Photography by Jarett Boskovich
Writing by Sean Eshelman

Presenting Whits & Pics, an evolving narrative told through the lens of Jarett Boskovich and by the pen of Sean Eshelman. We would like to cordially invite you, the reader, to join us in our travels through each of Uptown’s neighborhoods as we capture in still frame and written word the color, character and hidden treasures to be found in each and every neighborhood. If you’re lucky, you might just find us perched on booths and bar stools at your favorite haunt. Just be sure to smile when you see us. And don’t forget to buy Jeahf (our giraffe) a drink — it’s just the polite thing to do.

Stargazing-by Sean Eshelman
We abandoned all the week’s formality with a gathering of old friends and new faces for a birthday celebration. Following our rendezvous and the usual birthday toast, we walked one foot [almost] in front of the other with occasional stumbles indicating that we might have jumped the gun a bit. We were on a
mission. With no time to waste we made our way south on India Street, the glow of Startlite grew brighter and lit our way as we approached.

We entered a room filled with excitement. Our voices quickly drowned by the orchestrated chatter and chuckles of hundreds of like-minded souls and a weeks worth of trials were quickly fading into one steady grin. A dark corner booth would provide the perfect view of the night to come. It was time for a drink. Once seating was claimed, we cautiously waded through the crowd towards the sunken bar, all the while noticing the steady appearance of a murky Moscow mules served in sturdy brass cups. We dove in.

Brass scraped against wood as the bartender handed out our drinks. The smell of fresh ginger played games with our emotions before we even sipped. It was mid-August, but already we could feel the onset of fall with every sip of this crisp, timeless cocktail. John Martin would be proud of these west-coasters who brought out the best in his creation.

It was just moments later that our inhibitions were stunted—it could have been the vodka, it might have been the alluring eyes of one particular woman—I wasn’t sure. We were lost to our former companions who had left sometime before, unannounced to us. A small congregation of crooked smiles and thoughtful
conversation in our dark corner was all that we needed.

Tickety-tock, the night wore on, and soon the scattered fixtures over the bar took on the look of the infamous starry night; a palette of blurry colors crisscrossing our vision. Another round? Why not? By God, we’ll finish this night as we intended, and bring every shining soul along with us to join in eternal
laughter. We rounded up our small night-time circle and moved on, laughter growing louder and legs wobbling as we left this lounge of the stars.

The Moscow Mule
Looking for a bite that will only last a night? The Moscow Mule is a buck cocktail that utilizes ginger beer, vodka, lime juice and (as is done in many San Diego establishments) a garnish of fresh ginger. A simple yet refreshing cocktail, it is generally served in brass or copper cups, forcing you to either increase your intake or leave your hand positively frozen.

Ingredients
Two parts vodka One part lime juice Three parts ginger beer Fresh ginger slices

Preperation
Combine vodka, lime juice and ginger beer in high baller cup, shake and serve on the rocks. Garnish with slice of fresh ginger. Enjoy.