About Frenchy's Hideout | Hillcrest’s Hidden French Wine Bistro

ABOUT US

Bienvenue à Frenchy’s Hideout

Welcome to Frenchy’s Hideout, where Parisian elegance meets San Diego's vibrant taste for great food, wine, and unforgettable experiences. Treat yourself to a carefully curated selection of exquisite wines and authentic French cuisine, designed to create a dining experience you won’t soon forget. Whether you're here for a cozy dinner, a celebratory evening, or just a great glass of wine, our inviting atmosphere and passionate team are dedicated to making every visit special.

Our menu blends approachable elegance with the rich traditions of French cuisine, offering both regular dinner service and immersive coursed tasting menus. Each dish is carefully crafted and paired with wines that tell a story.

Join us for our weekly wine dinners, where we explore unique wineries and pair them with delectable dishes, all led by Head Chef Pedro Lugo Brito and Owner/Sommelier Michael Simpson.

Whether it’s famous wineries or hidden gems, we’ll take you on a gastronomical journey like no other.

BON APPETIT!

Our Story

Owner Michael Simpson’s journey has always been fueled by his passion for bringing people together through exceptional food and wine. After years of refining his craft in some of the most dynamic culinary scenes, he’s created a space that’s as welcoming as it is exclusive, nestled in the heart of Hillcrest. At Frenchy’s Hideout, you’ll find an intimate bistro that offers a dining experience beyond the ordinary—where French flavors meet California’s culinary flair. While you can always enjoy a relaxed sit-down dinner, the real highlight here is the prix-fixe tasting menus, each curated with carefully selected wines to elevate every bite.

Michael has surrounded himself with a team of culinary artists and hospitality experts who share his unwavering commitment to delivering the best. Head Chef Pedro Lugo Brito brings a creative vision that fuses French tradition with bold, modern twists, while sous chef Arturo Aguilar ensures that each dish is a masterclass in technique and flavor. General Manager Shan Harris, with his exceptional leadership and hospitality, orchestrates an atmosphere where guests feel not just welcomed but truly valued. Together, this powerhouse team transforms every visit into an unforgettable experience.

Meet the Team

Enchanté de vous rencontrer!

Founder ✧ Owner ✧ Sommelier

MICHAEL SIMPSON

Michael was born and raised in Paris, France. What started out as a quick way to make money during high school and during college has turned into a passion for food and wine. Michael has worked all facets of the restaurant industry, from fast casual to fine dining.

After earning his Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality in Paris in 2003, Michael moved to San Diego where he gained an Associate’s Degree in Business and Marketing. Michael has worked as a General Manager and Sommelier for The French Gourmet, Smoking Goat, St Tropez Restaurants, Croce’s Restaurant and Jazz Bar, the Rise and Shine Restaurant Group, and Barrio Star.

Michael joined the Barrio Star team as the General Manager in 2018 until the opening of his own restaurant Frenchy's Hideout.

Michael describes himself as a humble individual. “Living in San Diego is like winning the lottery,” is what he told us. As a food and beverage enthusiast who lives life to the fullest, he says he tries to give 120% at work and at home. Keeping a good work/life balance always comes first. Michael says that he could not have achieved his goals without the support and love of his wife Paola.

He believes that the success of a restaurant comes from its employees, and a hands-on management approach.

When he is not at work, Michael loves traveling, cooking, teaching wine classes, playing the violin and spending time with his wife and dog Mia.

General Manager

SHAN HARRIS

Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Shan quickly discovered his passion for hospitality, leading him to accumulate over a decade of experience in the restaurant and service industry, where he honed his dedication and commitment.

He received his degree in Business Innovation & Strategy from the Eller College of Management in Arizona. His career took flight in Los Angeles, where he bartended for prestigious events and high-profile clientele before joining the renowned Grill on the Alley in Beverly Hills. There, he navigated the complexities of fine dining, learning to meet the high expectations of top-tier service.

With years of hands-on experience in various front-of-house roles, Shan has developed a comprehensive understanding of restaurant operations and refined his leadership style, making him the ideal fit for his current role.

Now, as General Manager of Frenchy’s Hideout, Shan is thrilled to be part of an experience that merges his love for exceptional food and wine with the goal of creating lasting, memorable moments for every guest. He’s excited to unveil the gastronomical journey they've carefully crafted, and he can’t wait to guide guests through the distinctive flavors and elevated experience that make Frenchy’s Hideout a truly special place.

In his rare moments away from the restaurant, Shan enjoys writing, ceramics, and drawing inspiration from great food and strong community connections.

Head Chef

Pedro Lugo

Executive Chef Pedro Lugo brings a lifelong passion for traditional French cuisine with a modern California twist—always cooking from the heart. Born in Guayama, Puerto Rico, Pedro’s culinary journey began early, helping his parents run their family cafeteria and catering business. From chopping fresh local vegetables as a child to leading top kitchens, his dedication to the craft has never wavered.

Pedro’s career took off in 2003, mastering Italian cuisine in Puerto Rico before moving to San Diego, where he refined his French technique as Head Chef at The French Gourmet. Under the mentorship of Chef Michel Malecot, he perfected classic French cooking while overseeing both the restaurant and large-scale catering events. His journey continued at Chez Loma Bistro in Coronado, working alongside Chef Alejandro Martínez to further his expertise in French cuisine.

Now, as the Executive Chef of Frenchy’s Hideout, Pedro is bringing his deep-rooted passion and years of experience to create a menu that honors French tradition while embracing fresh, local ingredients. With every dish, he aims to deliver an unforgettable dining experience—where French indulgence meets San Diego’s adventurous palate.

Sous Chef

Arturo AguilAr

Arturo Aguilar’s culinary journey began at just 17, fueled by determination, resilience, and an insatiable curiosity for the craft. Born in Chula Vista and raised in Tijuana, he has traveled the world, immersing himself in the flavors and traditions of Paris, Barcelona, Seoul, Dublin, Amsterdam, and beyond. These experiences have shaped his bold, ingredient-driven approach to cooking, where every dish tells a story of culture, technique, and innovation.

For Arturo, food is more than sustenance—it’s passion, artistry, and a constant evolution. He believes the magic of cooking lies in transforming simple ingredients into something unexpected, where flavors surprise and captivate. His dedication to the craft has led him to work alongside renowned chefs such as Stephen Window, Sean Gaffner, Vincent Rodier, Brandon Sloan, and Alejandro Budar, mentors who have influenced his relentless pursuit of excellence.

At Frenchy’s Hideout, Arturo brings his global perspective and deep love for cooking to every plate, ensuring that each dish is not just a meal, but an experience.