I’ve never met a woman who was interested in hearing their husband or boyfriend say something like, “Actually darling, your butt does look quite big in those jeans. Maybe you should try something else.”

Not that her butt looks big in those jeans or anything.

Oh hell no.

Well, it may look big in those jeans but unless you’re after a death wish, you would never say that to her.

That response would definitely get you the glacial look of death and maybe even a little middle finger, just for shits and giggles.

Because God knows when we women say stuff like “Be honest” or “You really

But you boys and gals of 4L are smarter than that and I’m sure would happily

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oblige your loved one with a “Damn girl, yo’ ass looks like Beyonce’s in them jeans!” That, my friends, is Christmas and the best Mother’s Day present rolled into one. Flattery will get you everywhere, don’t forget it. So, in honor of Mother’s Day and Cinco de Mayo, (I’ve sort of married the two occasions for this recipe), I’ve created this dish and turned the classic taco into some-

thing a little more heart friendly and ass friendly. It’s not as heavy as the tacos we’re used to having at the taco shops and would be a delicious accompaniment to your Cadillac Margarita. It would also be a great thing to serve all the moms who work so hard at raising your little human beings to become real, legit, functioning adults. Who also need their fair share of Cadillac

Margaritas. Because raising kids into real life grown ass human beings calls for some hard liquor once in a while. Or more often than not, but that’s just what I hear … not what I do. Ahem. Let’s hear it for the moms! Happy Mother’s Day, Happy Cinco de Mayo and Happy Eating!

2 teaspoons granulated garlic 1 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon allspice 1 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon coriander 1/2 teaspoon oregano 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1 tablespoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper 2 tablespoons olive oil EASIER ROUTE: I like to make my own, but if you prefer you can just use your favorite taco seasoning packet to season the butternut squash. TIP: You can substitute other hearty vegetables for the butternut

squash, like portobello mushrooms, zucchini or sweet potatoes. All quite delicious.

Mix all the dried spices in a bowl.

On a baking sheet, coat your butternut squash with 2 tablespoons olive oil and liberally sprinkle your dried spice mixture over all of it, about 1 big tablespoon.

Toss everything to coat nicely with your hands and place in a 450-degree oven for about 10-15 minutes, until just fork tender but not mushy.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH

INGREDIENTS

1 small butternut squash, (about 3-4 cups), peeled & diced into 1-inch pieces 2 tablespoons chili powder 1 tablespoon paprika 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

You want the butternut squash to have nice texture when you bite into it.

Set aside.

**You will have quite a bit of the spice mixture left over, but it’s great to have on hand for another time you’re cooking up Mexican dishes. Just put the remainder in a Mason jar or in a Ziploc bag and it keeps really well in the pantry. It’s great on chicken, seafood or meat!

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DISH

ROASTED POBLANO & GOAT CHEESE CREMA

INGREDIENTS

2 poblano peppers (sometimes called pasilla peppers), roasted and peeled

Put the poblano peppers and onions on a baking sheet and drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil.

Toss to coat.

Put them under the broiler and let them char for about 10 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes to get an even char all over.

If you don’t have a broiler, roast them in the oven at 500 degrees until charred and tender, about 10-15 minutes.

1 onion, cut in quarters

4 oz. goat cheese 1-7 oz. tub of Greek yogurt

After about five minutes, remove the skin of the peppers leaving only the flesh.

1 large garlic clove 1 cup fresh cilantro

Do not rinse under water because you want that nice charred flavor.

1 teaspoon honey 1-2 limes, squeezed depending on how juicy they are. Start with one and taste, then add more if you like 1 tablespoon olive oil Kosher salt

You can remove the seeds for a little less heat, but I like to keep them in.

In a food processor, add all the ingredients, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, fresh cracked pepper and puree until smooth.

Taste to check if it needs more salt and add accordingly.

Fresh cracked pepper

When you take them out, cover the baking sheet with foil to steam the peppers. This helps the skin peel away from the flesh of the peppers easily.

Done and done.

My name is Lara Miller and I am a wife to a pretty cool San Diego dude and mama to three handsome little boys. Yes, I am a lone ranger in a pad full of testosterone. Here is my thing... I love to cook. I’m not a chef, but cooking is what makes the world turn for me. It’s like my therapy, and believe me… dealing with three boys on the daily requires some serious therapy! Instagram: ChickpeaKitchen / Lara@ChickpeaKitchen.com / ChickpeaKitchen.com

58 4L MAGAZINE | MAY 2015

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SIDES FOR THE

TACO TOPPINGS (You can really use your imagination here, whatever your favorite toppings are.)

10-12 mini tortillas, corn or flour 2 avocados, diced and squeezed with lime to prevent browning 1 bunch cilantro, chopped Scallions Diced tomatoes Goat cheese, chunked Shredded cabbage Lime wedges TIP: Corn and black beans would also be great here. The beauty of this dish is that you can add, take away or substitute whatever you like. TACO ASSEMBLY: Grab a tortilla. TIP: If the tortillas you buy are a little flimsy, you can place two tortillas on

top of each other to help with stability so you don’t end up breaking through the first tortilla and have major spillage all over.

Fill your tortilla with a couple tablespoons of the beautiful roasted spiced butternut squash.

Top with the Poblano & Goat Cheese Crema.

Add whatever toppings you like.

Squeeze some fresh lime juice on top.

Enjoy! This taco is a little different and it’s a dish that both meat eaters and vegetarians can enjoy! It’s healthy and hearty all at once.

barkingbeast.com

Make ‘em, eat ‘em and share ‘em with your best. MAY 2015 | Fully cultured, yet unshaven | 4L MAGAZINE 59

GAMBLING

TIPS

PAI GOW POKER BROUGHT TO YOU BY SYCUAN CASINO BY PETE ROCKY

GAMBLING TIPS

What is pai gow? When you walk through a casino, you run into all the standard games like blackjack, poker, roulette, craps and more. When you stop to watch pai gow, it will probably confuse you. It’s next to the blackjack tables but looks more like poker with more bells and whistles. Well, you’re right, pai gow is a poker derivative. It seems complicated like craps but it’s basically poker on steroids. If you know how to and enjoy playing poker, pai gow will be right up your alley. There are way more ways to win and it yields great odds for you as a player. 60 4L MAGAZINE | MAY 2015

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THE SET UP - Standard single 52 card deck with one additional joker card - Each player gets 7 cards - You make two poker hands, 5 cards high and two cards low - You must win both hands to win or lose both hands to lose - Each player plays against the dealer - Deck is reshuffled after every round - You are not supposed to share your hand with others or coach - There are several types of bonuses and side bets

(featured in future issues)

THE ACTION

A lot of times you will hear an entire pai gow table hooting and hollering. The reason why? Because the dealer got pai gow, which means he or she got squat. They have a bad high hand as well as a bad low hand. Because you have to win both hands to win the bet, the dealer getting pai gow is the best thing ever. Conversely, since you have to lose both hands to lose your bet, there are a lot of pushes in this game. This particular table does not take a commission so you can play a long time without spending a lot of money.

