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C O N T E N T S
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30 34 20
12 12 | VOICE
18 | BODY
31 | TASTE
40 | LOVE
whole lotta love What’s Your Number?, What is Love?, Between the Sheet Music.
NO SINGLES NEEDED Thanks to a sexy new workout craze, stripper poles aren’t just for strippers anymore.
A bunch of malarkey Meet Brian Malarkey, the San Diego star of Bravo’s “Top Chef 3 Miami.”
Love BOAT Blind daters embark upon a romantic gondola ride and dinner at the Oceanaire.
20 | STYLE
North Park Nightlife Metropolitan alternatives to Downtown.
46 | calendar
36 | LOVE
50 | think
You Lost Me at “Hewwo” One woman’s misadventures with multiple Mr. Wrongs.
bissextile day 29 things to do on February 29.
14 | SPORTS Quality Time-Out With so few sporting events in February, St. Valentine picked the right month.
16 | CRAVE LOVE THAT! Great products to have and to hold (and to give).
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A casual affair
30 | TASTE love bites Culinary aphrodisiacs and where to find them.
34 | GROOVE
Two-o-eight February event listings.
E D I T O R ’ S
N O T E
The L Word Roses are red Violets are blue Cheshire is fuzzy And I love you My mom embroidered this poem on a pillow for me when I was five. Mom’s a helluva writer. Another of her masterpieces from the same era was:
If you sprinkle While you tinkle Be a sweetie Wipe the seatie (How I turned out straight is beyond me. The fact that I met my wife at a gay bar may actually be evidence that… whatev. I’m straight. Quit asking.) The year was 1975, way back before mandatory seatbelts and alcohol bans. At the time, love, for me, came in the form of warm fuzzies from Mom and my cat, Cheshire. Additional love was occasionally provided by my big brother Joel, when he wasn’t busy peeing on the seat and blaming me for his bad aim.
Next, there was puppy love. We had Brutus, the beagle, and Sherlock, the black lab. Joel and I weren’t too good at walking the hounds at regular enough intervals, so there was some indoor poo, followed by the dogs’ departure to greener pastures – someone else’s house.
aphrodisiacs and introduces you to Brian Malarkey, the San Diego star of “Top Chef 3 Miami” and executive chef at the Oceanaire Seafood Room (they have oysters). In BODY, pole fitness instructors demonstrate that pole dancing isn’t just for strippers anymore.
I found a new kind of puppy love in third grade. My first kiss. Rachel and I smooched behind school by the swing set; I was crushed when she told everyone that I had chapped lips. It was February in Philadelphia for god’s sake... gimme a break.
Looking for romance? Check out this month’s scorching Blind Date, in which a sex therapist and a money man take a gondola ride through the Coronado Cays before heading to the Oceanaire for a shuckfest.
A few years older and now armed with lip balm, I’ve found the love of my life, which is my love for my wife. Long story short, there are all kinds of love out there – family, pets, ex-eight-yearold-girlfriends – and they all count. This LOVE issue of PACIFIC examines the many facets of love. TASTE gives insight into the validity of culinary
It could be argued that this issue is more about sex than love, but that line was blurred for me the day I said, “I do.” And now, when my wife says, “Get off me,” I go pee on the seat.
Must be love.
PUBLISHERS David Perloff / Editor in Chief Simone Perloff / Fashion Director CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kim Cuffe OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Michael Benninger CONTRIBUTING EDITOR/WRITER Bonnie Vandewater CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Rebecca Chappell Jenny Herman Lindsay Pomeroy Cookie “Chainsaw” Randolph C.W. Ma ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jimmy Canare STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Andrew Jorgensen jorgensenphotography.com pacificsandiego.com 858.274.1111
PACIFIC would like to thank photographer Heather Elise for shooting Bonnie Vandewater and Ultramarathon Man Dean Karnazes in January’s “Crossing the Line” story. heatherelisephotography.com
undercover Kara Thoms and Alexander F. Rodriguez were photographed by Don Diaz at Ray Street Studios, in North Park. ON HER: Grey cotton top at Flow Boutique, $90; blue jeans by Miss Sixty; brown boots, her own. ON HIM: T-shirt by James Perse at Bloomingdale’s, $46; blue jeans by Polo at Bloomingdale’s, $115; sneakers by Vans.
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V O I C E
Whole Lotta
LOVE
OVER 20
When it comes to love, people speak out. Here’s what your neighbors are saying...
What’s Your Number?
Counting sexual encounters at PB Bar & Grill
There’s no better place to reveal your most intimate secrets than at Pacific Beach Bar & Grill. So, as we did for last year’s LOVE ISSUE, we head to the epicenter of singledom at the beach to ask people for their digits — in this case, the number of sexual partners they’ve had.
Lindsay, from Kearny Mesa, says, “My number’s seven. I think it’s appropriate for my age, even though my friends don’t.”
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Sean, from SDSU, says, “My number’s 42. As a man it’s been fun, but I’m never gonna tell my girlfriend that. I hope she doesn’t read PACIFIC.”
Trevor, from SDSU, says, “15. I think it’s cool, but I don’t know that I’d tell my girlfriend the truth. 12 is usually an acceptable number.”
15 Anthony, from Ocean Beach says, “8 ½ . One time I only got halfway.”
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We’re not sure whether she goes there every day or if she never left, but Marissa was actually at PB Bar & Grill this same time last year for Pacific’s 2007 version of What’s Your Number? Last year, her number was “Under 20.” Today, Marissa says, “It’s over twenty now. It’s been a good year.”
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8½
?
Bob, from La Jolla, is a bit more discreet. “Let’s just say it’s more than a handful,” he says. “And I actually feel pretty good about it.”
Mikel, from Mission Valley, reveals that her count is “Just one. I think it’s a good number.”
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50+ Derek, of Kearny Mesa, admits, “I stopped counting at 50. I feel like a slut.”
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13 Lindsay, from Mission Valley, is confident about her number. “My number’s 13, and I have no regrets,” she says.
V O I C E ask dr. love
What is Love? By David Dew (Dr. Love)
Good question. To answer, I considered my own experiences. At first, love was butterflies in my stomach. Later in life, it was rounding second base. And still later, as Ambrose Bierce so eloquently put it, I concluded “love is temporary insanity curable by marriage.” Unfortunately, this realization hits after walking down the aisle, thus the predicament of men who get caught up in that whole “marriage” thing. To offer some preventative maintenance and attempt to remedy this epidemic that’s plaguing the hearts of men, I’ll review a few common indicators of this particular brand of lunacy called love. Symptom: Sweet talk. Some may tell you this is no cause for concern. “Normal,” they’ll call it. However, heed this warning sign. You’re one step closer to eternal monogamy the second you catch yourself saying things like “baby” and “sweetie” and “honey”—and you’re not referring to freshly baked brownies or the succulent, seasonal ale from your favorite brewer. Sound the alarms! You’re likely exhibiting symptoms of early love. Cure: Remedy this by using your girlfriend’s name each time you feel the tug to use a pet name. Can’t remember her name? Just say “buddy” each time the urge hits. For example, “Thank you for making dinner, sweet—…um…buddy.” Symptom: Nesting. Even more alarming, because you’ve now entered the zone where you are dangerously close to tying that sardonic knot. These behaviors include, but are not limited to, cleaning your apartment at her request or because she’s coming over, or beginning to do your own laundry. You might even find yourself at Linens ‘n’ Things, looking for a new duvet. Some people might interpret these changes as positive. (These people are usually women.) These untrained eyes will simply see your hygiene and lifestyle improving. However, as you well know, this is not so. Your ship is sinking fast, brother. Cure: A good life raft can be a roommate who is more of a slob than you ever were, thus ensuring that your domicile will stay out of the danger zone. If you can’t secure a roommate that rivals Charlie Brown’s colleague, Pigpen, choose a guy friend who is a chick-repellent and let him sleep on your couch as long as he wishes. If you follow these cure-all steps, the inspiration for your nutty feelings will surely depart. Nights out with your girlfriend will turn back into nights out with your boys in no time flat!
