CHRISTMAS EVE PRE-ORDERS OPEN NOW!
- izolafoh
- Dec 19, 2025
- 5 min read
This time of year is filled with so many meaningful moments of gathering and celebration. From Hanukkah to Christmas, Kwanzaa, and the turning of the New Year, the bakery hums a little louder, the ovens glow a little warmer, and we’re constantly reminded what an honor it is to be part of your traditions.
Whether you’re serving IZOLA sourdough at a holiday table, bringing croissants to a morning gathering, or carving out a quiet moment on our patio with the winter sun on your face — thank you for choosing to share these moments with us. It truly means everything.
We’re open every day from 7a–2p, except Christmas Day itself. And for the very first time, we’ll be open on New Year’s Day — come celebrate with us. Hot-from-the-oven pastries, laughter, and a whole lot of love to start the year right.
And a little insider tip: our croissants and sourdough freeze beautifully. With reheating directions right on the box, you can enjoy hot-from-the-oven croissants in your jammies — whether it’s a Hanukkah morning, Christmas breakfast, or easing into the New Year at home.
If you’re hosting out-of-town guests, we’d love to see you. Bring them by for a sunny San Diego morning on our patio, or make an afternoon of it with live music on Saturday — good bread, good company, and a little holiday magic.
HOLIDAY HOURS
Open every day,
7a–2pClosed Christmas Day
Open New Year’s Day
LEAVING SOON
Blue Cheese and Walnut Sourdough will be leaving the menu soon!
Wisconsin blue cheese + Californian walnuts = Addictive. Our sourdough team incorporates almost a 1/3 pound each of large chunks of blue cheese and walnut halves into each loaf. Yum....
Stock up now!
CRISPY THE CROISSANT
Last Christmas, we shared a special poem written by our Bake & Sourdough Lead, Chef Lane, and it quickly became a favorite among the IZOLA community. We’re so happy to share it with you again this holiday season.
Last year, my dad, John, read this poem aloud to our family on Christmas morning — dressed, fittingly, in his velvet Santa jogging suit. We lost Papa John this year, and that moment has become one I hold especially close. It’s a memory I’m deeply grateful for.
Thank you, Chef Lane, for sharing your gifts with us and for creating something that continues to bring so much joy.
P.S. If this poem speaks to you, you can also read Chef Lane’s Crispy the Croissant comic strip here.
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS:
Featuring Crispy the Croissant
Crispy and their friends on a cold winter’s night,
Were packed in a box all snuggled in tight.
Twas the night before Christmas, and they awaited the man,
Who would come down the chimney and fall into their plan.
From the kitchen they gazed at the glistening tree,
And saw milk and cookies where they ought to be.
“That should be us!” they said to each other.
“Santa would LOVE 96 layers of butter!”
But one croissant didn’t feel so secure.
Unlike butter, her flavor was much more obscure.
Twas Munchy, the Moroccan Black Olive croissant,
Too funky and naughty for Santa to want.
Then what to their wondering eyes should appear
But a pair of black boots and a man with a beard!
As soon as Santa arrived fireside,
Munchy snuck out of the box to hide.
St. Nick was quiet, and went straight to work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk.
He saw them and toward the kitchen he came.
And they whistled, and shouted, and told him their names;
"I’m Crispy! I’m Knotty! I’m Gooey, I’m Crunchy!
"I’m Sugar! I’m Butter! I’m Swirly! I’m Smunchy!”
They shouted and begged him to please have a taste,
“Those plain sugar cookies would be such a waste!”
Then Santa spotted the runaway treat.
Another croissant he had yet to meet.
St. Nick picked her up and, smiling, expressed,
“You must have fallen away from the rest.
“What is your name, dear little croissant?
“And, tell me, what is it for Christmas you want?”
Munchy trembled, quite nervous was she,
But she told him the truth, as plain as could be:
“I wish to be chosen and loved a bunch.
“But I’m naughty. You probably won’t like me too much.
“Those sugar cookies are tender and mild,
“But me, I’ve got olives! I’m funky and wild!
“And not only that, I’ve got buckwheat inside,
“And sourdough starter and a chocolate surprise!
“With black stripes all over, I’m strange as can be,
“But maybe too wild for you to love me?”
“I’ll admit,” the man said, “that sounds pretty weird,
“But a wild thing is not to be feared.
“Just because you’re different, doesn’t mean you’re bad.
“You might be the best treat I’ve ever had.”
He invited Munchy to fly on his sleigh,
And take the place of cookies that day.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
Croissant in hand, up the chimney he rose;
And Munchy sang out as St. Nick took a bite,
“Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!”
Thanks to Kaushal Patel for featuring IZOLA on a recent visit. Take a peek behind the scenes with Kaushal!
(PS - We're no longer open in the evenings, but look forward to seeing ya every day from 7a-2pm
SATURDAY LIVE MUSIC
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! Here are a few of the musicians joining us this weekend.
JOHN AND EILEEN SCHNARR
8-9a
John and Eileen have been married for 52 years and counting. Since 1981 John has written over 200 songs. Having both survived life threatening illnesses just months apart they have come out from under that experience, and joyfully embrace their current season for singing, which came with a soaring duet of Yes!
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.
JOSIAH IMPERIAL
10-11a
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!
CHRISTOPH KEY
12-1p
Christoph Key's music is rooted in warmth, honesty, and soulful storytelling. He blends gentle atmospheric textures with intimate, heartfelt vocals to create music that feels soothing, reflective, and deeply human.
His acoustic sets offer a stripped-back look into his artistry. Highlighting his voice, emotional depth, and the real stories behind his songs. Drawing from lived experiences and personal transformation, Christoph invites listeners into a space of connection and real-time becoming.
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