When in...San Diego Part Two

THE BITE
C Level at Island Prime
880 Harbor Island Dr.; 619-298-6802
Power lunch redefined. Killer waterside views are but a tease compared to lesbian chef Deborah Scott's nut-crusted brie, fiery skirt steak salad, and lobster truffle mac 'n' cheese.

Hash House a Go Go
3628 Fifth Ave.; 619-298-4646
Dinner is served, but breakfast and brunch rule with out chef Andy's twisted riffs on Midwest farm food: Cap'n Crunch pancakes, Indiana-style crispy pork sandwiches, maple-drenched rosemary fried chicken, and waffles with bacon baked right inside!

THE THREADS
Kingdom
3696 Fifth Ave.; 619-298-5464
Deft curation of unique American designers (a la New York's Odin and Oak) ups the fashion ante at this gay-owned boutique. Billykirk's belts and bags, made by Amish leatherworkers, are standouts.

Milo Shoes and Gallery
3824 Ray St.; 619-543-0024
Funky French lesbian emigrant Magali Jay-Snyder and more than 20 local and international artists kick up your kicks with one-of-a-kind hand-painted Converse, Vans, and Nike Dunks.

THE READ
Surfing in San Diego (Arcadia Publishing, 2007)
by John C. Elwell, Jane Schmauss, and the California Surf Museum
If you can't make it to the free California Surf Museum in Oceanside, shred some pages of this pictorial history of the hard-bodied sport's early days.

THE FLICK
Top Gun, 1986
Before "maverick" became a four-letter word, Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer took us into the danger zone -- and the Naval side of San Diego (beach volleyball included).

Part One | Part Two