Between the
SHEET music tunes for the horizontal hustle...
We all have ‘em. Those let’s-get-it-on songs that get our hips swaying, put a gleam in our eyes and give us our best “come hither” looks. Ever wonder what does it for the music makers themselves? Here’s what some of our favorite local musicians are making out to.
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2 | Simeon Flick Well, I lost my virginity to “Axis: Bold as Love” by Jimi Hendrix, so that holds a place in my heart. An “American Prayer” by the Doors—that’s a good one, too. And Fiona Apple is pretty good, especially her first album. 3 | Michael Tiernan First, you get Patty Griffin going, 1000 Kisses. Acoustic, grindy, sultry, sexy. Then bump it up with Barry White, “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love Babe.” Then move to the serious, passionate part and put on some Garbage. That whole Garbage album, Version 2.0, has a good ethereal, vibey, soft side, but it’s got some good love-makin’ songs. 4 | Steph Johnson It definitely has to have groove. There’s a lot of great music that comes out of Chris Botti, and he did a collaboration with Jill Scott called “Good Morning Heartache.” It’s swingy and trumpety and soft and girlie and delicious.
5 5 | Tristan Prettyman I would say recently Neil Halstead is on the top of the list. He’s from the UK and it’s just really nice, kind of mellow, groovy—and it does the trick. 6
6 | Miles Doughty of Slightly Stoopid You gotta’ just give me some Al Green. “Let’s Stay Together”—that’s the jam.
local music scene Anya Marina February 16, Hotel Café in Los Angeles anyamarina.com Buck-O-Nine buck-o-nine.com Intercept Febuary 8, Little Italy Bar and Grill [CD release party] intercepttheband.com Michael Tiernan February 10, Calypso Café in Leucadia tiernantunes.com Simeon Flick February 1, Borders Books in Mission Valley February 13, Dublin Square in the Gaslamp simeonflick.com Slightly Stoopid slightlystoopid.com Steph Johnson stephjohnsonband.com Tristan Prettyman February 15 & 16, House of Blues in Los Angeles tristanprettyman.com
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7 | Craig Yarnold of Buck-O-Nine (Laughs) Oh,man, I don’t know. I’d have to think about that one. I’m probably the wrong person to ask. I guess Marvin Gaye would be a little too obvious, huh?
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8 | Christian Knudson of Intercept My girlfriend and I really enjoy Frou Frou. We listen to a lot of Motown, or things from that same era like Bill Withers, Al Green, any of that stuff. Imogen Heap, Lauryn Hill, India.Arie, and anything Paul McCartney is great for us. We are sometimes less about mood music though and more about spontaneity.
Doctor’s orders: Live, Laugh, LOVE! David Dew is the owner of Dr. Love’s Erotic Superstore, in Pacific Beach, which he opened in 1996. The concept began with his realization that intimacy is a crucial part of all relationships, and that most relationships fall apart due to the lack of spice and intimacy. Dew says that it’s a sad but true fact that many couples express love for each other only once a year at Valentines Day. It’s his belief that every day should be Valentines Day.
1 | Anya Marina I just got a mixed CD from a friend and I was thinking “these are great get-it-on songs.” Stuff like James Brown, “I’ll Go Crazy” or “Sex Machine.” Something funky. There’s this really cool song by Handsome Boy Modeling School, “I’ve Been Thinkin.’” That’s a great get-it-on song.
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Ladies, this is your lucky month. Aside from the Super Bowl on February 3rd, the only significant sporting event this month is the Daytona 500 on the 17th. Cupid is no dummy. Most of this month is all yours.
thinking: In the movie Bull Durham, a couple was married on a baseball diamond and the bride was deliriously happy. He should have remembered she was an actress and it was a movie—written by a guy.
If your man insists on making the NFL Pro Bowl a priority on February 10th, he’d better be one of the Chargers playing in it. Otherwise dump him. Most normal men would rather go to Bed, Bath & Beyond than watch this most unnecessary of games.
Finding a woman who appreciates the nuance of the infield-fly rule is about as rare as finding a breeder who can name all the hosts of QVC.
February reminds us that sports and romance is a mixture that should be avoided like nitro and glycerin.
“That numbnut who proposed during a baseball game... the woman dumped a bag of popcorn on his head”
Like that numbnut who proposed during a baseball game last summer in Houston. The Astros “helped” this sap by putting him and his girlfriend on the Jumbotron as he got down on one knee to present the ring. The woman dumped a bag of popcorn on his head and hastily made her way up the stairs amid a chorus of “boos.” We took that as a “no.”
Last December, Dallas Quarterback Tony Romo played so horribly when his girlfriend Jessica Simpson attended, that she stayed away from his next game, thinking herself a jinx (casting directors took note). Norv Turner immediately tried to arrange her a date with Tom Brady.
I know what this guy was
But it doesn’t always backfire.
Pamela Anderson has been seen at Qualcomm watching her friend David Binn, the Chargers’ long-snapper. This baffled thousands who wondered: Who is David Binn? What’s a longsnapper? Should I be offended? No, it’s the guy who hikes the ball to the kickers. Binn is the best in the game; no balls sailed over any heads that night. A friend of mine used to work for the Cincinnati Reds security department. One of his jobs was to supervise video surveillance of the stands. He had quite the blooper reel. I remember one clip involving a couple all alone in the upper deck. There was a blanket involved, so for a while, the woman’s face was obscured. To my relief, when she finally popped up, the woman was not Marge Schott, the late Nazi-loving Reds owner whose face was not quite as pretty as a Babe Ruth–era catcher’s mitt. Romance 1, Sports 0. So forget about June. February is the real month for romance thanks to that crafty opportunist, St. Valentine, who knew a sports void when he saw it.
Chainsaw provides sports commentary on 101.5 KGB-FM radio for a morning show called “Dave, Shelly and Chainsaw.” What a coincidence.
