September 08 - Pacific San Diego Magazine

SAN DIEGO'S #1 

LANCE DEALER 

1 year bumper-to-bumper 

warranty on everything we sell 

with purchase 

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Two Pacific Beach locations to serve you » 1400 Garnet Ave. » 1880 Grand Ave. 

858.829.2316 » scooterandcycle.com

INSIDE 

table of 

contents 

44 

12 | VOICE 

PhotoMobiles 

Sitting behind the wheel, 

San Diegans say what 

drives them. 

17 | SPORTS 

Hybrid vs. Hummer 

Are eco-friendly vehicles the 

new chick magnets? KGB- 

FM’s Chainsaw investigates. 

18 | COOLTURE 

Dance-portation 

The tenth annual Trolley 

Dances roll through town. 

19 | COOLTURE 

Give a Hoot 

Book of the Month: 

Downtown Owl, by bestselling 

author Chuck Klosterman. 

20 | COOLTURE 

Moving Stills 

Modern fashion fuses with 

classic art to create dramatic 

living images at the Timken 

Museum. 

22 | STYLE 

NIFTY FIFTIES 

Vintage gets a new look. 

26 | PROFILE 

HAMMIN’ IT UP 

Meet Eitan Hagler, founder of 

American Pig Brand clothing. 

28 | HOME 

Design of the Times 

Learn the latest décor trends from 

industry experts at the La Jolla 

Design District’s annual event, 

What’s up Girard. 

30 | PARTS DEPARTMENT 

Gas-saving tips, hands-free 

communication, tequila in your 

tank, the 4-1-1 on 5-1-1. 

33 | TASTE 

Dynamic Duos 

San Diego food and beverage 

experts play matchmaker with 

their signature dishes and 

cocktails. 

38 | TASTE 

A Currant Affair 

An exclusive interview with 

Geoffrey Yahn, visionary chef 

from Currant American Brasserie. 

40 | GROOVE 

BEAT the Streets 

Street Scene returns to Downtown. 

Get the scoop and the line-up. 

42 | GROOVE 

Re-sounding success 

Entrepreneurial accordionist Matt 

Hensley rejoins Flogging Molly. 

44 | GROOVE 

En Fuego 

Claudia Miranda sets the 

night ablaze at Firehouse. 

46 | LOVE 

BLIND DATE: TEST DRIVE 

Daters ride a Rocket Car to a 

high-octane night out in Little Italy. 

50 | calendar 

September event listings. 

54 | think 

TAXICAB CONFESSIONS 

Ann Shoket, Editor in Chief 

of Seventeen Magazine, says 

why she doesn’t own a car. 

8 | SEPTEMBER 2008 « PACIFICsandiego.com

Mission 

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Sunday NFL Specials: 

$4 Skyy Bloody Mary’s 

and Screwdrivers all day! 

Monday Night Football: 

$5 Burger & Fries 

$5 Budweiser Pitchers

10% Discount on the 

Color of the Day! 

Thursdays 4pm - 8pm 

Designers: Denim of 

Virtue, DIMR's, Chip and 

Pepper, Hanky Panky, 

Billy Blues, Twisted Heart, 

Red Engine, Lockheart, 

and PurseHook 

3460 Ingraham St., Ste. B 

Pacific Beach * 858.273.4677 

ishopatscene.com 

Located on the corner of 

La Cima and Ingraham in PB 

Reusuable Nipple Covers. 

Sad 

Happy 

Designers: Denim of Virtue, Chip and Pepper, Hanky Panky, Billy Blues, Twisted Heart, Red Engine, Lockheart, and PurseHook 

3460 Ingraham St., Ste. B * Pacific Beach * 858.273.4677 * ishopatscene.com 

Located on the corner of La Cima and Ingraham in PB 

EMBARK 

letter from the 

Editor 

Seems like traffic is getting worse. If you commute through 

the merge, drive west on the 8 at seven in the morning or try 

to make it from the 5 to the beach, then I’m preaching to the 

choir. (Not that you’re in a choir, and not that there’s anything 

wrong with it if you are.) The point is that getting from here 

to there takes longer than it used to, and, on top of that, 

we can’t even use our hands to hold cell phones anymore. 

Actually, maybe that’s a good thing, because now you can 

hold a coffee in one hand and whatever else you want in the 

hand that used to hold your cell phone. 

I guess I shouldn’t complain, because, to be honest, my 

commute is a snap. I live by Downtown and work by the 

beach, so I’m home-to-office in about 15 minutes, and, 

along the way, I pass by the harbor and Mission Bay and 

catch a glimpse of SeaWorld. Although freeway congestion 

and the line to enter the beach do occasionally double my 

commute time, I’m reminded each day that we really do 

have a kick-arse town here, even if we need to spend money 

on Bluetooth headsets. Plus, now that the Zonies are gone, 

traffic should lighten up at least a smidge. 

Top five quasi-celebrity excuses for getting out of hands-free phone law citations: 

“I was just holding it.” -Heidi Fleiss 

“Ze battery vas dead.” -Dr. Ruth Westheimer 

“Hey, I’m on long distance. Do you know how much this is costing me?” -Mom 

“Star sixty-nine this, beeeeotch!” -Mel Gibson 

“Bluetooth just doesn’t work for me.” -Smurfette 

undercover: Kristen Kasinger and Jonathan Valdez were photographed by Ming S. 

Wu on Sunset Boulevard, in Mission Hills. Styled by Jennifer Herman. Hair by Talia Guidero. 

Makeup by Maryl Velbeck. Kristen is wearing a graphic print halter dress by Fair Ground, 

$89, available at Mesh Boutique, 619.295.5251; tulle slip (worn under dress), $17, available 

at Mileage Clubwear, 858.581.1285; red elastic belt, stylist’s own; satin “Spheres” necklace, 

$60, available at Mesh Boutique, 619.295.5251; black patent clutch by Angie and Lola, $29, 

available at Mileage Boutique, 858.581.1285; shoes, model’s own. Jonathan is wearing an 

indigo “Prime Check” shirt, $110, white “Drawback” tee, $65, black “Rektor” leather jacket, 

$560, crushed black, “Radar Narrow Rope” jeans, $200, and royal blue “Painted Jones” 

belt, $70, all by G-Star, available at G-Star Boutique—San Diego, 619.238.7088; black 

leather shoes by Clark’s, $89, available at Kate Ross Shoes, 619.501.6318. 

10 | SEPTEMBER 2008 « PACIFICsandiego.com 

This AUTOMOTIVE ISSUE of PacificSD celebrates the ways 

by which cars are interwoven into the fabric of Finest City 

lifestyles. In Photomobiles (page 12), photographer Kenny 

Sanchez reveals intimate looks into San Diegans’ love affairs 

with what drives them. In Nifty ‘50s (page 22), it’s stilettos to 

the metal as vintage fashions get a new look. 

Parts Department (page 30) is stocked with simple gassaving 

tips that really work and insight into how the main 

ingredient in tequila may soon become the primary fuel in 

your tank. Read about Street Scene’s return to Downtown 

(page 40), check out Chainsaw’s examination of the sexiness 

of Hybrids vs. Hummers (page 17) and ride along for a highoctane 

Rocket Car blind date through Little Italy (page 46). 

And finally, loyal reader, a big thanks to you. Your unwavering 

love for this magazine has propelled us to being named 

“The Nation’s Second Best Magazine” by 

Ann Shoket, Editor in Chief of Seventeen 

Magazine (see Taxicab Confessions, 

page 54). 

CAR ON COVER 

1955 CHEVY NOMAD 

Engine: 502 cu. in. Chevy 

Power: 606 hp 

Transmission: 

5-speed Tremec 

Exterior: Ferrari 

red paint 

Interior: 

Two-tone grey 

Italian leather 

Accolades: 

Winner of more than 

40 Best of Show and 

1st-Place trophies 

Upgrades: 

Two-year restoration 

and modification project 

Owner: Barry Penn 

PUBLISHERS 

David Perloff / Editor in Chief 

Simone Perloff / Fashion Director 

DESIGN DIRECTOR 

Kim Cuffe 

MANAGING EDITOR 

Michael Benninger 

WRITERS 

Craig Boreth 

Lauren Brunelle 

Heidi Hageman 

Brandon Hernández 

Rebecca Heyl 

Adrienne Ludwig 

Cookie “Chainsaw” Randolph 

Derek Shaw 

Lauren Tait 

Bonnie Vandewater 

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES 

Dave Lebhar 

Craig Magnusson 

PHOTOGRAPHERS 

Lou Mora, loumora.com 

Greg Ramirez, ramirezphotos.com 

Kenny Sanchez, threefourmedia.com 

INTERNS 

Carissa Casares 

Rada Feldman 

FASHION EDITORIAL TEAM 

Photographer: Ming S. Wu, h2wu.com 

Stylist: Jennifer Herman, jennystyle@gmail.com 

Hair: Talia Guidero, 

A Robert Cromeans Salon, 619.595.1120 

Makeup: Maryl Velbeck, 

marylcolordesign@sbcglobal.net 

Stylist’s Assistants: 

Carissa Casares, Cate Adams, Laura Herman 

Models: Kristen Kassinger at 

Jet Jet Models, jetsetmodels.com; 

Jonathan Valdez at No Ties Management, 

notiesmanagement.com 

SIP-N-SHOP 

Complimentary 

Wine and Cheese 

DIMR’S ® 

TURN OFF YOUR HEADLIGHTS. 

Advertiser Spotlight: 

Scene Boutique, Crown Point 

Campaign: 1/3-page ads created 

by PacificSD’s design team 

Results: 

“My ads in Pacific San Diego generate new 

business and bring new customers to my 

upscale fashion boutique every month. 

The magazine brings me shoppers from 

downtown, the beach area, La Jolla, 

Mission Valley, Del Mar, you name it. When I 

ask new customers how they heard of Scene 

Boutique, the response I get most often is, 

‘I saw your ad in Pacific San Diego.’ Keep up the 

good work and keep the customers coming!” 

—Andria Marshall, Owner 

advertising info: 

Please call 858.274.1111 for advertising 

information and a complimentary 

consultation with a marketing expert. 

PACIFICsandiego.com 

858.274.1111

VOICE 

photo 

mobileS 

Sitting behind the wheel, San Diegans say what drives them 

Photos by Kenny Sanchez 

PHOTOMOBILE: 1999 Acura 3.0 CL 

Pole Position: Marketing coordinator from Pacific Beach 

Driven by: “My first car was a Dodge Neon. I’ve had a few 

accidents, but I’ve learned to drive better since then. 

My dream car is a BMW. I’ve always wanted one since I was 

a little girl.” 


Kim 

photomobile: 2006 Acura TL 

Pole Position: Pharmaceutical sales rep from Bay Ho 

Driven by: “My first car was a Chevy Cavalier. The windshield 

wasn’t actually attached to the car, so, when it rained, 

it would leak into the car. This Acura is my dream car.” 

Matt 

photomobile: 2002 Mazda Protégé 

Pole Position: Student from Del Mar 

Driven by: “My first car was a 1976 Alfa Romeo, a handme-down 

from my stepfather. I would always stick my 

eight-foot surfboard on the back of it.” 

Jennifer 

photomobile: 1997 BMW 328is 

Pole Position: Real estate broker from Mission Beach 

Driven by: “My first car was an ‘86 Honda Prelude. My 

dream car is a Cadillac XLR. It’s another really cool and tiny 

sports car that looks different from anything in the world.” 

Adrienne 

photomobile: 2000 Hyundai Accent 

Pole Position: Administrative assistant from Kearny Mesa 

Driven by: “My first car was an ‘83 Toyota Celica. The first day I 

bought it, I crashed it. I don’t really have a dream car... I’m giving 

up my car for a bike and moving to Panama for a few months.”

