Shot this a few months back at @juanjasper_sd in Golden Hill, a small space with a big personality. The front patio fills up fast, and that’s where the magic happens: good food, good people, and a laid-back energy that’s hard to beat. I was brought on to capture it all, not knowing it would end up as the cover of @sandiegomag July issue.
Since it dropped, the feedback’s been the same: “Secret’s out.” And honestly? I’m glad it is. This Golden Hill gem deserves to be seen.
Huge thanks to the San Diego Magazine team for the trust. This is my third magazine cover, and I’m so grateful I get to tell stories like this—visually, honestly, and with a lot of heart.
When a Michelin-Star Chef from NYC Takes Over Callie in San Diego. Here's the director's cut — my version that's not exactly social media-friendly (no trending audio here), but tells the story of an unforgettable evening. The soundtrack? A beautiful piece by Italian jazz composer and pianist Lelio Luttazzi. 🤌🏽
Thank you, @callierestaurant , for the opportunity to capture and experience one of your Flavors of the Sun Guest Chef Series with @stefano_secchi of @rezdoranyc . You've reignited my love for creating videos and here's to many more.
#callierestaurant #rezdoranyc #rezdora #michelinstar #michelinguide #sandiegorestaurant #sandiego #guestchef #guestchefseries
Head spas are having a moment, and honestly, carving out time for self-care feels more necessary than ever. A space that does exactly that, with a quiet, Santa Fe–inspired feel. 📍@pearlheadspa
Pastaria Vivi (@pastariavivi ) is officially open in Encinitas and it’s kind of a dream if you’re into fresh pasta. Everything’s made daily with 75+ mix-and-match pasta + sauce combos, so you could come back weekly and never order the same thing twice. GF-friendly too!
It’s from a team with serious fine dining backgrounds, but the whole space feels easy and neighborhood-y. It’s a hybrid fresh pasta counter, wine shop, and specialty Italian market where you can browse imported pantry staples, California and Italian wines, olive oils, cheeses, housemade desserts, and even ceramics. Plus, exclusive @aisu.creamery gelato from @chinofarms .
Also, a monthly pasta box is on the way for at-home nights. Definitely one to add to your North County rotation. 🍝
It’s been a while since I’ve shared work on my feed. Lately I’ve been questioning what feels important, and where any of this fits in. But being in these spaces reminds me that there are real people building something with care, creating spaces for others, showing up every day.
Grateful to tell these stories, and still here capturing the spaces behind them. ✌🏽
Here are photos from January at one of the cutest hair studios in Oceanside. @lotusdenhair
Festive cocktails and twinkling lights at the liveliest spot in downtown Encinitas, and yes, the food at @herbandsea is pretty amazing. Seasonal prawns, scallop aguachile, sumac carrots… it’s a flavor bomb, and Chef @aidan.b.owens knows what he’s doing. Holiday cocktails with a proper dinner? Say less.
Pro tip: arrive early, tables go fast. 🎄Shoutout to our amazing server, Robert, for wading through that crowd to get to us and making sure we were always taken care of. ✨
#herbandsea #encinitas #holidaypopup
If you’re trying to see Tulum in just 3 days, here’s exactly how I did it. From floating down the Muyil lagoon to exploring Mayan ruins and archaeological zones, eating the best ceviche, and finding moments of jungle-side wellness—this trip showed me why people love it here. Consider this your quick-start guide.
#tulĂşm #tulummx #visittulum #visitquintanaroo #traveltulum #yucatanpeninsula #visitthemexicancaribbean
Fleurette (@fleurettesd ) is Chef Travis Swikard (@travisswikard ) at his best. Classic French training, years with culinary legends, and the sunny vibe he’s made famous at Callie are all poured into one gorgeous French-Mediterranean spot. It’s flavorful, thoughtful, and full of that SD glow. And yes… it officially opens today, December 10th.
These photos are from last week’s friends & family, where I had the chance to dine, enjoy, and share feedback — and honestly, it’s really amazing. I’m not kidding. It’s a true treat to eat here, and San Diego should be very excited about what’s behind these yellow doors. What impressed me most was the team. From service to kitchen, everyone moved with intention and warmth, and their very first friends & family night felt like they’d already been open for weeks. Fleurette is special, and I can’t wait to bring everyone I know here to experience it.
...and for those sending me DMs asking if this was a shoot, nope. I came to eat great food, celebrate the opening, and capture my own experience. 📸
Tulum was always a place I’d only read about and seen on Instagram, and as someone who doesn’t love warm destinations, I never pictured myself actually going. But a quick 3–4 day trip changed everything. Experiencing it firsthand converted me, and now I’m already thinking about going back. From floating down the Muyil lagoon to all the ceviche, prawns, and tiraditos I could eat, and that unexpected sense of wellness that comes from being surrounded by jungle, quiet, and a slower way of living—it was exactly what I didn’t know I needed. Gracias por todo, Tulum! I'll be back. 🤍
#tulĂşm #tulummx #visittulum #visitquintanaroo #traveltulum #yucatanpeninsula #sonyalpha #sonyalphafemale #visitthemexicancaribbean
Seeing @littlefoxcupsandcones grow has been incredible, from that tiny ice cream window to the first shop in Oceanside and now this sunny new spot in Cardiff-by-the-Sea. 🍦✨
Meghan pours so much of herself into this place. You can feel it in the way she sources from local farms, in the thoughtful flavors she creates, and in the simple joy of holding a cup or cone that you know was made with real care and real ingredients.
So grateful to keep capturing each chapter, and yes, the ice cream is still just as good as day one. Congrats Meghan and team!!! This one feels big. ❤️🤗