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the way to her heart A recent jewelry.com poll reveals that 85% of women regard jewelry as the “most romantic” gift. Get triple the kudos with Tiffany & Co.’s three-heart pendant in 18-karat rose, white and yellow gold. $895, Tiffany & Co., tiffany.com
love to cook San Diego’s own Food Dude, a regular on radio station Channel 933, is changing the way people view cooking. His latest work, Kissing in the Kitchen is a sexy cookbook aimed at getting couples back in the kitchen, cooking and spending time together. $16.95, Barnes & Noble, barnesandnoble.com
Love
THAT!
love letters Say “I love you” with Seaside Papery’s beautiful one-of-a-kind Valentine’s Day cards, then say “I do” with their supremely elegant wedding invitations. Invitations for all types of celebrations range from $1 to $40 each. Seaside Papery, seasidepapery.com
Great products to have and to hold (and to give)
timeless love From the bottom of the ocean and the bottom of your heart, give your Valentine the gift of this limited edition Titanic-DNA watch, constructed with steel and coal recovered from the sunken ship. 2,012 watches will be made to coincide with the 100-year anniversary of the tragic voyage. $7,800 to $173,100, romainjerome.com
P.i.n.k. Vodka Enjoy this ultra-premium, imported vodka, infused with caffeine and guarana. Is it pink inside? Find out at Crest Liquor, 3787 Ingraham St., PB. $29.95, 858.274.3087
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MAKE LOVE NOT WAR While regular guns take lives, this seed gun, a clay and humus replica of a 9mm pistol, gives life to wildflowers, which produce oxygen that gives life to us. U.S. wildflower seed content is based on the purchaser’s city and state. $75, includes shipping, plantthepiece.com
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wear your heart on your sleeve Wear your heart on your sleeve with these rhodium-plated cufflinks by Tateossian. Display your status, mood or orientation by simply twisting the knob to STRAIGHT, BISEXUAL, GAY, SINGLE, MARRIED, DIVORCED, SWINGER, CURIOUS, AVAILABLE or ADULTEROUS. $175, tateossian.com
B O D Y pole sinsations
No Singles
NEEDED Thanks to a sexy new workout craze, stripper poles aren’t just for strippers anymore
mind to body
by rebecca chappell Photos by andrew jorgensen
Sliding down poles isn’t just for strippers and firefighters anymore. In fact, according to fitness instructor Carmen Cash, “pole dancing is the new Pilates and yoga.”
pole sinsations pole sinsations
pole sinsations
mind to body
A-list celebs (including Kate Hudson, Terri Hatcher and Carmen Electra, to name a few) and mere mortals alike have flocked to pole fitness studios in L.A. since the turn of the century. Cash, who teaches female students pole fitness at Pole Sinsations in Hillcrest, says that her San Diego–area students include “attorneys, firefighters, pediatricians – you name it.” Pole workouts provide cardio and strength training by engaging the core and the upper-body muscles through a series of dizzying spins, gymnast-style lifts and daring inversions. Participants typically burn 200-400 calories per hour, but it isn’t only about losing weight. “It definitely builds confidence,” says Cash. “It
makes women feel exhilarated and sexy, and that energy extends to other parts of their lives.” While many women participate in tennis shoes or with bare feet, Cash encourages her students to wear stilettos. “Imagine a ballerina without her ballerina shoes. It’s just not quite the same,” she says. “When you do spins around the pole, it looks really beautiful when you have the heels on. Plus, stilettos give you more height on the pole and lift you off the ground higher.” When you’re fighting gravity, you might as well take the six-inch head start. Another local pole fitness expert, Edith Aboul-hosn, has been featured on the Oxygen Network’s reality shows, “The Bad Girls Club” and “The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency,” as well as TLC’s “A Wedding Story.” Seven years ago, Aboulhosn began teaching belly
Pole Sinsations Operates from BPG Bodies 1435 University Ave., Hillcrest 858.220.9414 polesinsations.com
mind to body
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dancing and burlesque. Today, she owns and is a pole fitness instructor at From Mind to Body Dance Academy, which operates out of the Penthouse Gym in La Jolla. “It’s a fun workout and it spices up a relationship,” says Aboul-hosn. “Women feel better about their bodies. They learn how to flirt more, they start dressing up more sexy, their walk changes, even eye contact with their partner is different.” Though both Pole Sinsations and From Mind to Body remain womenonly clubs for now, Cash explains that quite a few men (especially those who already have dance training) have expressed interest in participating in pole fitness workouts. “We haven’t started a curriculum for them, yet,” she says. Sorry, dudes. For now, you’ll just have to keep watching.
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Gravitation can not be held responsible for people falling in love.
— Albert Einstein
Photography by Don Diaz [ alyssapizer.com ] FASHION STYLIST: Kishu Chand [ kishuchand.com ] HAIR & MAKEUP: Geoffrey Rodriguez [ eamgmt.com ] FASHION ASSISTANT: Louis Gropman MODELS: Kara Thoms and Alexander F. Rodriguez from Wilhelmina Models
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— Robert Frost
irresistibly desired. Love is an irresistible desire to be
ON HER: Tanks by James Perse at Bloomingdale’s, $39; jacket by Yves Saint Laurent at Neiman Marcus, $1,365; blue jeans by Miss Sixty; earrings by Lush at Rex; black boots by Florentine Baker. ON HIM: Navy stripe sweater by Theory at Bloomingdale’s, $195; jeans by Joe’s at Bloomingdales; sneakers by Converse.
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ON HER: Grey cotton top at Flow Boutique, $90; blue jeans by Miss Sixty; brown boots, her own. ON HIM: T-shirt by James Perse at Bloomingdale’s, $46; blue jeans by Polo at Bloomingdale’s, $115; sneakers by Vans.
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makes the world go round. Love just makes it a safer place.
assion P â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Ice T
ON HER: red dress by ‘Marc by Marc Jacobs’ at Neiman Marcus, $348; Gold Necklace by Kim Faith at Rex; earrings by Lush at Rex; bracelets by Sheila Fajl at Rex. ON HIM: Pants with suspenders by Jon Varvatos for Converse at Bloomingdale’s, $125; blue stripe button-up shirt by Tailgate at Bloomingdale’s, $75; tie by Jon Varvatos U.S.A. at Bloomingdale’s, $98.
— John Forbes Nash, in A Beautiful Mind
It’s only in the mysterious equation of love that any logical reasons can be found.
interesting
Love is the answer, but while you’re waiting ON HER: Silver/black dress by Yoana Baraschi at Flow Boutique, $500; gold earrings by Lush at Haute Culture, $56; black boots by Florentine Baker. ON HIM: T-shirt by Modern Amusement at Bloomingdale’s, $48; jeans by ‘Levi’s Capital’ E at Bloomingdale’s, $178; sneakers by Converse.
questions.
for the answer, sex raises some pretty
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Woody Allen
T O P
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6. Pacific advertisers receive free online advertising at pacificsandiego.com. 7. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a buzz in the air. Pacificâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s breathtaking photography and provocative, San Diego-centric editorial are what everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talking about. 8. With pacific, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll save 93% compared to direct mail. Pacific ads cost as little as 1.5 cents per address! Stamps alone cost at least 24¢. 9. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really no other choice. Pacific is the only way to make such a huge impact on the San Diego coastline. 10. Pacific provides excellent customer service. Our expert design team will make your ad sparkle. Our knowledgeable Account Executives will help you tailor your campaign to get you the most exposure, sales and profit.