J 

VOICE 

Camron 

car: 2000 Toyota Tundra 

Pole Position: Graphic designer from North County 

Driven by: “My first car was a Toyota pickup truck. 

The nickname for the truck was Mad Max because 

it was pretty beaten up and falling apart. My dream 

car is a Lamborghini.” 


ustin 

Jessica 

photomobile: 2005 Ford Mustang 

Pole Position: Fisherman from Pacific Beach 

Driven by: “My first car was a Toyota Tercelly, 

beeeotch! My dream car is an Aston Martin DB9. 

That’s what James Bond drives.” 

photomobile: 2000 Honda Civic 

Pole Position: Student from Pacific Beach 

Driven by: “This Honda Civic is my first car. My dream car is 

any kind of Cadillac, because they’re really comfy and make 

you feel like you are driving a ship and you are just sailing.” 

Casey Tiffany 

photomobile: 1999 Nissan Altima 

photomobile: 1961 Mercury Meteor 

Pole Position: Cosmetology student from Ocean Beach 

Pole Position: Home improvement store 

Driven by: “My first car was a 1980 Volvo. I wish I would 

representative from City Heights 

have known there was a leak in my oil line. My dream car 

Driven by: “My first car was a ‘94 Saturn. I wish I 

is a ‘69 Pontiac GTO. They’re big and kind of intimidating .” 

didn’t total it. My dream car is a Prius.”

TUESDAY BROWN BAG SPECIAL 

 

$2 NATTY LIGHT SCHOONERS 

 

THIRSTY THURSDAYS 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUST OFF THE BEACH AT TOWER 19

power 

struggle 

Are hybrids finally cooler than Hummers? 

by cookie “chainsaw” randolph 

SPORTS 

are you 

ready for some 

football? 

the 

sundevils 

For the American male, getting from point “A” to point “B” economically is not nearly as important as 

getting her “A” to be in his apartment. And if the ‘60s taught us anything, it’s that chicks dig muscle 

cars, no matter how much it costs to fill the tank. 

But wait! Is sex appeal changing with this energy crisis? Have fuel prices made Smart Cars sexier than 

traditional gas-guzzling chick magnets? 

Eco-conscious skinny guys like John Mayer and Leo DiCaprio are all over this hybrid bandwagon. Look 

at DiCaprio, dedicating the Oscars to eco-hypocrite Al Gore, who Lear-Jetted in from his flood-lit estate 

to accept an un-recyclable statuette. And the audience gave them standing Os. (BTW, shouldn’t 

Leo be grateful the icebergs are melting? One killed him in Titanic, you know). 

Adrian Grenier, the toothpick star of HBO’s Entourage, did a special on how cool it is to go green. So 

what if the ship has sailed on Entourage? At least it’s powered by wind. 

There’s a trend going on here, and it’s not Howie Long in a Hummer. Unfortunately for eco-friendlies, 

the most famous hybrid has the dumbest name: Prius. Need a second opinion? Okay, it’s ugly too. 

It’s about time Detroit gave us some sportier hybrids that really move us. Coming soon to what used 

to be your neighborhood SUV dealer: 

Ford Phelps 

This amphibious record-breaker is 

powered by 8 golden cylinders. 

Cougar DSL, Madonna Edition 

The perfect ride for A-Rod’s annual 

October vacation. 

Dodge Charger L.T. 

Lightning-powered speedster can 

dodge oncoming traffic on grass 

or turf without slowing down. 

Cadillac T.O. Ego 

Gets unlimited mileage on ego-trips, 

especially through Dallas Cowboy country. 

Nissan Favre Vacillator 

44.4 MPG from 

New York to Mississippi. 

Buick Tiger Turbo 

The best performance hybrid of all runs 

on pure desire. Best on major trips, 

but spends a lot of time in the shop. 

Chainsaw lives uphill from work, so he can coast into the Dave, Shelly and Chainsaw 

morning show at 101.5, KGB-FM. His eco-friendly email is: chainsaw@101kgb.com 

SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS 

Breakfast: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. 

Killer menu & drink specials! 

$3 Miller Lites 

$3 Svedka Vodka & Red Bulls 

$3 Screwdrivers 

$10 pitchers of Mimosas 

1065 Fourth Ave., 

619.231.4447 

thelocalsandiego.com

COOL 

TURE 

Dance – 

Art merges with transit at the San Diego Trolley Dances 

By Adrienne Ludwig 

On a trip to Switzerland ten years ago, 

San Diego Dance Theater artistic director 

Jean Isaacs was enthralled by the country’s 

inclination toward unconventional dance. 

“On my tour, I saw people making crêpes while 

dancing, people dancing by a lake, and a couple 

dancing on a rooftop to the sounds of cows mating,” 

Isaacs recounts. 

The body movements Isaacs witnessed abroad 

inspired her to forge a partnership with the 

Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) shortly after her 

return to San Diego. Working in concert with MTS, 

Isaacs organized the inaugural San Diego Trolley 

Dances—a collection of avant-garde dances that 

celebrate modern life by incorporating fixtures 

found in urban landscapes. Isaacs’ mission was to 

introduce dance audiences to parts of San Diego 

with which they may have been unfamiliar, while 

simultaneously delivering art to people who utilize 

public transportation. 

This year marks the tenth annual Trolley Dances. 

Since the event’s inception, Isaacs has worked with 

more than 30 choreographers and 450 dancers to 

stage routines that liberate dance from its typical 

restraints. 

“What I like about the Trolley Dances is that the 

audience is not confined to a chair and isolated as 

they are in a theater," says Isaacs. 

The themes, music and locations 

for this year’s Trolley Dances 

were dictated by venerated 

choreographers, including Isaacs, 

Terry Wilson, Monica Bill Barnes, 

Anthony Rodriguez and Katie 

Stevenson. 

Zoom around town September 

26-27 and October 4-5 in San Diego's 

signature red rovers on a five-stop 

tour that begins at Hazard 

Center, follows the San Diego 

River to Old Town, and then 

navigates Downtown. Ride on! 

TROLLEY DANCES TIX: $10-$30 

Tours begin at the Hazard 

Center Trolley Station 

(off Friars Road) 

DATES: Saturday and Sunday, 

September 27-28 and 

October 4-5 

TIME: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. daily; 

tours begin hourly and 

last two hours 

TIP: Wear good walking shoes. 

sandiegodancetheater.org 

theaters 

South 

DRIVE-IN 

Drive-in theaters revolutionized the cinematic experience by merging the majesty of 

Hollywood and America’s love affair with automobiles. But, thanks to DVD players, 

52” high-defs and price gouging at the pump, these park-and-view destinations are 

all but a thing of the past. Over 300 drive-ins once called California home. Today, just 

a few dozen remain statewide, including these two in San Diego County. 

Santee Drive-In / santee 

10990 Woodside Ave. » 619.448.7447 

Bay Drive-In / imperial beach 

2170 Coronado Ave. » 619.423.2727 » southbaydrivein.com 


give a 

BOOK of the month 

COOL 

TURE 

hoot 

Downtown Owl, by best-selling author Chuck Klosterman 

by bonnie vandewater 

What does it mean to be normal? 

Reading Downtown Owl (Scribner, 

September 2008), the first novel by New 

York Times best-selling author Chuck 

Klosterman, may not give you the answer, 

but it may lead you to rephrase the question. 

A master at analyzing and dissecting pop 

culture, Klosterman has authored scores of 

esoteric articles and four books of analytical 

essays, including his 2003 bestseller, Sex, Drugs 

and Cocoa Puffs: A Low Culture Manifesto. He 

has been a senior writer for Spin and a regular 

contributor to The Washington Post, GQ and 

New York Times Magazine. 

Now, this quirky writer offers up his first work of 

fiction—a darkly comedic examination of life in Owl, a 

small town somewhere in North Dakota. The story involves a 

strange high school football player named Mitch, a borderline alcoholic 

named Julia, a bison farmer who listens to the Rolling Stones album, Goats 

Head Soup, and an old-timer who drinks too much coffee and obsesses about 

his dead wife. 

By delving deep into the human psyche, Klosterman shows how a seemingly 

“normal” life can be, well… extraordinary. 

Bonnie Vandewater: What can you tell us about Downtown Owl? 

Chuck Klosterman: It’s a fictional account of North Dakota in 1983, and it 

essentially follows the lives of three main characters who are aware of each 

other, because it’s a small community, but who have no real relationship. But 

they’re kind of unified ultimately by a situation at the end of the book. It’s more 

like a character study than a plot-driven book. 

BV: What are you working on now? 

CK: Right now I’m working on another book of essays. I decided I wanted to 

do shorter pieces again. I had these different things I was playing around with, 

and then decided I wanted to write about the things that interest me personally. 

I like to take two unlike things—or things that seem unalike—and show 

how the experience consuming them is the same. 

BV: Will you be stopping in San Diego for a book tour? 

CK: I’ll be coming to L.A., but not San Diego. You know, I’ve never been to 

San Diego. The only time I ever travel is if it’s work-related. I’ve never taken a 

vacation. My girlfriend wants to go to Costa Rica next February, and if we do 

that, it will be the first time I’ve ever gone somewhere purely to hang out. I 

don’t even know what people do on vacation. Growing up, my parents never 

took a vacation. I think I’d get bored. I feel like a vacation would be a lot of 

work. You have the responsibility of having to get up at a certain time. Like, 

“Oh, we’ve gotta go look at the mountains.” I don’t like planning things, and, 

on vacation, people always want to plan things. I imagine if I went to San 

Diego for two weeks, I’d feel like it was a job. 

now serving breakfast 

SATURDAY & SUNDAY AT 9a.m. 

Featuring Tropical Mimosas and a Make-Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar 

All-You-Can Eat Crab 

(TUESDAY 6-10p.m.) 

Kick Off Football Season! 

All NFL and College Games on Hi-Def Satellite 

Indoor and Outdoor Flatscreen TVs! 

HAPPY HOUR: MONDAY THRU FRIDAY, 3-6 PM 

 

THUSYS: $3 U-C-ITS HNCFT US S ON-SIT MICOWY

BODY 

moving 

StILLS 

Modern fashion blends with classic art to 

create dramatic live images at the Timken Museum 

by rebecca heyl 

photos by rodney nakamoto and nathan macias 

The Old Masters paintings at the Timken Museum of Art came alive last month in The Art of Fashion: 

Tableaux de Mode, where ten students from Fashion Careers College (FCC) displayed and wore their modern 

interpretations of the clothing worn in eight paintings. 

The elaborate designs incorporated voluminous skirts, cinched waists and teetering high heels. The models, 

whose hair and make-up were also inspired by the masterpieces, alternately posed in front of the paintings 

and mingled with the crowd. 

Event chair Pat O’Connor, FCC founder and docent at the Timken, was joined by London fashion icon 

Zandra Rhodes (with her signature pink hair) in addressing the crowd for this inaugural event. 

“I was very pleased with how successful the event was,” says Rhodes, who has designed outfits for Princess 

Diana of Wales and late-Queen frontman Freddie Mercury. “It was great seeing paintings come to 

life, and I think the work of the FCC students added another dimension to the importance of the paintings.” 

FCC is one of the top fashion design colleges in California. Graduates work at fashion trendsetters such as 

BCBGMAXAZRIA Group and Adio Footwear. 

The more than 200 people in attendance helped to raise $14,000 for the Timken’s educational programs. 

