BEYONCÉ
AND JAY-Z ARE ON THE RUN IN SAN DIEGO, SEPT. 27
INSIDE
KAABOO takes over Del Mar, 16 new restaurants, plus events, concerts, art exhibitions, performances, contest giveaways and brews to try September 2018
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EDITOR’S NOTE Volume #12 | Issue #09 | September 2018
Get up and get out The sun is setting on summer, but not on cool events coming to San Diego. In fact, September just might be the busiest month we’ve seen this season. The month is bookended by Labor Day weekend and the kickoff of Oktoberfest events. There’s the high-flying Miramar Air Show, a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb fundraiser, Indie Fest and Cardiff Greek Festival to name a few. For the athletic types out there, the Rock the Bay San Diego Triathlon and Ironman 70.3 Superfrog go down on the same day in mid-September. And, with news breaking over the summer about LeBron James signing with the Lakers, the team plays its first preseason game right here in San Diego against the Denver Nuggets. Nobody ever said this was a boring town — and if they did, well, clearly they were wrong. But no mention of great September San Diego events would be complete without naming the most noteworthy of them all: KAABOO and, of course, the cover girl
PH OTO BY CHRISTOPH ER POLK/G ETTY IMAGES
herself, Beyoncé (who will perform here with hubby Jay-Z). If you have never been to KAABOO, it’s unlike any other festival I’ve attended. The combination of music, art, comedy and food makes for a sensory overload of the best kind. Every one of your five senses is awakened during the three-day event, which goes down Sept. 14-16. After listening to your favorite musicians (hear), stop by the Palate area to smell (yeah, that’s a sense) what’s cooking before enjoying a bite and a swig (taste), or watch (sight) artists create live works of art around the San Diego Fairgrounds before catching a set of comedy where you’ll ROTFL (touch). Read more about the annual mixperience festival, including its headliners, on page 26. And Beyoncé. What can be said about Beyoncé that hasn’t already been said before? The woman commands attention and gets it from all corners of the world. She has, after all, a collective 194,723,667 followers across three major social media platforms (and who knows how many more since those numbers were first totaled before writing this letter). Queen Bey, as she is affectionately known, will take to the stage here at SDCCU Stadium (formerly Qualcomm) with her powerhouse husband, Jay-Z, who graced PACIFIC’s cover just this past December. Read more about the pair and their OTRII tour on page 82. So, what will you get up to this month, San Diego? I sure hope it won’t be sitting around on your couch — unless, of course, it’s because you’re exhausted from having fun at all these cool events.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / DIGITAL DIRECTOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR MANAGING EDITOR DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY COPY EDITOR
Leslie Hackett Kenny Boyer Jennifer Ianni John McCutchen Monica Hodes-Smail
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Michael Benninger, Lisa Deaderick, James Hebert, Pam Kragen, Scott McDonald, Peter Rowe, George Varga
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
David Brooks, Brian Fontaine, Isiah Jones, Rick Nocon, James Tran
VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES MULTIMEDIA ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES DISTRIBUTION MANAGER
Paul Ingegneri Lisa Marsolais, Laura J. Schwartz, Alyson Tietze Greg Johannsen
Cheers, Reach America’s finest readers via print, web, social, email, street team and events. Read, click, connect... BOOM! PACIFIC is a media property owned by The San Diego Union-Tribune.
Leslie Hackett leslie@pacificsandiego.com
pacif icsandiego.com
@PACIFICSD 619.296.6300
A subsidiary of The San Diego Union-Tribune
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SEPTEMBER 2018 @PACIFICSD
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It’s a Gift
Actually, it’s a bunch of prizes
Register to win tickets to these September events and more at pacificsandiego.com/contests. Life’s cool in San Diego. Here’s proof:
Good Taste
Sample bites from more than 40 of downtown’s best eateries at the 26th annual Taste of Downtown. Make your mouth happy by winning a pair of tickets to this epicurean event. Sept. 13 throughout East Village, downtown and the Gaslamp.
Pretty Funny
You may have seen stand-up comedian Kate Quigley doing sets at illustrious comedy joints including Hollywood Improv or the Laugh Factory, or on television shows like The Office and The Megan Mullally Show, or maybe you caught her hosting the 2016 Adult Video News Awards (we’re not judging). Win a pair of tickets to catch her when she performs in San Diego this month. Sept. 13 at American Comedy Co.
You Make It Easy
Country singer Jason Aldean, whose most recent album release came in April, nears the end of his High Noon Neon tour when he heads to SoCal this month. Enter for a chance to win tickets to his upcoming San Diego stop. Sept. 20 at Mattress Firm Amphitheatre
EDM, Italian Style
Italian-born DJ/producer Benny Benassi has been entertaining EDM fans for over a decade — and he’s collaborated with mega-stars like Madonna, Chris Brown and David Bowie, to name a few. Win a pair of tickets and VIP entry to his upcoming San Diego show. Sept. 28 at OMNIA San Diego
Chest Intentions
The good folks at Green Flash are continuing the important work of supporting breast cancer research with the eighth annual Green Flash Treasure Chest Beer + Food Fest, a rare beer and food pairing event with proceeds going to Susan G. Komen San Diego. Win a pair of tickets to drink some beer and do some good. Sept. 30 at Green Flash Brewing Co.
Register to win at pacificsandiego.com/contests 10
SEPTEMBER 2018 @PACIFICSD
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CONTENTS
ON THE COVER: The queen, BeyoncĂŠ, graces San Diego with her presence when she performs at SDCCU Stadium with husband Jay-Z as part of their OTRII world tour on Sept. 27. Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for TIDAL. Read more on p. 82. ON THIS PAGE: Lead singer Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine. See the band perform at Viejas Arena on Sept. 23. Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Spotify. See more concert listings on p. 70.
SEPTEMBER 2018
CURRENTS 18 Nine.Eighteen Events calendar 36 Laughing Stock September stand-up comedy shows PULSE 40 Art Beat September gallery + exhibition openings 48 Curtain Calls September performing arts preview 50 The Reel Deal September motion picture preview 52 Spotted Where locals were seen in August
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TASTE 54 On the Fly 16 new bar and restaurant openings around San Diego 66 Full Plate September food and drink events 68 Take it From the Tap A monthly taste of beer from here
GROOVE 70 Sounds Like a Plan September concert calendar 84 Take a Spin Upcoming EDM + DJ performances LOVE 88 In Distill of the Night Local singles liquor up before a swanky dinner downtown
PACIFIC HIGHLANDS D E NTIS TRY AND ORTH O D O N T I C S
TO DINE FOR.
WESTROOT AMICI'S RISTOBAR PA N E R A FRESH BROTHER’S PIZZA LUNA GRILL WO KO U BREAKFAST REPUBLIC CASA RÚSTICA C A L I F O R N I A TA C O C O M PA N Y C O M I N G
S O O N
CURRENTS WHAT’S HAPPENING RIGHT NOW BY MICHAEL BENNINGER
9.14 SECOND ANNUAL SWOOP FREESTYLE FAI WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS Embarcadero Marina Park, downtown swoopfreestyle.com If you’re in search of a fresh adrenaline rush, this relatively new, internationally accredited action sport unites the world’s best aerial athletes while creating a visual experience spectators are certain to remember. ABOVE PHOTO BY JOHN EHBRECHT
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SEPTEMBER 2018 @PACIFICSD
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CURRENTS | EVENTS
9.7-9 THIRD ANNUAL BEACH POLO CUP Hotel Del Coronado, Coronado, hoteldel.com Fifty horses and polo players from far and wide compete in four matches during this lavish, threeday event boasting boutiques, hat contests and informal fashion modeling. PHOTO BY HOWARD LIPIN
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SEPTEMBER 2018 @PACIFICSD
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CURRENTS | EVENTS
9.8 9/11 MEMORIAL STAIR CLIMB Hilton San Diego Bayfront, downtown, sandiegostairclimb.com Raising awareness for the sacrifices made by firefighters and their families, this 110-story climb commemorates the 403 emergency responders who lost their lives 17 years ago on Sept. 11. PHOTO BY BILL WECHTER
9.8
9.8
SOUTH BAY PRIDE
EPIC OBSTACLE COURSE
Bayside Park, Chula Vista, southbaypride.org Celebrate love, equality and South Bay enthusiasm at this free event highlighting live bands, DJs and dancing along with artisans, adult beverages and an array of beachy activities.
Fiesta Island, Mission Bay, epicseriesocr.com Forget about mud and long distances on this unorthodox obstacle course that challenges locals to compete in one of three races, ranging from the relatively easy to the absurdly difficult.
PHOTO BY HOWARD LIPIN
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SEPTEMBER 2018 @PACIFICSD
R E A L E STAT E M A R K E T WATC H
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DOWNTOWN MARKET UPDATE # of homes for sale: 328 # of homes sold: 63 (July) Highest price: $2,500,000 Lowest price: $270,000 Average price: $837,445
Moving into the 3rd quarter, the market is remaining strong however an increasing number of days on the market is occurring throughout the county and average market times are on the rise. Interest rates are still steady and more inventory is coming on so we should see a pickup of additional sales through September and October. Niche neighborhoods still have multiple offers and short market times so the overall market feel is still on the rise and trending upwards.
MELISSA GOLDSTEIN TUCCI
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CURRENTS | EVENTS
9.8 INDIE JAM 2018 Junior Seau Pier Amphitheatre, Oceanside, alt949.radio.com Featuring Dirty Heads, Bishop Briggs and lovelytheband, this year’s Indie Jam promises to be the most unforgettable one yet.
9.8-9 9.8 EIGHTH ANNUAL SAN DIEGO BLUES FESTIVAL Marina Embarcadero North, downtown, sdbluesfest.com Outstanding acts provide head-bobbing blues tunes at this revered event that raises funds to support San Diego’s battle against hunger. PHOTO BY JON NAUGLE
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40TH ANNUAL CARDIFF GREEK FESTIVAL Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, cardiffgreekfestival.com Munch on mouthwatering Greek food and pastries while award-winning musicians and folk dancers perform alongside cooking demonstrations, beer presentations and many other Mediterranean delights.
R E A L E STAT E M A R K E T WATC H
DOWNTOWN, 92101 3 BD | 2.5 BA | 2,981 SQ FT | $2,919,900 Sweeping walls of glass offer dramatic views of the San Diego Bay, Balboa Park and Pacific Ocean from this beautiful luxury penthouse. Enjoy private elevator entry, 2 generous balconies, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, tremendous great room & chefs kitchen for entertaining. This former model home features include travertine & gleaming hardwood floors, electric window coverings, custom lighting & wall treatments & built-in closets. Occupying the entire north half of the tower, the floor to ceiling 10 ft windows amplify light and make for amazing views in every direction. Experience downtown living at its finest in this almost 3000 sf residence perched high in the sky. Chefs kitchen includes commercial size Sub Zero Fridge, Wolf Range with hood, 100+ bottle wine storage, large pantry & wet bar set-up for making your favorite cocktails. Live it up with oversized master bedroom retreat complete with oversized walk in closet & spa inspired bathroom. Sapphire Tower is a boutique high-rise tower with only 97 residences that enjoy the exclusivity of not being a high traffic tower. Located just 2 blocks from the San Diego Bay and 1 block from Little Italy, the location is ideal for walking to restaurants, shops, bars and is close to the airport, golf, shopping, Balboa Park and more. To preview the property check out www.welcometosandiego.com/sapphire2701 1262 Kettner Blvd #2701, San Diego CA 92101
DOWNTOWN MARKET UPDATE # of homes for sale: 332 # of homes sold: 59 (July) Highest price: $2,500,000 Lowest price: $270,000 Average home price: $525,000
There are currently 363 properties on the market right now in 92101. Last year at this same time, there were 247 properties for sale. This represents a 32% increase in inventory which indicates we are moving from a strong seller’s market more towards a balanced market in which buyers and sellers find themselves with equal advantages. In the lower priced properties, we’re still seeing good sales activity. At the same time properties in the $1.75m and above range are seeing much less activity than this time last year so the best opportunities for buyers in the market appear to be in the more expensive properties.