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T A S T E
Love
BITES culinary aphrodisiacs and where to find them By C.W. Ma
The word “aphrodisiac” is derived from Aphrodite, Greek Mythology’s goddess of love, beauty and fertility (Roman name: Venus), who emerged from the sea in an oyster shell. As if sheltering a love goddess and producing pearls weren’t sexy enough, oysters pack a passionate punch with a lushness of taste and texture. Oysters exhibit chemical properties that have been shown to swell hormone levels in both men and women. Their famed and perhaps mythological aphrodisiacal power likely stems from the fact that they’re packed with high levels of zinc, which can stimulate blood flow. Whether you enjoy your oysters at a restaurant or prefer to shuck in the privacy of your own home, consider splashing each bivalve with hot sauce— chili peppers contain capsaicin, a chemical compound that can boost the libido by raising the heart rate and triggering endorphins.
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Culinary aphrodisiacs are ingredients that seem to incite more passion than mere ordinary edibles, some because of their mouth-pleasing qualities and others for the scientifically-proven effects they have on our body chemistry. Whether due to science or fiction, aphrodisiacs serve to heighten the eating experience, enhance the mood and leave us hungering for more. It’s purported that famed 18th-century playboy, Casanova, employed almost all of the following foods in courting his paramours. So rest assured, these aphrodisiacs are timetested and seducer-approved.
CHOCOLATE
Cheese/Fondue
OYSTERS
Just the simple act of sharing a meal with someone you’re attracted to can be a seductive experience. The magnetic spark across a table and the lingering glances at each other’s lips and hands make you want to hurry up and get done with dessert. But sometimes the food itself is the main sensual attraction.
With its voluptuous texture, cheese fondue is tantalizing to more than just the taste buds. Its temperature warms the belly, its aroma entices the olfactory receptors, and the act of feeding your partner savory morsels of melting cheese can make fondue dinner sexy foreplay. Additionally, many cheeses are rich in phenylethylamine (PEA), a neurotransmitter that unleashes warm, fuzzy feelings. Take a dip at a local fondue restaurant or pick up supplies at an artisan cheese shop and turn up the heat at home.
Chocolate is arousing in the silky way that it melts in the mouth. It’s forever linked with Valentine’s Day, the lovers’ holiday, and with Lady Godiva, whose barebacked, bare-backsided ride through the streets of England became the inspiration for the famous chocolate company. Because chocolate, like some cheeses, contains PEA, it can boost serotonin levels, which can improve your mood and give you a sudden rush of passion. While both Hershey’s and Godiva can have the same chemical effect, the latter is more likely to get you a kiss.
WINE Finally, we end with a liquid aphrodisiac, wine. The ancient Greek playwright Euripides wrote about Dionysus, the Greek god of wine (Roman name: Bacchus), saying that this nectar of the gods, both healthful and alluring, is meant to be sipped and savored in an amorous setting.
“ Where there is no wine,” there is no love.” — Euripides
not so fly
Lytta vesicatoria
With the hopes of bedding down a classmate, Beavis and Butthead, the moronic cartoon teenagers from MTV’s hit show by the same name, spiked a female student’s milk carton with Spanish Fly. To the idiots’ dismay, a wrestling team jock drank the potion instead. As if that weren’t enough to turn you off, Spanish Fly, made from the powdered remains of blister beetles, contains cantharides, which cause a burning and swelling sensation when leaving the body through the urine. It is this tingling that can be misinterpreted as sexual stimulation. Beware! This love potion can be potentially harmful, even deadly. Tip: Skip the Fly; say something nice (and mean it) instead.
where to find it oysters: Oceanaire 400 J St., Downtown 619.858.2277 » theoceanaire.com Bay Park Fish Co. 4121 Ashton St., Bay Park 619.276.FISH » bayparkfishco.com *Dine-in and market Fishery 5040 Cass St., Pacific Beach 858.272.9985 » thefishery.com *Dine-in and market Blue Point 565 5th Ave., Downtown 619.233.6623 » cohnrestaurants.com The Brigantine 3263 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar 858.481.1166 » brigantine.com The Crabcatcher 1298 Prospect St., La Jolla 858.454.9587 » crabcatcher.com Point Loma Seafood 2805 Emerson St., Point Loma 619.223.1109 » pointlomaseafoods.com *Dine-in and market
Cheese shops: Venissimo 754 W. Washington St, Mission Hills 619.491.0708 Flower Hill Promenade 2710 Via de la Valle, B-138, Del Mar 858.847.9616 » venissimo.com Taste 1243 University Ave., Hillcrest 619.683.2306 » tastecheese.com The Wine & Cheese Shop 7930 Ivanhoe Ave., La Jolla 858.456.1010 sonomavalleymarket.com Pata Negra Wine & Cheese Shop 1657 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach 858.274.PATA » costabravasd.com
fondue restaurants: Forever Fondue 1610 Friars Road, Fashion Valley 619.295.7792 » 909 Prospect St., La Jolla » 858.551.4509 foreverfonduerestaurants.com The Melting Pot 8980 University Center Lane, La Jolla 858.638.1700 » themeltingpot.com La Fondue 31761 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano 949.240.0300 » lafondue.com
A Bunch of
MALARKEY Meet brian malarkey, the san diego star of bravo’s “top Chef” By rebecca chappell photo by chantelle
To say that Brian Malarkey is a culinary prodigy is no mumbo jumbo. His talents have scored him an executive chef position at the Gaslamp’s famed Oceanaire Seafood Room, the California Restaurant Association’s 2007 “Chef of the Year” award and a spot on “Top Chef 3 Miami,” Bravo’s Emmy-nominated reality TV series about cooking, in which he finished fourth in a competition against 15 of the nation’s best chefs. Prior to reaching this level of celebrity chefdom, the Oregon native spent his youth raising horses and riding in rodeos in a culture that exposed him to Rocky Mountain Oysters, “after the spring bull nip-and-tuck sessions,” Malarkey explains. A childhood filled with fresh seafood and produce and cooking with his grandmother led Malarkey to enroll at Western Culinary Institute’s Le Cordon Bleu cooking school, which eventually landed him at the Oceanaire, where he now specializes in oysters that come from the sea, rather than from bulls. Are all oysters created equal? Oysters are kind of like wine: you just kind of get into it and start tasting so many different ones. You get the different flavor profiles and even the oysters change their taste throughout the season.
If you had six months with no obligations, what would you do? Hit the road. Maybe on a massive sailboat that hits every great port, every great surf spot and every nice fishing spot. Is there any food you hate? Black licorice.
When and where are you happiest? On Sundays, at my house with my wife and dog. What food or drink do you overindulge in? I love Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. It’s crisp, it’s clean and it’s really great with a lot of different foods.
the OCEANAIRE According to his autobiography, the infamous womanizer Casanova frequently consumed 50 oysters for breakfast while sitting in a bathtub built for two. The Oceanaire’s oyster bar may not have a bathtub, but its sumptuous menu is reason enough to schedule a romantic rendezvous. As sleek as a 1930s ocean liner, yet as relaxed as a dinner on the shore, the Oceanaire provides the perfect setting to enjoy ultra-fresh seafood, flown in daily from around the world. Insider’s tip: Oystersof-the-Day are just $1 each, Monday-Friday, 5-6 p.m.
