Quick Clicks: March
I’m a Pisces, so March is HUGE…especially since I’m turning 30-ish. On top of birthdays, this month we celebrate Women’s History, college basketball, the equinox, Easter bunnies, St. Paddy’s Day and my favorite, Awards. And by awards, I mean the Spirits and the Oscars. Mama Nature may still be beating us down all wet and gray like, but there’s some shine at the end of the rainbow. Spring commeth which means we’re that much closer to longer days, warmer nights, pool parties and parades.
Here are some March Quick Click picks to put a little spring in your gayborhood step.
Weekly, Sundays: San Diego’s newest hotel hot spot, smack in the middle of Little Italy, launched a new weekly happy hour just for family…our ‘family.’ Think 50’s Italian mod meets Vespa cool, alfresco style. The Porto Vista Hotel’s new Ripassi happy hour hits its recently revamped rooftop lounge every Sunday with drink and appetizer specials from 2 to 7PM. Chef Robert Conaway kicks it up with signature vittles that the gay boys & girls will certainly appreciate. What’s better, no parking hassles. Valet is complementary, as are the amazing views. A perfect early afternoon precursor to Sunday Funday at The Hole, Mo’s or on the sofa at home.
Saturday, March 6 / Saturday, March 20: It’s dual events – Swap Meet style. First: Got kids? Friends with kids? Hook ‘em up with some new threads or fun things, while donating to a good cause. Family Matters hosts its ingenious kiddies Clothing & Toy Swap on March 6 in the Center’s auditorium from 9:30AM to 1PM. Here’s how it works: bring children’s clothes or toys your kids no longer use (clean, in good condition,) exchange each item for one (1) swap ticket, go shop for new items they want/need, use your tickets as currency, 1 ticket = 1 item. Easy! Entry donation of $5 is appreciated. Snacks, crafts and games will entertain the young’ins while the ‘rents get their shop on. Everything left over will be sold during the ginormous Community Yard Sale in the Center’s auditorium and parking lot just two weeks later (March 20) 7AM to 2PM. Think Sports Arena Swap Meet, just better…and in the ‘hood. New and slightly used furniture, flat screens, accessories, tchotchkes, computers, clothes, electronics, kitchenwares, you name it. Money spent directly supports future Family Matters programming at the Center.
Saturday, March 6: The gays love them some Bravo TV, particularly, the Real Housewives of Orange County. Well, get ready, as everyone’s favorite RHOOC blond bombshell in the form of Gretchen Rossi hits Float at the Hard Rock Hotel to host a special one-night-only party. The action starts at 9PM with DJ Theron spinning beats. $20 cover. Plan ahead and be prepared to wait as this hoity-toity soiree will most surely attract throngs of celebutantes, avid fans and ‘Housewives’ wannabes.
Sunday, March 7: Yes, the Oscars. The gay Super Bowl (well, in my mind anyway.) And, while I’ll be hosting my own viewing party, Arlon Staggs and Drew Auker are bringing ‘Oscars with a purpose’ to San Diego. The duo’s inaugural Red Carpet Relief is an Academy Awards viewing event benefiting The Trevor Project, a leading national organization focused on crisis and suicide prevention efforts among LGBTQ youth. Taking place at the Hawk Street Hacienda of Mark Weiss (3369 Hawk Street,) and hosted by the always fabulous Benny Cartwright, Red Carpet Relief is a lively, social affair featuring delicious food, an open bar, an Oscar ballot contest and a mix of guys and girls anxious to see who takes home the coveted statuettes. 100 percent of all ticket sales will support the Trevor Project’s good works. It’s almost sold out, so get your tickets online now (advanced purchase is required.) Event starts promptly at 4PM.
Wednesday, March 10: The uber-popular IPlay4Charity hits March for round three of its big kids video game fun that gives back. The IP4C crew meets at Dave & Busters at 6:30PM on the second Wednesday of every month to play games for a good cause by pooling the tickets they acquire together at the end of the year and redeeming them for toys that are donated to Family Matters, Toys for Tots and other local children’s organizations. Join hosts Daniel Crews and The Pride Card and a gaggle of gays ready to get their game on for a good cause.
March 11-21: It’s here! Break out the chaps, harnesses, vests and aviators for San Diego Leather Pride. Leather Pride is more than just one event — it’s a series of play parties, workshops, meet n’ greets and receptions all leading up to the two ‘main’ events: Ms San Diego Leather on March 13 and Mr. San Diego Leather on March 20. Both the 2010 Mr. & Ms will be sashed at Rich’s. Tickets and event details are available online.