INFO: timkenmuseum.org » fashioncareerscollege.com

fashioncareerscollege 

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Luxury bay front penthouse 

 

 

San Diego’s 

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Three brand new bay front condos in N. Mission Beach 

Offering Degrees & Certificates in 

 

 

 

 

Bottom floor: 3BR/2BA, 1135 Sq. Ft., bay front patio 

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Penthouse: 4BR/3BA, 1779 Sq. Ft., private roof top deck 

 

 

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Three brand new bay front condos in N. Mission Beach 

Ideas * Inspiration * Confidence 

Bottom floor: 3BR/2BA, 1191 Sq. Ft., bay front patio 

Middle floor: 4BR/3BA, 1806 Sq. Ft., private beach deck 

Penthouse: 4BR/3BA,1803 Sq. Ft., rooftop deck 

CARA CHACE 

BRIEN METCALF 

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Office: 858.581.5683 * Fax: 858.581.5677 

Cell: 619.708.2239 

jbrien@clcoastalproperties.com 

www.chrislove.com 

 

 

 

 

 

 

appareltherapy.net

STYLE 

nifty 

‘50s 

vintage gets a fresh new look 

Photographs by Ming S. Wu 

Styled by Jennifer Herman 

Hair: Talia Guidero, A Robert Cromeans Salon 

Makeup: Maryl Velbeck 

Assistants: Carissa Casares, Cate Adams, Laura Herman 

Models: Kristen Kassinger at Jet Set Models, 

Jonathan Valdez at No Ties Management 

Engine: 502 cu. in. Chevy 

Power: 606 hp 

Transmission: 5-speed Tremec 

Exterior: Ferrari red paint 

1955 Chevy Nomad 

Interior: Two-tone grey Italian leather 

Accolades: Winner of more than 40 Best of Show and 1st-Place trophies 

Upgrades: Two-year restoration and modification project 

Owner: Barry Penn 


STYLE 

PACIFICsandiego.com » SEPTEMBER 2008 | 23

driven 

stilettos to the metal

STYLE 

rebel without a pause 

you don’t have to be moving to cause a stir 

ON KRISTEN: Graphic print halter dress by Fair Ground, $89, available at Mesh Boutique, 619.295.5251; tulle slip (worn under dress), $17, available at Mileage 

Clubwear, 858.581.1285; red elastic belt, stylist’s own; satin “Spheres” necklace, $60, available at Mesh Boutique, 619.295.5251; black patent clutch by Angie and Lola, 

$29, available at Mileage Boutique, 858.581.1285; shoes, model’s own. ON JONATHAN: Indigo “Prime Check” shirt, $110, white “Drawback” tee, $65, black“Rektor” 

leather jacket, $560, crushed black, “Radar Narrow Rope” jeans, $200, and royal blue “Painted Jones” belt, $70, all by G-Star, available at G-Star Boutique—San 

Diego, 619.238.7088; black leather shoes by Clark’s, $89, available at Kate Ross Shoes, 619.501.6318. 


PROFILE 

it up 

hammin’ 

The founder 

of American 

Pig Brand lives 

in hog heaven 

by brandon hernández 

photo by greg ramirez 

A chart illustrating humankind’s evolution from ape to man to pig. The statue of liberty holding super-sized fries and 

proudly hoisting a Big Gulp. Marines raising the almighty dollar at Iwo Jima. Eitan Hagler wears his heart, his ideologies 

and these images on his sleeve. And thanks to his cutting edge clothing line, American Pig Brand, so can you. 

“In Southern California, graphic t-shirts have always been something people use to express themselves,” says 

Hagler. “At APB, we try to stay up on current trends while adding SoCal flavor to streetwear.” 

For APB, that means manufacturing unique surf, skate and snow fashions that provoke insightful ponderings 

and an examination of our country and its value system. 


PROFILE 

BEST BURGER IN THE 

WHOLE UNIVERSE! 

lady liberty WITH a big Gulp 

baRbie q. as a piglet 

AMERICAN money tree 

The genesis of APB was a 1998 conversation between Hagler and a friend, both of whom were 

graphic designers who had recently returned from travels abroad. The two were discussing the 

immense success of the U.S. versus the rest of the world and how that success manifests itself in all 

facets of American life—in everything from the cars we drive to the clothes we wear to the food we 

eat and the lifestyle that we tend to take for granted. 

FREE BURGER 

GIVEAWAY 

- YOU DECIDE! 

Immediately, ideas for designs that artistically communicated this newfound take on society sprang 

forth. In no time, they had not only a poignant and prolific portfolio, but a term to sum up their 

underlying satirical theme – American Pig. 

“The whole idea behind the brand is a direct reflection of the unique and often excessive aspects 

of American culture,” says Hagler. “In one way or another, we’re all American pigs, because we’re 

excessive. When people disagree, I ask them how many Starbucks coffees they drink in a day, how 

many pairs of shoes they have, how many restaurants in their neighborhood are open 24 hours. 

Then, people start to understand.” 

With stores and websites based in the U.S. as well as the U.K., Germany and the Czech Republic, 

there’s no denying that, at home and abroad, customers are indeed catching on. 

Oinks For Obama 

Not surprisingly, Hagler is very open about his opinions regarding the upcoming presidential election. 

“Personally, I am an Obama fan. I believe he can make changes. So, I looked at what was out there 

as far as Obama t-shirts, and there really wasn’t anything other than boring red, white and blue 

center-print stuff.” 

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Hagler broke from the patriotic doldrums and started what he has deemed The Obama Project. 

“We created designs for Obama shirts that young people would actually wear, and we’ve done 

really well with them. The fact that a young kid would want to wear an Obama shirt is amazing to 

me. He inspires the kids, and they are the ones who are going to make changes.” 

New Pigs, New Digs 

When APB moved into its first retail space last year, Hagler decided that the brand needed a unique 

marketing tool. One of his employees told him that he had always wanted a pet pig and that, if 

Hagler would subsidize the purchase of one, he’d take care of it. Hagler was skeptical, but he went 

for it and soon had a snout-nosed quadruped named Kevin Bacon roaming the APB showroom. 

“We got an amazing response,” says Hagler. “People would come in just to look at him. There were 

lots of times when there was no doubt in my mind that a sale we made was because of the pig.” 

So, you can imagine Hagler’s dismay when his pig-sitter moved away and took Kevin Bacon with 

him. Instead of going hog wild over the loss, Hagler bought a new pig, this one named Barbie Q. In 

January, Barbie moved with APB to its current location on Garnet Avenue, in Pacific Beach. Later this 

year, Barbie will visit a Make-A-Wish Foundation child who has always wanted to have his own pig. 

It’s no wonder Hagler says his marketing-tool-turned-family-member is “worth her weight in gold.” 

AMERICAN PIG BRAND / pacific beach 

1451 Garnet Ave. » 858.274.7100 » apbclothing.com 

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2 BLKS N of GARNET & 1 BLK from BEACH 

858.274.7117

HOME 

Design 

of the times 

See the latest trends in home décor at the La Jolla 

Design District’s annual event, What’s Up Girard 

by heidi Hageman 

Whether you’re renting an apartment, decorating a new condo or looking to 

spice up the family estate, the La Jolla Design District’s fifth annual What’s 

Up Girard event intends to transform your house into a home. 

On Saturday, September 20, design beginners and seasoned professionals 

will glimpse the latest trends in home décor along the four-block stretch 

of Girard Avenue that has attracted A-list shoppers, including Ashlee 

Simpson, Cindy Crawford and Steffi Graf. Working together to promote 

the District, select showrooms will host informative design seminars 

moderated by experts in the fields of architecture, furniture and bath 

design, abstract art and more. 

Admission to the seminars is free to the public, and attendees are invited to 

celebrate with District members at the evening’s private Showroom Soirées. 

The parties, which offer a unique opportunity to network and mingle with a 

crowd of architects and top design professionals, will feature an assortment of food 

from some of San Diego’s premier restaurants. In addition to delicious cuisine, select 

showrooms will also offer cocktails and live entertainment. 

A charity auction of stylish interior accessories benefits Bloom (ljesbloom.com), 

La Jolla Elementary School’s new site improvement committee whose mission is to 

beautify the school’s hardscape and landscape. 

INFO 

Date: Saturday, September 20 

Times: Seminars, 1-5 p.m. (details below); Social Soirées, 5-7 p.m. 

Admission: Free 

Location: The La Jolla Design District, Girard Avenue, La Jolla 

Seminar Schedule (see table below): Attendees receive 

invitations to private Showroom Soirées, featuring appetizers, 

cocktails and live entertainment. 

[ 1 p.m. ] 

Incorporating Luxury 

Fabrics into the Home 

Designer Becky Walker 

offers innovative 

recommendations 

for using high-end 

textiles as window 

treatments, upholstery 

and home accents. 

Location: 

Material Things, 

7661 Girard Ave., 

858.551.0873 

[ 2 p.m. ] 

Jonathan Segal, 

Architect as Developer, 

Three Homes: Past, 

Present, Future 

One of San Diego’s 

premier architects, 

Jonathan Segal, FAIA, 

reviews case studies of 

his award-winning work. 

Location: 

Divan Studio, 


858.551.0405 

[ 2 p.m. ] 

Pillow Talk: Everything 

You Should Know When 

Purchasing Bedding 

and a Mattress 

Learn experts’ perspectives 

on the advantages 

of natural latex versus poly 

foam mattresses and get 

the inside scoop on the 

facts and misconceptions 

shoppers should consider. 

Location: Everett 

Stunz, 7616 Girard Ave., 

858.459.3305 

[ 3 p.m. ] 

Interior Design 

Q & A Session 

Widely regarded as the 

preeminent expert on 

Southern California’s 

signature Seaside 

Leisure style, awardwinning 

designer Sheryll 

Jackman answers 

questions about classics, 

colors and innovative 

design. Location: 

Seaside Home, 7509 

Girard Ave., 858.454.0866 

[ 4 p.m. ] 

Bathroom on a Budget 

Avoid breaking the bank 

by redoing a bath on 

a budget without 

sacrificing style. The 

presentation highlights 

four different looks for 

the bath, from hard 

surfaces and plumbing 

to accent panels 

and accessories. 

Location: Waterworks, 


858.454.0446 

[ 4 p.m. ] 

Artist, Walter Redondo 

Walter Redondo has been 

selling his abstract canvases 

since he burst onto the 

local art scene in 1998. The 

works on display portray 

Redondo’s passion for 

texture, spatial relationship 

and sophisticated imagery. 

Location: Roche Bobois, 

Contemporary, 7611 

Girard Ave., 858.459.0297; 

Provincial, 7607 Girard Ave., 

858.459.5711 


eakfast * lunch * dinner * lounge 

fabulous beach front dining since 1970 

Chef Chris Bates 

Bates’ World Famous seafood dishes 

reflect his International approach 

to fine California Coastal Cuisine. 

Menu changes daily depending upon 

what seafood is freshest at market. 

Reservations: 858.272.3100 * 711 Pacific Beach Drive * Pacific Beach 

Enjoy a gourmet seafood dinner for about $20/person

PARTS 

look ma, 

No Hands 

Put down your cell phone and pick up an Ego 

EGO Bluetooth Cup 

Manufactured by Funkwerk 

egohandsfree.com 

By Carissa Casares 

Mom always said not to put anything in my ear that’s smaller than my elbow. 

Now, California’s new cell phone law has me considering jamming a Bluetooth 

headset into the side of my head. Wireless technology is great, but I’m not 

ready to look like a cyborg just yet. And if cell phones cause brain tumors, the 

last thing I need is gamma waves in my ear hole. 

Funkwerk to the rescue. The German-based manufacturer of Bluetoothenabled 

products, whose headquarters for the Americas is located at the 

epicenter of cutting-edge technology (kidding, it’s in Clairemont), recently 

unveiled Ego, a new line of sleek devices that help drivers avoid sticking it in 

their ears. 

Egos do a lot more than just facilitate phone calls. In addition to voice-activated 

dialing, some models enable users to stream MP3s from their cell phones to 

their car stereos, provide turn-by-turn audible directions to any destination and 

even display videos. (Better keep your hands at ten and two, because keeping 

your eyes on the road just got harder.) 

For just over $100, the Ego Cup provides a simple plug-and-play solution. 