If you weren’t a chef, what would you be doing? I’d have to be entertaining somehow. I’d possibly be an actor. I was on the road to being a cowboy for a long time—I could always go back and relax on the big ranch and raise some horses.
Besides the Oceanaire, where do you enjoy dining in San Diego? Trattoria Aqua, in La Jolla. I love a good steak at Fleming’s. When Chantelle and I aren’t in the mood for making crepes on Sunday morning, you’ll find us at Café Chloe.
CHEF MALARKEY’S Watermelon Mignone tte (as seen on “Top Chef 3 Mia mi”) 1 tablespoon raspberry vina igrette 1/2 cup watermelon, seeded , diced 1 shallot, finely diced 1/2 teaspoon cilantro Cracked black pepper to taste Shiso to taste Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Shuck fresh raw oys ters.
Top with mignonette. PACIFICsandiego.com
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G R O O V E
north park
Nightlife metropolitan alternatives to downtown By jenny herman photos by andrew jorgensen
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What was once an area reserved for dive bars is now the center of diversity in San Diego. The pulse of North Park, neighboring University Heights and the surrounding areas has quickened due to an influx of nightspots and monthly see-and-be-seen events that beckon artists, hipsters, rockers and lounge lizards into their neon-draped lairs for chilly cocktails, cool grooves and hot fashions. North Park has become a cultural melting pot and artistic hub, thriving with award-winning restaurants, independent coffee shops, unique retailers and provocative art galleries. Nestled among them, dimly lit watering holes and neighborhood clubs offer patrons urban alternatives to downtown. Here are a few to check out.
ray at night [ rayatnight.com ] On the second Saturday of each month, more than 30 art galleries participate in Ray at Night, in which artists and art lovers mingle AND contemplate works from painters, photographers, sketchers and sculptors. The art itself is a liberal mix, but the overall result is charming and provides a unique alternative to the bar scene. Live music, dance performances and poetry readings serve as entertainment, while wine, beer, cheese and desserts are provided by local shops and eateries.
Bar Pink Elephant 3829 30th St. » 619.564.7194 » barpinkelephant.com Rocket from the Crypt’s very own John Reis owns this new baby. Its retro vibe adds a unique touch to North Park, with the bar illuminated only by pink bubble lights, pink neon elephants and clips of Disney’s Dumbo playing on the tube. The daily happy hour features signature drinks for $6, like the Pink Elephant (vodka & pink lemonade), plus $3 Newcastles and other beers. Pool tables, a 45-rpm jukebox and a pinball machine provide distraction if the Dumbotron gets to be too much. Check their schedule: the cozy corner stage hosts some pretty fine talent.
Air Conditioned 4673 30th St. » 619.501.9831 » airconditionedbar.com A sign on the wall outside told customers that the soon-to-open bar was air-conditioned. The message stuck and the name was born. Since then, the unassuming storefront has created quite a buzz from the inside. Its swanky interior is outfitted with red sofas and cocktail tables painted as bright orange slices, and dark padded walls sport vintage James Bond movie posters. Be careful not to overlook the VIP room, the amazing DJs or the stripper pole in the corner.
Bourbon Street 4612 Park Blvd. » 619.291.4043 » bourbonstreetsd.com Voted San Diego’s “Best Gay Bar” in 2007 by AOL City Guide, Bourbon Street is certainly not exclusive. The eclectic nature of the place is replete with fun and diversity—everything from bingo to drag shows. Not a bad deal during happy hour from 4-7 p.m.—$2 martinis Mon.-Wed., and $3 Thurs.-Sat. Four separate sections appeal to every whim: the game room includes video games and a pool table; the Stable Bar features DJ-spun house beats; the Front Bar is home to the karaoke; while the Al Fresco Patio Bar provides respite from it all.
U-31 Cocktail Lounge & Bar 3112 University Ave. » 619.584.4188 Don’t let its military-sounding name fool you. U-31 took over the former Buster Daly’s and turned it into a multi-purpose venue serving up everything from fashion shows, private parties and free billiards to dancing, yummy drinks and some of San Diego’s best DJs. The custom-made interior is highlighted by granite counters, wood tables, bright colors and eclectic lighting fixtures. More club than bar, the ultra-spacious area features curvy old-school lounge booths, a roomy dance floor, bottle service and a setting for live performances.
Bluefoot Bar & Lounge 3404 30th St. » 619.756.7891 » bluefootsd.com Diversity at its finest. This neighborhood dive offers a cool combination of art, music, sports and drinks. Keep an eye out for art exhibits in the live-art space known as “The Attic,” where each month a new artist makes the space their own. Head in during the day to watch sports on four plasma televisions, or check out Pint Night every Tuesday: the first beer is $4 and refills are $3. Two pool tables, a lounge and separate smoking area help everyone play nice.
hawthorn’s 2895 University Ave. » 619.295.1688 » hawthornssd.com Housed inside the historic North Park Theatre located underneath the North Park sign, Hawthorn’s Restaurant Lounge, a 30,000 square-foot venue, is the neighborhood’s most prominent new hotspot. Owner Michael Mack is a major player in the San Diego entertainment scene. In addition to Hawthorn’s, he owns Lei Lounge and co-owned Club Montage in the late 90s. Mack’s recent $8-million restoration project has resurrected this 1920s gem, transforming Hawthorn’s into a state-of-the-art entertainment powerhouse with more than 700 seats, two bars and multiple lounge areas.
Lei Lounge 4622 Park Blvd. » 619.813.2272 leilounge.com Tiki torches, fire pits and modern décor— this tropical oasis is altogether hip and exotic. Slide into a white leather booth or hide in an outdoor cabana while nibbling on Pan Asian or Caribbean-inspired tapas and sipping a Vanilla Berry Mojito. After dinner, treat yourself to a complimentary massage (available Friday nights). Weekends get crowded with scenesters, so if you’re simply looking to chill, head in during the week for happy hour. see additional venues on following page.
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G R O O V E
GIMME ONE Mo’!
more north park options
Congratulations to Bartender of the Month, Jimmy Vo By Lindsay Pomeroy
Kadan 4696 30th St., North Park Alternative dive bar playing live music, punk and electronic. The Zombie Lounge 3519 El Cajon Blvd., North Park Alternative dive bar playing live music, punk and electronic. Whistle Stop Bar 2236 Fern St., North Park Dog-friendly bar with unconventional theme nights including “Friends Chill” with Nintendo and board games. Hamilton’s Tavern 1521 30th St., North Park Laid-back dive bar with approximately 130 different beer choices, including 25 on-tap. Bacchus House 3054 University Ave., North Park Premier gay bar with lots of dancing and theme nights including Ladies Night and a weekly wet underwear contest.
Kansas-born Jimmy Vo is one of the friendly tap masters at the Boardwalk—Mission Beach. When he’s not mixing it up at the quintessential beach bar, Vo kicks it with his homies and enjoys the good life. What’s your signature drink? Hawaiian Island Iced Tea – a mad twist on the original that tastes much better and still packs a punch. Before you know it, you’re naked in the ocean. Favorite pickup line? It’s all about timing, not lines.
Any pet peeves? Negativity, and I struggle to say that, because having pet peeves generates that vibe. How would you handle an unruly patron? A swift judo chop/sweepkick combo typically renders them “ruly.”
