A TRIBUTE
Mexico holds a special place in my heart.
It’s impossible to spend time there — to walk through its markets, to be welcomed into homes, to eat food made with such care — and not come away changed. The generosity, the quiet pride, the layers of flavor and story — they’ve shaped how I see food, and how I see community.
Here in San Diego, we’re lucky to live so close to that inspiration. You can taste it in the air, in the friendships, in the way food brings people together.
Tomorrow, we’ll start baking something that’s been a long time in the making — a small thank-you to the flavors of Mexico that continue to inspire us.
Our new Carnitas Croissant brings together tender, slow-braised pork carnitas with our buttery croissant made using Beurre d’Isigny from the hills of Normandy. It’s finished with crisp chicharrón, bright lime, fresh onion, and cilantro — and served with Cholula on the side, so you can enjoy it exactly the way you like.
It’s not a mash-up. It’s a tribute — a gesture of gratitude to the cooks, the stories, and the flavors that make this border region unlike anywhere else in the world.
Starting tomorrow morning, the Carnitas Croissant will be hot from the oven — and today, we’re opening pre-orders exclusively for our newsletter family.
Pre-ordering is the surest way to land your favorites right when you want them — a little insider tip for those in the know.
From our oven to your hands — still warm,
Jeffrey
NEW EXTENDED HOURS
Monday - Thursday 7a-2p
Friday - Saturday 7a-7p
Sunday 7a-5p
HELLO....GOODBYE....
As we say hello to the new Carnitas Croissant, we must bid adieu to our beloved Artichoke Heart & Feta Sourdough. Do not despair! We're given you advanced warning - it won't be leaving our menus for another week or so. So stock up now!
Pro tip: Slice your loaf, then freeze the slices, and you'll always have a slice ready to toast!
FRIDAY EVENINGS AT IZOLA
Thank you to Jay Walkr and Aaron Bowen for helping us kick off our Friday evening live music, and to Kahlil Nash, our musical director, for curating such a beautiful night.
Friday evenings are a special time at IZOLA — when the pace slows, the patio lights twinkle, and conversation hums softly between songs. Jenny and I shared a glass of our $2.50 sparkling wine as Aaron Bowen took the stage — his pure, lilting voice and effortless guitar work filled the space, wrapping the night in the kind of easy magic that makes time stand still.
We can’t wait to keep that energy going this week.
This Friday, we’ll welcome three more musicians to the IZOLA stage, bringing their own unique sound to the patio.
And the music continues Saturday morning, when the sun streams through the windows and the smell of croissants fills the air — featuring another talented lineup of performers.
Come hungry, bring friends, and linger a while — there’s nothing quite like live music at IZOLA.
MIRO IMANI
FRI 4-5p
Miro Imani is a guitarist, singer songwriter, and producer local to San Diego, who just likes to perform and connect with people.
SOMEGUYBRAN
FRI 5-6p
Singer-songwriter, guitarist, and Elon Musk lookalike based in San Diego. You can observe the wild Bran in the wild living by the motto: “genre: yes.”
LANZA ATTISHA
FRI 6-7p
Lanza Attisha is a San Diego based songwriter with a soulful twist on classic pop and blues tunes.
NATE LUCIER
SAT 8-9a
Nate Lucier of Nate Lucier's Rock N' Roll Orchestra. Playing original songs that have a rock n' roll vibe, but with a modern feel.
RANDALL HILD
SAT 9-10a
Randall is a talented keyboardist, singer, and songwriter. He most loves sharing his passion for music and art to the world, and with an eclectic range of influences there is something for everyone in his performances.
KAHLIL NASH
SAT 10-11a
San Diego Music Award winner Kahlil Nash is a Funk/Rock and R&B recording artist/producer who is a multi-instrumentalist. Influenced by artists Michael Jackson, Jimi Hendrix, and Prince, Kahlil Nash thrives to entertain his audience.
CAITLIN LEWIS
SAT 11a-12p
Hi, I’m Caitlin. I’m a singer and songwriter from San Diego. I write to reach out to others and validate shared experiences :)
MADELEINE DENISON
SAT 12-1p
Madeleine Denison is a songwriter and musician currently obsessing over her debut album, Etherlines. This project takes influences from the moments in life that cause time to stop, speed, or cease to exist entirely. With a mixture of folk, indie, and alt rock genres, Madeleine’s music seeks to inspire and restore us to a more beautiful vision of life.
CALLING ALL MUSICIANS, POETS, PERFORMERS AND CREATORS
At IZOLA, we believe in sharing what we create — whether it’s a croissant hot from the oven or a song from the heart.
Our IZOLA Stage has become a space for connection — a cozy corner where neighbors, travelers, and friends gather over coffee and bread to listen, laugh, and feel inspired. Every Friday from 4-7p and Saturday from 8a–1p, we host live music at the bakeshop.
We’d love to open our doors even wider — to local musicians, poets, storytellers, and performers who want to share their talent with our community. Whether you’re looking to hone your craft, practice in front of a friendly crowd, or just bring a little more joy into the world, we’d be honored to have you on our stage.
