out and about: isola la jolla

One of our family’s favorite local spots for dinner - both eating in and taking out - is isola on girard. While their pizza is one of the few that I actually enjoy, what I most love is that they have so many other options that meet anyone’s personal taste. Which is an essential component when feeding a family of six - each with distinct food preferences.

I also love any chance to eat outdoors in my hometown. Although, chances are someone walking by went to school with me, knows my mother, or kids’ were in school with mine at some point or another. But that’s what you get eating 5 minutes away from where you grew up, and where you live now.

Plus it’s the perfect spot to sit, snack, and hang out with friends.

polenta fritta: crispy polenta bites, parmigiano, spicy sauce

sparkling rose

I mean… crispy polenta? Yes please. Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside. Everything you could want from polenta.

I will tell you the sauce is definitely spicy, and if you need something to cut it - no ranch here - but they have a damn fine aioli.

carpaccio di manzo: beef carpaccio, aioli, capers, arugula, mushrooms, lemon, shaved parmigiano

Nothing screams italian to me more than a arugula and shaved mushroom salad topped with slivered parm… it’s my favorite side with crispy chicken - piccata, parm, no difference. But when it’s tossed over thinly sliced beef. Chef’s kiss.

cavolfiori: lightly fried cauliflower, capers, olive oil, parmigiano

Who doesn’t want crispy cauliflower? Especially when it’s more cauliflower than batter? Especially if it’s topped with crumbled parm, italian parsley and briney capers to make it pop.

salsiccia: fennel sausage, red onions, tomato sauce, mozzarella, parmigiano

Pro tip? Add mushrooms to the sausage pizza.

Can you tell I like mushrooms?

But seriously. Isola uses san marzano tomatoes (if you know, you know), for one of the best pizza sauces around, so it really doesn’t matter what you put on in (mushrooms), it’s gonna taste great no matter what.