Chad@DanneckerandAssociates.com | @welcometosandiego.com #welcometosandiego | @WelcometoSD 875 G St., Ste. 108, San Diego, CA 92101
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619.356.3099
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BRE#01459513
CHAD DANNECKER WELCOME TO SAN DIEGO REAL ESTATE - DANNECKER & ASSOCIATES
CURRENTS | EVENTS
9.14-16
KAABOO DEL MAR Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Del Mar, kaaboodelmar.com
The SoCal mixperience festival returns for the fourth year with three days of gourmet cuisine, craft libations and an entertainment lineup that’s certain to appeal to all five senses. Here’s a glimpse of what’s to come in each of the four main weekend experiences: Music: This year’s headliners include Foo Fighters (Friday), Imagine Dragons (Saturday), Katy Perry, and Robert Plant (both Sunday), but also of note are Halsey, N.E.R.D and Wiz Khalifa. Keep an eye out for current and former San Diego performers including Jewel, Elise Trouw, Creature Canyon and Shane Hall. “As with every year of KAABOO,” said Jason Felts, the festival’s chief brand and marketing officer, “we try and have an equal focus on today’s hit-makers and iconic, bucket-list artists who have a catalog of songs our guests would love to hear live.”
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Comedy: Bringing the laughs this year will be Judd Apatow, Craig Ferguson, Kevin Nealon, and Iliza Shlesinger amongst others. Palate: A who’s who of A-list celebrity chefs will be in attendance this year, including Michael Mina, Ludo Lefebvre, Marc Forgione, Michelle Bernstein and Daniela Soto-Innes who will be on hand during a variety of tastings, cooking demos and competitions. Familiar faces from San Diego include Richard Blais (Juniper & Ivy, Crack Shack) and Brian Malarkey (Herb & Wood). Artwork: Adding a pop of color to the festival will be returning San Diego-based artists Christopher Konecki and Carly Ealey, as well as Amandalynn, Cryptik, Gloria Muriel and a host of others working on murals and installations around the festival, as well as exhibiting artwork at the contemporary art fair. George Varga contributed to this article.
HAVING ‘NIGHT VISIONS’ CHART-TOPPING IMAGINE DRAGONS BRINGS HITS TO DAY 2 OF SEASIDE FESTIVAL BY GEORGE VARGA
PHOTO BY JEROD HARRIS/GETTY IMAGES
KAABOO Del Mar’s Saturday, Sept. 15, headlining act, Imagine Dragons, has been setting records almost since the moment this four-man band’s debut album dropped in 2012. Indeed, Night Visions became the highest-charting debut album by any rock act since 2006, thanks to the hit singles Radioactive and Demons. Both those songs spent more than a year on the Billboard Hot 100 national sales charts. So did last year’s Believer, making Imagine Dragons the first act in any musical genre to have three separate songs stay on the charts for more than 52 weeks each in the 60-year history of the Hot 100.
BIG SALES, BIG ACCOLADES
OPPOSITE PAGE: OVERVIEW BY HAYNE PALMOUR IV; KATY PERRY BY EFE/TONY MCDONOUGH; FOO FIGHTERS BY GARETH CATTERMOLE/GETTY IMAGES; IMAGINE DRAGONS BY XAVI TORRENT/REDFERNS THIS PAGE (FROM TOP): TOP THREE PHOTOS BY BRADLEY SCHWEIT; FOURTH PHOTO BY MISAEL VIRGEN.
Over the past six years, Imagine Dragons has sold millions of albums and its songs have been streamed billions of times. The band’s 2014 Best Rock Performance Grammy Award win (for Radioactive) saw them beat out Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Queens of the Stone Age and Jack White. That year’s Grammy telecast featured the band performing with hip-hop superstar Kendrick Lamar, with whom the band scored further success on their joint remix version of Radioactive. Imagine Dragons has topped the bill at
numerous festivals around the world. The band has also topped the Billboard rock charts, alternative charts and adult pop charts — and scored an EDM hit in more than two dozen countries with Born to be Yours, the group’s recent collaboration with Kygo.
AVOIDING BOXES
“As far as the word ‘genre’ goes, for me, it just sounds like a limit,” singer Dan Reynolds told PACIFIC in a recent interview. “I don’t want someone to tell me I have to put a guitar in every song and it has to be distorted and upfront. That sounds incredibly boring and claustrophobic to me. That’s why, lately, I’ve pleased with people to not expect us to pave some road for rock ’n’ roll. I don’t want to be seen as the place-holder for rock. I don’t. It’s such claustrophobic thing for me and we never asked for that position. What we want to do is create music.”
SOCIAL SCENE
Facebook: 13,369,352 followers Twitter: 5,990,845 followers Instagram: 4,095,353 followers YouTube: 13,101,035 subscribers
@PACIFICSD
SEPTEMBER 2018
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CURRENTS | EVENTS
9.14-16 SAN DIEGO BAYFAIR In and around Mission Bay, sandiegobayfair.org Five days of friends, fireworks and fast boats will be at this high-energy celebration along the water. PHOTO BY DON BOOMER
9.16
9.16
ROCK THE BAY SAN DIEGO TRIATHLON
IRONMAN 70.3 SUPERFROG
Fifth Avenue Landing, downtown, rockthebaytri.com This downtown triathlon is back with rock bands, a boardwalk swim entry and a unique cycling course traversing Harbor Drive and concluding with a run along Embarcadero Marina Park.
Imperial Beach, ironman.com Run, swim and cycle as never before during this annual halfIronman that starts and ends in Imperial Beach, with a bike ride along part of Coronado’s Silver Strand.
PHOTO BY ENDURANCE SPORTS PHOTO
PHOTO BY LOUIS P. ROBERTO
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SEPTEMBER 2018 @PACIFICSD
CURRENTS | EVENTS
9.22 MAGIC MEN LIVE! House of Blues, Gaslamp Quarter magicmenlive.com The premier ladies’ night concert experience returns to San Diego to forever change the way women think about male revue shows.
9.22-23 ARTWALK CARLSBAD Armada Drive, Carlsbad, artwalksandiego.org Making its debut in North County, this fine art festival that’s part of the ArtWalk brand unites factions from around San Diego while promoting the experience of owning one-of-a-kind art.
9.22-23 PACIFIC ISLANDER FESTIVAL Ski Beach, Mission Bay, pifasandiego.com Immerse yourself in the culture of the indigenous people of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia during this annual celebration of the Pacific Islander lifestyle.
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SEPTEMBER 2018 @PACIFICSD
Outstanding oceanfront dining in the heart of Del Mar. Since 1968.
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on the airwaves Every month PACIFIC teams up with Facebook group Eating and Drinking in San Diego to bring podcast listeners the latest and greatest on San Diego’s food and drink scenes. You can find Dish It Up and Kiss My Glass on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month on your preferred podcasting platform. Here’s what to keep your eyes and ears open for in September.
Dish It Up on Sept. 10 with guest Karen Barnett of Small Bar
Kiss My Glass on Sept. 24 with guest Christian Siglin of the soon-to-open Fernside
For more information or to find a location near you, visit sprouts.com 14645
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SEPTEMBER 2018
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CURRENTS | EVENTS
9.22-23 VISTA VIKING FESTIVAL Norway Hall, Vista, vistavikingfestival.com Hurl spears, throw axes and amble through living history encampments, all while experiencing what Viking life was actually like in its heyday. PHOTO BY KRYZTINA SCHIFF
9.25-30 GI FILM FESTIVAL Various theaters around the city, gifilmfestivalsd.org Cinephiles with an appreciation for the military won’t want to miss this film festival that focuses on movies affiliated with the nation’s armed forces. PHOTO BY LORI LUM
9.26
9.28-29
DR. NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON: AN ASTROPHYSICIST GOES TO THE MOVIES
POWAY RODEO
San Diego Civic Theatre, downtown sandiegotheatres.org Everyone’s favorite astrophysicist dissects the science featured in many of pop culture’s signature sci-fi films. PHOTO BY MICHAEL CAMPANELLA/GETTY IMAGES
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SEPTEMBER 2018 @PACIFICSD
Poway Rodeo, Poway, powayrodeo.com Celebrating the culture of the Old West, this competitive event includes rodeo clowns, steer wrestling and a traditional dance on both nights. PHOTO BY REED SETTLE
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P HOTO BY N E LVI N C . C E P E DA
CURRENTS | EVENTS
9.28-30 MCAS MIRAMAR AIR SHOW MCAS Miramar East Gate, Miramar miramarairshow.com The nation’s largest military air show performs above MCAS, while an exhibit of past and present aircraft — along with an extensive array of ground-combat equipment — offers enthusiasts an insider’s glimpse of wartime weapons.
9.29-30 37TH ANNUAL ADAMS AVENUE STREET FAIR Adams Avenue, Normal Heights adamsavenuebusiness.com With six stages, 80 musical acts and more than 300 arts, crafts and clothing merchants, SoCal’s largest, free two-day music festival returns with beer gardens, carnival rides and festival food than ever before.
PADRES HOME GAMES
9.1-2 VS. COLORADO ROCKIES 9.14-16 VS. TEXAS RANGERS 9.17-19 VS. SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS 9.28-30 VS. ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
PHOTO BY G REG ORY BULL/AP
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WAIT, THERE’S MORE! FIND FOOD + DRINK EVENTS ON PAGE 64.
SEPTEMBER 2018 @PACIFICSD
PHOTO BY WALLY SKALIJ / LOS ANGELES TIMES
SPORTS
9.30
LOS ANGELES LAKERS VS. DENVER NUGGETS Valley View Casino Center, Sports Arena nba.com/lakers The game has long been sold out (signing LeBron James to the Lakers greatly accelerated ticket sales), but this preseason meeting between the two teams could be the first time for fans to catch King James in his new Pacific division uniform.