If that sounds like you (or someone you know), reach out to Jenny — we can’t wait to hear what you’ve been creating.
- Jeffrey Lamont Brown
- Oct 22, 2025
4 INGREDIENTS
April 18, 2016 - according to my trusty Amazon account, this is the day that I purchased the book "The New Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day." I was super busy at the time, running my production company and raising my son Sacha, so the idea of getting my hands on some hot bread every day with little time investment? A win!
Little did I know that in a few short years I'd be walking away from my production career and diving deep into the world of baking. While IZOLA sourdough takes 3 days to make, instead of the 5 minutes a day I was doing in 2016, it remains just as simple. Our Wild Sourdough is crafted with just 4 simple ingredients, if you include the water!
Organic flour
Leaven
Salt
Filtered water
And we're baking all day long to serve you sourdough hot-from-the-oven, because there's just nothing better in my opinion than a thick slice of hot bread...
NEW EXTENDED HOURS
Monday - Thursday 7a-2p
Friday - Saturday 7a-7p
Sunday 7a-5p
LAUNCHING THIS FRIDAY!
We are stoked that beginning this Friday, we will adding live music to our Friday evenings. IZOLA Evenings takes on a beautiful air of leisure, laughter and joy. And now every Friday from 4-7p, you'll also get to enjoy live music from our amazing community of local talent. To kick off our inaugural week, our stage this Friday will be alive with music from artists who’ve become part of the IZOLA family — performers who’ve shared their sound with us again and again, and who always bring something special to the night.
JAY WALKR
4-5p
As a singer, songwriter, and producer, Jay Walkr infuses his R&B melodies with his distinct musical vision. With influences from Drake and
Frank Ocean, he weaves together lush harmonies, infectious beats, and introspective
lyrics that resonate deeply with listeners.
KAHLIL NASH
5-6p
Emerging from the elite San Diego music scene in California, San Diego Music Award winner Kahlil Nash is a Funk/Rock and R&B recording artist/producer who is a multi-instrumentalist. Influenced by artists Michael Jackson, Jimi Hendrix, and Prince, Kahlil Nash thrives to entertain his audience.
AARON BOWEN
6-7p
Aaron Bowen is a local San Diego musician, guitar builder, and well practiced recording artist. Bowen has recorded and produced many local musicians, he has truly lifted the music community in San Diego. His musical style encompasses many genres fused into a unique, well sculpted tone, that encapsulates the listener into a trance. Aaron plays at Izola often, we are lucky to have him.
CALLING ALL MUSICIANS, POETS, PERFORMERS AND CREATORS
At IZOLA, we believe in sharing what we create — whether it’s a croissant hot from the oven or a song from the heart.
Our IZOLA Stage has become a space for connection — a cozy corner where neighbors, travelers, and friends gather over coffee and bread to listen, laugh, and feel inspired. Every Friday from 4-7p and Saturday from 8a–1p, we host live music at the bakeshop.
We’d love to open our doors even wider — to local musicians, poets, storytellers, and performers who want to share their talent with our community. Whether you’re looking to hone your craft, practice in front of a friendly crowd, or just bring a little more joy into the world, we’d be honored to have you on our stage.
If that sounds like you (or someone you know), reach out to Jenny — we can’t wait to hear what you’ve been creating.
LIVE MUSIC SATURDAYS
Every Saturday, we host live music at the bakeshop from 8a-1p. Come on by to see how talented our local San Diego musicians are! Follow us on Instagram to see the lineup!
JOYCE ANN MARTIN
8-9a
Since the late 1960’s Joyce Ann Martin has shared her original songs with audiences in San Diego.
Her Baby Boomer Anthems and song of peace can be found on the album, UNLEASHED by the Wild Older Women (available on Spotify, and most streaming platforms).
Give it a listen, and you’ll be ready to sing along at her next show.
LEATEA
9-10a
Leatea (San Diego native Dylann Jelden) has been a musician all her life, beginning with classical violin at age 4. She began writing songs and incorporating guitar in high school. She performs regularly in San Diego.
KISUI
10-11a
KISUI is a singer-songwriter whose music feels like a conversation under the stars — intimate, reflective, and deeply human. With a soft acoustic sound and high, sweet vocals that linger long after the last note, KISUI crafts music that traces the delicate lines of love, life, and the quiet in-betweens.
RANDALL HILD
11a-12p
Randall is a talented keyboardist, singer, and songwriter residing in San Diego, CA. He most loves sharing his passion for music and art to the world, and with an eclectic range of influences there is something for everyone in his performances.
JOSIAH IMPERIAL
12-1p
Josiah began playing saxophone at the age of 9. Over the last 15 years he has continued to craft his skills. Come watch Josiah showcase his talent! 🎷
BAKERY HOP!
It is a super exciting time for the East Village...
What was once a quiet pocket of downtown is now one of San Diego’s most vibrant neighborhoods — full of creativity, incredible food, and the smell of freshly baked bread drifting through the streets.