When you arrive at Sycuan to play pai gow, find yourself a nice table that you’re comfortable with, especially the limits. If you ever wonder what you’re supposed to do, the dealer will always be nice enough to help or play your cards the “house way.” This means they will play your hand for you by the standard the house uses every time. Since there are no consequences for individual play for the dealer like in blackjack, other players will never be upset with your individual play. Be respectful of the dealer and the other players but never forget to always have fun! Remember, tipping the dealer might not increase your odds of winning but it will definitely increase your odds of being a good person.

Intimates Collection

tab custom design tabcustomdesign.com

MAY 2015 | Fully cultured, yet unshaven | 4L MAGAZINE 61

ON PAR

GOLF COURSE REVIEW

JC GOLF AT

CARMEL MOUNTAIN RANCH

14050 Carmel Ridge Road, San Diego | JCgolf.com | Tee Times / Pro Shop: (858) 487-9224 BY STEVE KANG

GREEN FEES Rates with cart

Weekday

Friday Weekend / Holiday

Public

$60

$63

$84

JC Players

$39

$42

$59

So Cal Resident

$49

$52

$69

Twilight

$33

$39

$42

Super Twilight

$25

$27

$30

Jr Public

$30

$35

$42

JC Junior

$15

$20*

GOLF COURSE FEATURES:

- Practice Green and Bunker - Complete Golf Shop with the latest Golf Equipment and Golf Apparel - Golf Tournament services with dedicated outing coordinator on site - Professional Golf Instruction and Clinics offered - Full Banquet Facility - The Grille Room Restaurant

62 4L MAGAZINE | MAY 2015

Panoramic mounBLUE TEES tain and valley views Course rating: 72.9 provide a magnificent backdrop for Slope rating: 133 Carmel Mountain Ranch Country Club’s Distance: 6,672 yards unique golf experiDress code: Collared shirt ence. This first-ofits-kind in San Diego County course has brought to life a vivid desert-scape which complements the exquisitely manicured fairways and greens. An ambitious $4.4 million turf and landscape renovation in late 2014-early 2015 now provides the golfer with a natural southwestern backdrop for this 6,672 yard, 72.9 rated course. Carmel Mountain Ranch is a true shot-maker’s course with elevation changes, strategic choices and fast, undulating greens.

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Hole No. 6 (par 3): By this time we had already logged in another bogey so after our first birdie we were now 4 over. This is a long par three that flies uphill so it’s pretty daunting. Up until this point, all the par three holes had been our enemies; we only had a par on one and bogeyed the rest. Pete stopped hitting any long shots by this time because his ribs hurt so bad. I stepped up to the box with a 5 iron slightly nervous because it was a sponsored hole and someone was watching. I swung and it was pure and clean. For a moment I thought I had a great chance to go in the hole. The guy watching told me it was the best shot he had seen all day. Since you can’t see the hole from where we were at, I was nervously hoping I got my first hole in one. It ended up being about a foot and a half away. Oh well, nothing wrong with a tap-in birdie 2. We finished the day at 3 over, which was actually absolutely horrible. The winners were at 17 under. But at the end of the day it was all about having fun at the tournament with your buddies. We had a nice dinner afterward with a few cocktails then gave each other bro hugs goodbye. It was a good day.

4L MAGAZINE PLAYING THE COURSE: For the past three years, I’ve played in the Printing Industries Association of San Diego golf tournament with 4L Publisher Chris Lapham and Director or Marketing Pete Rocky. Not only are these two guys my business partners, but they are both very close friends. Chris was stoked because he picked up a set of used Taylor Made irons for under $200. Pete was bummed because he wrecked on his surfboard and possibly cracked a rib. Pete is usually way better than Chris so maybe this will level the playing field, but I guess it doesn’t matter because we are playing in a scramble anyway. Hole No. 10 (par 5): Since it’s a scramble, we started on No. 10. You immediately knew it was going to be a long day for Pete because he grimaced in pain after he took his first swing. Luckily, he was able to put one right down the middle. Chris never uses a driver so he was not going to be much of a factor on the par 5 holes. I hadn’t played in awhile, but I felt pretty good. I ripped one down the left side about 280 yards. We used my ball for the drive as well as the second shot because I ripped a 3 iron to about 10 yards in front of the green. Birdie time for sure, right? Wrong. We all chipped horribly then ended up two putting … boo! Hole No. 1 (par 4): After nine holes, we had no birdies, five pars, and four bogeys. That might sound great if you’re playing by yourself, but it stinks when you’re playing a scramble. Additionally, since we only had three members in our group, we rotated a person hitting two balls which is a huge advantage. I guess it wasn’t for us, though. We finally got some luck and ended up getting birdie on this hole thanks to a Phil Mickelson-like flop shot executed by Chris. To be honest, I think he did it on accident but oh well, it worked.

MAY 2015 | Fully cultured, yet unshaven | 4L MAGAZINE 63

64 4L MAGAZINE | MAY 2015

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Book the host of 4L Magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s BEATS & EATS! MAY 2015 | Fully cultured, yet unshaven | 4L MAGAZINE 65

TRENDING

STYLEWATCH

No Time for

Junk in The Trunks

Spring is coming to a close here in sunny San Diego. That means board-shorts season is on its way! Having trouble navigating through your beach-wear wardrobe? Here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to selecting your trunks this season.

TRENDS, TRICKS & TIPS: SELECTING THE PERFECT “SWIMMYS!” BY ERIKA DELACRUZ | TWEET: @_ERIKADELACRUZ | IG: @ERIKADELACRZ

TRENDS “Who wears short shorts?” Men do. This season, “Chubbies” are invading every swimming pool in Southern California. Chubbies are a brand of trunks that hit above the knee or higher. The style throws back to the original swimsuit length that men sported in the 1950s. Check out Chubbies: The FACTS at Chubbiesshorts.com.

66 4L MAGAZINE | MAY 2015

TRICKS “Beach it like Beckham” David Beckham has launched a new swimwear line, available at H&M! The collection is at a great price point and while the shorts are indeed short, the colors tend to be more muted (navys and dark greens), which adds a more serious look to the sometimes “humorously bold” short length. If you’re going to go with a longer-length pair, aim for loud, bright COLORS, which also make a confident fashion statement.

TIPS “Pop some tags, only got $20 in your pocket?” If you’re on a budget this summer, never fear! As long as you have a father, grandfather or a thrift store in the area, you are all set! If you want to sport the short-length trend this season, chances are you have a relative who wore similar trunks decades ago. There are also tons of “finds” sitting at the corner thrift store, filled with even better accessory options (shades, fanny-packs!). The beauty of this route: Old clothes can be called VINTAGE if it’s been long enough. No one stands a chance against “vintage” style because those shorts are the originals, and thus you have become a trend setter … You’re welcome.

