Simpson brings a taste of France to Hillcrest

Published: Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at 3:44 pm

French Cuisine Finds a Home: New Restaurant Brings Parisian Flair

A new restaurant is bringing a taste of France to the local dining scene. Frenchys Hideout, opened in March 2025, aims to provide an authentic French dining experience. The owner, Michael Simpson, a veteran of the San Diego restaurant industry, envisioned the concept for years, seeking to create a restaurant that blends elegance with approachability.

Simpson's approach to French cuisine emphasizes quality ingredients and traditional recipes. He stresses the importance of using fresh ingredients, such as making beef broth from scratch for French onion soup and using cognac instead of cheaper alternatives. He also highlights the use of the sous vide cooking technique to retain flavors in dishes like the Filet Mignon Burger.

The success of Frenchys Hideout, according to Simpson, relies heavily on his team. He emphasizes the importance of surrounding himself with a strong, reliable, and passionate staff, including his executive chef de cuisine and general manager.

However, Simpson acknowledges the challenges of restaurant ownership. He cites rising operational costs, including the high minimum wage, and competition from larger restaurant groups as significant hurdles. He also notes the constant need to address unexpected issues, from equipment malfunctions to staffing shortages. Despite these challenges, Simpson remains committed to providing a memorable dining experience.

Frenchys Hideout offers a menu of authentic French cuisine, exceptional service, and a curated wine selection. The restaurant encourages guests to explore its happy hour offerings and daily secret menu items. Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekends.

BNN's Perspective:

The restaurant industry is notoriously difficult, and it's encouraging to see entrepreneurs like Simpson taking on the challenge. While the economic realities of the industry are tough, the focus on quality and experience is a positive sign for diners.

Keywords: French cuisine, restaurant, dining, Frenchys Hideout, Michael Simpson, San Diego, French onion soup, Filet Mignon Burger, sous vide, authentic, ingredients, menu, reservations, happy hour, restaurant ownership, challenges, experience

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