CURRENTS
Laughing Stock
September Stand-up Roundup BY MICHAEL BENNINGER
8.31-9.2 JEFF GARLIN @ The Comedy Store, thecomedystore.com/la-jolla
My wife is not my soulmate. She’s not. I love her, I’m not going anywhere, but she’s not my soulmate. I don’t think your soulmate should be constantly disappointed in you. I don’t think your soulmate should say, ‘If I had the chance to do it all over again, I’d pick the complete opposite of you.’ —Jeff Garlin in Young & Handsome PHOTO BY NICHOLAS HUNT/GETTY IMAGES
8.31-9.1 JUSTIN BERKMAN @ Pechanga, pechanga.com
Here’s the message for you ladies here tonight, and I don’t want you to get offended. I don’t want you to get offended. But I want all you ladies here tonight to realize that none of you actually are princesses. I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry! I understand, though, why a lot of girls think that, I get it, I understand. ’Cuz I know girls like, when you’re four or five years old, your mommy or daddy is like, ‘Baby girl, you’re a princess. You are a princess.’ But then you girls believe that when you’re 35 years old. Like, you’d never see a 35-year-old guy walk into a room and be like, ‘I’m Spider-Man! I am Spider-Man!’ —Justin Berkman on All In
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9.6 MARIA BAMFORD @ American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com
I used to work in an office, and I miss the excitement. I miss the excitement of waking up every day, I didn’t know if I was going to file something, or type something, or file something I just typed! —Maria Bamford at Just for Laughs PHOTO BY ANDREW CHIN/GETTY IMAGES
9.6 PAULA POUNDSTONE @ The David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre, sdcjc.org
I’m kind of excited because I’m a million dollars in debt. Now, that’s not the exciting part, but it does feel good just to say it. I’ll tell ya something about being a million dollars in debt: Once you hit a million, it feels kinda good. I mean, if I were a hundred thousand dollars in debt, I’d be working my ass off right now, because I’d have a shot at paying it back. But once you’re a million dollars in debt, it’s just like, well, who’s kidding who here? Does anybody that loans to me really expect to get it back? The kids’ll say to me, ‘Can we go to DisneyLand?’ I say, ‘I don’t see why not.’ —Paula Poundstone on Look What the Cat Dragged In PHOTO BY EARL GIBSON III/GETTY IMAGES
9.7-8 PAUL REISER @ The Comedy Store, thecomedystore.com/la-jolla
Marriage is just an elaborate game that allows two selfish people to periodically feel that they’re not. —Paul Reiser in Couplehood PHOTO BY FRAZER HARRISON/GETTY IMAGES
@PACIFICSD
SEPTEMBER 2018
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CURRENTS | COMEDY
9.7-9 AFFION CROCKETT @ American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com
I’ll be the first to say it: Hollywood can be a little bit racist. Just a little bit. Case in point: We’ve had about five Batmans. Not one black actor has played Batman. Keep in mind, Batman is a black bat. We can’t get a brother to play a ni**a bat? Are you serious? Are you serious? Is that we doing? C’mon, man. Even when they put the mask on, they blackface the eyes. Christian Bale has black makeup on his eyes. Don Cheadle wouldn’t need that. We can’t get Idris Elba up in there or something? Terry Crews wouldn’t even need a suit. Just put some pointy ears on him, let him dance his naked ass around Gotham City. — Affion Crockett at Just for Laughs PHOTO BY GREG DOHERTY/GETTY IMAGES
9.13 KATE QUIGLEY @ American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com
Here’s the problem with fake boobs. Let me tell you guys something you might not know. Did you know they could go bad? Yeah, did you know that you can have a runaway boob? OK, my left boob is like a drifter boob. It’s like a f**king lazy eye of t*ts. I’ve had this redone three times, it keeps going bad. I swear to God, you guys, if I wrap it up in a bikini, stick a bra on it, it looks good, right? Take this off? Forrest Whitaker’s face, that’s what happens. — Kate Quigley at the Improv PHOTO BY ETHAN MILLER/GETTY IMAGES
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TO WIN TICKETS, SEE PAGE 10!
9.20-22 RONNY CHIENG @ American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com
You know Chinese people, we invented gunpowder. We invented fireworks. Chinese people, we invented chopsticks. We invited chopsticks because forks are too easy. I don’t know about you, but I enjoy a challenge when I’m doing a daily activity that’s required for my survival. What is that, a spoon? Get that s**t away from me, you p***y. I enjoy drinking soup with two sticks. — Ronny Chieng at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival PHOTO BY BRAD BARKET/GETTY IMAGES
9.22 KEN JEONG @ Pala Casino, palacasino.com
I’ve never seen an Asian vet. Asian veterinarian? Not gonna happen. They’ll eat all their patients. That’s right, I said it. I don’t give a f**k. Think outside the box, bitches. Recognize. Asian vet, get the f**k outta here. They’ll go outta business in a second. — Ken Jeong on 1st Amendment Stand-up PHOTO BY DIMITRIOS KAMBOURIS/GETTY IMAGES
9.27-29 TODD GLASS @ American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com
I had a girl once tell me I looked like John Goodman. I know it upset me because it happened 10 years ago, and I haven’t shut up about it. She goes, ‘You look like John Goodman.’ I was like, ‘What!?’ She goes, ‘Oh, no, a young, thin John Goodman. Like, young and thin.’ That doesn’t make me feel any better. That’s like if I went up to a girl and said, ‘You look like a pig. Oh, no, not a fat pig. A young, thin pig. You know what I mean? Like a hot, smokin’ pig. Like a pig that works out, not a pig in mud.’ — Todd Glass on Just for Laughs PHOTO BY JESSE GRANT/GETTY IMAGES
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PULSE ARTS | COOLTURE ART BEAT BY LISA DEADERICK
9.8-10.6
Ross Jaylo: Blinding Darkness
Distinction Gallery, 317 E. Grand Ave., Escondido 760.707.2770, distinctionart.com An exploration and expression of love on canvas, separate from societal norms and expectations around age, race, gender, class or faith.
The Membrane Series: Chasm 24 by Ross Jaylo
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PULSE Untitled by Faiya Fredman
Art Beat
September gallery + exhibit openings BY LISA DEADERICK
9.1-10.31 BEYOND THE AGE OF REASON San Diego Art Institute 1439 El Prado, Balboa Park 619.236.0011, sandiego-art.org An examination of how faith and contemporary life come together, and how rituals and traditional symbols find their way into popular culture.
9.1-1.13.19 THE STEEL GODDESS: WORKS BY FAIYA FREDMAN, 1998-2018
The Sad Song of Columbine from Roman Allegories by Eleanor Antin
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Oceanside Museum of Art 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside 760.435.3720, oma-online.org With inspiration from life cycles, nature, ancient astronomy and archaeological artifacts, artist Faiya Fredman experiments with new technology and unconventional materials.
9.2-22 OUT OF THE BOX, AN ART EXHIBITION San Diego Watercolor Society 2825 Dewey Rd., Bldg. 202, Liberty Station 619.876.4550, sdws.org Award-winning artist Daniel Foster juries this experimental cash award exhibition, featuring nearly 100 original and ready-to-hang paintings. Sunset in Georgetown by Pablo Reuben Lopez Sanz
Butterlies by June Rubin
9.7 BUTTERFLY DREAMS 9.9-10.21 21ST ANNUAL GALAXY OF GLASS Fallbrook Art Center, 103 S. Main Ave., Fallbrook 760.728.1414, fallbrookartcenter.org More than 20 regional artists have created fine art in the form of glass pieces — including sculptures, jewelry, vases — with a specific point of view, use of technique and design.
June Rubin Studio/Gallery 2690 Historic Decatur Rd., Barracks 19, No. 214, Liberty Station 858.229.4571, junerubin.com Artist June Rubin takes the butterflies from her imagination and places them on canvas.
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PULSE | ART BEAT 9.14-30 ART GLASS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA’S 37TH ANNUAL MEMBERS’ EXHIBITION Spanish Village Art Center 1770 Village Place, Studio 25, Balboa Park 619.702.8006, agasc.org/annual-show.html Categories for prizes include vessels, sculpture, wall art, wearable art, novice and mixed media, along with special categories for coatings and emerging artist.
9.20-2.3.19 BEING HERE WITH YOU/ ESTANDO AQUI CONTIGO: 42 ARTISTS FROM SAN DIEGO AND TIJUANA MCASD Downtown, 1100 and 1001 Kettner Blvd., downtown, 858.454.3541, mcasd.org Artists address the continued artistic exchange between the two cities while also asking questions through their work about issues that include colonialism, the border, feminist and queer politics, public space and public memory, and housing and homelessness.
Cycloramic Ascencion by Raul Moyado
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PULSE | ART BEAT
9.15-10.7 SALVADOR DALI: THE ARGILLET COLLECTION Meyer Fine Art Inc. 2400 Kettner Blvd., Ste. 104, Little Italy, 619.358.9512, meyerfineartinc.com A reportedly rare collection of the collaborative works of original etchings, tapestries and watercolors by Salvador Dali and Pierre Argillet, accompanied by Madame Christine Argillet, the daughter of Dali’s publisher and confidante.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Dali with Argus tapestry; Nude with Garter; Venus in Furs - Leaf Woman; Dali with Christine; Individual - Saint Anne; Flower woman with soft piano; Faust - Marguerite; Faust (Vignettes) - The Magic Circle.
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PULSE | CURTAIN CALLS
9.28 MYSTIC INDIA: THE WORLD TOUR
Curtain Calls
Poway Center for the Performing Arts 15498 Espola Rd., Poway 858.668.4798, powayonstage.org Bollywood lands in Poway with this sprawling celebration of Indian dance, theater, acrobatics and more, part of an international tour.
September performing arts BY JAMES HEBERT
9.1, 2 FOLLIES: IN CONCERT Coronado Playhouse 1835 Strand Ave., Coronado 619.435.4856, coronadoplayhouse.com The past becomes present tense (and sometimes very tense) in the Stephen Sondheim-composed show — staged here in a spare concert version — about a bittersweet reunion in a dilapidated Broadway theater.
9.1-16 SMOKEFALL Backyard Renaissance Theatre Co., La Jolla Playhouse’s Shank Theatre, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, 858.550.1010, backyardrenaissance.com Backyard Renaissance opens its stint as La Jolla Playhouse’s latest resident theater company with Noah Haidle’s defiantly eccentric play about (in part) a paint-eating teenager named Beauty and a pair of singing, joking unborn twins.
9.6-10.21 THE HEART OF 48
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ROCK & ROLL Old Globe Theatre, Shiley Stage, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park 619.234.5623, theoldglobe.org The big news is that the Globe has landed another major new musical with this jukebox show centered around the songs of Huey Lewis and the News, the ’80s-era act whose hits include The Power of Love and Hip to Be Square.
9.6-30 FUN HOME San Diego Rep Lyceum Theatre 79 Horton Plaza, downtown 619.544.1000, sdrep.org The Rep scores a coup with the San Diego premiere of this best-musical Tony Award winner, based on Alison Bechdel’s graphic novel about coming of age — and coming out — in a troubled Pennsylvania household.
9.12-29 CHICAGO Moonlight Stage Productions Moonlight Amphitheatre
1250 Vale Terrace Dr., Vista 760.724.2110, moonlightstage.com We had it comin’: Moonlight revives Kander & Ebb’s deliciously vicious musical about crime, punishment and celebrity in the Windy City of the 1920s.
9.13-10.14 BULL IN A CHINA SHOP Diversionary Theatre 4545 Park Blvd., University Heights. 619.220.0097, diversionary.org Bryna Turner’s fact-based comedy about two early20th-century pioneers of both women’s education and sexual politics gets its local premiere at the LGBTQ-centered Diversionary.
9.22-10.21 HUNDRED DAYS La Jolla Playhouse 2910 La Jolla Village Dr., La Jolla, 858.550.1010, lajollaplayhouse.org This folk-rock musical memoir from the husband-and-wife duo
The Bengsons explores what choices you might make — and chances you might take — if you had just 100 days left to live.
9.28-10.28 YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN San Diego Musical Theatre Horton Grand Theatre 444 Fourth Ave., downtown 858.560.5740, sdmt.org The musical take on Mel Brooks’ bonkers film comedy gets Frankenstein’s monster and his entourage dancing to such tunes as Transylvania Mania and (of course) Puttin’ On the Ritz.
9.28-10.28 GUADALUPE IN THE GUEST ROOM New Village Arts Theatre 2787 State St., Carlsbad 760.433.3245, newvillagearts.org The latest show in NVA’s groundbreaking Teatro Pueblo Nuevo program is the local premiere of Tony Meneses’ play about grief, acceptance and the magical properties of telenovelas.
PULSE | THE REEL DEAL
The Reel Deal September motion picture preview BY MICHAEL BENNINGER
The Nun
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THE NUN
A SIMPLE FAVOR
Pray for forgiveness. Horror | Thriller Directed by: Corin Hardy Starring: Bonnie Aarons, Taissa Farmiga and Charlotte Hope In theaters: 9.7 Set in the same universe as The Conjuring and Annabelle movies, this film focuses on a tortured priest and wannabe nun who risk their lives — and their faiths — after the Vatican sends them to investigate a mysterious suicide in Romania.
What happened to Emily? Mystery | Crime Directed by: Paul Feig Starring: Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively and Henry Golding In theaters: 9.14 When an affluent and enigmatic mother suddenly disappears, a recent acquaintance takes it upon herself to find out what happened to the seemingly wonderful woman she was only beginning to know.
