Hillcrest Seasoning
They say variety is the spice of life, and we agree! That’s why we decided to put together this exclusive Pride collection, commemorating our state’s rich history of leadership on LGBTQIA+ rights. California has the largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender population in the country —2.7 million and counting! Not only that, but 10% of our State Government Legislature identifies as LGBTQIA+. Within California, various cities have become melting pots for those in the Queer community looking for a place to call home; giving rise to gay districts or “gayborhoods”. Here we honor those communities and the pioneers who paved the way for them to exist.
Honoring Hillcrest with this fun, bright blend wasn’t a hard task. Brisk and fruity with lime and tangerine, this salt-free seasoning fuses fruit and savory flavors for a summer-bright blend that's good all year 'round. Lime, garlic, and onion come in first and set the stage, followed by a burst of orange and the gentle lemony notes of basil. Finally, familiar, yet mild mint rounds out the finish.
Hillcrest Seasoning is a dynamic blend with complex flavors that are sure to remind you of a Mojito drink at first taste. Though this seasoning blend was not meant to season a mojito, it certainly pairs well with food you can serve alongside the iconic drink. Try it on seafood like cod, scallops, and shrimp. The refreshing flavor of this blend also goes well with chicken, pork, and on a variety of sweeter vegetables, as well as some fruits! Make a marinade for fish or chicken by using equal parts Hillcrest Seasoning, lime juice, and water, blended with olive oil.
Hand Blended Ingredients: Garlic, lime juice powder, citric acid, spearmint, orange, cayenne, onion, black pepper, basil, and Mexican oregano
About Hillcrest, San Diego
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, San Diego’s Hillcrest neighborhood transformed from a postwar, near-wasteland of single family homes, to a safe haven for gay and lesbian San Diegans escaping hostility in other neighborhoods. Being “out of the way” of other popular San Diego neighborhoods, allowed for affordable rent-space, and a very unique social scene.
Since World War II, over 135 gay bars have opened and operated in San Diego, offering not only a place that has built lasting friendships and fostered activism, but a safe haven for LBGTQ people who have been on the receiving end of bigotry and hate, even in the historically-tolerant state of California.
The birth of the modern gay rights movement in 1969 resulted in a new era in Hillcrest history. During the 1970s, gays and lesbians began to establish residences, businesses, and organizations in this location. In 1974, 200 LGBTQ people and their allies marched through the streets of downtown for the first time to protest San Diego’s refusal of a parade permit, and in 1975, the first city-permitted Gay Pride Parade was held.
The 80s, which begat the HiV and AIDS epidemic, was a Renaissance for the city. The LGBT Community Center, generally known today as “the Center” moved its facility to Hillcrest, the Hillcrest Business Association was formed, the HBA hosted the first CityFest, and the Hillcrest lighted sign, as it stands today, was reconstructed.
Today, Hillcrest is known for its tolerant, diverse, and locally-owned businesses, including two major hospitals, and many eclectic cafes, bars, spas, boutiques, largely gay and lesbian-owned. The most famous Hillcrest event by far, is the San Diego Pride Parade and Festival. Attracting over 250,000(!) people to its location, this annual festival is the largest single-day civic event in the region, and is among the largest Pride Festivals in the United States. The fest includes a colorful 1.5 mile float parade that starts at the Hillcrest Pride Flag at University Avenue and Normal Street, and marches down University Avenue, 6th Avenue, and Balboa Drive, ending at Quince Street and Balboa Park.