What do you miss most about Kansas? The mountains and Momma’s good grub. What’s missing from your life in San Diego? I don’t see Shamu enough. Why do I always have to go to his place?
Amour
P.S. If the outdoors and seasonal cuisine is more your thing…
Martini Ranch’s Flirtini is No Platonic Tonic
North Park Thursday Night Market northparkmainstreet.com/market Find the finest selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as flowers, fish, olives, breads, nuts, tamales, empanadas, bratwurst, cheeses and crepes. Various arts and crafts vendors and local entertainment keep things lively. Besides providing the ultimate homegrown grocery-shopping experience, the farmers’ market is a great place to meet or make friends and spend quality time outside.
One of over 50 unique martinis available at the Gaslamp’s Martini Ranch, the Flirtini was made famous by the women of HBO’s “Sex and the City.” Ingredients: Equal parts vodka and champagne mingle with a mixture of pineapple juice, fresh pineapple and peach schnapps to comprise this sparkly sipper.
Martini Ranch, 528 F St., Downtown 619.235.6100 » martiniranchsd.com february 2008
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The University of Kansas’ (KU) official west coast headquarters, the Boardwalk features 12 frosty beers on tap, six high-def TVs (with pro and college sports packages) and a supremely laid-back vibe. Scrumptious omelets, fresh salads and hearty burgers fill the menu. Open for breakfast and lunch Monday to Wednesday; breakfast, lunch and dinner Thursday to Sunday. Dine-in, take-out, patio dining, free Wi-Fi. 858.488.9484, boardwalkmissionbeach.com
Pour
Scolari’s Office 3936 30th St., North Park Mellow dive bar with strong drinks, karaoke nights and live music.
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THE BOARDWALK—mission beach
When you’re past flirting, try a French Kiss (another of the Ranch’s delicious martinis), then get your groove on in the adjoining Shaker Room Dance Lounge.
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L O V E
The Neck Nibbler Ah, my muse! We met at a literary event. (Perfect!) Finance guy by day, novelist by night. Sharp dresser, good conversation, friendly face. We shared some emails, and everything seemed to be going well. In my attempt not to judge, I overlooked the fact that his favorite book was The Da Vinci Code and that he idolized Dan Brown. What killed it for me was his email after our first date that began with “Hewwo.” Baby talk = gross. Any hope I might have had of future dueling Underwood typewriters at a dining table under warm tungsten lighting (I’m retro in my daydreams) were crushed. And then, to add salt to my wounded eyes, he signed off with, “Novelist and Neck Nibbler.” (Shopping list: Garlic, check. Crucifix, check. Wooden stake, check.)
Chef Mmm-mmm-good. Cute and sassy. He can whip up anything from tapenade to tiramisu. Too bad he’s my neighbor and knows my every move—and texts me whenever he sees my car. (I haven’t gone home in weeks. Can someone get my mail?)
you lost me at
“HEWWO” one woman’s misadventures with multiple mr. wrongs By bonnie vandewater
Shtick Man Oh, sure. He’s funny. Witty comments abound. He hosts great parties, knows food and wine, even has his own wine label. So, what’s not to like? It’s the shtick. I just can’t take it. I can tell immediately when someone is doing shtick with me. It’s too rehearsed. Too polished. Oh, and I heard him tell those same bad puns a week ago to someone else. I don’t want to feel like an audience participant responding to insincere monologues and a plastic “applause” sign. Save the shtick for the late-night pros. I’m changing the channel.
McMarried ‘Nuff said.
Stupid Cupid. I think he keeps a flask in his quiver. Occasionally the amorous archer sobers up; he shoots and we score. More often, however, that diapered little imp is way off his mark, and instead of landing the heart-shaped tip on target, it ends up doinking us in the belly with a blunt point followed by a crooked shaft. It’s just enough to make us flinch but take notice. Next thing we know, we find ourselves on a date, face-to-face with some stranger during what I consider the get-to-know-you meeting. Provided that he passes my initial interrogation, my inner dialogue goes something like this: “Okay, he only smokes when he drinks. His kids aren’t in diapers. And the mullet can be dealt with when he’s sleeping.” But soon, I find myself noticing those other things. The deal breakers. You know the ones I’m talking about. The actual deal breakers. The ones we never admit to, like Seinfeld’s girl with man hands, or my friend Jenny’s guy with the hairy Chia-chest. What causes one person to coo makes another cringe. In honor of Valentine’s Day, I’ll share some of my own experiences with Cupid’s slight miscalculations in personality mismatching. In doing so, perhaps it can prevent future letdowns.
Emotiman We met in my lobby at work. Friendly, rugged, and a tall drink of water. (I’ve always wanted to say that.) He obtained my email from a coworker and began writing me, and we set up a dinner date. He was older than what I’m used to, divorced, and has several kids. Didn’t matter. But his excessive use of animated emoticons did, and I rebooted before we ever synched. (Clarification: Standard sideways smileys are acceptable. Animated smileys are not.) If Cupid’s not around, and you’re getting antsy, here are a few archery styles to try. For “snap shooting,” draw and release quickly without coming to a full draw. “Stump-sitters” sit and wait around for the right catch to come by. Or perhaps you’d like to try “trick shooting” and shoot at unusual marks in unusual ways. Personally, I’m a fan of “instinctive shooting,” which involves shooting without the aid of a sighting device, and relying more on senses. After all, doesn’t it all come down to pheromones? Sometimes they just smell right. Regardless, any good straight-shooter will tell you: Remember to keep your eye on the mark and not on the shaft. : ) Note: No emoticons were harmed in the writing of this story.
If your baby’s not on the level or you’re on the rebound, here are some Valentine’s Day alternatives: Funk this! George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic (Writer’s top pick.) Belly Up Tavern bellyup.com
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Maxfield Rubbish and His Time-Traveling Flea Circus Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater in Balboa Park balboaparkpuppets.com
Fences Set new boundries. Cygnet Theatre cygnettheatre.com
Hello, Dolly! And goodbye, Jerkface. lambsplayers.org
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Love boat pacific’s most romantic blind date ever
For this, the most romantic of months (as Hallmark would have us believe), PACIFIC has created a fairytale blind date. Tonight, we treat a sex therapist and a money man to a fantasy gondola ride through the Coronado Cays. Asea, the daters will enjoy a genuine quasiVenetian experience, replete with rippling water, squawking seagulls and a serenading gondolier.
After the voyage, the experiment continues at the Oceanaire, where PACIFIC aims to prove whether or not oysters truly have aphrodisiacal powers. Will Cupid’s arrow find its mark, or will his weathered bow slip? Let’s meet the players. by Michael Benninger
Photos by Andrew Jorgensen
Matt, the Hard-Working Athlete Matt, 29, operations director for a financial services startup, grew up in Detroit and now lives in Crown Point. He enjoys an active, outdoor lifestyle, frequently competing in triathlons. Matt’s last relationship ended over a year ago; lately, finding a girlfriend hasn’t been his priority. “I’m not necessarily going out of my way to date,” he says. Nevertheless, Matt’s ready for enchantment on the high seas. “I’m excited,” he says, “and regardless of the outcome, I’m at least going to have fun.”