PEPPERMINT The system failed. She won’t. Drama | Thriller Directed by: Pierre Morel Starring: Jennifer Garner, Tyson Ritter and Cailey Fleming In theaters: 9.7 After emerging from a coma to discover her husband and daughter were killed by members of a drug cartel, a vindictive widow exacts her revenge on the evil men who robbed her of a family.
THE PREDATOR The hunt has evolved. Thriller | Sci-Fi Directed by: Shane Black Starring: Boyd Holbrook, Olivia Munn and KeeganMichael Key In theaters: 9.14 In the fourth installment of this longrunning film franchise, a young boy inadvertently invites murderous aliens back to Earth, before a team of former soldiers and a short-tempered science teacher attempt to save the planet on their own.
AMERICAN CHAOS Something felt very wrong, and I needed to find out why. Documentary Directed by: James D. Stern In theaters: 9.14 A political junkie turned documentarian travels across the U.S. in mid-2016 to find out what people in both red and blue states think about the most unconventional presidential candidate in American history.
THE HOUSE WITH A CLOCK IN ITS WALLS The house knows what makes you tick. Fantasy | Mystery Directed by: Eli Roth Starring: Jack Black, Cate Blanchett and Kyle MacLachlan In theaters: 9.21 Immerse yourself in an enchanting realm of secrets and sorcery as a curious orphan is sent to stay with his unorthodox uncle who lives in a house with a cataclysmic device ticking inside its walls.
Not every legend is a tall tale. Fantasy | Musical Directed by: Karey Kirkpatrick Starring: Channing Tatum, James Corden and Zendaya In theaters: 9.28 In a community of abominable snowpeople where humans are considered to be mythical creatures, one Yeti is convinced of their existence and embarks on a journey to prove he’s right.
THE OLD MAN & THE GUN LIFE ITSELF We’re all part of a greater story. Drama | Romance Directed by: Dan Fogelman Starring: Olivia Cooke, Oscar Isaac and Olivia Wilde In theaters: 9.21 Relish in the crazy condition known as human existence in this film that follows a young couple from their first date till their first child, with a focus on how little decisions can affect families for generations.
WHITE BOY RICK Drama | Mystery Directed by: Yann Demange Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Taylour Paige, YG In theaters: 9.14 Set in Detroit during the 1980s, this film tells the true story of a scheming dad whose son followed his lead, transforming from a troublemaking teen into a drug kingpin and undercover FBI informant, all before he was old enough to drive.
SMALLFOOT
NIGHT SCHOOL Comedy Directed by: Malcolm D. Lee Starring: Kevin Hart, Tiffany Haddish and Taran Killam In theaters: 9.28 After a top-selling salesman accidentally incinerates the only place he’s qualified to work, he enrolls in after-hours classes in order to earn his GED and get a new job.
This story is mostly true. Comedy | Crime Directed by: David Lowery Starring: Robert Redford, Casey Affleck and Danny Glover In theaters: 9.28 A happy-golucky bank robber in his late 70s commits a string of robberies after escaping San Quentin State Prison in the adaptation of this true story that Robert Redford has announced will be his final role on film.
HELL FEST It’s fun going in. It’s hell getting out. Thriller | Horror Directed by: Gregory Plotkin Starring: Bex Taylor-Klaus, Amy Forsyth and Reign Edwards In theaters: 9.28 After three young couples enter a harrowing carnival on Halloween night, a masked serial killer murders them one by one, while the park’s patrons think it’s all part of the show.
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Spotted: San Diego
BROOKE EVERS Australian DJ, television personality, dancer and model Brooke Evers spun at the Polo Club pool party at Rooftop by STK at Andaz San Diego on Aug. 5. Photos by Isiah Jones
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DESTINATION SAN DIEGO From adidas Skateboarding and Journeys, Destination San Diego, billed as “an immersive music experience inspired by action sports,” brought together live musical performances from Jay Rock, Famous Dex, Cozy Boyz and Na-kel Smith, art exhibitions, beer gardens, custom merchandise and more on Aug. 11 at Horton Plaza Park. Photos by Brian Fontaine
See more photos of San Diego’s best events at pacificsandiego.com.
¡LATIN FOOD FEST! San Diegans who attended the sixth annual Latin Food Fest at Embarcadero Marina Park enjoyed the spice and festive flavors at this celebration of Latin cuisine on Aug. 18. Photos by Rick Nocon
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TASTE EAT | DRINK | PUFF DINING OUT
BY PAM KRAGEN
16 new bar and restaurant openings around San Diego
LOLA 55, EAST VILLAGE
Set to open in late-August, this fast-casual restaurant concept is the brainchild of restaurateur Frank Vizcarra (Tender Greens) and Jalisco-raised chef Drew Bent (Puesto, Carnitas’ Snack Shack). Lola 55 offers an elevated spin on tacos, including mesquite-grilled carne asada, fish, birria and soyrizo/sweet potato. The 3,200-square-foot restaurant was designed by Bells & Whistles and is located in the new IDEA 1 building. 1290 F St., East Village 619.727.9282, lola55catering.com PHOTO BY SAM WELLS
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TASTE | DINING
AMICI’S RISTOBAR, CARMEL VALLEY
In mid-June, the former Dolce at the Highlands restaurant in Carmel Valley reopened with a new name and menu. Friends (amici in Italian) of former owner Tony Smith, who died unexpectedly last fall at age 57, bought the upscale Italian restaurant from Smith’s widow and refreshed it with a new name, less-formal décor and a lower-priced, more family-friendly menu. Chef Rhoelle Gabriel’s new menu focuses on shareable plates inspired by the cuisine of Southern Italy, including eggplant parmigiana in a jar. There’s also a new children’s menu. It’s open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Pacific Highlands Ranch, 5980 Village Way, Ste. B106, Carmel Valley, 858.847.2740, amicisristobar.com PHOTO BY JIM SULLIVAN
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BLANCO TACOS + TEQUILA, FASHION VALLEY
Slated for a late September opening, this Phoenix-based restaurant/bar takes over the former California Pizza Kitchen space at Fashion Valley. Blanco specializes in fresh Mexican food served in a modern, al fresco setting with a selection of tequila, mezcal, cocktails and margaritas. The menu will feature 11 varieties of tacos, including grilled avocado, braised short rib, machaca and crispy shrimp. Fashion Valley, 7007 Friars Rd., Ste. 901, Mission Valley 619.810.2931, blancotacostequila.com
CASA RÚSTICA, CARMEL VALLEY
A new concept from San Diego restaurateur Johan Engman’s Rise and Shine Restaurant Group is this moderately priced Mexican restaurant that opened in late June in the former Crudo by Pascal Lorange space in the Ranch at Pacific Highlands shopping center. Casa Rústica’s theme is “fun Mex,” serving the traditional Baja-inspired dishes found at restaurants in Old Town San Diego and elsewhere. The menu offers items including fajitas, enchiladas and taco plates and specialties like nopales salad and molé chilaquiles. It offers an in-house wine shop and cocktail program, as well as nightly dinner and drink specials. Weekend brunch service is coming soon. 13490 Pacific Highlands Ranch Pkwy., Carmel Valley 858.356.9915, casarusticasd.com
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TASTE | DINING
CHINATOWN BAR & GRILL,
CITY HEIGHTS Despite its name, this newly-opened neighborhood bar and grill isn’t in Chinatown and doesn’t serve Chinese food. From the owner of Aero Club, Chinatown specializes in gourmet ½-pound Angus beef and veggie burgers, buffalo chicken wings, brioche grilled cheese sandwiches, salads and sides. There’s a full bar with 16 beers on tap. The recently renovated building has a new rooftop patio dining deck. 4727 University Ave., City Heights 619.795.4478, chinatownbarandgrill.com PHOTO BY JAMES M TRAN
DEATH BY TEQUILA, ENCINITAS
Open since mid-July and taking its inspiration from the beachy, local vibe of Encinitas and the fresh, coastal cuisine of Baja, Death by Tequila’s menu was created, in part, by celebrity chef and Top Chef alum Angelo Sosa. Accompanying the menu are more than 100 tequila and 30 mezcal selections, along with Tijuana beers, Valle de Guadalupe wines and a cocktail menu that features drinks like the Los Muertos, made with Milagro Silver tequila, lime, mango and chile ash, served on the rocks. 569 S. Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas 760.230.6108, deathbytequila.com PHOTO BY COLE FERGUSON
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DIN TAI FUNG, WESTFIELD UTC
This wildly popular Taiwan-based mega-chain’s San Diego location was originally scheduled to open in late 2017. It’s now scheduled for a September opening. Din Tai Fung offers a variety of dumplings and noodles at locations in China, Japan, Korea, Thailand and Malaysia, as well as Dubai, Sydney, Seattle, Los Angeles and Orange County. 4301 La Jolla Village Dr., Ste. 2000, La Jolla dintaifungusa.com PHOTO BY CHUNG CHUN HSIEN
TASTE | DINING
GRAND OLE BBQ FLINN SPRINGS, EL CAJON
With a late-August opening, this old-fashioned Central Texas-style barbecue eatery comes from the founder of North Park’s Grand Ole BBQ y Asado. The project is a partnership between Grand Ole owner Andy Harris and the Social Syndicate hospitality group, which operates several restaurants and bars in Ocean Beach. The menu will include barbecued meats, steaks, chili, burgers and sides. Its barbecue smoker was custom-built in Texas. Also expect lots of live music at the venue’s large outdoor space. Check out the July Dish It Up podcast featuring Harris on pacificsandiego.com or wherever you listen to podcasts. 15505 Olde Highway 80, El Cajon, facebook.com/grandolebbqflinnsprings 60 60
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JUAN TEQUILA BAR & RESTAURANT,
GASLAMP QUARTER Juan Tequila opened Aug. 3 in the combined spaces of a former bar and pizzeria in the Gaslamp. The upscale Baja Med-inspired restaurant and bar is owned by Maritza and Daniel BriceĂąo, co-founders of the quick-service El Zarape restaurant brand. The restaurant/lounge is lushly decorated with black brick and wood panel walls, black leather couches and banquettes, chandeliers and rustic tables. 535 Fourth Ave., downtown, 619.458.9455, juantequila.net PHOTO BY JIM SULLIVAN
J/WATA TEMAKI BAR, KEARNY MESA
The latest restaurant concept from Junya Watanabe (RakiRaki Ramen), j/wata is a 22-seat sushi bar specializing in sushi hand rolls. The ingredients are made and served one at a time for peak freshness and feature high-quality ingredients like locally sourced fish, specially harvested seaweed, house craft sauces and Watanabe’s signature sushi rice. The 1,500-square-foot restaurant, which opened in late July, is decorated with custom murals by artist Erwin Papa. 4646 Convoy St., Ste. 103, Kearny Mesa, 858.251.4071, j-wata.com
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TASTE | DINING LITTLE ITALY FOOD HALL
In mid-July, this $2.3 million food hall opened on Little Italy’s new Piazza della Famiglia public square, featuring six quick-service dining stands, a bar and an outdoor beer and wine cart. Tenants include Ambrogio 15, a Milanesestyle pizzeria; Sam “The Cooking Guy” Zien’s Not Not Tacos, serving tortillas stuffed with nontraditional fare like pastrami and meatloaf; Roast Meat & Sandwich Shop serving roasted proteins with veggies; Wicked! Maine Lobster serving lobster and crab rolls; Mein St. Asian Kitchen serving ramen and Asian-style chicken wings; and Single Fin Kitchen, serving ceviche, poke and sushi from Catalina Offshore Products fishmonger Tommy Gomes. 550 W. Date St., Little Italy 619.269.7187, littleitalyfoodhall.com PHOTO BY JOHN GASTALDO