Named for its ability to fit in just about any cup-holder, the Cup draws power 

from a cigarette lighter and boasts superior speaker-phone functionality, which 

is enhanced by noise-cancelling technology that helps the person on the other 

end of the line to hear you instead of the Harley roaring by. 

“The Cup is a user-friendly, quick solution to dealing with California’s new 

law,” says Courtney Berg, Funkwerk’s public relations representative for the 

Americas. 

Ego’s most popular model, the feature-packed Flash, requires a more 

expensive hard-wired installation. However, with the increased cost comes 

additional capabilities, including caller ID, storage for up to 10,000 phonebook 

entries and a text-to-speech function that reads your text messages aloud. 

Now that’s music to the ears—and a whole lot easier than trying to get your 

elbow to fit inside. 

what a 

gas! 

Ten small ways to save big bucks at the pump 

By Derek Shaw 

While biofuels and hybrids allow some car owners to take a step in the right direction, 

it’s wishful thinking to expect all Americans to afford the premium sticker 

price for either. Realistically speaking, immediate relief to painful gas prices lies 

in the garage. There are dozens of ways to make your car less wasteful and more 

earth-friendly. Here are ten easy ones: 

1. Not so fast. Driving at a slower, steadier pace conserves a lot more fuel than 

you might think. Gunning it is the fastest way to end up with an empty tank. Cruise 

in the highest gear possible without straining your engine. 

2. How low can you go? Unless your car requires premium gasoline, skip it. 

Higher octane means more money but doesn’t necessarily translate to improved mileage 

or performance. Your car will likely run just fine on the cheaper stuff, but it’s best to 

consult your owner’s manual for minimum gasoline grade requirements. 

3. American idle. Most cars don’t need to warm up anymore. The longer you 

sit in the driveway, the more gas you’re burning. Don’t leave your car running when 

it’s unnecessary and avoid idling for more than a few minutes. 

4. Excess baggage. A heavily loaded roof rack can reduce your fuel economy 

by five percent. Filling up your backseat and trunk means that you’re carrying excess 

weight. Improve gas mileage by leaving the heavy stuff at home. Your passengers 

will appreciate the legroom. 

5. Under pressure. Half of the cars on the road are riding on under-inflated 

tires, which leads to worn treads and wasted fuel. Check your tire pressure at the gas 

station regularly. It’s fast and often free. 

6. Bust a cap. Tightening your gas cap prevents fuel from evaporating. According 

to the Car Care Council, nearly 20 percent of vehicles have gas caps that are 

damaged, loose or missing, causing 147 million gallons of gas to vaporize annually. 

7. Chill on the A/C. You’ve probably heard it before, but it’s easy to forget 

during summertime. Take advantage of that beach breeze—crack the windows 

and open the vents. Air conditioning can diminish your fuel economy by up to 20 

percent. 

8. Cover up. While your vehicle bakes in the summer sun, fuel is evaporating from 

the tank. Parking in a garage minimizes the problem and helps your car endure the 

elements. Try a windshield shade to block the sun, protect your interior and reduce 

suffocating heat and the consequent need for more A/C. 

9. Running on Fumes. When your fuel runs low, your tank stops receiving a 

steady supply of gas, which makes your engine run much less efficiently. While increasing 

time between visits to the pump may seem less painful to your wallet, you’ll 

wind up wasting more money if you don’t keep your tank above one-third full. 

10. Freshen up. Clogged air filters can reduce gas mileage by up to ten percent. 

Experts recommend changing air filters as often as you change your oil—every three 

months or 3,000 miles. 


get 

PARTS 

Tanked 

Fill ‘er up with high-octane agave 

by michael benninger 

Tequila has the power to make all of your troubles (along with 

your cell phone, inhibitions and maybe even your job) disappear. 

But what if tequila’s main ingredient, agave, could solve some of 

the world’s biggest problems without giving anyone a hangover? 

A team of Mexican scientists is working on an epic agave-toethanol 

project that could forever quench America’s thirst for 

fuel. What’s more, this ambitious plan holds the promise to reinvigorate 

economies around the globe and simultaneously help 

restore the environment. 

Agave is rich in sugar, making it ideal for producing ethanol, 

which can then be processed into eco-friendly fuel. Just one acre 

of agave plants can produce 2,000 gallons of ethanol; the same 

amount of corn reaps a mere 300-400 gallons. In short, less land 

could be used to produce more fuel, and that’s just one of the 

benefits associated with this wonder crop. 

Currently, Mexico produces 95% of the world’s supply of 

consumable agave, but this adaptable plant has the ability to 

thrive in dry, infertile wastelands all over the world. Large-scale 

agave harvesting could create new jobs and new markets, even 

in poverty-stricken communities in arid climates on seemingly 

worthless land. 

This resilient crop is affordable to harvest, impervious to 

droughts and doesn’t require irrigation or agrochemicals. Plus, 

agave absorbs nitrogen from the air and then releases it into soil, 

naturally improving the quality of the ground in which it grows. 

It’s a win-win for Mother Nature and mankind. 

Recently, INE (Mexico’s national ecology institute) signed on to 

provide funding and assistance for the project, which may result 

in almost 20,000 acres of agave being harvested for fuel south of 

the border. 

The only drawback? There’s plenty of negative speculation as to 

how this plan might impact the cost and availability of tequila. 

The best bet is to head to Chevron with some limes and salt. 

Salud! 

The 4 - 1 - 1 on 

5 - 1 - 1 

By Lauren Tait 

Even though you just spent $75 to fill 

your tank (halfway), you’re out of gas 

and stranded on the 5. Now what? 

When you need a tow truck, tire 

change, gasoline or any other type 

of non-emergency roadside assistance, 

fear not… 5-1-1 is here to 

bail you out. The San Diego Service 

Authority for Freeway Emergencies 

(SAFE) Mobile Call Box Program 

offers non-emergency assistance 

to drivers on County freeways and 

highways. 

By dialing 5-1-1 toll-free from a cell 

phone, distressed drivers can connect 

to the same live-answering call 

center available through those yellow 

roadside phones without having 

to abandon their vehicles or trek 

down a treacherous highway in the 

dark. 511sd.com, sdcallbox.com 

Sad 

DIMR’S ® 

TURN OFF YOUR 

HEADLIGHTS. 

Reusuable Nipple Covers. 

Happy 

Services available by 

calling 5-1-1 or visiting 

511sd.com include: 

» Roadside Assistance 

» Live Traffic Reports 

» Transit Information 

» Ride Sharing 

» Driving Directions 

» Public Transit Information: 

Bus, Trolley, Rail 

» Bicycle Routes 

Designers: Denim of Virtue, Chip and Pepper, 

Hanky Panky, Billy Blues, Twisted Heart, 

Red Engine, Lockheart, and PurseHook 

3460 Ingraham St., Ste. B * Pacific Beach 

858.273.4677 * ishopatscene.com 

Located on the corner of 

La Cima and Ingraham in PB

TASTE 

dynamic 

DUOS 

San Diego food and 

beverage experts 

play matchmaker 

with their signature 

dishes and cocktails 

by Brandon Hernández 

PHOTO BY CHANTELLE 

A bold, earthy cabernet and a pepper-crusted porterhouse. A crisp, perfectly-chilled pinot grigio alongside a plate of fresh shellfish. Wine’s ability to raise 

already delicious food to delectable new heights is well known. But man cannot live on vino alone… nor should man have to. At least not in San Diego, 

where a wet bar’s worth of possibilities accompanies our best bills of fare. Chefs and mixologists are more adventurous than ever, and many of our region’s 

finest are working to bring their worlds together via their respective bailiwicks to create a succinctly simpatico dining experience. It’s enough to drive 

someone to drink… in a good way. Such “driven” individuals need look no further than the following spots for the perfect blend of fine food and high spirits. 

OCEANAIRE SEAFOOD ROOM / GASLAMP [Pictured] 

400 J St. » theoceanaire.com 

Chef Brian Malarkey believes that drinks with big personalities are best complemented by dishes 

with equally-pronounced character. In keeping with that ideal, he stacks his Cajun-spiced black 

tiger barbecue prawns against bartender Ron Steen’s signature drink, The Otter Pop. A variation 

of the famous Lemon Drop, The Otter Pop combines Absolut Citron vodka, triple sec and sour 

mix with a blue raspberry float and offers up a defined sweetness that interplays well with the 

bold spiciness of the prawns. SECOND ROUND: The Oceanaire Mojito + Spicy El Diablo Squid 

TABULE INTERNATIONAL CUISINE & BAR / GASLAMP 

535 Fourth Ave. » tabulerestaurantbar.com 

Although the best of a chef’s edible offerings can come across as culinary genius, pairing food 

and drink doesn’t have to be rocket science. Chef Moe Sadighian’s new restaurant in the heart 

of Downtown boasts an extensive array of signature martinis, one of which incorporates fresh 

pomegranate juice. What goes best with pomegranate? In this case, more pomegranate! 

And Sadighian provides it in the form of grilled duck breast with walnuts in a pomegranate 

reduction sauce. SECOND ROUND: Mango Martini + Thai Chili Mango Baby Back Ribs 


TASTE 

OSETRA / GASLAMP [pictured] 

904 Fifth Ave. » osetrafishhouse.com 

Chef Alberto Morreale takes a cultural approach when pairing food with cocktails, starting 

with an innovative take on a Mexican classic, tacos. After stuffing warm flour tortillas 

with tempura-fried lobster, salsa and cilantro-infused crème fraîche, he accompanies this 

upscale comfort plate with a Cactus-tini: Sauza añejo tequila with Cointreau, fresh lime 

and a splash of Grand Marnier. It may be more margarita than martini, but there’s nothing 

‘tini about its citrus punch, which lifts the flavors of the lobster and its accoutrements to 

epic status. SECOND ROUND: Angie’s Dirty Sky (pepperoncini-infused vodka) + Spicy 

Tempura Tuna Roll with Soy Sauce & Wasabi 

C LEVEL / ISLAND PRIME / Harbor Island 

880 Harbor Island Dr. » cohnrestaurants.com 

The only thing this “port-side” lounge’s breathtaking views play second fiddle to is 

the spectacular fare of San Diego icon chef Deborah Scott, whose tropically-inspired 

dishes and cocktails are as perfectly suited for C Level’s outdoor environs as they are 

for each other. This is exhibited in exquisite fashion by the union of Deb’s Mai Tai, 

a sweet and sour rum cocktail made even more flavorful with the addition of sweet 

almond syrup, and her seared Hawaiian ahi stack, a tower of spicy tuna, crab, avocado 

and a bright papaya-mango salsa that brings it all together. SECOND ROUND: Isle of 

Zen Martini + Pan-Seared Chicken Pot Stickers with Vietnamese Dipping Sauce 

GRINGO’S CANTINA / Pacific Beach 

4474 Mission Blvd. » gringoscantina.com 

You can’t have a valid discussion about cocktails in San Diego without covering 

margaritas. Chef Miguel Deer has developed a number of unique incarnations of this 

near-native agave-laced libation. One of his favorites is the Suprema, which mixes 

Cuervo Tradicional, Patron Citronage, pineapple and a Chambord float to create a fusion 

of Mexican and tropical flavors that pairs stylishly with the papaya and Citronageinfused 

cilantro-lime sauce accompanying his grilled Swordfish á la Parilla. SECOND 

ROUND : Gringo Margarita + Copper Pot Carnitas with Guacamole & Jalapeños 

DISH / Hillcrest 

1220 University Ave. » dishhillcrest.com 

Since its recent addition to Hillcrest’s culinary landscape, Dish has been a scorching 

hot spot for the brunch bunch. Certainly no brunch would be complete without a 

cocktail or two, and there’s no more food-friendly beverage than the timeless Bloody 

Mary. Chef Antonio Friscia’s menu offers great Mary-matchable dishes such as the 

coulotte (top sirloin) steak and eggs with hash browns and béarnaise sauce, and the 

spinach salad with bacon, a poached egg and a tangy sherry vinaigrette. 

