Previously known as the Village Garden Restaurant. Now after nine months of extensive renovation we are reopening our doors as GIO. A modern restaurant that includes a Wine bar, Coffee bar, and a full dining experience. With a covered patio and open terrace. On the prominent corner of Allison and La Mesa Boulevard in downtown La Mesa. |
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Chef |
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Mike Baker |
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Born in Northern California around San Jose and grew up in the town of Pleasanton. Michael transferred to San Diego from Chico and went to School at SDSU where he graduated with an economics degree. After graduating college, Michael had been discovered by a reputable lender, where he spent time becoming a lead loan officer over the years. Michael later had proven his abilities in the night club business by rapidly climbing the ladder from the widely renown On Broadway to another of Mike Viscuso’s ventures, Red Circle. It was there at Red Circle where Gabriel Giordano had found Mr Baker at his best, a true role model and leader to his peers. The choice was simple in bringing Michael to La Mesa where he can provide a “level above” the rest. |
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Mike Zerwer |
Michael was born and raised in Peoria, Illinois. Having worked as a Chouffer and Concierge between 1994 and 1999, he was soon on his way to developing the steps necessary for accurate guest service representation. In 99’ he found his way to San Diego where he quickly found the opportunity of working downtown at Dakota’s, one of several Cohn restaurants. There he honed his skills around the expectancy of a 4 and 5 star restaurant. While working, Michael had shown capable of producing, on average, some of the highest sales as well as numerous return guests within the establishment. After over 5 years with the Cohn’s Michael took on management with the well known and established Red Circle night club and café also located downtown. Michael proved his worth often enough to where Gabriel Giordano, the owner of GIo, took notice and he was brought to the Gio team to play an integral part in providing the ambience that La Mesa deserves. |
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Ryan Beck |
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Ryan Becks training in wine began in New York City with Bobby Divine at "Henry's," restaurant. He continued his studies at "Nice Matin," (79th and Amsterdam) with Master Sommelier Guy Goldstein, owner of Celler 72 and creator of the "Tour de France Group Wine Programs." Nice Matin carries one of the most formidable wine lists in the US ranging from $30-$14,000 a bottle and a selection of over 300 bottles. Ryan also carries a degree in Ballet from the North Carolina School of the Arts. He has danced and choreographed professionally in NYC, Seattle, Washington DC, Chicago, and in his home town of San Diego. In San Diego he is a founding owner of "The Garage," a contemporary ballet company. His passion for wine brought him to "Gio" to create a unique wine program for the causal wine drinker and the proclaimed connoisseur. |
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Laurie Ohnesorgen - Marketing/Events |
Laurie Ohnesorgen has been in the sales industry for twelve years, dealing with high net worth clientele. She has been one of the top sales producers in her industry for the last ten years and has done over 2.5 million dollars in sales over the last five years. Along with her sales background, Laura has also run her own design company, Sapphire Design, for the past three years. She has extensive experience in marketing, as well as two years experience in the restaurant industry.
She is a La Mesa resident with strong community ties. Laura is on the board of La Mesa Merchant Association. Laura’s role at Gio includes public relations, marketing, and booking and coordinating special events. Her goal is to make Gio the most successful restaurant and wine bar in Southern California and to provide Gio the sales and marketing assets the restaurant needs to compete with other notable San Diego County restaurants.
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