Playing With a Full Deck

By Jessica Pelligra
Photos by Kate and Michael Auda

Bartender Marina Spencer elicits smiles one story above the Pacific Beach boardwalk. Decked out for summer at PB Shore Club’s huge new deck overlooking the waves - where “Grand Meets the Sand,” as the ever-popular beach-bar’s slogan goes - she shares tips for soaking in the rays. WARNING: beware of sunburn and brainfreeze.

PacificSD: Where are you from?
MARINA: I was actually born and raised in San Diego. I come from a long line of San Diego-raised women. My mother and grandmother both grew up in PB.

How did you get started in the shake-and-stir biz?
It was about six years ago, and I was looking for a job that best suited my outgoing personality and quick wit. So, when the opportunity presented itself, I jumped at it.

What do you love about working at PB Shore Club?
What’s not to love about my job? I have awesome customers, get to look at the best view in town all day and I get to work with my best friends.

What do you most hope to see on the new deck?
The new deck has already brought such a great energy to Shore Club. I really hope that everyone can come out and enjoy a Red Bull/vodka slushie or two and catch the awesome sunsets.

What’s the last thing you’d want to see?
The last thing I want to see is people forgetting their sunscreen and getting a funny-looking base tan. So let’s remember that SPF.

What’s your least favorite drink to make?
Honestly, it’s the canned beer. Opening them breaks my nails.

What’s the worst pickup line that’s been dropped in your presence at work?
The first one that pops into mind is, “Do you know how much a polar bear weighs? Enough to break the ice.” Pretty smooth.

You’re on a desert island with only three ingredients to make a drink. What are they and who are you with?
I think I would have to say some tequila, pineapple and oranges. Yum! A simple and tasty treat for me and my companion. I think the only other person who would be as clumsy as me to get stuck on a deserted island would be my best friend, Kia.

What’s the most ridiculous drink order you’ve received?
“Ummm, can you make me something with no calories?” That one cracks me up every time.

What else, if anything, do you do for a living?
I’m Batman. Shhh...
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PB Shore Club
4343 Ocean Blvd., Pacific Beach
858.272.7873, pbshoreclub.com
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