SECOND ROUND: Champagne Mimosa + Honey Almond Oat Parfait 


dynamic 

DUOS 

continued 

WHISKEY GIRL / Gaslamp 

600 5th Ave. » thewhiskeygirl.com 

TASTE 

Cocktails provide complementary flavors to help round out the potency 

of hard liquor. But, every now and then, you want that rich, unadulterated 

taste sensation. If you’re a whiskey girl… or guy… the folks at the 

Gaslamp’s Whiskey Girl recommend you go with the only 20-year bourbon 

on the market, Pappy Van Winkle Reserve, and pair that bad boy with a 

thick, juicy rib-eye steak. Matched with the rib-eye, the clarity and smoothness 

of the bourbon create a combination in which two strong flavors 

enhance each other without competing for attention. SECOND ROUND: 

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale + Whiskey Girl Burger (a pairing on special each 

Sunday for $10) 

GEORGE’S CALIFORNIA MODERN / La Jolla 

1250 Prospect St. » georgesatthecove.com 

There’s a good reason Chef Trey Foshee’s Grave Robber cocktail pairs so 

well with his grilled lobster and mussels: the drink and the dish are both built 

on the same solid flavor foundation. Foshee stews the mussels in a broth 

made with tomato, fennel, onion, garlic and white wine. Once the shellfish 

are plump and ready to serve, he removes a portion of the broth from the 

stewpot, adds a shot of pisco (Peruvian brandy) and chills the savory and 

delightfully spicy concoction down with ice to complete the Grave Robber. 

SECOND ROUND: Pisco Sour + Octopus Salad with Potatoes & Romesco Sauce 

JSIX & JBAR / East Village 

616 J St., » jsixsandiego.com 

When looking for a great libation, chef Christian Graves needs look no further 

than his restaurant’s sister bar atop Hotel Solamar. Graves believes that his 

heirloom tomato and pistachio-crusted goat cheese BLT is best enjoyed at 

high noon with a chilled glass of Pear Flower Lemonade, a low-alcohol cocktail 

made from fresh-squeezed lemon juice, Grey Goose vodka and St. Germain 

elderflower liqueur. The cocktail’s crisp, refreshing flavors pair well with 

the clean, fresh tomatoes while cutting the smokiness of the bacon. 

SECOND ROUND: Cucumber Mary + Poached Eggs with Fennel-Cherry 

Peppers, Sausage & Paprika Smoked Potatoes 

MARINE ROOM / La Jolla Shores 

2000 Spindrift Dr. » marineroom.com 

Chef Bernard Guillas knows a thing or two about cocktails. He and chef de 

cuisine Ron Oliver just put the finishing touches on a cookbook featuring 

recipes for a number of unique sippers. One favorite is the Hot Chili Cacao: 

Van Gogh Dutch chocolate vodka, Absolut Mandarin, cranberry juice and 

Lillet (a French aperitif) served in a glass rimmed with cocoa and chili powder. 

The result is a spicy sweet flavor profile that meshes beautifully with Guillas’ 

buttery toffee cake adorned with toasted hazelnuts, coffee mousse and 

decadent buttercream icing. SECOND ROUND: Orchard Bee (apple honey 

mimosa) + Scottish Smoked Salmon with Almond Griddle Cake 

LAUREL / Bankers Hill 

505 Laurel St. » sdurbankitchen.com 

Hendrick’s is the gin of the moment for mixologists everywhere and it’s the 

base for this luxurious California-Mediterranean spot’s Raspberry-Thyme 

Smash, which pairs the complex gin with muddled raspberry and fresh thyme 

sprigs. The thyme creates a flavor bridge to connect the cocktail with the chèvre 

(goat cheese) found in chef Joe Magnanelli’s beet and herbed chèvre terrine, 

which is dressed with a port wine gastrique (sweetened wine sauce) that marries 

exceptionally well with the drink’s fruitier notes. SECOND ROUND: French Pear 

Martini + Smoked Bacon, Leek & Feta Flatbread with Golden Raisin Chutney 

PHOTO BY EVAN DUNNING 

QUARTER KITCHEN / GASLAMP 

600 F St. » quarterkitchen.com 

Traditionally, a tomato-based drink is served in tandem with tequila 

to cleanse the palate. Damon Gordon, the chef at the helm of the Ivy 

Hotel’s fine dining restaurant, reinterprets the tradition by offering a 

tomato-based gazpacho soup to complement a tequila cocktail. Made 

with fresh basil, Cointreau orange liqueur and club soda, the herb and 

citrus notes of the Corzo Silver Tequila Lemon Basil Martini connect 

with those of the chilled gazpacho, which is garnished with avocado and 

a finishing drizzle of smoked olive oil. SECOND ROUND: Basil Zinger 

Martini + Kobe Carpaccio with Arugula, Crispy Shallots & Parmesan 

CURRANT AMERICAN BRASSERIE / Downtown 

140 West Broadway » currantrestaurant.com 

Absinthe, the fabled and previously-outlawed “green fairy,” has 

touched down at this American brasserie, where it is both mixed into 

cocktails and served up in traditional fashion – diluted by ice-cold 

water strained through a slotted spoon containing a single sugar cube. 

The process blooms the spirit’s inherent anise flavor, making it an ideal 

sipping companion for chef Geoffrey Yahn’s saffron pappardelle pasta, 

which is served with shrimp bathed in a cream sauce flavored with another 

anise liqueur, Pernod. SECOND ROUND: Hemingway’s Death 

(absinthe & champagne) + Green Tomato Caprese Nouveau Salad 

WHISKNLADLE / La Jolla 

1044 Wall St. » whisknladle.com 

Chef Ryan Johnston and mixologist Ian Ward share the philosophy that 

the best edibles are made from scratch. As such, glass containers filled 

with various liquors infused with just about every ingredient under the 

sun line the upstairs portion of this sanctuary for food purists. Ward’s 

homemade rose water and paprika grenadine mingle with Bulleit bourbon 

and marry harmoniously with Johnston’s paprika-laced chorizo and 

date fritters and a sweet-tart tomato piquillo pepper sauce. SECOND 

ROUND: London’s Burning (Bluecoat gin, lime and jalapeño water) + 

Seared Divers Scallops with Corn-Tomato Salsa 

Brandon Hernández is a native San Diegan with a passion for the culinary arts and the local dining 

scene. He has been featured numerous times on The Food Network’s hit program Emeril Live, is the 

author of a cookbook titled The Restaurant At Home and offers his expertise on food preparation 

and menu planning as a culinary consultant via the San Diego-based Deep Crimson Culinary Visions. 


TASTE 

instant chef 

Gourmet dishes you 

can master in mintues 

FACTOR 

Pan-seared sea scallops are seductive and so simple 

by Craig Boreth 

When you need to entice, impress or seduce, few 

dishes can match pan-seared sea scallops for sheer 

dramatic impact. And, while they are incredibly 

easy to prepare, and an affordable alternative 

to pearls for impressing the ladies, many home 

cooks remain intimidated. Maybe it’s because sea 

scallops seem exotic and delicate. Or maybe it’s 

a vast campaign of misinformation intended to 

continue allowing restaurants to charge a 500% 

markup on a dish that any novice cook could make 

beautifully at home. Who’s to say? All I know is that, 

with a few simple tips and a foolproof recipe, you’ll 

soon be making this sweet treat just like the pros. 

The first thing to realize is that sea scallops are 

not nearly as easy to overcook as their smaller 

cousins, the calico scallops (often mislabeled as bay 

scallops). Sea scallops are much more forgiving 

and not nearly as quick to achieve the consistency 

of pencil erasers. 

Second, finding the best sea scallops is really quite 

simple. You want to buy scallops that make it to 

market the most quickly after being harvested 

(“day boat” or “diver” scallops) and avoid those 

treated with phosphates to absorb more water 

(“dry pack” scallops). The best scallops will be 

pinkish or ivory-colored (phosphate-treated 

scallops are bleached white); any water they’re 

sitting in should be clear, not milky. 

Finally, the perfect preparation for sea scallops is 

also the easiest. Plan on serving three scallops per 

person, assuming they’re about the size of a slightly 

flattened golf ball. 

RECIPE 

Ingredients 

-Sea scallops, patted dry, 

sinews removed 

-Peanut oil 

-Butter 

-Salt and pepper 

Actions: 

1. Heat a large skillet over 

medium-high heat and add 

two tablespoons peanut oil. 

2. When the oil is shimmering hot, 

add the scallops, being careful 

not to crowd the pan, and 

cook undisturbed until nicely 

browned, or about two minutes. 

Lower the heat slightly if the oil 

begins to smoke. 

3. Gently turn the scallops using 

tongs, add one tablespoon of 

butter and cook the scallops for 

one to two minutes more, basting 

them with the butter and oil. 

4. Season with salt and pepper 

and serve immediately. 

The scallops are done when you 

can press in the middle and feel a 

firm but gentle resistance, similar 

to the texture of the palm of your 

hand at the base of your thumb. 

Craig Boreth is a food writer and author of The Hemingway Cookbook. He 

is also the author of How To Feel Manly In a Minivan, a survival guide for new 

dads, and How To Iron Your Own Damn Shirt, the perfect husband handbook.

TASTE 

A Currant 

CHEF of the month 

Affair 

Meet Geoffrey Yahn, the executive 

chef at Currant American Brasserie 

by Brandon Hernández photos by greg ramirez 

Q&A With Chef yahn 

What happens when a chef with a 

defined passion for all things Americana 

takes the helm of a hip brasserie? A lot 

more than mere French fries, that’s for sure. 

“I enjoy cooking comfort-based foods,” 

declares the recently appointed executive 

chef of the Gaslamp’s Currant American 

Brasserie, Geoffrey Yahn, who sums up his 

offerings as, “Rich, honest food that makes 

you feel good… with a touch of class.” 

Yahn puts his personal stamp on Currant’s 

cuisine by masterfully infusing classic European 

dishes with the finest ingredients and 

techniques our nation has to offer. Southern 

Italy meets the Deep South as fried green 

tomatoes find their way into Yahn’s nouveau 

Caprese salad that’s made even more American 

with a brightening dash of Hawaiian sea 

salt. Crispy fried soft-shell crab and spicy 

remouláde fill in for cod and malt vinegar 

in a New Orleanian take on a British classic, 

fish ‘n’ chips. Even playful staples such as 

popcorn and Walla Walla onion rings find 

their way onto this patriotic gastronomist’s 

bill of fare. 

“I love looking at all that we have in the 

kitchen, letting my mind wander to an idea 

and then seeing it on a plate and surprising 

even myself with how good it tastes,” says 

Yahn. “I also like pushing the envelope and 

introducing our guests to food that they 

may have never tried.” 

There is certainly no lack of innovation 

at Currant, where even the most familiar, 

traditional recipes undergo some form 

of lavish update rendering them unique 

and adventurous. But, if you’re looking for 

the perfect bite, Yahn recommends the 

fennel-brined pork chop, which is grilled to 

perfection and piled atop a bed of creamy 

polenta with country-fried pork belly and 

sweet cioppolini onion jus. 

As though a solid menu weren’t already 

enough, there’s another admirable component 

that Yahn brings with him to his new 

post. “I truly enjoy farm-to-table dining. 

All of our fish, meat and poultry come from 

sustainable sources, and over half of our 

produce comes from local farms.” 

This deeply-engrained philosophy spans 

beyond the present and into Yahn’s future 

goals. “I hope to always work toward something 

more. I would like to open a restaurant 

some day where everything that is brought 

into the restaurant comes from the local 

area and leaves no carbon footprint on the 

community.” 