THE PATIO ON 101, ENCINITAS
On June 20, San Diego’s The Patio Group restaurant company expanded its footprint into North County with this indoor/outdoor restaurant and bar in the former Open House Food + Drink location in Encinitas. The family- and dog-friendly patio restaurant serves an American comfort food menu with specialty dishes such as daily seafood specials, ahi poke tacos and happy hour bao bun specials. One of the restaurant’s two bars, Himmelberg’s, is named for owner Gina Champion-Cain’s late friend Joey Himmelberg. A custom-brewed IPA beer named Himmelbrew is on tap inside. 345 S. Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas, 760.209.1274, thepatioon101.com 62 62
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POKE IT, HILLCREST
San Diego’s newest poke restaurant, which opened in June, takes the Hawaiian raw seafood salad known as poke and gives it a Mexican twist. Mexican dishes like tacos, burritos, tostadas and bowls have been adapted with elements of Japanese cuisine by chef Julio Rodriguez. The Chipotle-style build-your-own bar offers options like tuna and octopus burritos, spicy tuna “ricetadas,” chicken teriyaki “riceburgers” (meat sandwiched between compressed rice buns) and more. 690 University Ave., Hillcrest, 619.773.6486, pokeitsd.com
TASTE | DINING
ROUTE 29, GASLAMP NOMAD COFFEE BAR, DOWNTOWN
From the owner of North Park’s Nomad Donuts comes this new lobby coffee bar and take-out café, which opened July 16. The new location serves house-made gourmet, globally inspired doughnuts, bagels, bagel sandwiches, cookies and pastries and gourmet coffee drinks. Service is from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. 701 B St., downtown, 619.431.5000, nomoaddonuts.com PHOTO BY NANCEE E. LEWIS
TOCAYA ORGANICA,
GASLAMP QUARTER AND WESTFIELD UTC This two-year-old L.A.-based organic Mexican restaurant chain opened its first San Diego location July 2 in the Gaslamp, with another scheduled to open in the coming months at Westfield UTC. The Gaslamp location’s two-story, 6,000-square-foot restaurant’s menu, described as a veganforward creative twist on Mexican, uses all organic, locally sourced ingredients for its salads, tacos, bowls and burritos. Non-vegans can dress up their dishes with grass-fed beef, free-range chicken and fresh fish. Tocaya serves housemade aguas frescas, as well as margaritas, beer and wine. GASLAMP 755 Fifth Ave., 619.343.2898 WESTFIELD UTC 4545 La Jolla Village Dr., Ste. 2003 tocayaorganica.com 64 64
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The Golden State is known for its fresh produce, hormone-free farmed meats and award-winning wines. You can get all three at Route 29, so named for the two-lane highway that winds through Napa Valley. The restaurant, which opened in mid-July, serves more than 150 mostly California wines, including 30-plus by the glass. The seasonal and sustainable menu offers vegetable-rich entrees, vegan dishes and specialties like roasted duck confit wings, shiitakerubbed ribeye and crispy California halibut. 644 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.235.8144, route29restaurant.com
Skip the Tailgate Kick off football season with drink deals at Gaslamp’s game day headquarters WEEKEND BRUNCH SPECIALS
(11AM - 3PM)
$15 Bottomless Mimosas with $1 Refills $7 Bloody Marys
THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL SPECIALS (STARTING SEP. 9)
$3 Dos Equis Pints $5 Jameson OR GREEN TEA Shots
WEEKEND GAMEDAY SPECIALS (STARTING SEP. 9)
$5 Jameson or green tea Shots $5 Coors Mugs (Saturdays only) $5 Bud Light and Shock Top Mugs (Sundays only) 322 FIFTH AVE, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101 | (619) 546-9292 | COLDBEERS.COM
TASTE | EVENTS
9.9 10 PERFECT BITES Hotel Republic, downtown friendlyfeast.org This exciting new culinary event celebrates San Diego’s multifaceted food scene with a 10-course tasting menu ranging from light appetizers to decadent desserts, all curated by some of the city’s most creative chefs.
Full Plate
September food + drink happenings BY MICHAEL BENNINGER
9.11 HOPS FOR HEROES BEER FEST Grand Ole BBQ y Asado, North Park roadwarrior.org Get your fill of free food, craft brews and live music at this event featuring auctions and giveaways and benefiting veterans from San Diego’s military community.
9.1 COUNTRY MUSIC BEER FEST Lane Field Park, downtown countrymusicbeer fest.com Kick off Labor Day weekend at this allinclusive, all-American BBQ hosted by 15 of the city’s best pitmasters and offering unlimited whiskey and beer samples while local DJs and country bands provide a hip-swaying soundtrack.
9.6 TASTE OF DEL MAR Del Mar Village, Del Mar visitdelmarvillage.com Indulge in culinary creations from more than 20 of Del Mar’s best restaurants while rocking out to live music and wetting your whistle at 10 instore sip stops located in-between the featured eateries.
9.8 CARLSBAD BREWFEST
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TO WIN TICKETS, SEE PAGE 10!
Throughout Downtown downtownsandiego.org Dig into samples from 40-plus restaurants throughout East Village, City Center and the Gaslamp Quarter on this self-guided restaurant tour showcasing downtown’s best bites.
9.15 AMERICA’S FINEST BBQ STATE CHAMPIONSHIP Crown Point Park, Mission Bay americasfinestbbq.com This inaugural BBQ cook-off invites openfire enthusiasts to ingest boatloads of brisket, pork, ribs and chicken, before washing it all down with craft beer while also witnessing exhilarating boat races and listening to live, local bands.
9.15 TASTE OF SOUTH PARK Throughout South Park southparksd.com An eclectic assortment of restaurants, coffeehouses and bars invites foodies to get their fix during this one-day walkabout to South Park’s most scrumptious spots.
TODD A. JACKSON
Holiday Park, Carlsbad carlsbadbrewfest.org Join 1,000 fellow beer aficionados as you knock back samples from more than 30 craft breweries and cider houses during nearly five hours of music, entertainment and games.
9.13 26TH ANNUAL TASTE OF DOWNTOWN
L I N DA M OO
9.22 24TH ANNUAL SAN DIEGO FESTIVAL OF BEER
9.28-30 45TH ANNUAL LA MESA OKTOBERFEST
Broadway Pier, downtown sdbeerfest.org This indoor-outdoor cancer-fighting fundraiser features live music and unlimited samples from more than 50 different breweries and additionally includes food trucks, merchant booths and entertainment for adults of all ages.
9.23 SEANY’S CHEFS FEST Liberty Station, Point Loma classy.org Spend time with some of San Diego’s leading chefs during this endof-summer food fest that aims to improve the lives of children living with cancer.
TOM CANTWELL
San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park zoofoodandwine.com More than 160 of Southern California’s best vendors, dancers and entertainers convene at the San Diego Zoo for an internationally inspired food-, wine-, and beertasting event offering exotic animal interactions and featuring live entertainment on seven stages.
LORI SA N DSTROM
9.22 SAN DIEGO ZOO FOOD, WINE & BREW FESTIVAL
La Mesa Village, La Mesa, lamesaoktoberfest.org Hold on to your lederhosen as San Diego’s largest Oktoberfest returns to La Mesa with more merchants, entertainers and adult beverages than ever before.
German American Societies, El Cajon germanclubsandiego.org Tantalize your taste buds with authentic German food, beer and booze during two fun-filled weekends featuring a raffle that will award the winner with a flight for two to the Fatherland.
9.30 23RD ANNUAL ENCINITAS OKTOBERFEST Mountain Vista Drive @ El Camino Real, Encinitas encinitasoktoberfest.com Sink your teeth into traditional German fare, and throw back a bevy of authentic German brews during this European-style event that brings Bavarian dancing, traditional tunes and a spectacular street fair featuring more than 200 artisans.
TO WIN TICKETS, SEE PAGE 10!
9.23-30 SAN DIEGO RESTAURANT WEEK Throughout San Diego, sandiegorestaurantweek.com Don’t wait to make reservations at any of the more than 180 local restaurants offering steep discounts on prix fixe menus during this eight-day event.
9.28-10.7 EL CAJON OKTOBERFEST
9.30 EIGHTH ANNUAL GREEN FLASH TREASURE CHEST BEER + FOOD FEST
Green Flash Brewery, Mira Mesa greenflashbrew.com Sip on unlimited samples of rare recipes from Alpine and Green Flash breweries, then learn a thing or two during live culinary demonstrations at this fundraising foodie event benefiting local breast cancer charities.
@PACIFICSD
SEPTEMBER 2018
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TASTE | BEER
Take it from the Tap
A monthly taste of beer from here BY PETER ROWE
THIRST-QUENCHING
A local beer to spend some time with Beer: Circle of Wet Hops From: Burning Beard Why: Late summer and early fall, freshly harvested hops are rushed to breweries to make wet hop beers. Circle is made with 100 pounds of just-plucked Cascade hops from Ramona’s Star B Ranch. Geeking out: 5.2% alcohol by volume, 45 international bittering units. Seeking out: Now on tap at the brewery’s tasting room in El Cajon. Inside info: Burning Beard and Julian’s Nickel Beer are collaborating on another wet hop beer this season, Room 101, featuring NeoMexicanus hops. MIKE MAASS
Burning Beard Brewing 785 Vernon Way, El Cajon 619.456.9185, burningbeardbrewing.com
BEACH, PLEASE Go: Colectivo Surf Tasting Room (formerly Cerveceria Surf Sushi Pub)
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Colectivo Surf Tasting Room At the 41 Kilometer sign Rosarito, Baja California (52) 1.661.125.4144 (Note: this is an international call), colectivosurf.com
BEER AND CAMERAS
PHOTOS BY EZKI DE BASABE
Know: Five miles south of Rosarito Beach’s film studios, this new brewpub draws customers with fresh, sustainable seafood and fresh Baja California craft beer. After rebranding to Colectivo Surf Tasting Room this summer, they now offer organic wine, coffee and mezcal, in addition to sushi and brews. Pro tip: On a warm evening, skip the indoor dining room for a picnic table on the tarp-shaded outdoor patio. There, soak up the soothing ocean views and a casual, rustic atmosphere. Glow: Scanning the taps, there
are five Surf beers, plus ales from Insurgente, Agua Mala and Transpeninsular and other Baja brewing stars. Try the Surf Hazy Pale ($4) paired with the spicy tuna roll ($8). Crow: Ezki De Basabe, Surf’s brewer, learned his craft up the Pacific coast at San Diego’s Home Brew Mart. He’s excited to be part of Baja’s booming beer scene. “We have the best breweries in Mexico,” he said.
MUSIC | NIGHTLIFE SOUND DECISIONS BY SCOTT MCDONALD
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LITTLE
GROOVE
HURRICANE
9.29
@ Casbah, casbahmusic.com San Diego’s best rock and blues duo released their third album of original music, Same Sun Same Moon, last year. In June, they appeared on the single Isn’t It Great with show opener Small Culture. Carlsbad’s Trouble in the Wind is also on the bill.
GROOVE
9.1 JASON ISBELL AND THE 400 UNIT
Sound Decisions September Concert Calendar BY SCOTT MCDONALD
ICE
CUBE 72
@ Copley Symphony Hall, sandiegosymphony.org The Alabama-born, former Drive-By Trucker is on tour with The 400 Unit Band in support of their 2018 Grammywinning album, The Nashville Sound. The band is set to release a new live album, Live From The Ryman, on Oct. 19. Aimee Mann opens the show.
@ Viejas Arena, viejasarena.com Not only are the Chicago-born alt rock vets celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, the band’s current tour marks the first time founding members Billy Corgan, Jimmy Chamberlin, and James Iha have toured together in almost two decades. Their latest single, Solara, was released in June.