Dr. Jenn, the Sex Merchant OF Venice Jenn, 34, grew up near Philladelphia and now lives in Mission Beach. Armed with a Ph.D. in Sociology, she educates women through her holistic approach to female sexual empowerment. She hosts weekly video podcasts on her website (drjennsden.com) and co-owns an online erotic boutique. Jenn enjoys books, beach volleyball and yoga. “I actually am one of those women who meet men out in bars and end up dating them,” she says. “That kind of works for me.”
They Meet Jenn and Matt first lay eyes upon each other at Loews Coronado Bay Resort, the launching point for their romantic gondola ride. In the marina adjacent to the hotel awaits a traditional Venetian gondola, stocked with chocolate-covered strawberries, a chilled bottle of champagne and Antonio, the velvet-voiced gondolier. Additional onboard entertainment will be provided by a sexy and silly fill-in-the-blanks book from Dr. Love’s Erotic Superstore.
The daters climb aboard for a one-hour cruise through the Coronado Cays. PACIFIC’s camera crew loads into the chase boat skippered by Giuseppe, another of the Gondola Company’s gondoliers. We stay close enough to capture the action, yet far enough to give the couple privacy. Just moments into the trip, Jenn and Matt began to laugh aloud. All smiles, they seem to be hitting it off. Deep in the Cays, as sailboats rock and seabirds wade by, Antonio begins to sing in Italian, while Jenn fills in the “Chocolate Obsessions” questionnaire with Matt’s answers.* When Matt reads the completed story back to Jenn, their laughter grows even louder than Antonio’s operatic serenade. Continued on page 42. *See completed questionnaire page 44
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back on land...
PACIFIC splits the daters for mid-date debriefings She Says… How’s it going so far? The ride was fun. Once we got into the boat we started talking, and it felt fine. We connected right away, and I felt like the conversation flowed.
What was so funny? We were playing that fill-in-theblank game, and Matt had to name a body part. He kept pausing and pausing. That’s when I said, “I talk about vaginas all day long, and if you want to go there, I’m fine with it.” He said, “That’s exactly what I was going to say!” We were laughing our asses off, and that put him at ease. What do you think of Matt? His shy awkwardness is kind of attractive, and clearly he’s super cute. We have athletics in common, and I’m definitely interested and intrigued to know more about him. I’m certainly not turned off.
He Says… What’s the scoop? The ride was awesome and different than anything I’ve ever done before. My favorite part was playing that little game with the book. That put us in the perfect mood to relax and have a good time. What do you think about Jenn’s line of work? I think it takes a lot of guts to pursue that as a profession. I give her a lot of credit for straying outside of the box. How’s the chemistry? We’re getting along and laughing. I’m just trying to be lighthearted and have a good time. What do you think of Jenn? She’s so laid back. I feel like I could say anything around her and she wouldn’t get offended. She already helped me feel more comfortable saying “va-jay-jay.” That’s a great word.
On the Road Again During their ride back across the Bay Bridge to the mainland, the now tipsy Matt and Jenn openly discuss sex, erotic toys and NC-17–rated unmentionables. Getting Hungry The daters pose for pictures outside the Oceanaire Seafood Room, then head inside for a succulent seafood dinner prepared by executive chef Brian Malarkey (story page 31), who was a finalist on Bravo’s hit show, “Top Chef 3 Miami.”
Compliments to the Chef Brian Malarkey greets the snuggling daters, who are obviously hitting it off.
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juicy details...
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pacific calls the next day for the
How was the big night?
She Says: We had a blast. The Oceanaire was beautiful and the service was phenomenal. Everybody was incredibly friendly. Afterward, we went to the Bitter End for a drink, and then to Jimmy Love’s, where we danced to 80s music. After that we ended up at some late night Mexican food place, because Matt was hungry. It was fun to fly by the seat of our pants.
He Says: The food at the Oceanaire was amazing. We had our own booth back in the corner where it was private and easy for us to talk. We finished our meals, had a drink or two, and then took off. We bounced around to a few more places downtown, had a few more drinks and danced. The whole date was really fun. Better than most dates I’ve been on recently.
What about the conversation? She says: We spent about 50% of the night talking about sex, and it was an 11-hour date. I’m fascinated that he’s an endurance athlete. Neither of us is interested in having children, and it’s unusual to find that.
He says: Va-jay-jay was the topic of the night. I didn’t expect Jenn to have such an open personality. She’s a partner in a sex toy company, and that surprised me.
aw shucks, the conclusion What made the couple kiss at the restaurant? Was it the romantic gondola ride and serenade? Was it the champagne? Was it Jenn’s openness and expertise? One thing it definitely was not was the oysters. It turns out that at least one sex therapist is a vegetarian – Jenn refused to eat the bivalves, so neither of them shucked. PACIFIC’s aphrodisiac experiment will require additional clinical trials. If you have a taste for love, email setmeup@pacificsandiego.
CHOCOLATE OBSESSION I love chocolate! Especially HAIRY chocolate! (adjective)
At DUSK , I melt it into my BEER . After (time of day)
(a beverage)
lunch, I ususally COAX
a few pieces off a bar
(verb)
and put them onto my KNEE . Did you know (body part)
that chocolate is also a SCARY
aphrodisiac?
(adjective)
My lover and I used it last night while WORKING.
Was there chemistry? She says: It didn’t take us too long to feel comfortable around each other. I like Matt’s comfort level with himself and his confidence. I think the level of attraction was very high.
(verb ending in “ing”)
He Says: It seemed like she was attracted to me, but we let ourselves have fun regardless of whether we felt any real chemistry between us. I don’t think romance was a factor, unfortunately.
I poured some on his VA-JAY-JAY and then (body part)
LOVED
(verb ending in “ed”)
it off. Then we DANCED
all night
(verb ending in “ed”)
long!
Kiss and Tell? She says: We started making out in the restaurant and we were kissing throughout the night.
He says: Making out in the restaurant? Who said that happened? There might have been a goodnight kiss.
How did the night end? She says: At around 2:30, we took a cab back to my place, and then Matt’s roommate came and picked him up. We both ended up going to the Shore Club, in Pacific Beach, with our friends the next morning to watch the Chargers game. There was definitely a different feel then. We were laughing about the night, but we weren’t making out anymore. That’s when he asked for my number. I think I’d go out with Matt again.
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He says: I got a ride home at around 3:00. We actually ended up at the same place the next morning to watch the Chargers play. Before the game ended I walked over to Jenn, and we chatted for a bit. I don’t think there was any chemistry between us at that moment. We have each other’s contact information, but going out again is not something we really discussed.