When asked about fellow San Diego chefs 

whom he most respects, Yahn cites two 

whose ideologies mirror his own. “Jeff 

Jackson, the executive chef at The Lodge at 

Torrey Pines, has a true sense of care for the 

product that he uses and cares about where 

it comes from. And Christian Graves, the 

executive chef at JSix, cares about the fish 

that he brings into his restaurant and is interested 

in making everything from scratch.” 

When he first arrived in San Diego, Yahn 

had the pleasure of collaborating with 

Jackson and working under Graves. With 

such committed mentors and colleagues to 

learn from, it’s no wonder that this inspired 

chef has been able to adapt so well and so 

quickly to his new leadership role. 

Brandon Hernández: What key values 

are at the core of what you do as a chef? 

Geoffrey Yahn: Integrity, passion, love, 

family, and community. 

BH: What are some of your favorite 

restaurants in San Diego? 

GY: Phil’s BBQ’s barbecue pork sandwich 

and ribs are amazing! Sushi Deli 2 for good, 

cheap sushi. The 101 Café, in Encinitas, is a 

mom-and-pop diner where the people are 

friendly and the food is really good. 

BH: What would be your perfect 

San Diego dining experience? 

GY: Lying on the grass in Balboa Park with 

a big hero sandwich from Mona Lisa Deli, 

in Little Italy, and following that with gelato 

from Gelato Vero Caffé, in Mission Hills. 

BH: Name some non-culinary pursuits 

that you are passionate about? 

GY: I have a new son who is five months old 

and a beautiful loving wife, and they are 

the biggest passion in my life other 

than cooking. 

CURRANT AMERICAN BRASSERIE / downtown 

140 West Broadway » 619.702.6309 » currantrestaurant.com » Lunch, M-F: 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. » Dinner, nightly: 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. 


GROOVE 

beat the 

streets 

Street Scene returns to rock its downtown roots 

By Bonnie Vandewater and lauren brunelle 

Photo: street scene 2004 

East Village will be rocking even 

harder than usual September 19 and 

20, as Street Scene returns to its 

downtown roots. 

This year’s entertainment includes 

over 40 acts, including mega-stars and 

rising breakout artists performing on 

four stages. The two-day extravaganza 

also features performance art, food 

vendors, microbrew beer gardens and 

Brazilian carnival-like celebrations. The 

all-ages celebration aims to keep the 

event aligned with its purest ideals— 

showcasing today’s freshest sounds in 

a uniquely urban outdoor venue. 

Twenty-five years ago, Street Scene 

founder and producer, Rob Hagey, 

produced Cool Jams, a weeklong jazz 

festival in the Gaslamp, where artists 

performed in alleyways, basements 

and on one stage in the street. 

“Then it dawned on me that, instead 

of promoting just jazz, I could promote 

all kinds of music,” Hagey says. “It 

was that type of sound in the street in 

1983 that was the beginning of and the 

inspiration for Street Scene, which was 

to come the following year.” 

Street Scene called downtown home for 

two decades, but the region’s explosive 

development forced Hagey to relocate 

in 2004. Although the streets are the 

festival’s birthplace, the event’s success 

hinges on the availability of larger open 

areas such as parking lots. And, with the 

spot where R.E.M. performed on-stage 

in 2003 now being occupied by a condo 

complex and a Starbucks, Street Scene 

had outgrown the streets and needed 

a new home. 

In 2005, the event relocated to 

Qualcomm; in 2007, Street Scene was 

planned for Del Mar but then moved 

to Coors Amphitheatre (now Cricket 

Wireless). Like a fish out of water, Street 

Scene floundered during its time away 

from the city. 

“When we moved to Mission Valley, we 

were seeing the festival losing its heart 

and soul,” says Hagey. “So, reviewing 

the decline in sales and reviewing what 

the event was all about, the decision 

was made to put it back downtown and 

to scale it to the venue.” 

This year, rain or shine, Street Scene 

will rock East Village, adjacent to Petco 

Park, where there’s ample parking, and 

concert-goers can easily hop on the 

trolley after a long night of partying. 

Hats off, Hagey, and welcome home 

Street Scene. 

SWEET MUSIC 

Beck, whose newest single, Gamma 

Ray, hit radio airwaves this summer, is 

headlining the show along with The 

Black Crowes. Indie rock band Spoon 

and West Indian Girl are set to make 

command performances. 

Swedish Boys and The Hives will be taking 

stage, but hopefully not at the same 

time as TV On The Radio. Two great 

bands playing at one time may be the 

curse of Street Scene. 

Underground rap group, Atmosphere, 

add some much needed hip-hop to the 

mix. And what’s a concert without some 

electronic tunes from musicians like Hot 

Chip and some indie sounds from Cold 

War Kids? 

Whether you want to “D.A.N.C.E” to 

the beats of Justice or mellow out to 

the reggae beats of Michael Franti & 

Spearhead, Street Scene 2008 guarantees 

a little something for everyone… 

and then some. 

LINE-UP: Beck, The Black Crowes, The National, Spoon, Justice, TV on the Radio, Atmosphere, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Cat Power, Tegan and Sara, Sound Tribe 

Sector 9, Hot Chip, The New Pornographers, X, Vampire Weekend, The Hives, Cold War Kids, Ghostland Observatory, GZA, Diplo, Eagles of Death Metal, Spiritualized, 

Antibalas, The Mother Hips, Man Man, Del Tha Funky Homosapien, Tokyo Police Club, Devotchka, The Night Marchers, MGMT, Does it Offend You—Yeah?, 

Foals, Nortec Collective Presents, Bostich + Fussible, The Films, The Muslims, The Whigs, Dengue Fever, West Indian Girl, Chester French, more to be added. 


ar » restaurant 

nightclub » lounge 

SATURDAYS: 

$1 

TACOS 

SATURDAYS: 

Happy Hour 4-10 PM 

$3 Wells, Drafts, 

Selected Wines 

$3 Vodka and Rockstar 

$8 Domestic Pitchers 

$12 Premium Pitchers 

$3 Off Appetizers 

½-Price 

Bottles of Wine 

MEXICAN FLAVORS: 

$3 Margaritas & Sangria 

$1 STREET TACOS 

[Shrimp, Carne Asada, 

Carnitas, Chicken & Fish] 

945 Garnet Ave. * Pacific Beach 

858.274.4833 * JohnnyVsd.com 

VIPs: Amy@JohnnyVsd.com 

WAREHOUSE 

Face a Face, Kaenon, Cavalli, Maui Jim, 

Prada, Spy, Sean John, Oliver Peoples, etc 

$15 OFF 

On purchase of any pair 

of glasses over $100 

ONE COUPON PER PURCHASE 

 

sunglassoptical.com 

Sports Arena | 619.291.4810 

3450 Kurtz Street, Suite D 

Kearny Mesa | 858.492.0959 

4488 Convoy Street 

La Jolla | 858.622.9190 

La Jolla Village Square

GROOVE 

re-sounding 

Success 

ENTREPRENEURIAL accordionist Matt Hensley rejoins 

Flogging Molly (performing at viejas sept. 28) 

by Derek Shaw photo by donez 

Thirty-seven year-old Matt Hensley is a madman. He has to be in order to juggle two demanding 

businesses, a rigorous touring schedule and fatherhood. He was one of the most influential pro 

skaters of the 90s, and his clothing company, Innes, is distributed worldwide. 

Hensley’s Celtic rock band Flogging Molly blends the intensity of punk with traditional Irish music. 

Their latest record Float debuted at number four on the Billboard 200 Charts. Get Punch Drunk (a 

Flogging Molly song title) at their September 28 concert at Viejas. 

flogging molly 

Live at Viejas » September 28 

viejasentertainment.com 

Derek Shaw: Which came first, 

your love of skating or jamming? 

Matt Hensley: I’ve always loved 

skating and music, so those two 

genres have been neck-and-neck since 

childhood. Without music, a lot of my 

skateboarding jams would have been 

a lot duller back in the day. Without 

sounding like a crazy hippie, music is 

truly the international language. 

DS: How long have you been 

playing music? 

MH: I was a guitar player in the late ‘80s 

for a couple ska bands. I love to play 

banjo and anything that squeezes like 

concertina and accordion. 

DS: So you’ve always dug 

folk and roots music? 

MH: Oh yeah, especially bands that 

blend traditional elements with rock 

and roll like Dropkick Murphy’s and 

The Pogues. 

DS: How did you start playing 

accordion in Flogging Molly? 

MH: I met the singer, Dave King, in Los 

Angeles 13 years ago. After seeing an 

all-accordion band, we went to an Irish 

pub. He mentioned that he was starting 

a band and wanted to incorporate 

accordion. We shook hands, and he 

gave me a tape. A week later I went to 

jam with them, and afterwards he said, 

“You’re in.” 

DS: At that point, you guys were 

just an LA bar band. Did you 

anticipate getting this big and 

touring seven months a year? 

MH: No. I always believed in Dave’s 

lyrics, and I knew we’d be a great band, 

but I thought it would be in a much 

smaller setting. 

DS: After a decade with 

Flogging Molly, why did you 

quit the band in early 2007? 

MH: I have a 10 year-old son, and the 

whole time I’ve been on tour… I always 

had a guilty feeling in the back of my 

soul that I was f###ing my son up. 

DS: So what convinced 

you to come back? 

MH: I love my son more than anything 

else, and I’d take a bullet for him, but 

this is what his old man does. It took me 

quitting to know exactly where I stand 

and where I should be in the world. I 

belong in this band and I’m meant to 

play music. 

DS: So, you opened the Flying 

Elephant Pub & Grill, in 

Carlsbad, during the hiatus? 

MH: I was raised in San Diego, and 

it’ll always be home. It made sense to 

me, because I’ve always loved the feel 

of pubs and I needed to stay around 

music. It’s an outlet for local musicians 

to give them the opportunity that I got. 

And, if the band breaks up tomorrow, I’ll 

have a place to come home to. 

DS: Innes has always had a lot of 

street credibility, especially among 

skaters and musicians. Assuming that 

it keeps growing at this rate, what 

if Nordstrom’s wants to carry your 

clothes? What does “selling out” 

mean these days? 

MH: I used to think that selling out 

meant doing business with any big 

corporation, but the world is different 

now, and skateboarding has become 

mainstream, whether I like it or not. 

DS: How does that translate for 

Flogging Molly, as you’ve always 

stayed true to Side One Dummy 

despite offers from major labels? 

MH: We don’t want a major, because 

it doesn’t make sense, and Side One 

takes great care of us. Even if you sign a 

big deal, some jackass tries to figure out 

what you should sound like and whether 

you need to write a hit song or a mellow 

song. 

DS: September is our automotive 

issue. Are you a motor head? 

MH: Yeah, I’ve always had old cars and 

scooters. I own a ’66 Ford F-100 and a 

’66 sportster hard tail motorcycle. 

DS: What’s your dream car? 

MH: Probably a ’65 Riviera or 

’39 Chevy truck. 


Sick Cruisers 

from $105 to $1005 

ENDS OCTOBER 31 

FREE GAS FRIDAYS 

WE RAFFLE OFF $100 GAS GIFTCARD 

EVERY HOUR FROM 4-7pm 

SUPPORT YOUR BADGERS 

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3ALL DAY, EVERYDAY 

DRAFTS & TACOS 

 

 

 

 

 

ON THE BOARDWALK WHERE GRAND MEETS THE SAND 

 

 

 

Huge Showroom 

1211 Morena Blvd. 

San Diego 92110 

www.beachbikes.net 

BeachBikes.Net

GROOVE 

bartender of the month 

Fuego 

Claudia Miranda sets the night ablaze 

at Firehouse American Eatery + Lounge 

PHOTOs BY LOU MORA 

Firehouse is hot these days. The popular Pacific Beach eatery and 

lounge has a firepit on the rooftop patio, a fire station next door 

and a scorching bartender named Claudia Miranda serving up the 

hot times, one martini at a time. 