9.1 THE VANDALS
9.5 LEON BRIDGES
@ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com The veteran Huntington Beach punks haven’t released a studio album since 2004, but founding member Joe Escalante and longtime compatriots Dave Quackenbush, Warren Fitzgerald, and Josh Freese are still going strong in their 38th year.
@ Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, as.sdsu.edu/calcoast The songwriter and soul singer from Fort Worth, Texas, released his second studio album, Good Thing, in May. It debuted at No. 3 on the U.S. Billboard 200 and expands his debut’s retro sound by adding elements ranging from pop to R&B.
9.1 SLIGHTLY STOOPID
9.6 PINBACK
@ Del Mar Turf Club, dmtc.com Just here in June as part of 91X’s BeerX Festival, the Ocean Beach collective returns for what is sure to be a packed house (er, parking lot), after the races. Their ninth studio album, Everyday Life, Everyday People, was released in July.
@ Casbah, casbahmusic.com Last year was a big one for Rob Crow and Armistead Burwell Smith IV. The iconic local indie rockers not only celebrated the 10th anniversary of their fourth full-length album, Autumn of the Seraphs, they also released Some Offcell Voices, a ninetrack compilation of the band’s first two EPs.
9.1 SAM SMITH
@ Del Mar Turf Club, dmtc.com Taking a quick break from running the Big3 basketball league and making movies, the iconic West Coast rapper hits Del Mar for a show at the track. After first teasing it way back in 2012, fans are still waiting on new album Everythang’s Corrupt.
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SEPTEMBER 2018 @PACIFICSD
9.1 SMASHING PUMPKINS
@ Valley View Casino Center, valleyview casinocenter.com Currently on his massive, 90-date The Thrill of It All world tour, the English singer-songwriter returns to San Diego in support of his 2017 album with the same name. The follow-up to Smith’s 4-time Grammywinning 2014 debut, his latest 10-song collection debuted at the top spot of both the UK Albums Chart and the U.S. Billboard 200.
9.8 LEE FIELDS & THE EXPRESSIONS @ Belly Up, bellyup.com The man who loves the soul and funk of James Brown so much they call him “Little JB” brings his high-energy show back to San Diego. Not one afraid to showcase his backing band, an instrumental version of 2016 album Special Night was released last year.
9.11 BAD GYAL @ Music Box, musicboxsd.com First bursting onto the scene with a Catalan cover of Rihanna’s hit song Work, the Spanish reggaeton, hiphop, and dancehall singer followed it with a pair of mixtapes and is currently racking up tens of millions of views on YouTube.
VISIT ONE OF OUR 7 LOCATIONS: TAJIMA EAST VILLAGE | TAJIMA NORTH PARK | TAJIMA HILLCREST TAJIMA CONVOY | TAJIMA MERCURY | TAJIMA LONG BEACH | TAJIMA TIJUANA
TAJIMASANDIEGO.COM
/TAJIMARESTAURANTS
@TAJIMARESTAURANTS
@TAJIMASANDIEGO
GROOVE | SOUND DECISIONS 9.12 AZEALIA BANKS @ Music Box, musicboxsd.com Unfortunately, the Harlem rapper has gotten more attention for her Twitter tirades than her music. But it certainly hasn’t stopped the singer and rapper from writing new songs. She released a new mixtape, Slay-Z, last year, and has dropped three singles — Movin’ On Up, Anna Wintour, and Treasure Island — so far in 2018.
9.13 ROSTAM @ Belly Up, bellyup.com Rostam Batmanglij has been busy in the years since his decade-long stint in Vampire Weekend. He’s worked with Carly Rae Jepsen, remixed Ty Dolla $ign with Diplo, and has written original music for a Broadway play. He also released his own excellent studio debut, Half-Light, last year.
9.14 RASCAL FLATTS @ Mattress Firm Amphitheatre, livenation.com The long-running, Ohio-born country trio released their 11th studio album, Back To Us, last year. It marked the group’s 12th top-10 entry on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart.
9.14 BLACK JOE LEWIS & THE HONEYBEARS @ Casbah, casbahmusic.com On the heels of last year’s 11-track collection, Backlash, Austin, Texas-based blues collective Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears release their sixth studio album, The Difference Between Me & You, this month.
9.14-16 KAABOO @ Del Mar Fairgrounds, kaaboodelmar.com It’s time to head back to the local music festival that doesn’t want to be called a music festival. And while the fourth incarnation of the event does boast even more non-music features than ever before, they’ve also assembled the best lineup of talent in their relatively short history. Foo Fighters, Imagine Dragons, Katy Perry, Post Malone, N.E.R.D., Robert Plant, Wiz Khalifa, Blondie, Gucci Mane, and many more are scheduled to perform. Read more about the mixperience festival on p. 26.
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9.16 GHOSTFACE KILLAH & RAEKWON @ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com Two of the Wu-Tang Clan’s most prolific MCs join forces, once again, to not only play hits from their pioneering rap crew’s extensive catalog, but from their solo and collaborative efforts as well. Ghostface released The Brown Tape album with Apollo Brown earlier this year, while Raekwon’s latest, 2017’s The Wild, featured collaborations with Lil Wayne, Andra Day, G-Eazy, CeeLo Green, and others.
9.17 MIGUEL @ Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, as.sdsu.edu/calcoast Last here in April, L.A.-based R&B singersongwriter Miguel returns again in support of his fourth studio album, War & Leisure, released last December. It features guest appearances from Rick Ross, J. Cole, Kali Uchis and more.
9.18 THE DISTILLERS @ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com Also back from a show in April, front woman Brody Dalle and her band rocked the Casbah so hard they’re returning for the inevitable capacity upgrade. The L.A.-based punk rockers haven’t released an album since 2003’s Coral Fang, but the way things are going that could change very soon.
9.20 DEAN WEEN GROUP @ Belly Up, bellyup.com One half of the recently reunited vet rock duo Ween, Dean Ween (aka Mickey Melchiondo) goes back to carrying the torch alone for a while. The Dean Ween Group’s second studio album, Rock2, was released in March.
9.20 JASON ALDEAN @ Mattress Firm Amphitheatre, livenation.com The Nashville-based country music singer released his eighth studio album, Rearview Town, in April. It was Aldean’s fourth consecutive album to debut at the top spot on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart and AN (JASON ALDE CONCERT) features a duet with Miranda Lambert.
TO WIN TICKETS, SEE PAGE 10!
SHAKIRA @ Valley View Casino Center, valleyviewcasinocenter.com After a three-year self-imposed hiatus, the Colombian superstar returned with her 11th studio album, El Dorado, last year. It features collaborations with Maluma, Nicky Jam, Prince Royce, and more.
9.5
PHOTO BY NOAM GALAI/GETTY IMAGES
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GROOVE | SOUND DECISIONS
MS. LAURYN HILL 9.9
@ Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, as.sdsu.edu/calcoast The former Fugees singer has only released one studio album, 1998’s multiGrammy-winning The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, and nothing at all since 2013. But she’s taking a victory lap around the world to celebrate the 20th anniversary of that seminal album this year and bringing Iman Omari, Protoje, and Kelea with her. PHOTO BY SCOTT LEGATO
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Sept. 8, 2018 EMBARCADERO MARINA PARK NORTH 9 ACTS | 2 STAGES
»
Billy Gibbons & Friends
» Tommy Castro
TICKETS GA: $30 ($35 at the gate) VIP: $150 Super VIP: $250
& the Painkillers » Kenny Neal … and more
PLEASE BRING 2 CANS OF FOOD TO DONATE
benefiting
sdbluesfest.com
GROOVE | SOUND DECISIONS
9.24
LIZ PHAIR
@ Belly Up, bellyup.com Thanks to Matador Records releasing a 25th Anniversary edition of Phair’s debut album, Exile in Guyville, the indie rock singer and songwriter also released the demos she recorded as Girly Sound in 1991. Phair is also slated to release a pair of books in the next year. PHOTO BY NOAM GALAI/GETTY IMAGES
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RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE
san diego magazine
2017 BEST OF WINNER
2017 best restaurants winner best vegetarian taco
BEST PIZZA
4051 Adams Ave | Kensington San Diego, CA 92116 619-281-1904 | thehavenpizzeria.com �� thehavenpizzeria | � Havenpizza
2310 30th st | south park san diego, ca 92104 (619) 501 - 0643 | delsurmexicancantina.com
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GROOVE | SOUND DECISIONS
9.20 CHVRCHES
9.25 U-GOD
@ Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, as.sdsu.edu/calcoast Love Is Dead, the May-released third album from the Scottish trio, is the first they recorded away from their home country. The new 13-track collection finds the Lauren Mayberryled threesome getting political and teaming with The National’s Matt Berninger on a song.
@ Soda Bar, sodabarmusic.com That’s right. Another Wu-Tanger will be in San Diego this month. U-God (aka original member Lamont Hawkins) released his fifth studio solo album, Venom, in March. It features appearances from fellow Wu members Method Man, Raekwon, and Inspectah Deck, and was released in conjunction with the rapper’s autobiography Raw: My Journey Into The Wu-Tang Clan.
9.21 J BALVIN @ Viejas Arena, viejasarena.com It’s hard to find an artist hotter than J Balvin right now. The Colombian reggaeton singer’s fifth studio album, Vibras, produced the worldwide smash, Mi Gente, and claimed the top spot on the U.S. Billboard Top Latin Albums chart. He’s also all over the charts on other songs, appearing on hits with Cardi B, Ozuna, Maluma, Nicky Jam, Bad Bunny, and more.
9.27 THE VOIDZ
9.23 FLORENCE AND THE MACHINE
@ Humphreys Concerts by the Bay, humphreysconcerts.com Everyone’s favorite Beatle makes his annual pilgrimage to Shelter Island. And this time, Ringo’s All Starr band includes Men At Work’s Colin Hay, Toto’s Steve Lukather, Santana’s Gregg Rolie, and 10cc’s Graham Gouldman.
@ Viejas Arena, viejasarena.com The Florence Welch-led English sextet released their fourth studio album, High As Hope, in June. The powerhouse vocalist/bandleader produced the album with Kanye West/Eminem/Lana Del Rey producer Emile Haynie.
9.24 YUNO @ Casbah, casbahmusic.com The Florida-based singer and musician released his debut EP, Moodie, on Sub Pop Records in May. He self-produced and engineered the album, as well as playing every instrument on it.
9.25 BOY GEORGE AND CULTURE CLUB @ Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, as.sdsu.edu/calcoast Will you tumble for him? For anyone on the fence, the original Culture Club, as well as the Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey will be there to sweeten the deal. New album, Life, will be released on October 26.
@ House of Blues, houseofblues.com/sandiego So, it’s still unknown if the Strokes will ever make another album, but in the meantime, Julian Casablancas is moving on with The Voidz. Their latest album, the 15-track Virtue, was released in March.
9.27 RINGO STARR & HIS ALL STARR BAND
9.28 DEVOTCHKA @ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com After seven years since their last studio album, the Denver-based gypsy punk quartet returned with their first new collection, This Night Falls Forever, last month. Welcome back!
9.26
BEN HOWARD @ Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, as.sdsu.edu/calcoast Noonday Dream, the third studio album (and first in four years) from the British singer-songwriter, was released in June. Howard also plays in the band A Blaze of Feather. PHOTO BY VALENTIN FLAURAUD
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@PACIFICSD
SEPTEMBER 2018
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GROOVE | SOUND DECISIONS
BEY+JAY TAKE SAN DIEGO Music’s power couple bring massive joint tour to SDCCU Stadium on Sept. 27 BY SCOTT MCDONALD
It has to be difficult constantly having the details of your marriage aired in the court of public opinion. But for Jay-Z and Beyoncé, when they say they’re “working it out,” they mean it literally. Not only has the superstar couple addressed their much-discussed marital discord on recent albums of their own, it was still a hot topic when they surprise-released their nine-track collaborative debut, EVERYTHING IS LOVE, in June. More than doubling the stops of their 21-date On the Run Tour four years ago, The Carters’ current OTR II tour will visit 48 cities, including the Sept. 27 stop in San Diego at SDCCU Stadium, before closing down in October. livenation.com
HIGH NOTES
• In 2012, the couple’s daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, became the youngest person ever to appear on the Billboard 100 when her cries in Jay-Z’s song Glory debuted on the R&B/Hip-hop chart — just two days after she was born. • In anticipation of massive traffic jams surrounding the pair’s recent OTR II concert at the University of South Carolina’s 80,000-seat stadium, six local schools voted to close at lunchtime on the day of the show.
