Editor’s note: The Novelty of November

Happy November, friends! Did you know this is my favorite month?

Part of it has to do with my appreciation of pumpkin-flavored things. I mean, when else can you have pumpkin pie and a Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew at the same time? It’s also a time for boots, knit hats (with pom-poms) and movies that aren’t Marvel.

There’s a magical quality to November. The holidays seem full of promise, not dread. Christmas songs are nostalgic, not grating. I even like those early 5 p.m. sunsets, even if it means sitting in 805 traffic in the dark.

So it’s with this optimistic mindset that we put together our November issue.

Because this month is really all about food (and giving thanks for it), we bring back one of PACIFIC’s favorite features: Chain of Gourmand. That’s where one local chef tells us their favorite dish, then we ask the creator of that dish for their favorite meal, and so on. This year the chain kicks off with Joe Magnanelli, executive chef and partner at the new Animae. He sets up a journey that includes pizza, seafood, pot pies and pastries. (No one picked my favorite, Bolognese Pasta at Prep Kitchen.)

We also have a roundup of holiday shows and Nutcracker ballets. The Nutcracker is a big thing in my family. For the last seven years, my kids have been in various productions of the holiday ballet. We also go watch friends in their productions, and try to catch one of the local professional shows. And then, as if that wasn’t enough, we end the season in Orange County to watch American Ballet Theatre’s version. (If you want to watch superstar dancer Misty Copeland, that’s where she’ll be. Details inside.)

Finally, be on the lookout for three new PACIFIC features. Sara Butler kicks off a monthly local band spotlight with Baby Bushka, “the Kate Bush cover band of your dreams.” You’ll meet San Diego’s biggest social media stars in Jennifer Ianni’s Good Influencer column. And each month, I’ll introduce you to rising talent in our local arts community.

Enjoy this magical month, and enjoy all the pumpkin spice while you can, I won’t judge.

—Nina Garin