insideOUT
1642 University Ave #100
San Diego, CA 92103
The Pulse is taking the Live show on the road!!!
First stop:
insideOUT in Hillcrest!
www.cecephoto.com
We were on location at this amazing venue showcasing the decor and talking to their fabulous team!
Guests:
Matt Ramon – Owner
Paris – General Manager
Moe Girton – Co-owner and Creative Director of Wine & Spirits
MJ Testa – Co-owner & Executive Chef
We talked with owner Matt Ramon about being a pillar in the Hillcrest and LGBTQ community and how community has helped them so much during this time of Covid-19.
Matthew Ramon has been involved with the San Diego community for nearly 30 years. Originally from Michigan, Ramon moved to California in 1991 and helped with the opening of then Hamburger Mary’s. Mentored by Chris Shaw, Ramon worked diligently and advanced to become co-owner of the MO’s Universe Group restaurants in the early 2000s.
Knowing the value of the community and believing in the MO’s Universe philosophy, Ramon opened insideOUT with the vision of having an elevated style and flavor. Ramon is a pillar of the San Diego LGBTQ community.
He organizes fundraisers to support numerous charities and foundations and uses MO’s restaurants to promote events that empower and build Hillcrest and the San Diego community.
We talked with Paris about the experience she wants her patrons to have when they come to insideOUT and also about her being very passionate about the LGBTQ community.
PARIS QUION, General Manager
Paris Quion is a San Diego native who believes in the power of the San Diego LGBTQ community. Her connection with Hillcrest began at the age of eleven when she started using her passion to advocate for community service, support various charities and events, and entertain.
Throughout the years, Quion has been involved with the MO’s Universe Group in different platforms. Her leadership, creative style and commitment to the community have given her the foundation for understanding how a restaurant operates and she is committed to providing guests with an elevated experience.
We showcase the fabulous food and cocktail menu offered at the venue with MJ Testa, the executive chef, and Moe Girton, Director of Wine & Spirits.
Chef MJ Made some signature dishes for us, including the Fideo Rosa, which is a Spanish Paella style vermicelli with seared shrimp and spanish chorizo.
She also made a unique dish that really sets them apart! 8 oz filet mignon, served rare and cooked to your liking on an AUSTRALIAN HOT STONE cooked right at your table!!!
Executive Chef Maryjo Testa is a Southern California native. Raised in a tight niche Italian family, Testa was influenced by the techniques, flavors and style of home village dishes her mother and grandmother prepared at a very young age.
In 1995, Testa moved to Italy and started working in a family owned Mediterranean restaurant near the Amalfi coast. Over the course of several years, Testa mastered regional Italian dishes and expanded her culinary creations to include regional Mediterranean flavors.
Testa’s wealth of culinary knowledge and leadership as Chef, Sous Chef, and Chef de Partie sparks an energy which generates brilliant flavors and elevated dishes.
Moe makes us some signature cocktails including their version of the French 74 called the Empress 75 made with Empress Gin!
Moe tells us about the wine club they offer. It’s a monthly event they host onsite with a to-go option, where Moe features a winery, typically from Northern CA.
This month on the 26th they are featuring Duckhorn Vineyards which is a popular Napa winery. Moe is bringing down some of their estate wines that you can’t buy in the store. YASSSS!
Each package comes with digital tasting notes and maps, 5 wines and a personal charcuterie board. You can purchase for onsite (very limited seating) or to-go packages for at-home where you can tune in to the live stream of the event, hosted by Moe, Miriam Tea, and usually a wine rep/sommelier.
Price ranges from $30-45 depending on winery. They do raffle prizes for both onsite and at home viewers!
About insideOUT:
insideOUT, in Hillcrest is a sexy, chic, and refined destination for those who want to enjoy fine dining, craft cocktails, and relax in an urban oasis.
Join them in their completely outdoor space for safe and socially distant dining.
They are open to the public on Tuesdays for Casual Tuesdays from 4-10 PM
Happy Hour Wednesday – Friday from 4-6 PM.
Dinner service Wednesday – Saturday from 4-10 PM,
BRUNCH ALL WEEKEND:
Saturday brunch from 11 AM – 3 PM, and Sunday brunch from 11 AM – 5 PM!
Story:
insideOUT, owned by Matthew Ramon, elevated the San Diego dining scene upon opening in April 2018. Situated in the eye-catching Eitol Towers, insideOUT is a casual elegant restaurant where its main dining room opens to an atrium that features a switchback walkway with seating nooks, a striking water feature, and ample outdoor seating for guests to experience San Diego’s only urban oasis.
The menu, executed by Executive Chef MJ Testa, is updated seasonally to reflect her creative approach to California and Mediterranean inspired fare using the freshest ingredients provided by our local purveyors. Part of the MO’s Universe Group, insideOUT provides individualized guest-focused service and respectful hospitality.