ON THE BEAT
A breakdown of the OTR II tour 2: Catwalks that extend into the audience 17: Dancers 26: Orchestra members 48: Tour stops
SOCIAL STATUS Beyoncé
Facebook: 62,901,765 followers Instagram: 117,070,382 followers Twitter: 14,751,520 followers
Jay-Z Facebook: 19,961,473 followers Instagram: None Twitter: 3,131,779 followers (but no Tweets since June 2017)
INSETS (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT): KEVIN MAZUR/GETTY IMAGES; KE VIN MAZUR/ GETTY IMAGES; THEO WARGO/GETTY IMAGES; DIMITRIOS KAMBOURIS/GETTY IMAGES.
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“One of the most memorable moments for me on the On the Run II tour was the Berlin show at Olympiastadion, the site of the 1936 Olympics. This is a site that was used to promote the rhetoric of hate, racism, and divisiveness, and it is the place where Jesse Owens won four gold medals, destroying the myth of white supremacy. Less than 90 years later, two black people performed there to a packed, sold-out stadium. When Jay and I sang our final song, we saw everyone smiling, holding hands, kissing, and full of love. To see such human growth and connection — I live for those moments.” — Beyoncé talking to Vogue magazine, September 2018 issue
Beyonce and Jay-Z perform onstage during the On the Run II Tour in New Jersey on Aug. 2, 2018.
PHOTO BY LARRY BUSACCA/GETTY IMAGES
@PACIFICSD
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GROOVE
Spin Cycle
September EDM and DJ performances
BY SCOTT MCDONALD
9.1
MAT ZO
@ Bang Bang, bangbangsd.com Son of painter Israel Zohar and violinist Wendy Caron Zohar, this Grammy-nominated UK producer/DJ teamed with American DJ Kill the Noise on a pair of singles last year — their own Part I, and a remix of Big Gigantic’s Got the Love.
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9.1 DJ DRAMA @ Fluxx, fluxxsd.com The veteran Philly-based mixtape-maker and record exec released his fifth studio album, Quality Street Music 2, in 2016. Since then, the hip-hop DJ born Zaki Mohamed has appeared on a handful of singles, and dropped his latest mixtape, Its tha World, in May.
9.2 ADVENTURE CLUB @ Hard Rock, hardrockhotelsd.com Adventure Club, aka Canadian DJs Christian Srigley and Leighton James, got their start remixing artists like Britney Spears, Mike Posner and The Temper Trap. The Montrealbased duo released their fulllength debut, Red // Blue, in 2016, and covered Portugal. The Man’s hit single Feel It Still earlier this year. The pair will return at the end of September for Tramps Like Us.
9.2 YG @ Parq, parqsd.com It’s been a busy year for Compton rapper YG. Not only did he release his third studio album, Stay Dangerous, in August, he also stars alongside Matthew McConaughey, Bruce Dern, and Jennifer Jason Leigh in the feature-length crime drama, White Boy Rick, this month.
9.14 DELTA HEAVY @ Bassmnt, bassmntsd.com The English drum and bass duo of Ben Hall and Simon James first charted with the 2012 single, Get By. After following it with an EP and studio album, Delta Heavy went big in 2018, dropping eight new singles, a new EP, and a remix so far this year.
9.14 BORGEOUS @ OMNIA, omnianightclub.com Miami-based DJ John Borger’s new 5-track EP, Dear Me, pairs the big room house producer with singers Jared Watson, IAMSU and Alex Issak. In July, Borger joined forces with Zack Martino on new single, Make Me Yours.
9.2
ROBIN SCHULZ
@ OMNIA, omnianightclub.com The German DJ, producer and musician released his third studio album, Uncovered, last year. Schulz has kept busy since, remixing the likes of Ed Sheeran, Lauv, David Guetta, and Sia. PHOTO BY ROBERT WUNSCH
9.15 VICETONE
9.21 HONNE
9.21 CEDRIC GERVAIS
@ Bassmnt, bassmntsd.com After releasing their debut EP, Aurora, two years ago, the Dutch DJ duo of Ruben Den Boer and Victor Pool have spent the last 24 months producing singles. Their latest, Walk Thru Fire (feat. Meron Ryan), came out in August.
@ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com HONNE, the English electronic music duo of Andy Clutterbuck and James Hatcher, released their second studio album, Love Me / Love Me Not, in August. The 24-song track list includes a dozen new songs with an accompanying instrumental for each. Clutterbuck and Hatcher add three additional members when they play live shows.
@ OMNIA, omnianightclub.com The Miami-based French producer responsible for the Grammy-winning remix of Lana del Rey’s Summertime Sadness has released three new singles in 2018 – One Night, Do It Tonight, and the recent Everybody Wants To Be Famous with Superorganism. The DJ has also appeared in the films Deepwater Horizon and Patriots Day with Mark Wahlberg.
@PACIFICSD
SEPTEMBER 2018
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GROOVE | SPIN CYCLE 9.22 EDX @ OMNIA, omnianightclub.com After spending 2017 cranking out a new studio album, Two Decades, and a dozen singles, Swissborn Italian DJ and producer Maurizio Colella (aka EDX) has only produced two singles so far this year — February’s Jaded and April’s Anthem.
9.22 JERMAINE DUPRI @ Parq, parqsd.com The Atlanta-based, Grammy-winning rapper, record producer and executive hasn’t released an album of his own in 17 years, but his list of production credits include names like Usher, Jay-Z, Destiny’s Child, Mariah Carey, Nelly, Janet Jackson, Lil Jon, and more.
9.22 SPAG HEDDY @ Bassmnt, bassmntsd.com Spag Heddy, aka Dutch-born, Spain-based DJ Mischa Reining, released his 20-track compilation album, The Classics, along with a handful of singles, last year. He’s released three singles so far in 2018 — Get To U, Ernstig, and Bass Claws.
9.28 BENNY BENASSI @ OMNIA, omnianightclub.com The globe-hopping Grammywinning Italian DJ and record producer returns to San Diego once again this year. Benassi followed his May appearance by teaming with New York electro duo (and CRSSD performers) Sofi Tukker on their collaborative single, Everybody Needs A Kiss.
TO WIN TICKETS, SEE PAGE 10! NASSI (BENNY BE SHOW)
9.29 BLACK TIGER SEX MACHINE @ House of Blues, houseofblues.com/sandiego The Montreal-based DJ trio and Kannibalen Records founders released their latest full-length album, New Worlds, in March on their own label. It features collaborations with Panther, YOOKIE, Apashe and more.
9.29, 30 CRSSD @ Waterfront Park, crssd.com September means it’s time to return once again to Waterfront Park’s beautiful setting for the second installment of CRSSD’s biannual festival. Organizers have assembled another impressive lineup that includes Bob Moses, Claptone, John Digweed, Duke Dumont, Louis The Child, Nina Kraviz and many more.
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9.21 & 22
TRAMPS LIKE US
@ Valley View Casino Center, valleyviewcasinocenter.com LED’s annual two-day, 18+, all-night phenomenon returns to the Valley View Casino Center boasting an impressive lineup that includes the aforementioned Adventure Club, Troyboi, Zomboy, What So Not, Elephante, Giraffage and more.
LOVE | BLIND DATE
BY MICHAEL BENNINGER PHOTOS BY DAVID BROOKS MATCHMAKER JESSICA PELLIGRA
IN DISTILL OF THE NIGHT
Local singles liquor up before a swanky dinner downtown
A
s we found out in this month’s blind date pre-interview, dater Neil goes by the persona “The Online Date Doctor.” Will tonight’s date with Taylor be a matter of “those who can, do,” or simply “those who can’t, teach”? While we’re on the subject of teaching, after being picked up at their homes by an EPIC limo, the daters will embark on a distillery tour where they’ll learn all about making vodka and gin at one of downtown’s trendiest venues. But before the two daters meet for the first time, let’s review their pre-date interviews. Where are you from, and where do you live now? TAYLOR: I’m originally from a 88
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small town in Northern California called Discovery Bay. I now live in Crown Point. NEIL: I’m originally from greater Los Angeles and currently live in downtown San Diego. What do you do for a living? TAYLOR: I’m a nanny. NEIL: I work as an emergency room technician, and I own an online dating-consultation company. Why are you going on a blind date in PACIFIC? TAYLOR: Life’s short, and so am I. Honestly, why not? I’m single, and I think it’ll be fun. NEIL: I was introduced to this event by a good friend. It sounded like a cool idea, and I like surprises.
What do you do for fun? TAYLOR: I’m super passionate about traveling, and I have a serious case of wanderlust. I love being outdoors, working out, happy hours, paddle boarding, game nights, Bachelor Mondays with my girls, golf, Disneyland and adventures of all kinds. NEIL: I have a huge passion for the outdoors and animals, so if I’m not doing something like that, I’m in the gym, out with friends or building my business. All of which I find fun! What are you best at? TAYLOR: Making new friends and anything wine related. NEIL: My greatest strength is connecting with people. Some even call me a life coach. Not sure if I
entirely buy that, but I’m humbled by it. What do you suck at? TAYLOR: Saying no to fun. NEIL: I attempted playing the piano once, and yeah, that was a fail. What are you looking for in a date, physically and/or otherwise? TAYLOR: Personality is big for me: someone kind, fun, nonjudgmental, funny, outgoing and, let’s be honest, good looks wouldn’t hurt. I don’t ask for much. NEIL: I’m looking for three main characteristics: a woman who is down to earth, sweet and sexy. Something that attracts me most is someone who has a heart to give back to the world in some way and takes care of herself physically.
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LOVE | BLIND DATE
Describe your special brand of sex appeal in five words or less. TAYLOR: Come find out for yourself. NEIL: I’m genuinely smooth and confident. What do you like least about yourself? TAYLOR: I’m laid back to a fault and horrible at making decisions because of it. NEIL: It wouldn’t hurt if I was 6 feet tall, but it’s cool. Rate yourself on a scale from one to 10 for looks. TAYLOR: Oh, no, not my thing. NEIL: A good girlfriend of mine gave me an honest 7.5 rating. I’ll take that. Rate yourself on a scale from one to 10 for personality. TAYLOR: 10; I’m a delight. NEIL: Personality would be an 8.5. What’s your biggest fear? TAYLOR: Toss-up between mice/rats and being stuck in dead-stop traffic, not knowing why we’re stopped or when it will get going. Weird, I know. NEIL: Biggest fear is living a wasted or average life. I’m very driven! Only one life. What traits might your date exhibit that would be complete deal-breakers? TAYLOR: Cigarette smokers, someone who doesn’t take care of themselves, someone who’s rude to me or others. Also, if they don’t like kids and/or dogs, it’s a definite deal-breaker. NEIL: If she’s way too into herself, that’s a turn off for me. And if she doesn’t have a fun vibe or doesn’t take care of herself physically. How many people have you slept with? TAYLOR: A lady never kisses and tells. NEIL: Too many. Not something I’m entirely proud of. Fill in the blanks: I want my blind date to be “blank” and “blank.” TAYLOR: Fun and memorable — preferably the good kind of memorable. NEIL: Sweet and sexy. Will the night end with a kiss, something more or something less? TAYLOR: Only time will tell. NEIL: It might end with a kiss, but that would be it for a first date. What’s the most important thing in the world? TAYLOR: Top three: kindness, happiness and love (in all forms). NEIL: The most important things in the world are belief in a higher power, purpose and loving people. Oh, and TJ tacos and dogs. The EPIC Limo picks up Neil from his downtown bachelor pad, then heads north on I-5 to pick up Taylor from her bayside crib in Crown Point. Neil gifts Taylor with a rose and they head back south to tonight’s first stop, You & Yours Distilling Co. in East Village.
