#28 - Chef Rie and Dave Sims

Rie and Dave Sims, the husband and wife team behind Warung RieRie, have created one of the most unique dining concepts in San Diego. An intimate, Indonesian fine dining setting built right in their backyard in Serra Mesa.Rie grew up in Jakarta, Indonesia, where she studied art and built a career in film and television production, eventually breaking into directing in the male dominated industry. After losing her father, she made the decision to move to Bali to reset and rebuild.Dave, on the other hand, comes from a creative background in the U.S. and was first introduced to Indonesia through a surf trip. An experience that left a lasting impression and would later shape both his personal life and their shared vision.The two met in Bali, built a life and business partnership, and years later brought that vision to San Diego. Starting with a spontaneous idea to ship a traditional Indonesian structure to their backyard.What followed was something they largely “winged” into existence.Warung RieRie is now San Diego’s first fully legal MEHKO (Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation) An invitation only dining concept rooted in culture, storytelling, and genuine human connection. Their work has since been recognized at the federal level with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for their impact on the community, marking a historic milestone for both their business and the home kitchen movement.To connect with them, reach out on Instagram: @warungrierieYou can find all episodes of Wellness On The Rocks on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts.Hosted and independently produced by bartender Taylor McQuade.