I've been part of the East Village for decades now 😳 and lately it’s starting to feel like something special is taking shape — what we like to call the East Village Artisan Bakery District.
Within just a few blocks, you’ll find some of San Diego’s most talented bakers: the artistry at HINAR, the buttery layers of ASA, the warm, minimalist charm of Rikka Fika, and now — a heartfelt welcome to Relic, who just soft-opened yesterday. Woohoo! Welcome to the 'hood!! 🎉
It’s a beautiful thing to see: bakers supporting bakers, each bringing their own craft, culture, and heart to the neighborhood. Together, we’re making the East Village a place where you can bakery-hop your way through a morning (or an afternoon) — tasting your way across flaky croissants, crusty loaves, and inventive sweets from some of San Diego’s best.
So grab a friend, plan a stroll, and come hungry.
Start at IZOLA for something hot from the oven, then wander the neighborhood and discover your new favorites.
Here’s to bread, community, and this amazing little corner of San Diego we get to call home.
See you soon on Island Ave!
Jenny + JB
THE EAST VILLAGE ARTISAN BAKERY DISTRICT WALKING TOUR
A perfect Saturday morning, East Village style...
Start at IZOLA: Croissants and sourdough, served hot from the oven.
Stop by HINAR Dessert Bar & Cafe: Beautiful cakes and other sweets.
Pop into ASA: Japanese-inspired pastries and sandwiches with bold, creative flavors.
Stroll over to Rikka Fika: Pour-overs, matcha and baked goods in a bright, serene space.
Finish at Relic: The newest member of the neighborhood’s bakery family.
Bring friends, bring an appetite, and make a morning of it!
IZOLA EVENINGS
We are LOVING evenings at IZOLA. Thanks to everyone who came out for our inaugural week! The guests and our team are loving the vibe that IZOLA takes on in the evening - a slower, quieter pace, accented by candlelight. Jenny and I took a moment on the patio under the string lights to sip on a $2.50 sparkling wine and take it all in.
Come join us every Friday and Saturday until 7p, Sundays until 5p. The full menu is available and we're baking hot from the oven all the way 'til the end! Our sparkling wine special ($2.50 for a glass) is still going, and our new Farmstead Board is available after 12p.
A NOTE THAT MADE OUR WEEK
Every day we feel super lucky to be in the business that we're in. Yes, we're in the business of bread and butter, but really at the core of it all we're in the business of joy. We get the opportunity every day to provide some joy to each of the guests that come through our doors. And when someone takes the time out of their busy day to share their experience with us, we are so grateful.
Becky visited us while in town from Wyoming, and her note captures everything we hope guests feel when they step through IZOLA’s doors - warmth, care, and the joy of something truly handmade.
Here’s what she shared:
Hi, I recently visiting (sic) your bakery and was very impressed, not only were the bakery products amazing, but we were offered a tour and every single employee we met was focused, friendly and knowledgeable. I’m from Wyoming and love to make all things sourdough....this visit was the hi light of my week visiting family in San Diego. I’ll be back (and continue tasting my way through your bakery goodies) as well as my family (that lives in San Diego) will be visiting often. Thanks for making my visit memorable. You truly are the best! -Becky
Thank you so much Becky for sharing your experience with us. We truly appreciate you!
CALLING ALL MUSICIANS, POETS, AND CREATORS!
At IZOLA, we believe in sharing what we create — whether it’s a croissant hot from the oven or a song from the heart.
Our IZOLA Stage has become a space for connection — a cozy corner where neighbors, travelers, and friends gather over coffee and bread to listen, laugh, and feel inspired. Every Saturday from 8am – 1pm, we host live music at the bakeshop, and soon we’ll be adding Friday evenings too.
We’d love to open our doors even wider — to local musicians, poets, storytellers, and performers who want to share their talent with our community. Whether you’re looking to hone your craft, practice in front of a friendly crowd, or just bring a little more joy into the world, we’d be honored to have you on our stage.
If that sounds like you (or someone you know), reach out to Jenny — we can’t wait to hear what you’ve been creating.
BLACK ARTS & CULTURE DISTRICT EVENT
If you've been lucky enough to see one of our musical directors, Kahlil Nash, perform during Saturday Live Music at IZOLA, you know you're in good hands with this event that he is organizing.
Welcome to The Muse: In The Park! Join Kahlil for a day filled with creativity and inspiration at Marie Widman Memorial Park in the heart of the newly established Black Arts & Culture District in San Diego. Immerse yourself in art, music, and performances surrounded by the beauty of nature. Let your imagination run wild as you connect with local artists and fellow art enthusiasts. Share your passion, discover new talents, and be part of a vibrant community celebrating the arts. Don't miss this opportunity to be inspired and create unforgettable memories.
Happening October 25 at noon.
LIVE MUSIC SATURDAYS
Every Saturday, we host live music at the bakeshop from 8a-1p. Come on by to see how talented our local San Diego musicians are! Follow us on Instagram to see the lineup!