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LOVE | BLIND DATE
YOU, YOURS AND OODLES OF POURS Taylor and Neil try their hands at mixology
O
pen since the spring of 2017, You & Yours Distilling Co. is a fullproduction distillery, tasting room and event space, complemented by a world-class cocktail program that showcases several of the venue’s spirited sips. The tasting room’s decor comprises salvaged wood, whitewashed brick and denim linen, among other well-appointed accents, instantly impressing tonight’s two singles. The distillery’s friendly staff first give Taylor and Neil a quick tour of the facility, offering them an inside look at the distillery, which touts one of only a few female distillers in the U.S. When the tour wraps up, it’s time for a private cocktail class that grants the daters a chance to 92
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wet their whistles while mixing up some potent potables with You & Yours’ finest spirits. An hour or so goes by, and both Taylor and Neil have worked up a bit of buzz from the gin and vodka concoctions they’ve been creating and tasting. But before they get too twisted, it’s time for dinner at the newly opened Route 29 in the Gaslamp. The limo drops off the daters at the farm-to-table restaurant inspired by Napa Valley’s rustic vibe. Boasting 150 unique wines — many of which are available by the glass — Route 29’s relaxed surroundings include elements of wood, iron and copper, all revolving around an open kitchen that specializes in sustainable dishes made with love using local and organic ingredients. Taylor and Neil take their seats,
and after browsing the menu rife with Pinots, Cabs and Rhône varieties, we split them up for middate debriefings. How’s it going so far? TAYLOR: It’s going great. NEIL: So far, it’s pretty good. She’s awesome. Really sweet. Definitely pretty. Love her eyes. Great smile. Good connection. What were your first impressions of your date? TAYLOR: He’s really nice. He brought me a flower — a rose — so that was really sweet. That rarely happens nowadays. He’s goodlooking, he’s really fun and easy to talk to. NEIL: Honestly, the second she got in the car, I thought she was really sweet. I could see that right away.
Good connection. Is this the type of person you’d normally date? TAYLOR: Yes. NEIL: Yes. What do you think of the way your date is dressed? TAYLOR: He’s dressed really nice. He looks great. NEIL: Love her outfit. How was your experience at You & Yours Distilling Co.? TAYLOR: It was great. It’s so cute. Everyone was so nice. It was a really cool, different learning experience. They have really cool, fun cocktails. NEIL: You & Yours (was an) awesome little place. Love it. They took us in the back, showed us around. It was pretty cool.
Spend a day on Cloud Nine. W
TCP# 22808B
ESCAPE FOR A DAY BY VISITING THREE TEMECULA WINERIES AND ENJOYING A MAGICAL VINEYARD LUNCH.
CALL/CLICK FOR INFO
619.373.1616, temeculawinetours.net
LOVE | BLIND DATE Describe the venue/atmosphere. TAYLOR: I really liked the décor. It was busy. It feels comfortable. It feels like a fresh vibe. You’d want to hang out in there. NEIL: Definitely super hospitable. They showed us around. The atmosphere was great. We loved the music. The drinks were great. What did you eat/drink/do there? TAYLOR: I had a Do You Want That Spicy. It had a bubbly feeling to it, almost like it had soda water or something in it. It was good and easy to drink. It wasn’t too spicy at all. Then we had the tasting flight and those were really good, which was surprising to me. I don’t drink vodka at all, ever, and I was pleasantly surprised that I did not have to, like, grab a chaser when I had their vodka. NEIL: I had The 2:15 to Cabo, which was a cucumber-mixed drink with some gin. Great drink. Highly recommend. How is your experience at Route 29? TAYLOR: It’s a really cool vibe. The menu looks amazing. The cocktails, well, the one I’m drinking is really good. It’s called a Walk of Sour. It’s mezcal based. NEIL: This is amazing, I love this place. The venue is awesome. The Thomas Edison light bulbs, the music in the background. Service has been awesome. Love it. What’s the most attractive thing your date has done so far? TAYLOR: He’s just really easy to talk to and he seems really driven. He’s making me feel really comfortable. NEIL: I like that she is talkative, she’s communicative. What’s the least attractive thing your date has done so far? TAYLOR: I don’t have a least attractive thing about him yet. I really don’t. NEIL: Nothing I’d say is least attractive. Rate your date on a scale from 1 to 10 for looks TAYLOR: 8.5. NEIL: I would say an 8. 94
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And for personality? TAYLOR: 10. NEIL: Definitely a 10. What’s your date’s most attractive quality? TAYLOR: (Laughs) I feel like he has good skin. NEIL: Amazing eyes. What’s your date’s least attractive quality? TAYLOR: (Laughs) That he’s a Libra. NEIL: I wish she did something different than nannying. Nanny is a great job, but she knows she can do more.
Do you want to kiss your date right now? TAYLOR: Unsure. NEIL: Yeah, I would. Does your date want to kiss you? TAYLOR: The night is young. NEIL: I think she would. How and when will the date end? TAYLOR: Probably semi-early. He has to work at 6 and I have to work at 7, so I don’t think we’re going to get that wild. NEIL: We’ll see where the night ends. We both have stuff to do tomorrow morning, so we’re not
going to be out for too long. Anything you’d like to add? TAYLOR: I’m having a great time. I would definitely recommend coming here to Route 29. It’s a cool atmosphere, cool vibe. I would come here for dinner and/or drinks. NEIL: I would definitely recommend the blind date for friends. I think it’s awesome. You never know what to expect or who you’re going to meet. Good people all over the place. You just have to keep yourself open.
N OW OPEN 644 5th Avenue | Gaslamp Distric t | San Diego, C A 92101 w w w. r o u t e 2 9 r e s t a u r a n t . c o m |
@route29sd
LOVE | BLIND DATE
EN ROUTE TO ROMANCE?
Taylor and Neil take a liking to each other, but will it lead to love?
I
t’s getting late, and because both daters said they have to wake up early for work, we give Taylor and Neil some time to themselves at Route 29 and follow up the next day to find out what we missed. How was your experience and dinner at Route 29? TAYLOR: It was really good. Everyone was super nice and the food was really good. And the dessert was really good. I had the Oaxacan Sour, a mezcal-based cocktail made with lime, chipotle and apricot agave. It was really, really good. And we had wine. NEIL: Awesome. The service was incredible. Definitely would go back there. Loved the ambiance. The food was perfect. It was awesome, a really great experience. What did you eat and drink there? TAYLOR: We had the crab, spinach and artichoke dip to start. I had the scallops. NEIL: I had the duck. It was amazing. We got a couple cocktails, they were delicious. And a good bottle of pinot. Amazing. Where did you go and what did you do for the rest of the evening after dinner? TAYLOR: We walked, because we had some leftovers, and we wanted to find a homeless person to give it to. And then we went to his house and literally just drank water, and then I went home. I got home by like 12. NEIL: She had leftover food, so we found a random homeless person to give it to. Afterward, we went off, just had some coffee and drinks. 96
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When did you get home? TAYLOR: I got home at 12. NEIL: Right around midnight. We actually said goodbye to the limo driver, I told him I’d take care of her. I ended up taking her home afterwards. Was there a kiss or romantic exchange? TAYLOR: Yes, there was. NEIL: There was. I’m not sure if we’re supposed to kiss and tell. Yes, there was. How and when did the date end exactly? TAYLOR: We went to his place, and then we literally just had a bottle of water and then he drove me home. NEIL: I took her home right around midnight. That was it. What’s the funniest thing that happened during the date? TAYLOR: So, I’m from the Bay Area originally and the bartender at Route 29 turned out to be one of my friends from home. It was so funny, because I was having my picture taken at the bar, while Neil was doing his interview, and my friend was like, “Taylor, are you a model now?” I was like, this is so embarrassing. So running into her and her thinking I was a model was funny. NEIL: So the questionnaire that we filled out before the date, I had no idea that my responses were going to be put in the actual magazine. I had no clue. So she was laughing. So all the answers, I just answered honestly, including the how many women have you slept with question. So that was definitely a fun laugh. We were laughing about that for a while.
FROM TOP: Blind daters Neil and Taylor enjoy a meal at Route 29; Scallops & Corn 3 Ways, which consists of a cornmeal crust, apple bacon corn ragout, and saffron cognac sweet corn sauce; “Death by Chocolate” Flourless Cake dessert, with raspberries, marsala chantilly cream and hazelnuts.
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LOVE | BLIND DATE
What was the best part of the date and why? TAYLOR: Probably dinner. It was really good conversation. The food and wine was really good. There was a cool atmosphere in there, too. NEIL: There’s a couple moments, actually. One was when she was in the car, when we just met each other. There was just great conversation, like great eye contact, there was good chemistry. You know when you meet those people that you just immediately connect with and that’s how it was. And at the end of the night when we took it to another level with a kiss. It was pretty good. What was the worst part of the date and why? TAYLOR: Oh, my god, he told me this horrible story about a girl who ate raw calamari, and eggs formed and hatched in her mouth. Oh, my god, I’m scarred for life now, because I don’t eat meat, but I do eat seafood. I told him he was ruining it. He said just not to eat raw, whole things. I don’t know, 98
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allegedly, it had the babies in there, so the babies hatched in her cheek. NEIL: I don’t think there’s really a worst part. I think it all went pretty smooth. Will there be a second date? Why or why not? TAYLOR: Yes, we’re going to the Padres game (the night after their blind date). He invited me. It’s a group of people going, his friends. So I’m already meeting his friends. NEIL: Yeah, we’re going out tonight. Going to the baseball game. What’s one thing your date really should know before going on another date? TAYLOR: Not to tell stories about eggs hatching in people’s mouths. NEIL: Honestly, there’s nothing. What could have made this date better? TAYLOR: Nothing, I think it was good. Maybe if there wasn’t traffic, but whatever. We just talked in the car. There was traffic heading
downtown, but it was good because then we just got acquainted. NEIL: I feel like an activity would have been nice. Because we had a lot of conversation. Even though she and I connected perfectly well, but right off the bat, so much conversation because obviously, we had to keep each other entertained. So that probably would have been one thing.
romantic exchange and plans to see each other the following night, we’re counting this blind date as a serious success. Here’s hoping their second date at the Padres game turned out to be a home run. Want to go on an unforgettable adventure — and maybe find the love of your life — all while entertaining PACIFIC’s loyal readers? Email lifescool@
Anything else you’d like to add? TAYLOR: I had a really good time and anyone who is thinking about doing it, I would highly recommend (going on a blind date). I was nervous, but I’m super glad I did it. I wasn’t nervous about the date, but more so nervous about the cameras and the unknown. And fully going in blind. I’ve only ever been on one blind date where I’ve never seen a picture or anything. NEIL: Totally would recommend this to friends. I have a couple good eligible bachelor buddies of mine. I think it was a great experience; it’s fun. AFTERMATCH: Between the
pacificsandiego.com with a short bio, some photos of yourself and a few words about what you’re hoping for in a date.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Daters’ answers may have been edited for length and clarity.
SPECIAL THANKS TO AND PROMOTIONAL CONSIDERATION FROM: EPIC LIMO 858.270.LIMO (5466), epiclimo.com YOU & YOURS DISTILLING CO. 619.955.8755, youandyours.com ROUTE 29 619.235.8144, route29restaurant.com MATCHMAKER JESSICA PELLIGRA matchandmagic.com
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