What’s so funny? This is the questionnaire that Jenn filled out with Matt’s answers. The page and the handwriting have been digitally re-created to make the story legible. Get your own “Twisted Tales” book at Dr. Loves, drloves.com THANK YOU! PACIFIC thanks the courteous crew at Loews Coronado Bay Resort for their gracious hospitality and friendly service. Treat your love to San Diego’s most romantic dating experience: a ride aboard the Gondola Company’s Venetian vessels, followed by a perfect dining experience at the Oceanaire Seafood Room. loewscoronado.com » 619.424.4000 gondolacompany.com » 619.429.6317 theoceanaire.com » 619.858.2277
T:2.5 in
FEB.20 C AL E N D A R
[ CONCERT ]
2/18: Tribute to Reggae Legends Formerly Bob Marley Day Festival. San Diego Sports Arena, sandiegoarena.com 2/23: D.L. Hughley A member of the Original Kings of Comedy. 4th and B, 4thandB.com 2/24: Bone Thugs-N-Harmony The harmonizing ghetto foursome is back. House of Blues, hob.com 2/25: Marilyn Manson House of Blues, hob.com
[ ART / FILM ] T:9.875 in
2/2: Brazil Carnaval 2008 Non-stop dancing, fun, feathers and music. 4th and B, 4thandB.com 2/4: WycLEf Jean Haitian musician, former member of The Fugees. House of Blues, hob.com 2/7: Bedouin Soundclash Canadian reggae music. Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com 2/8: 40 Ounces to Freedom Sublime Tribute Band ‘Canes Bar & Grill, canesbarandgrill.com
2/1 – 2/29: Museum Month Visit more than 30 participating institutions at half-price admission. Balboa Park, balboapark.com 2/21: Robert Irwin: MCASD/UCSD 2008 Russell Lecture Irwin was the first artist to receive a MacArthur Fellowship (“genius”) award in 1984. Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, mcasd.com 2/21: Pop Thursdays Harold and Maude This classic movie event blends photography and film with drinks and music. The Museum of Photographic Arts, mopa.org
[ THEATRE ]
2/10: The Wallflowers Well-known in the 90s, The Wallflowers are a Grammy-Award–winning rock band. Pala Casino, palacasino.com 2/14: George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic Share an evening with one of the creators of urban soul, funk and rock. Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com
dpnjoh! tppo vojwfstbmijmmdsftu/dpn
2/15: Fabolous Rapper who in the past has teamed up with Nate Dogg and Christina Milian. DreamCatcher Lounge, viejas.com
2/1 – 2/17: Dance Collage 2008 – Moved to Dance The San Diego Civic Dance Company presents this annual dance performance. Balboa Park, balboapark.com
008
[ SPORTS / FITNESS ]
2/2: Super Run, 10K Run, & 5K Run/Walk Kick off Super Bowl Weekend with some exercise to benefit the San Diego Surf Lifesaving Association. kathyloperevents.com/superrun
[ MISC. ] 2/2: groundhog day 2/8 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2/10: Tet Festival Celebrate the Vietnamese New Year with entertainment, food and drinks. Balboa Park, sdtet.com 2/12 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2/17: Night Moves, SAN DIEGO Wild Animal Park Get up close and personal with the animals. Wild Animal Park, sandiegozoo.org
Since 1947. Celebrating 61 Years of Successful Selection and Service.
2/14 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2/16: Global Pet Expo The pet industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest annual trade show. Convention Center, globalpetexpo.org
2/9: Remodel Your Body Challenge for Autism Addieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Personal Training Studio invites San Diegans to lose weight and fight autism. addiesstudio.com 2/16: Total Combat Xtreme Cage Fighting Violence at its finest. 4th and B, 4thandB.com
[ OUTDOORS ] 2/2: Little Italy Carnevale The fun-filled event includes mask and costume competitions and entertainment. Little Italy, littleitalysd.com 2/5: Gaslamp Quarter Mardi Gras Celebrate Fat Tuesday with parades, food, music and of course beads. Gaslamp Quarter, gaslamp.org 2/5: Hillcrest Mardi Gras Come to Hillcrest for dancing in the street, food and a beer garden. Hillcrest, hillcrestmardigras.org 2/16 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2/17: Chinese New Year Celebration Celebrate the Year of the Rat with Chinese music and exciting performances. Asian Historic Thematic District, asianpacificdistrict.org 2/23: Heritage Day Festival and Parade Festival honors the heritages and cultures represented in San Diego. heritagedayparade.org
1/31 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2/4: Circus Vargas Enjoy the circus with both human and animal stars. Balboa Park, circusvargas.org
[ PLANNING AHEAD ] 3/07: Bob Saget Get ready to laugh at the unexpectedly blunt humor of the previous host of Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Funniest Home Videos. 4th and B, 4thandB.com
SUBMIT YOUR UPCOMING EVENT LISTINGS TO CALENDAR@PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM
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T H I N K
Bissextile Day 29 Things to do on February 29
In celebration of Bissextile Day, (aka Leap Year Day), we offer these cool suggestions for things you should consider doing every four years or so. 1 | Apologize to your Valentine for the lame gift. 2 | Bleach your teeth. 3 | Celebrate your youth. If you are a leapling (bissextile baby), even though you were born in 1972, you’ve had only nine birthdays. 4 | Leap everywhere you go. 5 | Make plans for Bissextile Day 2012. 6 | Register to vote in the presidential election. They almost always happen during Leap Years. 7 | Say “I don’t.” In Greece, it’s bad luck to marry in a leap year. 8 | Visit Anthony, Texas The self-proclaimed Leap Year Capital of the World. 9 | set your TiVo for the summer Olympics. 10 | Rotate your tires. 11 | Forget to show up for work. Blame your antique watch for not having a Feb. 29. 12 | Get your eyes checked. 13 | Organize your sock drawer. 14 | Sign up to participate in a PACIFIC Magazine blind date. Email: setmeup@pacificsandiego.com. 15 | Make Leap Year resolutions. They’re more likely to stick when they don’t start on January 1.
21 | Yell, “T.G.I. Leap Year.” Then refill up your fat stores with stuffed potato skins at Fridays. 22 | Make sure your software is LY2K8 compliant. 23 | Change your smoke detector batteries. 24 | Buy an ad in PACIFIC Magazine Call 858.274.1111 to improve your business. 25 | Check out the last day of Museum Month. Visit 30 participating museums for half-price. balboapark.com
17 | Get ready for March Madness.
26 | Trade in you boyfriend for the latest model. The new ones are more fuel efficient and offer reduced emissions.
18 | Quit smoking!
27 | Give hugs to 29 people whom you’ve never met.
19 | Party like it happens only once every four years.
28 | Read stupid lists. If you can find one.
20 | Ask him to marry you. According to 5th-century Irish tradition, women may make marriage proposals only during leap years.
29 | Join G-Dub in holding out hope for February 30. In a public speech, Dubya said “These are the actual results for the fiscal year that ended February 30th.” Four more years!
16 | Play leap frog.
PHOTO BY DON DIAZ. On HEr: Tanks by James Perse, at Bloomingdale’s; Skirt by Piazza Sempione at Sak’s Fifth Avenue, $630; Earrings by Lush at Rex on him: Seersucker Shorts by Michael Kors, $145; Red Lacoste Polo by Lacoste at Bloomingdale’s, $75
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bar » restaurant nightclub » lounge
FRIDAYS:
HAPPY HOUR 4-9 PM... $2 DRINKS COMPLIMENTARY APPETIZERS TUESDAYS: $10.95 Lobster Tail or Alaskan King Crab Legs or Pacific Rim Salmon Filet $3 Cocktails
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945 Garnet Ave. » Pacific Beach » 858.274.4833 » JohnnyVsd.com » VIPs: Amy@JohnnyVsd.com