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beauty

•

airbrushing

•

makeup effects

wood.whitneyteal@gmail.com 907.748.5535

hitney

WhitneyTealWoodMakeup.com

Make-up by

MAY 2015 | Fully cultured, yet unshaven | 4L MAGAZINE 67

STUNNING SAN DIEGO

68 4L MAGAZINE | MAY 2015

EILEEN HOGAN

4Lmagazine.com

EILEEN HOGAN MAKE-UP BY WHITNEY TEAL WOOD

SAN DIEGO CONNECTION: I came here on vacation and fell in love. After that trip I knew I had to move here, and I did two years later. That was six years ago. ZODIAC SIGN: Scorpio. PROFESSION: Manager at Harbor Town Pub. HOBBIES: Singing, writing, yoga, eating out. OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES: Hiking, camping, paddle boarding, lying on the beach during the day and bonfires at night. FAVORITE FOOD: Ice cream and/or hot chocolate. FAVORITE LIBATION: Malbec or Pinot Noir, but I’m not held down to just red wine. I love whiskey, too.

GROWING UP

CAREER

PASSION

I grew up in small town Indiana and was the youngest of three girls. My family is very musical, so during the holidays my grandma would pass out song sheets and have us sing around the piano. In my teen years I was too cool to sing, but now those are my favorite memories.

I love my job. I manage an amazing staff and am lucky enough to have formed some great friendships with my regulars. I am a people pleaser and my position allows me to go to great lengths to ensure that every one of my guests leaves happy. When I’m at my bar I don’t feel like I’m at work because I’m hanging out with friends.

I’m passionate about many things and people. If I have to choose I’ll say writing and singing. Writing is what calms me and relieves the stresses from the day. I generally keep my writing to myself. Singing brings me joy in a different way by allowing me to express myself outwardly.

HARBOR TOWN PUB

1125 Rosecrans St., San Diego | Neighborhood: Point Loma | (619) 224-1321 | HarborTownPub.com

MAY 2015 | Fully cultured, yet unshaven | 4L MAGAZINE 69

TRAVEL

WEEKENDER

DestinationMexico

SIETE LUNAS SAYULITA, MEXICO BY MICHELLE LYN

Just under three hours away by plane, Sayulita is a small fishing village known for good waves. A 45-minute drive from the Puerto Vallarta airport, Sayulita is sleepy yet packed with tourists and ex-pats. Hotels and villas are a dime a dozen in this walkable town, yet the hidden gem, without a doubt, is Siete Lunas. A family owned boutique property that is nestled in the hills at the southernmost point of town, Siete Lunas boasts jaw-dropping views and luxurious treetop bungalows that might just leave you lounging in bed all day. 70 4L MAGAZINE | MAY 2015

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04 02 01 Breakfast on the deck 01

02 Playa de los Muertos 03 Rooftop deck 04 Adrian, Siete Lunas manager 05 Pacificos on the beach

Make your way up to the rooftop deck for an authentic Mexican breakfast prepared by Cassandra, Astrid and Judith (the ladies who staff the property), and served family-style overlooking the Pacific. With only a handful of bungalows, you’re likely to get to know your fellow guests and make new friends. If you’re interested in setting up an excursion, like fishing, snorkeling, horseback riding or surfing, just talk to Adrian and he’d be happy to coordinate.

WORTH THE CLIMB Perfect for honeymooners or a romantic getaway, Siete Lunas isn’t the easiest place to find, but it is well worth the effort. From the edge of town, you walk up a dirt road, past a cemetery and the appropriately named Playa de los Muertos, and then follow an unpaved road up the hill until it dead ends. Even then, you’ll still be wondering where the heck the hotel is, because all you will see is a gated wall. The super-friendly manager Adrian will let you in, pop you into a golf cart and drive you up a precariously steep hill, where you will get your first glimpse of the grandeur of Siete Lunas. You’ll quickly forget any doubts you had when you walk onto the sprawling open air deck with a view of Sayulita spread out before you. Before you know it, Adrian has slipped a couple Pacificos in your hands and you’re dipping your toes in the plunge pool, telling yourself you’re never leaving.

Consisting of just seven treehouse bungalows, Siete Lunas was converted from a private residence to a luxury boutique property a few years ago. Modern, sexy and comfortable, the property was cleverly designed to be open and welcoming, with the rooftop deck and lounge area serving as a gathering place for all.

MORNINGS Waking up at Siete Lunas is one of the loveliest experiences you can have. With a bed facing wallto-wall windows, you open your eyes and feel as if you are suspended from the trees. Take your time to enjoy the view from bed as the sun rises, and then have a cup of coffee on your balcony and enjoy the morning serenade from the birds that surround you.

MAY 2015 | Fully cultured, yet unshaven | 4L MAGAZINE 71

TRAVEL

WEEKENDER

AFTERNOONS

for-one margaritas, spring break style.

Stroll down into 02 Evening in the bungalow the colorful town 03 Bungalow interior for some 04 Cassandra shopping or a bite to eat. Some local favorites are Don Pedro, El Espresso and Choco Banana. Siete Lunas currently only serves breakfast, so best to plan ahead and eat out, although you do have a mini fridge in your bungalow if you want to do some food shopping on your own. 01 Private dinner deck

Enjoy a walk through the center of town and then make your way back up the hill to Siete Lunas. It’s an easy 10-minute walk, but it is completely dark, so bring a flashlight. Or, if you’d like a romantic night, stay put and book a private chef to serve you dinner by candlelight on the deck.

Make sure you spend at least one day at Playa de los Muertos as it’s a fairly secluded beach that is beautiful and cleaner than Sayulita’s main beach. Opt for lunch here, as there are a couple families that set up shop, grilling shrimp and shucking oysters for pennies. They also have a good supply of cold beers, so no need to bring anything but a towel and sunblock.

PLANNING AHEAD

Make sure02 you save some daylight to get back up to Siete Lunas so you can lounge at the pool and enjoy the view just a little while longer.

EVENINGS Wind down the day with a private massage in your bungalow. Relaxation comes easy as you listen to the sound of the ocean coupled with the jungle sounds that you will have already acclimated to.

04 72 4L MAGAZINE | MAY 2015

Either way, you get to come back and tuck into your own private escape and float off into the clouds for another blissful night.

When you’ve built up an appetite, wander down the hill and go for some street tacos. A couple more dinner favorites are Sayulita Cafe and Calypso. Just avoid the places that offer two-

Getting There Alaska Airlines offers direct flights from San Diego to Puerto Vallarta. Arrange a driver in advance and once you get through Customs, they will be waiting for you in the airport lobby. Make a beer run on the way to Sayulita and expect to arrive at Siete Lunas within the hour. Book It Rooms start at $216 a night. Reservations can be made online at SieteLunas.mx

4Lmagazine.com

TRAVEL

DestinationWelk LOCALE

WELK RESORT A NEW TEMPO BY ERIK H. MARTINEZ

It’s funny the things I remember from my childhood. Squirming in pain whenever my mom poured Bactine on my countless stubbed toes. Garnering the courage to make that one hard yank on my first loose tooth. Dad throwing me pop flies that would always hide in the sun for a scary second. Running down the aisle at the shoe store to make sure my new Zips were fast. So many formative memories; Little League baseball, Voltron, my first “girlfriend,” Pop Rocks, the notorious white van with no windows creeping down the street … However, one of my most endearing memories is watching The Lawrence Welk Show with my grandfather. To be honest, I could not have cared less about the show; I was a child and more interested in my Hot Wheels. However, hearing the show’s music in the background and seeing the joy it brought my grandfather will forever be one of my fondest memories. It must have been this warm memory, along with the beautiful accommodations and enjoyable activities, which brought that same joy to me when I recently stayed at Welk Resort in Escondido.

