TRAVEL • GUILTY PLEASURES
20 H SEPTEMBER 19, 2012
FLORIDAAGENDA.COM
San Diego California’s Birthplace By ROBERT ELIAS DEATON
W
ay back in the mid-seventies, which seems like a lifetime ago, we would go to the gaslight district in downtown San Diego for the sailors who hung out there in all the saloons, tattoo emporiums, porn shops and massage parlors that populated the area. It was a run-down fun place in those days, when the city itself was known for its military population, and its proximity to Tijuana, Mexico.
The Brass Rail is great for people-watching
Now the area has been totally gentrified, is officially called the Gaslamp Quarter Historic District, and is a colorful and eclectic assortment of restaurants, bars, shops, lounges and live music venues, that is a must-see for any visit to the second largest city in California. Yes, there are gas lights on the streets, as well as historical art deco buildings that take you back to the turn-ofthe-(last)-century. Two things you should know about S.D. right from the start: A) you’ll need a rental car. The gay areas and sights are strung throughout the town from one end to the other. B) There are three main gayborhoods here: Hillcrest, University Heights, and North Park. Hillcrest is really the center of all things gay, bordered on the north by University Heights and the East by North Park. Stroll along University Avenue to get a feel for the place, with its coffee shops, stores, and assorted bistros. Rich’s San Diego (1051 University Ave. between 10th and Vermont) is the oldest and
most popular dance club in the city. We also love You are now entering the Gaslamp Quarter Historic District the Brass Rail (3796 5th Ave. at Robinson) with its to North Park, where you’ll find the only real Latino base and an outside patio, which allows you to take a breather as leather bar in town. The San Diego Eagle (3040 you people-watch out front. For those who like Park Way at Ray Street—one block parallel to their action on the dirty side, The Loft (3610 5th University) is small, sexy and exactly what Ave. at Brookes) is the local dive where hanky- you’d expect, which is a good thing. At Pecs panky and stiff drinks are the order of the night. (2046 University Ave. at Alabama), there’s no While in the Hillcrest area, don’t miss a stop at indication you’re at a gay club. Just look for Hash House a Go Go (3628 5th Ave.). It’s our the “Open” sign and march right in to find the favorite big-portion restaurant, and a legend for hottest cruising in all of San Diego. Want to breakfast according to locals who have made it find a date? This is the place. If you’re young and posing is your thing, head an institution. Our favorite item on the menu is immediately to Bourbon Street in University the Hash Cobb Salad, served later in the day. Balboa Park, which borders Hillcrest on Heights (4612 Park Blvd. at Madison). There’s the South, is a 1,200-acre bounty of hiking something adorable about watching 22-yearand biking, museums, historic expositions olds trying to look cool. Okay, maybe it’s not buildings, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo so adorable, but this is the place to find it in (home of the Giant Pandas). Get to it via public any case. Regardless of what turns you on, this transportation or the Cabrillo Freeway. Go early land of sunshine 300 days-a-year has a bit of it available somewhere or other. San Diego— and spend all day exploring this green haven. For the rougher side of gay San Diego, head guaranteed fun.H
Robert Elias Deaton is a world-traveling epicure who enjoys the finer things in life.
“FALL” into AUTUMN Fun Ideas to Autumnize Your Home By ADAM STRONG
P
ossibly the only downside to living in the most perfect climate on earth is that we South Floridians don’t get to “experience” the change of seasons. (I might add that it’s a small price to pay, but then you’d think me an idiot for stating the obvious.) This is easily corrigible, since the arrival of autumn is a perfect time to snazzy-up your home in a way that evokes the colors, textures—even the smells of fall.
Faux Foliage Open bookcases and shelves are perfect spots to place silk fall leaves, available at any local craft store. Strategically placed along the shelves—and pressed inside a picture frame—orange, gold, and yellow autumn-colored leaves will add some free-fall to your spaces.
Pumpkins and Pedestals Pumpkins (yes, it’s that time of year again) placed on a shelf, on a hall pedestal, or as a table centerpiece will give a healthy hint of autumn to any zone in your place. Miniature pumpkins stacked near a fireplace, or place in a bowl, also invoke the memories or fall.
THOSE Are Pumpkins? White pumpkins—naturally white, not painted—are a novel (and striking!) way to add some jazz-and-snazz to your autumnal décor. They are also known as Ghost Pumpkins, Snowballs, Luminas, and Caspers—with the tiny ones (about the size of a baseball) called Baby Boos (that’s so sweet, I need an insulin shot now). White pumpkins are a little more expensive than their orange relatives, but their “ghoulish” look makes for an interesting canvas to draw or paint
Jack O’Lantern faces, and of course just displayed by themselves, uncarved. (When you carve them, you find that they have orange flesh beneath the white rind, which just adds to their ghostly appeal when you place a candle inside.)
For the Birds Pheasant feathers and artificial owls, displayed with pinecones and gourds, add an organic, woodsy, and rustic touch, turning a fireplace mantel, countertop or hutch into fall vignette.
Pomander? I Don’t Even Know Her. A pomander (from the French pomme d’ambre, “apple of amber”) is a ball made of perfumes, such as ambergris (from whence comes the name), musk, or civet. First mentioned in 13th
Century literature, the pomander was worn or carried in a vase, and used both as protection against infection (during times of plague) and as a natural deodorant. Pomanders were also used as an early form of aromatherapy. In modern times, pomanders are made by studding an orange (or other fruit) with whole dried cloves, and then letting it ‘cure dry.’ The modern pomander can be used to perfumes and freshen the air, and to keeping dresser drawers with clothing and linens fresh, pleasant-smelling—and moth-free. Like Victorians and medieval royals, you can use the sweet-smelling scent of pomanders to mask odors and to fill your home with citrus freshness. There are several different ways to make pomanders (all of them using sweetsmelling cloves), but oranges work best, I think. You can find a complete “recipe” for homemade pomanders this week, at guymag.net. Fall into fall, baby!H