Krakatoa

If anyone has ever read The 21 Balloons, then you know that Krakatoa is a force not to be reckoned with. The mammoth diamond-bursting volcano erupted with such violence as to disrupt the secretly wealthy world's elite and force them to escape via balloon. Classic!

While Krakatoa in Golden Hill proves slightly less volcanic, it remains an active and bustling spot to get a caffeine or just friendly neighborhood buzz. I was introduced to it some time ago during my work's weekly Friday group lunch, an event that is vehemently discussed, pondered, argued over, and ultimately bargained for each week with intense enthusiasm and prejudice. Over the last few months, Krakatoa has remained one of our regular selections not only for the proximity to the office and inexpensive menu, but for the consistent quality of food and atmosphere.

Cozily tucked behind large palm fronds, just past the tiki guard, a quaint wraparound porch lolls its way around a small green house occupied by professionals and scenesters alike. The coffee menu boasts a healthy selection of flavors and styles, and the entire menu is available all day. Having been partial to the lunch selections (the Colima being my regular choice), when friends and fellow food appreciators James and Stephanie were in town from Richmond we sprung on the opportunity to enjoy a lighter brunch option.



While I find their coffee to be generally tasty (avoid the chai- I've been fooled a few times and find it to be unfortunately watery and flavorless), they also have a smattering of iced teas that seem to rotate. The blood orange tea popped out as the most obviously delicious choice to me, paired with their fresh lemonade which was a splash of delight. While I was tempted by their oversized and tempting desserts (which I have only heard wonderful ravings over and have yet to sample), it was a bit early to satiate my sweet tooth. Lighter fare beckoned, and with affordable prices, a fantastic porch gathering area, great people watching, and a bustling neighborhood, what wasn't to like?!?





Breakfast options range from sweet treats to health conscious and everything in between. My everything bagel with veggie cream cheese, fresh cucumber, and cold tomato screamed fresh, and Ashton's avocado-smeared bacon crumbled El Jorullo was a great balance of savory crisp and slightly sweet spread. Their fresh fruit was actually fresh, contrary to what many places serve as the standby of tasteless melon with a few scattered grapes, which was an extra-pleasant bonus. The menu isn't unbelievably extensive for first meals, but with excellent offerings for build-your-own sandwiches, along with ready-made sweets and daily specials, there's absolutely something for everyone. Next time I'll leave room for their famous dessert- stay tuned!

Krakatoa
1128 25th Street
San Diego, CA 92102-2105
(619) 230-0272

Pizzeria Luigi

Ah, pizza. An American staple, which like so other many American staples we have just stolen and claimed as our own. There's no shortage of amazing pizza joints in San Diego, and something to tantalize the tastebuds of everyone, whether your dig be New York, Sicilian, Chicago, or whatever style you crave.

However, if your loyalties lie in the New York style pizza arena, then Pizzeria Luigi in Golden Hill is a sure bet. This cash-only joint on the corner of 25th and B offers some of the best pizza in the city. Not only do they have a solid menu with fresh ingredients, they also offer vegan and vegetarian options that can be made to order (like any of their pies) if they aren't already made. If pizza's not your bag... then you are no friend of mine, but they do also offer calzones, stromboli, pasta, and salads.

I was pleased to see that they make their strombolis the RIGHT way, which seems to be non-existent in the majority of pizza places nowadays! When I order a stromboli, I don't want the exact clone of a calzone, just with different cheese. I was a rolled, baked, and sliced crisp crust with the innards spilling out like a cannibalistic zombie cheese holocaust. Not that there's anything wrong with the doughy pocket of nuclear cheese from calzones, it's just NOT THE SAME THING, AND I COMMEND PIZZERIA LUIGI FOR KNOWING THE DIFFERENCE!

Our dining partners for the day were Mike and Mandie, a vegan and vegetarian who recommended it as a great place for vegans and carnivores alike. Since there weren't any of their vegan selections already prepared, they gladly offered to toss one up for him fresh, which is pretty awesome of them. Mandie seems pleased with her cheese slices.



For $5.50, you can get any 2 slices and a drink, which is a great deal for this caliber of pizza. They also deliver nearby and have outdoor dining, which is a super-duper plus for Southern California weather. Nothing is better than cracking open a cold beer (available here!) and chowing on some great pizza while enjoying the weather in a fantastic neighborhood. The crust was very crispy but not thin, and the atmosphere was casual but serious. All pizzas are made in front of you and there's a great variety of ingredients available- including artichokes, which I LOVE on pizza!

Here's a sampling of some of the treats we encountered on our quest.




Their case is constantly being rotated with fresh pies for individual slices, and whole pies to order. Fast service, good prices, booze available, great atmosphere, and most important- great food. Absolutely worth a repeat visit.




Mike demonstrating how full he is and also how angry he is that there is NO MORE PIZZA TODAY.