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TRAVEL

LOCALE

If I wanted to opt out of golf entirely, there are a total of eight pools from which I could choose to enjoy. Upon seeing the interactive splash zone and two water slides, the little kid in me wanted to take full advantage of both. OK, I have to admit, I did throw myself down both water slides … but only once and just before I made the “grown-ups only” Melody Hill Serenity Pool my resting spot for the afternoon. 01

01 Mountain Villas pool

Like their surroundings, the 02 WR Golf villas at Welk 03 Mountain Villas interior Resort are spacious and beautiful. The Villa on the Greens’ 828-square-foot, one-bedroom villa is ideal for visiting family. The unit sleeps four very comfortably with the bedroom offering a comfy king bed and the living room a queen sleeper sofa. If more room and/or privacy is desired, the villas have an attached second unit that adds an additional 585 square feet and a similar sleeping arrangement. The master bath is good size and has both a garden tub and a large, double-headed shower for relaxing after a day of sightseeing and/or golf. What I found most convenient was the fully equipped kitchen; with a full-size refrigerator, stove, oven, and microwave, I had the option of making my own nice dinner and enjoying it on the large balcony overlooking the golf course and mountains.

Despite the villas’ comforts, Welk Resort offers so many different entertainment options that I wanted to get out and explore. What I liked most about Welk’s two 18-hole golf courses is the fact that one was listed as one of the “Best Places To Play” by Golf Digest and the other is a fun, par three. I could play a round on the fullsize Fountains Course, return to my villa for lunch on the balcony, and then play a relaxing round on the smaller Oaks Course.

I must say, however, that my old Zips would have been thrashed if a place like this existed when I was a kid; between hiking the hills, playing soccer, golf, swimming, recording music in the arts and crafts room and fishing in the pond, I would have been in heaven. Aside from golf and the “grown-ups only” pool, adults have just as many entertainment options as the kids. Along with tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, the resort offers fully equipped cardio and workout rooms for all adult guests.

The newest villas, Mountain Villas, sit up on the mountainside looking down on Welk’s 600 acres of entertainment and relaxation. With their exposed beams, cozy fireplaces and wood balconies, I felt like I was in the Sierra Nevada. The 851-square-foot villas have spared no expense and boast many luxuries, including whirlpool tubs and fireplaces in the master bedrooms.

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CONTACT INFO: WelkResorts.com 800.932.9355

01 Welk Resort Theater 02 Fun on the patio 03 The lounge 04 Villas interior

I suggest slowing down at some point, however, and giving the muscles a break by treating yourself to a massage at the Bello Vita Spa.

The resort’s activities don’t stop just because the sun goes down behind the mountains. The Welk Theater produces some of the most famous Broadway plays with highly acclaimed leading actors. Along with plays, Welk Resort is now producing its own signature wines and beers. I

was fortunate enough to have tried one of their red wines and I can say that I look forward to experiencing one of their fun dinner tastings with live music in the near future. Whether you have family from out of town stay there or you make a point of enjoying one of their beer and wine events, Welk Resort will not leave you hanging when it comes to activities. Welk’s friendly staff, comfortable accommodations and countless activities will bring you and your loved ones both joy and fond memories just as the legend himself did.

MAY 2015 | Fully cultured, yet unshaven | 4L MAGAZINE 75

GADGETS & GEAR

REVIEWS

TECH ALL HANDS ON

BY CORY WATERHOUSE

kSafe Price: $90

According to presenters: “Once the timer is set, and the button is pressed, the safe

will remain locked until the timer reaches zero. No overrides! Set Goals: The app allows you to choose between activity, location or time goals. Track Progress: Keep your eye on the prize by visualizing your progress. View History: Review past goals, accumulated stats and choose to share your accomplishments with friends. Password Lock: This one’s for you parents, roommates and employees with hungry coworkers. No Tools Required: Sync with your favorite fitness trackers, like Fitbit or Jawbone, or let your smartphone count your steps (requires iPhone 5s or higher).” 4L Magazine’s take: I think this item can be advertised to guys who have wives or girlfriends who rarely put their phones down during a movie. I’d like to put my wife’s cell phone in the kSafe and set the timer for two hours just to see her twitch and foam at the mouth when she’s not able to access her precious for an entire movie. But then again, she’d say the same thing about me, so this is a moot point (he says because she’s actually reading this over his shoulder). TheKitchenSafe.com

Star Wars All-Over-Print Work Shirt Price: $50

According to presenters: “This adult Star Wars work shirt

is an officially licensed product and features a cool Schematic Blue Prints all-over design printed on soft 100 percent rayon. This work shirt features a fabric fold-down collar, buttoned front (with metal Imperial logo buttons) and stunning all-over printing.” 4L Magazine’s take: In any kind of nerdish environment, it’s always important to be ever vigilant in protecting your Star Wars territory and establish dominance with the pointy-eared troglodytes who call themselves “Trekkies.” I’ll match up my 2015 Han Solo versus your 2015 Captain James Tiberius Kirk any day. Questions? Amazon.com

Quant nanoFlowcell e-Sportlimousine

Price: TBA (though rumored to be around $2 million)

SEXY

ELECTRIC

According to presenters: “The new Quant e-Sportlimousine is the first prototype built around the groundbreaking nanoFlowcell powertrain and energy-storage concept. It marks a quantum leap in the development of electric mobility ... The heart of the Quant e-Sportlimousine prototype is the nanoFlowcell battery. It gives the car a driving range of 370 miles...” 4L Magazine’s take: Another car I will most likely never see, let alone sit in but how can you not stare at this beautiful beast of an automobile? Yes, I know it’s a bit pricey, but isn’t that why we all rob banks and run hedge funds? Hello? nanoFlowcell.com

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The Lawn Bible: How to Keep It Green, Groomed, and Growing Every Season of the Year Price: $13 According to presenters: “Everyone wants a green lawn, but how do you actually get one? Bags of

fertilizer? Weed killer sod? What about mowing? Everyone knows how to, but do you really know when to? Fenway Park’s master groundskeeper David Mellor does. He’s been caring for some of the nicest lawns around for years. In The Lawn Bible, Mellor offers you everything you need to know about lawn care for your part of the country, including planting, mowing, feeding and troubleshooting as well as tips, illustrations and anecdotes.” 4L Magazine’s take: Any person worth their fertilizer has to take pride in their perfectly kept, luxuriously green front lawn. Oh, we live in California, you say? And we’re only going to be allotted about three teaspoons of water for irrigation every week? Semantics. It actually rained on the day I wrote this, so I can only take that as a sign you should buy this book and wear black socks and shorts while maintaining your beautiful green perfection. BarnesandNoble.com

