InsideOUT San Diego: Is it just the decor that’s good?

Tucked in the middle of a condo complex lies the hidden gem of Hillcrest. InsideOUT is one of the most popular Instagram-worthy restaurants in San Diego. This restaurant has gained popularity in recent years due to its constantly changing themes, especially during holidays like Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and Valentine’s Day. And now they have introduced their newest theme – Spring Oasis!

The decor at InsideOUT San Diego Spring Oasis

Spring Oasis at InsideOUT San Diego

One of the things that sets Inside Out apart from other restaurants is its ever-changing décor. The restaurant is decorated in a way that is perfectly aligned with the theme of the season or holiday. For example, during Christmas, the restaurant was adorned with beautiful Christmas trees, wreaths, and ornaments. During Valentine’s Day, the restaurant was decorated with hearts, roses, and other romantic elements. This creates an immersive experience for guests that goes beyond just the food.

And now that spring has sprung (classic spring caption), they have transformed the restaurant once again. With flowers that glow and fake cherry blossom trees, you can enjoy the ambiance as much as the menu. Inside Out offers an impressive California and Mediterranean-inspired dishes and drinks. Their menu is constantly changing and evolving, and they use only the freshest and highest quality ingredients. Be aware though that this is a very small venue. The walkways are thin and there aren’t a lot of tables. In fact they use some of the benches leading up their walkway as “tables”, which can’t make for a very comfortable dining experience I would imagine. Unless of course you happened to just be getting drinks, then it would be nice to maybe sit on a bench.

In addition to the restaurant’s unique theme and menu, guests can also enjoy a variety of cocktails, wines, and beers. Inside Out has an extensive drink menu that features handcrafted cocktails and a rotating selection of local and international beers. Visiting this restaurant is just one of many things to consider doing during spring time in San Diego!

Drinks at InsideOUT San Diego Spring Oasis

Thoughts on the food and drinks

For as pretty as this restaurant was, I was underwhelmed by the food. I got the bolognese and my husband got the cheeseburger. Neither of these dishes were something to write home about. Even though the burger had claimed to be “the best”. This isn’t to say that the food was bad – it just wasn’t anything special.

For cocktails we got the Peachy Keen and Cherry Blossom Bloom. Peachy Keen was very delicious, and Cherry Blossom Bloom was very strong. Honestly for being named after something so delicate, it really packed a punch! But my husband liked it and I really enjoyed the Peachy Keen. In total our bill came out to just over $80.

As much as I love seeing the themes at InsideOUT San Diego change through the seasons, I probably won’t be back any time soon. The food was good but wasn’t great and to me that was a really big bummer. But they do change their menu regularly so who knows – maybe I will be ack sooner than I think!

How to experience InsideOUT

The best way to experience this ever-changing restaurant is to make a reservation. Since their themes are only available to dine in for a limited time, this will ensure that you get to be a part of the experience as well. To make a reservation at Inside Out, guests can visit their website or call the restaurant directly. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, and they also offer brunch on the weekends. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during holidays and peak hours.

Overall, InsideOut is definitely a restaurant to consider in Hillcrest, San Diego. It is a great place for locals and visitors to experience something new and exciting each time they visit. Its constantly changing themes make it a standout among other restaurants in the area. So why not make a reservation and experience it for yourself?

To learn more about happenings in San Diego, read here.


What to wear in Paris in March

What to Wear in Paris in March

Paris in March is a wonderful time to visit as the weather starts to warm up. The city also begins to come alive after the colder winter months! But if you’ve never been to Paris, you may be surprised with how cold it still can be during this month. To start, the key to nailing Parisian style is to choose high-quality, timeless pieces and wear them with confidence. Parisians are known for their effortless, nonchalant approach to fashion. Aim for a polished, put-together look that appears natural and easy. It’s still a bit chilly too, so it’s important to pack layers to stay comfortable.

Here are some tips on what to wear in Paris in March:

Woman in Paris. Outfit for Paris in March

1. A warm coat

March can be quite chilly in Paris, with average highs around 50°F (10°C) and lows around 40°F (5°C). It’s important to pack a warm coat to protect you from the cold. Bring a coat that is water-resistant or waterproof, as March can be a rainy month in Paris. Try looking for a water-resistant puffer coat as they are very popular! And just in case your trip falls on a rather rainy time, I highly recommend getting yourself a clear, bubble umbrella. That way you can still see the beautiful city without your umbrella getting in the way of the view.

2. Layering pieces

While the days may be warmer, the evenings can still be quite cool. That being said, it’s a good idea to pack layers to stay comfortable. Lightweight sweaters, long-sleeved tops, and scarves can all be easily layered under your coat to provide extra warmth. But remember – you’re in Paris! Keep it stylish. And Nordstrom Rack is great for closet staple layering essentials.

3. Comfortable shoes

Paris is a city that is made for walking, so it’s important to pack comfortable shoes. Especially if you’re in Paris in March, you’ll want to walk as much as possible to see the cherry blossoms bloom. Opt for a pair of boots with good traction to navigate the wet streets, or consider packing a pair of waterproof shoes if you’re concerned about getting caught in the rain. Better yet, get some trending platform shoes or boots! They’ll keep your feet dry from potential rain because you’ll stay above the puddles. And not to mention that they go with a lot of different outfits.

4. Lightweight accessories

As the weather starts to warm up, you may want to pack some lightweight accessories. This includes a sunhat, sunglasses, and/or a lightweight scarf. These can all be easily carried in your bag and pulled out as needed. But if you want to go extra Parisian, grab a beret! It’s a cliche, but hey, c’est la vie. It’s just something you have to wear in Paris.

5. A versatile bag

A bag that can be worn over the shoulder or carried by hand is a practical choice for exploring Paris. Look for a bag with a long strap that can be worn across the body, leaving your hands free to take photos or carry maps. More so, look for a bag that stays in front of your body like a fanny pack or a sling backpack. Paris has a lot of pickpocketers. Ensuring that your bag stays in your line of sight will help keep your belongings, well… yours.

For the Vera Bradley sling backpack, use the code DONNAF10 for 10% off!

Overall, the key to dressing for Paris in March is to pack versatile layers. Remember to choose pieces that can be easily mixed and matched. With a little bit of planning, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy all that the city has to offer, no matter what the weather has in store!