San Diego Joe

Nestled in the heart of North Park is a little Siren of a Cafe called Caffe Calabria. Let’s just say, She has a lot of pretty pretty boys she calls friends… Her and Her delicious coffee… But it doesn’t stop there. She is what I call a Triple Threat. From the sensuous curve of her coffee bar to the bold burgundy of her wine to the full and fresh taste of her pizza, she’ll leave you wanting more—reaching for your smart phone and canceling all your appointments for the next week, in fact. You’ll want to take your time with this rare Beauty. She’s classy, but not a snob. Sophisticated, but teases you like a mate. Open, but keeps hours of operation. Romance fills the air around Her. Tiny tea lights flicker gently dancing against chocolate table tops. Tuscan yellow and sunflowers warm the interior walls and make good use of the natural light filtering through high windows at Her entrance. You feel as though you are the only one in the room. The only one invited to taste Her delights. But as the Six O’Clock rush comes, you realize that you’re late to the party. And you must share Her with all those who have fallen under Her spell.  Somehow, you recover quickly… You’ll always have the moment of discovery, when the creamy sweet cinnamon of her Caffe Viennese brushed your lips and the world fell away… How can you be bitter knowing what you know now? She gave you a beautiful moment—an experience you can savor for as long as your retirement continues to out-grow inflation… Like so many others, I turn upon exiting and promise to return… “Until next time, Ciao Bella.”