PacificSD: Where are you from and how long have you been here? 

Claudia Miranda: How do I put this? My mom and dad got really drunk one night and— 

do you really want details? I’ve been in San Diego long enough to know it’s not Minnesota. 

PSD: Best food/drink combo at Firehouse? 

CM: The fish tacos and our Ultimate Margarita. 

Wow, could I be any more Mexican? 

PSD: Favorite place other 

than Firehouse to have a drink. 

CM: The Ivy. They’ve got 

super hot go-go dancers. 

PSD: I wish I had more… 

CM: Superpowers. I could kill all the 

worms on the face of the planet. In case 

you didn’t know, I have a worm phobia. 

PSD: I wish I never had to… 

CM: Have serious conversations with 

people. It causes wrinkles and cancer. 

PSD: Biggest weakness? 

CM: Ninjas don’t have weaknesses. 

PSD: Dream car? 

CM: I’m already living the dream. 

A Hyundai Accent. 

PSD: Relationship status? 

CM: You’re a relationship! 

FIREHOUSE: 722 Grand Ave., Pacific Beach » 858.274.3100 » firehousepb.com 


frozen 

DRINK of the month 

WiiiNGS 

it’s finally ok to eat yellow snow 

by carissa casares 

photo by LOU MORA 

GROOVE 

(Somewhere in Alaska, 1992): An Eskimo sits atop a frozen lake, ice fishing 

and sipping a Red Bull. An unexpected tug on the line jostles the fisherman, 

who inadvertently spills the wing-giving energy drink into the wintry 

mix beneath him. 

Frantic to salvage his beverage, the man uses his bare hands to scoop up 

the Red Bull, which has by now become one with the snow. It was then 

that he thought to himself, “Wow, if only I had some vodka… this would 

be the perfect drink.” At least that’s the story according to Billy Ramirez, 

co-owner of the Pacific Beach Shore Club. 

Paying homage to the legendary Eskimo, Shore Club’s Red Bull Slushie 

is an icy mixture of Red Bull and vodka, which are poured into a Slurpeetype 

machine and tumbled until frozen, much like the refreshment from 

childhood except with a different after effect. The concoction is a major 

hit. 

“We’re getting another machine just to keep up with demand,” says Ramirez. 

Happy Hour (Daily 4-7pm): 

$4 well drinks 

$3 drafts 

$5 wines by the glass 

1/2-price appetizers 

djs, live jazz, big band rhythms wednesday through sunday 

exquisite ocean-view penthouse dining 

pacific beach shore club / pacific beach 

4343 Ocean Blvd. » 858.272.SURF (7873) » pbshoreclub.com 

la jolla’s sexiest 

bar & lounge 

Penthouse of Hotel La Jolla 

7955 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla 

858.551.3620 * clayslajolla.com

LOVE 

drive 

The Food Dude and a fabulous fashionista 

hit the road for a night OUT in Little Italy 

Blue 

photos by greg ramirez 

test 

Rocket car: 

Rent a Rocket Car or 

buy a scooter from 

San Diego Scooter 

and Cycle Supply. 

Two Pacific 

Beach locations: 

1400 Garnet Ave., 

1880 Grand Ave. 

858.829.2316 

scooterandcycle.com 

Searching for a perfect date is like hunting for the perfect 

car. It’s important to find the right body style and make sure 

the vehicle is equipped with the best options for a smooth 

ride. And you’d better check out the repair history, especially 

on older models, or you may end up failing a smog test. 

Luckily for tonight’s blind daters, no one will be pressured to 

sign a 24-to-36-month lease this evening. Instead, Kevin and 

Suzannah just need to kick the tires, enjoy an action-packed 

test drive… and maybe take a quick peek under the hood. 

Before the ride begins, let’s meet the drivers and check the 

Book values for their vehicles. 

Driver: Suzannah Stolba 

Address: Condo in University City 

DOB: 5/3/1981 

Eyes: Blue 

Hair: Blonde 

Height: 5’5” 

Weight: 113 

Organ Donor: Yes 

Driver: Kevin “Food Dude” Roberts 

Address: Plush downtown condo 

DOB: No comment 

Eyes: Brown 

Hair: Brown 

Height: 5’10” 

Weight: 165 

Organ Donor: Yes 

SPECS: Manufactured in D.C. and on the market for six months, this 1981 model is 

the founder of Fresh Karat, a bi-coastal fashion accessory brand. Perfect exterior, 

well maintained interior, low mileage, high-performance hybrid engine. This limited 

Southern California-chic edition comes factory-equipped with a competitive, entrepreneurial 

spirit. Frequently valets at Ivy, Stingaree, Jack’s La Jolla. Supreme handling 

in traffic, but enjoys having the road to herself. Loves to laugh, cook, travel, workout, 

hike with the dog. Serial monogamist with proven ability to stay on course. Horrendous 

driving skills have resulted in multiple moving violations, fender benders. 

CO-PILOT: Engine purrs for ambitious, fun-loving guys comfortable in their own skin; 

sputters for pretentiousness, those trying to be something they are not. Passengers 

must have enough miles to be ready to settle down, start a family, find house with 

two-car garage. Price: available upon request. 

SPECS: Single hardworking, Los Angeles-native, living his dream as TV chef, cookbook 

author, radio personality and owner of East Village Tavern & Bowl. Automatic 

transmission, on the market for five months, 100,000 miles but runs like new. Fast 

and furious driver, often parks at Oceanaire, Neighborhood, Firehouse. Exterior is 

in mint condition; interior is warm, fuzzy and spacious. Tenacious outlook on life, 

proficient at cooking and eating, values family above all else. Radio presets locked 

to 933, because he’s live on-air each week. Runs on high-octane fun and romance, 

lifetime supply included. 

CO-PILOT: Passengers must be educated and independent with sense of humor 

and East Coast mentality—blunt, to the point, no bulls#!tting around. Engine roars 

when women eat his food, stalls when they don’t. Personal credo: “Eat well, drink 

well, love well, live well.” Available for inspection. Priceless, OBO. 

START YOUR ENGINES 

As the test drive begins, Kevin takes the wheel of a Rocket Car, and the daters approach Mach 1 (they approach it, but never actually get passed 20 mph) as they cruise south along 

the harbor from the northern tip of Harbor Island. The first pit stop is Little Italy Spaghetteria, where the daters turn over their keys and park at the bar for pre-dinner champagne. 


[ Continued on page 48 ]

NFL & College Games on Hi-Def Satellite 

HAPPY HOUR 

(Mon. thru Fri. 3pm - 6pm): 

1/2-Price Pitchers 

EAT, DRINK, CHILL 

Mon. - Fri. 11am - 2am • Sat. - Sun., 9:30am - 2am, 

Breakfast ‘til 3pm, Full Menu ’til 11pm 

INNOVATIVE CASUAL MENU 

Succulent Ostrich Burgers 

• Fried Cheese Cheeseburger • Ahi Tuna 

Salad • Shrimp Pesto Pita • Peanut 

Butter & Jelly-Stuffed French Toast 

4656 Mission Blvd., (just north of Emerald) Pacific Beach

LOVE 

Little Italy Spaghetteria: 

1953 India St., 619.398.2974 

littleitalyspaghetti.com 

Spaghetteria’s mascot, 

a 1973 FIAT 500. 

NEXT STOP 

Adorned with authentic wine casks and rustic Italian-American decor, the interior of Little Italy Spaghetteria exudes 

the Old World ambiance one would expect from the Busalacchi Restaurant Group, San Diego’s first family 

of Italian cuisine. At the bar, Kevin and Suzannah share some spirited conversation over glasses of champagne. 

The bubbly now settling in, the daters decide to get behind the wheel—of a stationary vehicle, of course. Spaghetteria’s 

automotive mascot, a cute little 1973 Fiat 500, purrs in silent pride as the would-be road-trippers drive 

off into an imaginary sunset. 

When the need for refueling strikes, Suzannah and Kevin prepare to cruise a couple doors down India Street to 

Po Pazzo Bar and Grille. Before leaving for dinner, they hit the brakes for mid-date debriefings. 

INSPECTION REPORT: SUZANNAH 

PacificSD: How’s the ride so far? 

Suzannah: So far so good. Kevin seems like an awesome guy. He’s nice-looking 

and he seems very friendly and has a good sense of humor. It’s clear that we’re 

both in this to have a good time and meet new fun people. 

PSD: How was the Rocket Car experience? 

S: It was actually a lot of fun. Kevin was totally on the ball and we had good time. 

PSD: What do you think about Little Italy Spaghetteria? 

S: It’s very cool and has a nice atmosphere. It was cool to walk back and see the 

wine and all the barrels. 

PSD: Describe Kevin’s sense of style. 

S: Kevin is the ideally styled guy for me. He told me that this is dressing up for 

him, and I think that’s awesome. I don’t like guys who know more about 

fashion than I do. 

PSD: How do you think the rest of the night will go? 

S: Hard to say. I’m a private person, and it takes me more than a couple of hours to 

get to know someone. Plus, he’s on TV, so maybe this isn’t who he really is. I don’t 

know... he seems like a genuine guy. Maybe we’ll exchange numbers and hang out 

again. 

PSD: If Kevin were a car, what kind of car would he be? 

S: He would be what he drives, a Mercedes. It’s not flashy, but it’s quality, and 

Kevin is a good quality guy. 

INSPECTION REPORT: KEVIN 

PSD: How’s it going? 

Kevin: This is the first blind date that I’ve ever been on. I usually don’t do anything 

like this, but I’m having a great time. 

PSD: How was the Rocket Car? 

K: The rocket car was hoopty. Actually, it handled very well. It was surprisingly fast 

and agile, but it freaked Suzannah out. She was horrified. 

PSD: How was the Spaghetteria? 

K: It was absolutely perfect. The Spaghetteria is a great place. It’s really rare to get 

a great champagne by the glass. 

PSD: Describe your level of physical attraction to Suzannah. 

K: Typical guys love that look: bleach blonde hair, nice eyes, good skin with the 

tan. I’m just not one of those guys. 

PSD: Any chance for romance? 

K: Suzannah seems independent, smart and cute. She’s got a little bit of an attitude 

and she’s blunt and to the point, not like that L.A. foo-foo kind of bulls###. There’s 

no chance a romantic relationship could blossom from this, though. I feel like she’s 

the type that has to go to Stingaree and go out and be seen. And, with the business 

I’m in, owning the East Village Tavern & Bowl, which is located at ninth and Market, 

by the way, I want to be able to lay back in bed, watch a movie and just chill. 

PSD: If Suzannah was a car, what car would she be? 

K: She’d be a 2008 Corvette. I don’t drive Corvettes, though. I’m a Mercedes guy. 


[ Continued on page 52 ]

STYLE 

GET VIP 

TREATMENT 

Come see Rodney for a: 

STOLI BLACKBERI 

MOJITO! 