Trefecta DRT Price: $7,000 According to presenters: “Trefecta’s aim is to create the game instead

GolfBoard Price: $6,500 According to presenters: “GolfBoard is undeniably the

most exciting and enjoyable way to experience any course. Easy to learn, safe and exciting, GolfBoard can be mastered by most anyone in just a few minutes. After just a few holes, you will quickly agree that GolfBoard is by far the most fun you have ever had on a golf course. GolfBoard eliminates the sedentary activity of sitting in a cart while improving speed of play, reducing turf wear and offering golfers the chance to experience the natural terrain in ways previously reserved for surfers and snowboarders. Already embraced by golf courses and players worldwide, GolfBoard is certain to attract a whole new audience looking to discover golf but in a whole new way.”

of changing it. By focusing on true innovation, they create the norm and set the standard for the [electric bicycle] products of tomorrow. In their opinion the only way to truly differentiate is to start with a clean sheet. This way they stand out from the crowd and make the impact envisioned from the start. This vision translates itself in both the product as well as their business model. The Trefecta claims a new category of vehicles. Through advanced engineering and intelligent design, they aim to develop unsurpassed excellence. The unique interaction between design, power and function results in a multi-purposed vehicle, ultimately providing a riding experience, freedom of any constraints and customized to every need.” 4L Magazine’s take: Seems like the type of bike that might get me arrested or kill me at some point. I think once the robot overlords take over, this will be the bike I use to deliver their mail. Or I guess they’d probably have email. In my head, the robots just turned into families from the 1950s. I think I watched too many episodes of The Jetsons as a kid. Go Robots! TrefectaMobility.com

4L Magazine’s take: Nothing says “totally negating the exercise you get from walking 18 holes on a golf course” than this little beauty, but who cares? You can zoom off, annoying all the rest of those stuffy grumps in ugly shirts. But then you end up having to answer the same questions … who are you? Are you a member? Why aren’t you wearing pants? Viva la GolfBoard! GolfBoard.com

IF YOU’D LIKE TO HAVE YOUR PRODUCT REVIEWED BY 4L MAGAZINE, E-MAIL CORY@FOURELMAGAZINE.COM MAY 2015 | Fully cultured, yet unshaven | 4L MAGAZINE 77

RHYTHM

MUSIC LISTINGS

S ’ Y R A L I H PICKS BY HILARY CHAMBERS

May 15 9 P.M. THE PALACE BALLROOM

Casbah

Just like any city with a thriving music scene, San Diego has our share of characters, the local stalwarts who’ve been making music here for years and working tirelessly to create incredible music and art while keeping their heads above water. We’re lucky to have them; Steve Poltz, O, Cathryn Beeks and John Reis all come to mind, and so does my friend (and probably yours) TJ. He’s tended bar at the Belly Up and Biergarden; he’s been in local bands like Buckfast Superbee and (now) The Palace Ballroom; he owns and operates a (very cool) practice space and recording studio near the Q called Phaser Control AND he hosts The Local 94/9 on FM 94/9 every Sunday night, interviewing bands and other local music scene icons while supporting his fellow San Diego musicians by spinning the songs they all work so hard to create. TJ, in other words, is one of the reasons San Diego’s music scene has continued to thrive all these years, and the best part is: His band rules! The Palace Ballroom are all about smart, catchy song craft and bringing the rock, and their new album is so damn good. Go celebrate its release at the Casbah on the 15th, you’ll be happy you did.

MAY 29-30 8 P.M. DELTA SPIRIT

The Irenic

Since they began here in San Diego in 2005, Delta Spirit have toured the States and Europe and have played Coachella, SXSW, Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza and the FM 94/9 Holiday Hootenanny. Their music is straightforward American radness without ever sounding derivative, and I love ‘em. These two shows are going to be especially epic because, in a nod to The Last Waltz, the fellas have promised to invite a bunch of their musician friends to join them each night for collaborative, spontaneous rock ‘n’ roll heaven (I can’t wait!). Get your tickets for these shows early because I have a feeling they will sell out and then you’ll be sad inside.

MAY 30 7 P.M. STRUNG OUT

House of Blues

Growing up in Southern California in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, I fell in love with the awesome local punk rock scene. More relaxed than New York hardcore, more fun than straight edge, bands like Bad Religion, Youth Brigade and Descendents paved the way for bands like Pennywise, NOFX, and Lagwagon, and I was grateful for all of them. Strung Out was right there with the best of them, and it makes me so happy to know they are still going for it all these years later. I think punk bands tend to age well; go see a Pennywise show and then go watch, say, Mötley Crüe, and you may agree. BIG difference. Anyhow, Strung Out were and still are super rad. “Drag Me Down” from 1994’s Another Day in Paradise sounds as good live today as it did back then, and they’ve been making records for the past two decades, so there’s a ton of good stuff for them to choose from. Check out their first album in six years, Transmission.Alpha.Delta (Fat Wreck Chords) and then break out your 9 hole Docs and go see them on the 30th. 78 4L MAGAZINE | MAY 2015

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May 7 FM 94/9 NORTH PARK FESTIVAL OF ARTS RAOK Waypoint Public in North Park | 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Attention craft beer lovers! Join FM 94/9 at Waypoint Public on Thursday, May 7, for a North Park Festival of Arts Waypoint Beer Block Random Act of Kindness (ROAK)! That was a mouthful, but so are all the great craft beers you'll be able to sample if you win a pair of tickets to join us at the North Park Festival of Arts on Saturday, May 16. We'll have your chances to win Waypoint Craft Beer Block tickets, plus tickets to big upcoming FM 94/9 shows like the Dirty Parts Festival. May 8 THE U.S. AIR GUITAR CHAMPIONSHIPS SD QUALIFIER The Merrow | 2 p.m. This 21+ event is full of prizes, concert tickets and more face melting air guitar solos than should be legally allowed. San Diego's finest will battle it out for air guitar supremacy. The top three guitarists qualify for the West Coast Semifinals in San Francisco, and the overall winner walks away with $200. May 18 FM 94/9 FOX 5 BROADCAST WITH WOODS Fox 5 San Diego Backlot | 5:30 a.m. - 10 a.m. We hope you already wake up with FM 94/9 and Woods, but we're going full-on multimedia on Monday, May 18, as Woodsy and the FM 94/9 crew broadcast live from the Fox 5 Morning News backlot. Tune in on-air and on the tube, join in the fun, and find out all the ways we're hooking you up with tickets to the FM 94/9 Dirty Parts Festival on June 20 in Lakeside. If you were on TV, he'd watch you. May 20 - 23 THE 4TH ANNUAL SAN DIEGO SURF FILM FESTIVAL Get location info at fm949sd.com (San Diego Tab / Events) The San Diego Surf Film Festival invites everybody to come celebrate the passion that we all share for simply being in and around the ocean.

