QUICK FIRE QUERIES :: Frankie Margotta

Our series of random questions that dig a little deeper into the minds of the people holding the mic…

So, Frankie, what’s your current book or podcast obsession?  A good friend just gifted me The Star Wars Archives: Episodes IV-VI, written by Paul Duncan and published by TASCHEN, and I love it so far. I’m a fan of Star Wars, of course, but also of Industrial Light and Magic and their whole legacy. This is the first volume of the series and takes readers through how the original trilogy was created while offering up fresh insights and artifacts.

What phrase do you find yourself repeating all too often?  *Honestly, don’t have one for this!*

Favorite taco shop?  Not a ‘taco shop’ but my absolute favorite spot in San Diego (that also has tacos) is Novo Brazil in Otay Ranch. Their hard kombucha is my favorite and the entire vibe is incredible. They also do a ton for the San Diego community, which I respect and appreciate.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?  “How you do anything is how you do everything.” I’d argue we learn as much—if not more—about ourselves and one another by what we do in the small moments, not just the big ones.

Who or what inspires you?  San Diego inspires me; the people, the architecture, the food, the natural life, the energy—all of it. Anytime I’m out in the city, I always come back feeling hopeful and recharged.

Favorite coffee shop in San Diego?  I love coffee and San Diego is such a coffee town—I have so many. I will say that really miss Young Hickory and wish they were still around. That said, a special place for me is Trident Coffee, with locations in IB, Coronado, and PB. A friend owns the location and watching him succeed has been a true joy. Also, I’m a big fan of nitro cold brew and they have the best around.

What’s a secret talent of yours? I am a (very) amateur slight-of-hand enthusiast—primarily with playing cards. I picked it up when I was a teenager because I loved being able to grab a deck of cards and light people’s faces up, even if it was only for a few seconds.

What’s your go-to karaoke song? Oof! If I had to, probably I Love You by Dru Hill—and I would not do it justice.

What’s your favorite thing about the San Diego community? I love the synergy. As a major metro and cross-border community, there’s a ton of unique fusions that happen naturally, but what I find truly special is the way the city favors collaboration over competition. For the most part, we aren’t trying to win at the expense of others, like I’ve seen in so many other cities and communities.