EVENTS 

NINE/08 

SUBMIT UPCOMING EVENT INFO TO CALENDAR@PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM 

LISTEN [concerts] 

LISTEN [concerts] 

9/17: Aesop Rock and Rob Sonic 

Belly Up Tavern » bellyup.com 

9/19-20: 24th Annual Street Scene 

Downtown » street-scene.com (story page 40) 

9/20: Janet Jackson 

San Diego Sports Arena » sandiegoarena.com 

9/21: Luis Miguel 

Cricket Wireless Amphitheater » livenation.com 

9/25: Kenny G 

Humphrey’s by the Bay » humphreysconcerts.com 

MOONDOGGIES 

Fri., Sat., Sun. Nights 

FIREHOUSE 

Sat., 11am - 6pm 

EAST VILLAGE TAVERN 

Football: Sun. 10am - 4pm 

Monday Night Football 

5pm - 11pm 

MILLER’S FIELD 

Guest Bartending 

Theme: End of Summer Luau 

Sept. 17, 9pm - Close 

for more info, check out: 

myspace.com/greystreak 

9/30: Carlos Santana 

Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre » livenation.com 

9/2: Ice Cube 

4th & B » 4thandb.com 

9/3: The English Beat 

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club » delmarscene.com 

9/5: Strunz & Farah 

Anthology » anthologysd.com 

9/5: Guttermouth, Chaser 

and Voodoo Glow Skulls 

‘Canes » canesbarandgrill.com 

9/6: Slightly Stoopid and Pepper 

SDSU’s Open Air Theatre » livenation.com 

9/6: Bob Dylan & his Band 

Qualcomm Stadium » ticketmaster.com 

9/6: Unwritten Law 

WaveHouse » wavehouse.com 

9/12: Jaguares 

Viejas Concerts in the Park » 


9/13: Counting Crows and Maroon 5 

Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre » livenation.com 

9/25: My Morning Jacket 

Open Air Theatre at SDSU » ticketmaster.com 

9/27: Common Sense with LA 5 

Belly Up Tavern » bellyup.com 

9/28: Flogging Molly 


viejasentertainment.com (story page 42) 

CHEER [HOME GAMES] 

9/7: Chargers vs. Carolina Panthers 

9/8-11: Padres vs. L.A. Dodgers 

9/11-14: Padres vs. S.F. Giants 

9/22: Chargers vs. N.Y. Jets 

9/26-28: Padres vs. Pittsburgh Pirates 

ADMIRE [ARTS] 

9/14: Sister Hazel 



9/17: Kid Rock 

Palomar Starlight Theater » palacasino.com 

9/23-28: The Drowsy Chaperone 

A hilarious tale of a celebrity bride and her 

uproarious wedding day come to life in this 

Tony Award-winning musical comedy. 

broadwaysd.com

STYLE 

ADMIRE [ARTS/culture] 

GET OUT [OUTDOORS] 

9/7: Brazilian Day 

Live Brazilian music, contagious percussion, energetic 

dances and alegria (“happiness,” in Portugese) 

electrify Cass Street, in Pacific Beach. Family friendly, 

free admission. braziliandaysandiego.com 

9/11-14: 9th Annual YachtFest San Diego 

See and board extravagant yachts that cost up to $25 

million each. Luxury cars and other spendy toys will 

also be on display at Shelter Island Marina and the 

Island Palms Hotel. yachtfest.com 

9/19: Opening Reception for 

Roman De Salvo: New Works 

See the latest works from renowned San Diego 

artist, Roman De Salvo, who blends his love for 

machines with his passion for language to create 

urban sculptures like “Circuit Circus” (shown above). 

Athenaeum Music & Arts Library. 

La Jolla » ljathaneum.org 

9/9: Mingle @ the REP 

Mingle with young professionals interested in arts and 

culture before watching The Good Body, by playwright 

Eve Ensler, famous for her Obie Award-winning The 

Vagina Monologues. Downtown » sandiegorep.com 

9/13-14: ArtWalk on the Bay 

Embarcadero Marina Park North (behind Seaport 

Village) provides a scenic venue for visual and 

performing arts and music. The family-friendly event 

provides attendees with the opportunity to meet artists 

and purchase original works on-site. 

artwalkonthebay.org 

9/13-10/26: The Women 

Claire Booth Luce’s classic 1936 comedy comes to life in 

a large-scale production that tells the story of ‘30s-era 

Manhattan socialites who fight for love, happiness 

and personal dignity, while spending their lives in 

beauty parlors, department stores, dinner parties and 

psychiatrists’ chairs. Balboa Park » oldglobe.org 

9/14: 17th Annual 

Paddle for Clean Water Festival 

Paddle around the Ocean Beach Pier with 1,000 other 

beach-lovers to promote clean water in San Diego. 

Enjoy live music, free breakfast (for paddlers), surf 

lessons and massages. surfridersd.org 

9/19: 14th Annual San Diego Festival of Beer 

4,000 beer lovers converge on Columbia and B Streets, 

downtown, to enjoy an evening of live blues, while 

sampling more than 150 microbrews and a selection 

of fine wines. Tickets are $25-$30 and include ten 4oz. 

beer tastings. sdbeerfest.com 

EXTRAS [miscellaneous] 

9/17: Taste of Downtown 

Taste a wide variety of the best cuisine the city has to 

offer. More than 40 of San Diego’s premier restaurants 

strut their culinary stuff in this citywide event that 

stretches from East Village to the Gaslamp to Little Italy. 

Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 day of. dtsd.org 

9/28-10/5: Fashion Week San Diego 

Paris, Milan, New York… San Diego? The city’s first 

ever fashion week is finally here. The seven-day event 

showcases avant-garde and eco-conscious creations by 

global designers. Attend posh parties, the 3,000-person 

main tent and runway shows at the Sheraton San Diego 

Hotel and Marina. fashionweeksd.com 

9/19-28: 5th Annual Carlsbad Music Festival 

The annual alternative classical music festival features 

the next generation of cutting-edge, world-class 

musicians, bringing together some of the country’s 

most talented young performers and composers. 

carlsbadmusicfestival.org 

SEP 14 

9/25: La Jolla Gallery & Wine Walk 

Take a self-guided stroll through over 25 La Jolla 

art galleries, showcasing works from internationally 

renowned artists and offering a unique wine at each 

location. Along the way, enjoy specially prepared 

tastings from a dozen of La Jolla’s finest restaurants. 

lajollabythesea.com 

9/27-28: 10th Annual Trolley Dances 

A partnership between San Diego Dance Theater 

and the Metropolitan Transit System brings music 

and dance to trolley stops throughout the city. 

sandiegodancetheater.org (story page 18) 

9/20: What’s Up Girard 

Gimpse the latest trends in home décor along 

the four-block stretch of Girard Avenue that 

has become the La Jolla Design District. Select 

showrooms will host informative design seminars 

moderated by experts in the fields of architecture, 

furniture and bath design, abstract art and more. 

619.795.0151 (story page 28) 

NOV 15

LOVE 

Po Pazzo 

bar & Grille: 

1917 India St., 

Little Italy 

619.238.1917 

popazzo.com 

THE FINAL LAP: The menu at Po Pazzo abounds with great appetizers, ample steaks, superb salads and unique side dishes. Before dinner, the daters enjoy a drink at the bar, which 

serves an extensive selection of fine wines and spirits. As their entrees arrive, Suzannah and Kevin are finally left alone. PacificSD calls the next day to see how the big night ended up. 

Post-date interview with Suzannah: 

PSD: How about dinner? 

K: The atmosphere at Po Pazzo was great. The food was awesome, and the service 

was amazing. After asking Kevin for some pointers as to what to get, I had the ovenroasted 

halibut with Yukon Gold potatoes over garlic spinach with lemon butter 

sauce. 

PSD: Are you and Kevin a good match? 

K: I think we have similar outlooks on life. We’re both into our careers as entrepreneurs 

and get excited about trying new things. He is so successful in what he’s 

done and doesn’t brag, and I definitely found that very attractive. He was also very 

witty, quick and funny. 

PSD: Anything you didn’t like? 

K: I can honestly say that there was nothing about him that turned me off. 

PSD: How did the night end? 

K: We ended up staying and talking at Po Pazzo until way after they were closed. 

That was pretty much it. Kevin had to get up early the next day, and so did I. 

Neither one of us was interested in going out later that night, so he walked me to 

my car, and went our separate ways. 

PSD: What does the future hold for Kevin and Suzannah? 

K: I don’t fall for guys too easily. I definitely had a good time, but I’m not easily 

swept off my feet. I’m very cautious. Plus, Kevin’s got an image to keep up and 

businesses to promote, so I still don’t know if that was the real him. He gave me his 

number, so I guess the ball’s in my court. 

Post-date interview with Kevin: 

Before we could actually catch him on the phone, Kevin left a voice mail for PacificSD: 

“Hey, it’s Kevin Roberts returning your call. It ended up being an all-nighter. We went 

to Pacers and a bunch of other strip clubs and partied till like six in the morning. It was 

wild, baby!” 

That, of course, turned out to be a joke. 

How was dinner at Po Pazzo? 

Dinner was amazing, and the menu was sick. The Busalacchi Family has a good little 

restaurant there. I’d been there before, so I knew it was going to be good food. I 

mean, who could beat Osso Buco, which is braised veal shank served over saffron 

risotto? I took some home and ate it for lunch the next day. 

What was the level of compatibility with Suzannah? 

Suzannah was very nice. We had some good conversation, and she’s a super cool girl. 

I mean, personality-wise we’re compatible, but she’s not my type of girl. I don’t date 

blondes. 

How did the night end? 

We stayed at Po Pazza for another half an hour or so. I had to get up early and do 

my thing, so I didn’t want make it a late night or anything. I gave her my East Village 

Tavern & Bowl card, in case she ever wanted to take her friends and go bowling or 

whatever. 

Did your experience teach you anything? 

Yeah. Don’t go on blind dates. Just chalk it up to meeting a new friend and move on. 

TO THE JUNKYARD? 

Some cars race; others can make your heart race. Tonight, however, the pace was slower. Suzannah was out for a leisurely cruise, while Kevin seemed more inclined to park it in 

front of the television, undoubtedly to watch himself on the Food Network. Would reverting to her original exterior finish have made Suzannah a more attractive ride for Kevin? 

Was Kevin showing his true colors, or were his tinted windows simply masking ulterior motives? Hard to say. But one thing is for certain: this date was for the dogs… junkyard 

dogs. To find true love, it seems as though Kevin and Suzannah will have to refer back to the little black book—the Auto Trader. 


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THINK 

taxicab 

confessions 

I have a cousin in San Diego that I visit a couple times 

a year. Beautiful city you guys have there… I hear it’s 

America’s Finest. But, to be honest, I couldn’t live 

there. I’m just not the car-owning type. 

Don’t get me wrong. I don’t dislike cars; it’s just that 

I like my cars yellow and waiting at the curb with 

a driver and a meter that quietly ticks each fifth of 

a mile. One of the best things about taxis is that, 

when I get out of the car, I’ve immediately erased 

the vehicle from my memory. I don’t have to circle 

the block endlessly looking for a space or remember 

where I parked it, and I don’t worry about having a 

second glass of wine at dinner—there’s always a half 

a dozen designated drivers circling the block. 

It’s true that NYC traffic can be more brutal than rush 

hour at the merge on the 5 north (I still don’t get the 

whole “The” thing with California freeways), but then 

there’s an entire network of sleek subway trains that can 

zip me to any point in Manhattan in 30 minutes flat. 

I’m not totally immune to car-envy, though. There are 

days at the grocery store when I wish I could fill up 

the trunk with bulk rolls of paper towels or a couple 

cases of beer rather than be limited to what my two 

arms can carry the five blocks back to my apartment. 

And, on days when I want to take a nice day trip out 

of town, I have to wait in line at Avis with all the other 

car-less New Yorkers who had the same idea. 

But I’ve never had Porsche envy. The idea of the 

status-car is lost on me. I’d choose a pair of 4-inch 

Louboutins as my high-end mode of transportation 

over a new 5 Series any day. Plus, when I’m riding in 

a taxi, I can relax with the latest 

copy of Pacific San Diego, the 

nation’s second best magazine. 

-Ann 

Ann Shoket is editor-in-chief of Seventeen 

Magazine. She has lived in New York City for 

18 years and has three pairs of Louboutins. 

photo by stephen danelian 


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945 Garnet Ave. » Pacific Beach » 858.274.4833 » JohnnyVsd.com » VIPs: Amy@JohnnyVsd.com

September 08 - Pacific San Diego Magazine

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