Friday, March 12: I’ll most likely be celebrating my birthday at the opening of downtown’s swankiest new nightclub, FLUXX. Headed by RMD Group (Side Bar’s new poobahs,) the multi-million dollar overhaul of former Aubergine, makes its debut to VIPs during an A-List reception starting at 8PM, doors open to the masses at 9. Designed by interior guru Davis Krumins, whose haute aesthetic has peppered San Diego’s nightlife scene with some of its most noteworthy destinations, FLUXX fuses sexy and sass with a little childhood whimsy. Wanna get in? RSVP for list consideration, arrive early and get in line because once the place hits capacity, it’s at capacity. Once your in, get read to mix, mingle and dance your ass off to one of the most delicious, high-end sound systems in the city.
Saturday, March 13: The St. Baldrick’s Foundation teams up with BASIC Urban Kitchen + Bar for the organization’s annual, nationwide shave-a-thon. Starting at 12 noon, more than 100 ’shavees’ are expected to don the cue ball, helping generate awareness and needed funds for childhood cancer research. $10 cover at the door includes free pizza, beer and cocktail specials throughout the day, while $20 gets that plus a t-shirt and raffle ticket for one amazing grand prize. Head shaving commences at 1PM courtesy of the hair gurus at A Robert Cromeans Salon. All proceeds from the event go directly to St. Baldrick’s.
Tuesday, March 16: Meeting the men who move San Diego’s LGBT community has never been more fun and informative than during Two Cents, the Center’s popular new monthly ‘talk show social’ hosted by yours truly. This month’s special guest, the always smiling, “Best Dressed” Councilmember representing District 3 (the Center’s District) Todd Gloria. Come out and enjoy this informal Ellen meets Inside the Actors Studio- type event followed by a mix and mingle hour that offers some rare up-close and personal face-time with the Councilman. The chat starts promptly at 7PM. Two Cents is free (donations appreciated) and open to everyone 21 and older. Wine and eats are provided, courtesy of Gossip Grill.
Tuesday, March 16: After Two Cents, head downtown for something a little irreverent — a dive bar. And, not just any old hole in the wall. We’re talking a “next gen” juke joint of sorts. Enter Quality Social, an urban bar and restaurant opening March 16 in the former “EXY” space on 6th and F Street. The 9,000 sq ft venue offers a juxtaposition of equal parts casual and sophisticated: no guest list, no cover, no dress code. The spot cleverly pays tribute to the most treasured elements of the iconic dive bar, with a devil-may-care attitude serving as a visceral component. But, make no mistake—as low-key as the attitude may be, Quality Social is deliberate in crafting a nostalgic experience for a more mature and sophisticated clientele. A definitive ‘everyman’s hangout,’ QS injects a shot of street-wise, working-class energy into Downtown’s fab-obsessed nightlife scene.
Friday, March 19: Our favorite Top Chef extraorinaire, Rich Sweeney is back in the kitchen, showing everyday folk how to cook like a true ‘top chef.’ This time, he’s changing with the season and we all know that as the seasons change, it’s time to start enjoying spring foods that fill you up without weighing you down. Spend a Friday with Chef McHottness as he presents his Light, Fit & Fantastic Spring Cuisine class at the Balboa Park Food & Wine School. The class’s menu is full of flavor that will make you feel good with things like: pre-pickle salad, prosciutto-wrapped figs with creamy Gorgonzola and toasted walnuts, farfalle pasta with grilled shrimp and fresh Puttanesca sauce (a no-cook sauce,) and a sweet coconut sorbet with rhubarb compote. $63 per person (includes house-poured wines.) Hurry and get your spot before it sells out…and save me some leftovers, because it sounds amazing.
Sunday, March 28: The ‘betch’ is back! Join the Martinis Above Fourth crew and the hostess with the mostess, Babette Scwhwartz for Babette’s Bingo Lunch starting at 11AM. Tickets for this always sell-out fun & food affair are $15, available by calling (619) 400-4500 (advance reservation is required.) A tantalizing menu of brunch-inspired entrees, drink specials and some down right nasty number callin’ make this event a March must do!
Wednesday, March 31: Community, a Walgreens Pharmacy and The Center present Knowledge is Power: HIV Treatment & Insurance Challenges with guest speakers Dr. Jimmy Vesci, PharmD and Certified HIV Specialist, and Ivy Rooney, LPT, Insurance Specialist. The speakers will cover topics relating to HIV/AIDS treatments and the specific insurance challenges those treatments may face with ADAP, Ryan White, MediCal and private insurance. The free presentation begins at 5:30PM in the Center’s auditorium with dinner provided. Please RSVP to Carolina Ramos at (619) 692-2077 x116.
