Corey Delp is an events producer and popular bartender at Bourbon Street, San Diego’s “see-and-be-scene” club. Even after living in NYC, Miami, and Boston, he calls his adopted hometown a kind of “paradise.” On the eve of San Diego’s Saturday, July 18 pride celebration, he gave GayCities contributor Barbara Wilcox the lowdown on what’s become one of the most happening gay scenes in America.
How did you end up in SD?
I’ve been in San Diego for a year and a half. In NYC, I always had my eye on San Diego as a place I would eventually live, and in the fall of 2007, with just what I could fit in a rental SUV, I made the childhood dream trip crossing the US.
What was your first pride like?
Hmmm…I’ve done pride in sooo many places, but I have to say that there is NO Pride like NYC. I’m not the biggest fan of the city, but for one special weekend Glenda waves her magic wand and turns it out! I celebrate pride in many ways. First there is the civic duty to show up, and believe me, after a night of Junior or Abel, that was not easy. In SD I march in the parade with my friends and co-workers on a float we all pitch in to make. It’s a little different now that I am older. When I was in my twenties…well, all I’ll say is that I had some of the best times of my life.
The sexiest float?
I can’t recall…so many…I’m just thankful that gay guys like to dance in Speedos!
Where do you like to hang out?
I work out in Hillcrest, at the 24hr Fitness. I’ve never understood why many gay men complain about gay gyms. I have to say that one of my favorite restaurants is Lei Lounge. The interior design and concept is one of greatest examples of how one can accomplish class, quality and creativity with an emphasis on delicious food, extraordinary spirits and an atmosphere that sometimes borders on exuberance. It is, and looks like, a little piece of heaven. A rustic local favorite is Cafe on Park. My good friend Andy is the owner and he has created a menu that would please a party of 50. His creations start with a memory of my grandmother’s kitchen. Chunks of innovation and sophistication, and sometimes a dash of exotic, are carefully added and the finished work is impeccably presented. A staple of the community is Baja Betty’s. It is always fiesta at this homo-Mexican hot-spot. I know, actually EVERYONE knows, many of the servers. The food is always good, but in truth, it’s the staff that make it a steady choice. This is a must visit for anyone coming to Hillcrest. And if it’s your birthday, be prepared for an orgy of the floating sex organs of your choice.
Sum up the San Diego experience…
If you are coming to San Diego, be prepared to move. Seriously. It’s one thing to dream about paradise, it’s another to be a part of it. Imagine, hot, curious military boys; achingly beautiful, tanned surfers; sexy, smart latin men; and, of course, your friendly bartenders at Bourbon Street. Not a day goes by where I am not acutely aware that I love San Diego, and I’m equally aware that you will too!
Check out our full San Diego Pride Guide!
San Diego Pride photo by softservegirl
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