Get more into at fm949sd.com MAY 2015 | Fully cultured, yet unshaven | 4L MAGAZINE 79

HOT WIRE MUSIC LISTINGS

CONCERT DATES

RHYTHM

BY ALYSSA THOMAS

5/10

DEFTONES The House of Blues

80 4L MAGAZINE | MAY 2015

4Lmagazine.com

5/1

OK GO

House of Blues

5/1

MATT & KIM The Observatory North Park

5/1 6 P.M. OK GO, House Of Blues Blasting onto the music scene in 2005, their hit “A Million Ways” gained fame quickly by having the most YouTube downloads in history! Their next hit, “Here It Goes Again,” featured the guys doing a dance routine on a few treadmills, making it look seemingly easy and in fact, quite entertaining. The band took home a Grammy that year for the video and are still bringing that catchy pop-rock sound with their last album release in 2014. 5/1 8 P.M. MATT & KIM, The Observatory North Park This indie-rock duo from Brooklyn, NY, features Matt Johnson on the keyboards and Kim Schifino on the drums, both bringing their uncommon vocals. The two came together in 2004, creating hits such as “Daylight” and “Let’s Go” that carry a pop-like beat, with creative musical twists keeping that indie vibe alive. 5/7 8:30 P.M. THE MOWGLI’S, The Casbah The eight-piece band with roots in Los Angeles have a folk feel mixed with a catchy and optimistic indie sound. Similar to Arcade Fire or Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, The Mowgli’s portray a modern-day symphony with a live performance that goes hand in hand. 5/9 7:30 P.M. THE GROWLERS, The Observatory North Park Psychedelic rock is back and The Growlers are one of many bands paving the way. Self-proclaimed as “Beach Goth,” the band combines surfy, psychedelic and classic rock, heavy on the reverbs and humdrum vocals. Coming out of the Orange County town of Costa Mesa, these West Coast, garage rockers are going up and have no signs of looking down. 5/9 8 P.M. THE BANGLES, The Belly Up Tavern These ladies rocked their way through the ‘80s, making a name for themselves with hits such as “Manic Monday” and “Walk Like an Egyptian.” The trio was formed back in 1980, originally calling themselves “The Bangs,” and were a major part in the paisley underground scene. The ladies are back on tour bringing their British invasion pop rock and riffs with them.

5/13

THE WOMBATS House of Blues

5/10 7 P.M. DEFTONES, The House of Blues Now known as one of the revolutionaries of alternative rock music, The Deftones made the early ‘90s music scene unique with their heavy riffs and screaming vocals. Influenced by bands such as Rage Against the Machine and Tool, the guys have released several studio albums, carrying their lifelong fans with them. 5/13 7 P.M. THE WOMBATS, The House of Blues The new wave-indie rock trio formed in 2003 while attending the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts. In 2006, the Wombats released their first single “Girls, Boys and Marsupials” followed by several other singles before their first EP release. Now on their third album, Glitterbug is much more influenced by synth and electronic, giving the guys a more stand-out sound. 5/14 7 P.M. LORD HURON, The Observatory North Park Lord Huron was originally formed as a solo project by founding member Ben Schneider in 2010. Michigan-born Ben grew up visiting and playing music at Lake Huron, inspiring the band’s name. While performing on stage, a live band was assembled to bring a fuller sound that stuck, creating the band as a whole. Lord Huron has now done major tours such as SXSW and Outside Lands. MAY 2015 | Fully cultured, yet unshaven | 4L MAGAZINE 81

RHYTHM

MUSIC LISTINGS

5/18

LITTLE DRAGON The Observatory North Park

5/16 7 P.M. JAMES BAY, The Belly Up Tavern After opening for acts like John Newman and Kodaline, James Bay signed a deal with Republic/Universal Records in 2012. His soulful sound is on the rise after his first album Chaos and the Calm. Similar to acts such as Vance Joy or George Ezra, his heartfelt album and lyrics flow together from start to finish. 5/16 8 P.M. WOLF ALICE, The Soda Bar We all know that the ‘90s grunge scene is back, with bands like Wolf Alice leading the way. Vocalist Ellie Rowsell combines a vintage, yet melodic sound that I’ve missed, reminiscent of bands like Garbage and Hole. Originally formed as a duo, the band became a four-piece in 2012 and have since released two EPs, their newest release being Blush.

5/16

LANA DEL REY Sleeptrain Ampitheatre

5/16 7 P.M. NOEL GALLAGHER, Humphrey’s Known as the singer, songwriter and lead guitarist for the band Oasis, Noel Gallagher was a major part of shaping the ‘90s British rock scene. In 2009, Noel left Oasis and started a new project Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. A debut self-titled album was released in 2011 that raged the U.K. charts and was certified double platinum. The newest album, Chasing Yesterday, was released in March with the familiar, yet new age sound for fans, old and new to enjoy. 5/16 7 P.M. LANA DEL REY, Sleeptrain Amphitheatre Lana Del Rey, a.k.a. Lizzy Grant, came onto the music scene hot as fire back in 2011 with her hit single “Video Games,” showing the darker and more whimsical side to pop music. Her persona and singing style set her apart from the crowd, with a cinematic sound from the 1950s. This summer she is on tour with another notorious female rock icon, Courtney Love.

82 4L MAGAZINE | MAY 2015

5/16 8:30 P.M. VOODOO GLOW SKULLS, The Soda Bar Known as one of the most interesting ska bands on the West Coast, Voodoo Glow Skulls originated in the Inland Empire as a hardcore band in the late ‘80s. After several years, the guys decided to incorporate the trumpet, saxophone and trombone, transforming their sound toward the ever so famous sound of the ‘90s: ska! The band has released 10 full-length albums, staying true to their authentic sound over the years. 5/17 7 P.M. PASSION PIT, The Observatory North Park Boston, Mass., native Michael Angelakos originally produced Passion Pit as a Valentine’s gift for a girlfriend. The gift was an EP titled Chunk of Change, which from there spread into the hands of friends and others, giving him exposure and fans. Passion Pit changed, turning into a fivepiece band and landed opening spots for acts as big as Death Cab for Cutie. Passion Pit’s first album after signing with Columbia Records, Manners, blew up the indie-pop scene and there are still no signs of stopping them. 5/18 8 P.M. LITTLE DRAGON, The Observatory North Park Drawing musical influences from Prince and Janet Jackson, this Swedish electronic quartet has released some major hits since their 2007 self-titled album. Little Dragon has done collaborations with Gorillaz, SBTRKT and Big Boi, enabling more listeners to get in touch with their tunes.

