The team behind some of Hillcrest's top hotspots - including Baja Betty’s, Hillcrest Brewing Company, Gossip Grill, and Urban Mo’s - is opening a new bar and restaurant called InsideOUT at the soon-to-be unveiled Eitol Towers, the party-focused mixed-use development unveiling this Spring.
From Matt Ramon and Chris Shaw of the MO's Universe Group, InsideOUT aims to embody the elegant party theme of The Eitol Towers. The restaurant will offer an elevated lounge experience, featuring an atrium surrounded by Eitol's 13 live/work towers, custom tables built by furniture designer Sven Hasselberg, a heated water feature called "the boi pond", and a switchback walkway with seating nooks.
InsideOUT will be managed by entertainer and fashion designer Paris Sukomi Max, with a food menu crafted by Gossip Grill Chef Maryjo Testa, and a bar program developed by Gossip Grill’s Moe Girton. A native of California, Chef Testa grew up in a close knit Italian family full of cooks. Wanting to gain more knowledge and understanding of a global cuisine, she spent several years working and learning European styles, techniques and flavors at various restaurants in London and Italy. Dishes on the menu will include Grilled Spanish Octopus, Seven Spiced Moroccan Chicken Tagine, Paella-style Fideo Pasta, as well as tableside Asian poke and Australian Hot Stone, Do-It-Yourself Grilled Steaks.
"Hands down I knew it had to be MO’s Universe - in fact my first call to Chris was met with some hesitation, as they weren’t really looking to open another place," explained Burnett. "Fortunately Matt convinced him to meet at the property and after a brief explanation of the concept, it was a done deal. Having been a long time patron of MO’s and Betty’s, I was familiar with their commitment to our community, their brand and most importantly their staff. I didn’t know Chris Shaw or Matt Ramon yet, but since I regularly attend the Dreamgirls show every Wednesday night, it was an easy connection to make. I knew they would fit the space great because my design intent was ‘upscale causal fun’ and it needed to extend more energy down University."
"insideOUT, or iO as we have already nicknamed it, is a casual, elegant restaurant that features an atrium surrounded by 13 live/work towers juxtaposed to contrast with San Diego’s gorgeous blue skies, floor to ceiling glass front windows on the inside dining room and bar, a heated water feature (the boi pond), a switchback walkway with seating nooks to relax, see and be seen with a few more surprises along the way," said Ramon. "The name is a nod to the LGBTQ community – we’re an out and proud LGBTQ owned and operated business. InsideOUT is just that, a space where you walk in to be outside."
Eitol and InsideOUT are located at 1642 University Avenue in San Diego's Hillcrest neighborhood. For more information, visit eitoltowers.com.
