Caffe Calabria

Located in North Park Caffe Calabria is not just a coffee shop, but is also a whole sale roaster and supplier. Suffice to say, they know their stuff when it comes to the coffee business.

But there is so much more to Calabria than just coffee. Calabria also serves panini sandwiches, pizza, beer and wine.

I visited the cafe for lunch and ordered a prosciotto panini and ice tea. The panini contains mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, basil and herbs between artisan ciabatta bread. The panini was pressed in a commercial press until the cheese slightly oozing out, and the prosciotto provided a salty bite. The sandwhich was like a hot caprese salad with cured ham, and it turns out to be a very smart, delicious flavor combination.

Espresso Mio

Espresso Mio is not just a hidden gem of a coffee shop, but also a secret refuge tucked in the historic neighborhood of Mission Hills. The shop is nestled in a small row of shops on Fort Stockton and overlooks a canyon. Espresso Mio is my own personal refuge and happy place where I go to read and enjoy a glass of ice tea.

There are several key characteristics that stand out about this place that keep me coming back. The first and most important is the friendly baristas. The owner is Kim Hoffman and she usually works in the early mornings. I stop by the store on the way to work and I am always greeted with a warm, cheerful smile. On my days off I will go there to read, and enjoy the conversations about school, work, literature, and life from the barista working the afternoon shift.

In addition to the hospitality of the inviting staff, the shop has a sense of tranquility, warmth, and peace. The located in a scenic neighborhood surrounded by historic craftsmen homes. Inside the shop is a row of tables and chairs, and original artwork hangs on the walls. Going through the store is a back deck that overlooks a canyon that is full of eucalyptus trees and vegetation.

The food and drink is excellent as well. But, it's important to remember this is a coffee shop, not a cafe. So Espresso Mio is limited in what it offers, but what it does have is excellent. The shop receives daily pastries, and Kim brings in many home made backed goods such as blueberry banana bread. Their coffee coffee and tea comes from the roaster Cafe Moto which is also a local San Diego company. I always go there and enjoy a cup of herbal ice tea.