4Lmagazine.com

5/29

DONAVON FRAKENREITER The Belly Up Tavern

5/21

JOHN BROWN’S BODY The Belly Up Tavern

5/22

THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS The Belly Up Tavern

5/22 7 P.M. THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS, The Belly Up Tavern The duo from the late ‘80s has an ever changing, experimental sound that has brought fame and fans to their unique music. Originally just a guitar and accordion, the guys decided to create a full band in the early ‘90s, giving them a more wellrounded sound that led to mixed reviews but resulted in the iconic band they are known to be today. 5/22 9 P.M. PINBACK, The Belly Up Tavern In 2004, the hit single “Fortress” was playing full volume everywhere, expanding the postmodern indie pop sound. The band itself was formed back in 1998 by Armistead Burwell Smith IV and Rob Crowe. Over the years, the band has had a few rotating members, releasing five albums, the latest in 2012.

5/23

COMMON KINGS The House of Blues

5/19 7 P.M. GLASS ANIMALS, The Observatory North Park The Oxford based band is blowing up the radio right now with their latest hit “Gooey.” Glass Animals has a trippy, psychedelic sound incorporating electronic keyboards and drums. Dave Bayley’s vocals are anything but usual, adding a mysterious and almost dark feel to the chic music. The debut album Zaba is out now. 5/21 8 P.M. JOHN BROWN’S BODY, The Belly Up Tavern This roots reggae band was named in honor of the legendary abolitionist and has a sound that will not let you stand still! The guys are well known for their groovy, live performances, always leaving the crowds wanting more. John Brown’s Body have been playing together since the ‘90s, mostly influenced from Caribbean music, still touring around today.

5/23 7 P.M. COMMON KINGS, The House of Blues This band whose roots are from Hawaii produce their music out of Costa Mesa. Common Kings have a catchy, upbeat sound with a familiar feel-good, reggae vibe. Their live performances have become known for bringing a laid-back yet upbeat show, making them an overall crowd pleaser. 5/24 7 P.M. STREETLIGHT MANIFESTO, The House of Blues Horns, fast beats and a classic ska-punk feel. Streetlight Manifesto have it all. Making their debut in 2003, the band has played shows all over the country, performing with bands such as Gym Class Heros, Reel Big Fish and MxPx. The guys hold down an eclectic mix of music from a couple original albums, to releasing a compilation album covering ska versions of contemporary pop songs. 5/28 7 P.M. NEUTRAL MILK HOTEL, The Observatory North Park Singer/songwriter/guitarist Jeff Mangum created Neutral Milk Hotel in the late 1980s, separating from the norm with a more developmental and universal sound. The album In the Aeroplane Over the Sea was released in 1998, becoming their most critically acclaimed album which over time has sold more than 300,000 copies. 5/29 8 P.M. DONAVON FRANKENREITER, The Belly Up Tavern This Southern California native moved to Hawaii at the young age of 14 to pursue his career as a professional surfer. Growing up playing music with close friend Jack Johnson, Donavon released his self-titled debut album in May 2004. With a sound that coincides with G-Love or Ben Harper, Donavon Frankenreiter has established a fan following and scene of his very own.

MAY 2015 | Fully cultured, yet unshaven | 4L MAGAZINE 83

LOCAL EVENTS

HAPPENINGS

AROUND TOWN

BY CORY WATERHOUSE

MAY 1-3

OLD TOWN FIESTA CINCO DE MAYO Petco Park

Wallet: Free Locale: Old Town

84 4L MAGAZINE | MAY 2015

According to presenters: “Old Town Fiesta Cinco de Mayo is the

largest fiesta north of the border. Don’t miss this three-day celebration of the history and culture of Mexico.” 4L Magazine’s take: If you want authentic Mexican food and culture … well … then go to Mexico. BUT, if you want to stay in San Diego and get as close to that experience as you can, then go to Old Town. Plus, you can see that the fanny-pack culture is still alive and well as showcased by the tourists who flock to Old Town.

MAY 2-3

BERNSTEIN, IVES AND A PREMIERE La Jolla Symphony & Chorus Wallet: $29 (general admission); $27 (seniors 65+); $15 (students) Locale: La Jolla

According to presenters: “Guest conductor Christopher Rountree leads MAY 3

CARLSBAD SPRING VILLAGE FAIRE Wallet: Free after museum admission Locale: Carlsbad

(Grand Avenue between Carlsbad Boulevard and Jefferson Street)

the orchestra and soloists in two symphonies and a ‘tele-concerto.’”

4L Magazine’s take: As we often say, a little culture won’t hurt you. Put on a tie, pretend you know how to tie it and pull out that dry cleaning suit that’s been in that flimsy plastic bag for six months. Get fancy, you dirtbag.

According to presenters: “At the Carlsbad Spring Village Faire, more

than 900 vendors sell everything from clothes, accessories, to plants, art, antiques and home decor.” 4L Magazine’s take: Since I live in Carlsbad, it’s my community duty to try and help those folks selling their wares in our town. It’s also my duty to try and not laugh when I type the word “duty.” DUTY!

MAY 1

FIGURATIVE DRAWING: HEADS, HANDS AND FEET San Diego Museum of Art Wallet: $12 (members); $15 (non-members); $40 (Member Series Package) Locale: Downtown

According to presenters: “Drawing in the Galleries is an informal workshop

at the Museum where students draw from objects in the collection with an instructor. This class visits the exhibition “Divine Desire” to learn figurative drawing of the head, hands and feet.”

4L Magazine’s take: Isn’t that a song? Heads, hands and feet … hands and feet. Or am I having another episode? Anyway, it’s at SDMOA … so it’s going to be fantastic regardless of how badly your feet smell.

MAY 2

TACOS AND TEQUILA FESTIVAL

SILO in Makers Quarter Wallet: $20 (general admission); $6 (kids 7-12); free (kids 6 and under) Locale: Downtown

According to presenters: “Tacos and Tequila Festival in a fun interactive event

celebrating the best margaritas and tacos in San Diego at SILO at Makers Quarters.” 4L Magazine’s take: Two of my favorite things: tacos and tequila. But enjoy responsibly: No one wants to deal with your guac breath. MAY 2015 | Fully cultured, yet unshaven | 4L MAGAZINE 85

AROUND TOWN

LOCAL EVENTS

MAY 7-10

GATOR BY THE BAY – ZYDECO, BLUES & CRAWFISH FESTIVAL Bon Temps Social Club of San Diego Wallet: Thursday ($25-$95); Friday and Sunday ($30); Saturday ($35) Locale: Downtown

According to presenters: “Join us in the largest authentic

Louisiana-themed festival this side of the bayous, featuring four days of live music on six stages, dancing, parading, shopping, playing and eating over 10,000 pounds of mouthwatering crawfish straight from Louisiana.” 4L Magazine’s take: This is also known as the Oh My God Help Us Murderfest by crawfish everywhere.

MAY 3

MALANDAIN BALLET BIARRITZ – ROMEO ET JULIETTE San Diego Civic Theatre Wallet: $20-$75 Locale: Downtown

According to presenters: “Malandain Ballet Biarritz is one of the most

MAY 2

UNCORKED WINE WALK AND CONCERT Westfield UTC

Wallet: $20 (general admission); $30 (VIP) Locale: La Jolla

““Enjoy a self-guided wine walk to four wine gardens throughout Westfield UTC. Savor some of Temecula Valley’s finest vintages while tasting bites from Westfield UTC’s finest restaurants.”

important companies on the French choreographic landscape and has forged a solid reputation around the world.” 4L Magazine’s take: My knowledge of the French choreographic landscape is fairly thin nowadays. So maybe I’ll just show up and dance like everyone is watching … meaning I’ll sit in my seat and fiddle with my cell phone.

According to presenters:

4L Magazine’s take: When I picture “wine gardens” in my increasingly childish brain, I think about some old Italian guy picking bottles of wine from the ground like they were vegetables and jamming them into his burlap sack … clanking his way around the garden. I think I need another nap.

MAY 7-9

SHAWN WAYANS

The American Comedy Company Wallet: $22 Locale: Gaslamp

According to presenters: “Shawn Wayans made his acting debut

in 1989 in his brother Keenen Ivory Wayans’ feature film I’m Gonna Git You Sucka. Immediately following his feature film debut, Shawn joined the cast of the Emmy Award winning comedy series In Living Color.” 4L Magazine’s take: The Wayans family has become a comedic dynasty and should definitely be appreciated in every medium. I’m willing to bet his standup is fantastic, not to mention his stories regarding his life. Go git your tickets sucka. (As you can tell, I

appreciate comedy because I cannot do anything comedic.) MAY 3 MAY 7

FAB AUTHORITY WORKSHOP Fashion Week San Diego Wallet: Free with admission Locale: Downtown

According to presenters: “Fashion. Art. Business. (FAB) Authority is a free

resource designed to aid emerging businesses and artists launch, grow and maintain their brands.” 4L Magazine’s take: Sounds like a cool place where mustache wax, flannel and apathy run full speed into Brooks Brothers and sneering at homeless people from your penthouse. Stereotypes are fun. 86 4L MAGAZINE | MAY 2015

FULL THROTTLE COMEDY

The American Comedy Company Wallet: $12 Locale: Gaslamp

According to presenters: “Get ready to put the pedal to the metal

for a night of zero-to-60 laughs at Full Throttle Comedy, the American Comedy Co.’s latest showcase for some of the nation’s top stand-up comedians.” 4L Magazine’s take: More comedy, you say? Yes, that’s what I’m saying. What’s wrong with you? You need to pay attention better or up your Adderall prescription ... 4Lmagazine.com

MAY 10

MOTHER’S DAY CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH

MAY 9

BACON & BARRELS Wallet: $20-$90 Locale: Downtown

Hotel del Coronado Wallet: $115 for adults in the Crown Room, $105 in the Ballroom. Children ages 6-10 are $42, and children 5 and under eat free. Tax and gratuity are not included. Locale: Coronado Island

According to presenters: “Show mom how much you appreciate

According to presenters: “Bacon & Barrels is an outdoor festival for the

her with The Del’s spectacular Mother’s Day Champagne brunch buffet in the ocean view Ballroom or historic Crown Room.”

4L Magazine’s take: I think I’ve said this before, often and in this magazine, but I’d eat bacon from a barrel, off the table, stolen from a child, retrieved from a trash can, etc.

4L Magazine’s take: It’s your mom and Coronado, which means winwin. You get back into the will, and I’m one step closer to Coronado making me the honorary mayor. Plus, I just said “your mom” and you didn’t even notice.

bacon-obsessed foodies and those who prefer their drinks from a barrel.”

MAY 8

SEA TURTLE SLUMBER PARTY FOR GIRL SCOUT TROOPS Living Coast Discovery Center Wallet: $48 per child (groups of 15-19 children); $42 per child (groups of 20+ children). One adult is free for every five children. Additional adults are $25 each. Locale: South Bay

According to presenters: “Explore the world of the endangered Pacific Green

Sea Turtle through themed games, crafts, stories, a hike through the refuge to San Diego Bay and a rare opportunity to meet and feed the Living Coast’s sea turtles (and other animals) up close.” 4L Magazine’s take: I wonder if Girl Scouts just carry around Thin Mints all the time, just in case. It might be worth going to this event, just in case cookies will be shared. I love cookies.

MAY 20-23

SAN DIEGO SURF FILM FESTIVAL Wallet: $5-$100 Locale: Various locations

According to presenters: “The San Diego Surf Film Festival invites everybody

to come celebrate the passion that we all share for simply being in and around the ocean.” 4L Magazine’s take: Sandy Eggo has a storied surf culture and continues to thrive. All dude-bros welcome. Kind of. MAY 2015 | Fully cultured, yet unshaven | 4L MAGAZINE 87

AROUND TOWN

LOCAL EVENTS

MAY 22-24

SAN DIEGO JAZZ FESTIVAL La Costa Resort & Spa Wallet: Starting at $65 Locale: Carlsbad

According to presenters: “The San Diego Jazz Festival

lineup includes Grammy Award winners and some of the top names in the industry.” 4L Magazine’s take: Jazz is an acquired taste, I understand … but for those of you who say you “hate” jazz, that is awfully harsh. Everyone knows the only music you’re allowed to unilaterally hate is country & western. Listen to the Dave Brubeck Quartet, Charles Mingus and the entirety of the Miles Davis album Kind of Blue. If you still hate jazz, well then I’m sorry, but I’ll just have to devote my life to destroying you. Perhaps I shouldn’t have put that statement in print. MAY 9

GIRLS ON THE GO HALF MARATHON, 10K, 5K RUN/WALK Wallet: $15-$85 Locale: Mission Bay

According to presenters: “Girls on the Go Half Marathon,

10K/5K Run/Walk is planned with a woman in mind, giving mothers, daughters and girlfriends a chance to run wild.” 4L Magazine’s take: Though the idea of my daughter Samantha “running wild” sounds like something I’ve been trying to avoid for the past seven years, this instance might be acceptable. Except she’ll be doing handstands, and back handsprings, so I’ll eventually have to carry her.

MAY 9

CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL

San Diego Botanic Garden Wallet: Free with paid admission or membership Locale: Encinitas

According to presenters: “Spend the Saturday before Mother’s Day at San

Diego Botanic Garden’s famous Chocolate Festival. Enjoy dozens of delectable chocolate tastings, demonstrations, a chocolate fountain and more.” 4L Magazine’s take: So … I’m assuming it’s inappropriate to just sit in the chocolate fountain, yes? Because … they didn’t really mention that in the description … or specifically forbid it … and it says “free with paid admission.” … So … gray area?

MAY 24

FOLDS OF HONOR 5K Wallet: $15-$25 Locale: Point Loma

According to presenters: “Show off your patriotism this Memorial Day

weekend by supporting the families of fallen U.S. soldiers during the Folds of Honor 5K at Liberty Station Park.” 4L Magazine’s take: They did their part, let’s do ours. There’s a lot of B.S. arguments about our government and patriotism nowadays, but supporting the troops doesn’t mean you have to support the government. Do your part. 88 4L MAGAZINE | MAY 2015

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MAY 2015 | Fully cultured, yet unshaven | 4L MAGAZINE 91