Red O Cuisine By Chef Rick Bayless

[caption id="attachment_18327" align="alignnone" width="600"] Red O[/caption]

Red O Cuisine is located in Newport Beach by the well-known cook Rick Bayless who had his own show on  the Public Television show called Mexico – One Plate at a Time. Did you know he was Bravo’s Top Chef Master in 2009? I didn't know, but I was excited to try this place anyways since I would watch his show on PBS on those lazy weekends. I always find it interesting when someone who's not of that ethnic background has so much love for the culture, food, history, and the people. That's how we're exposed to different cuisines and cultures plus a little bit of the language.

"G" and I went here for a Valentine's Day lunch and we took the bar tables. It's not literally on the bar tables, but in the same room. The bar area is separated from the fancy dining tables next door. Luckily we got seated right away and I would say it's pretty fancy, wouldn't you think? (Pic above)

[caption id="attachment_18331" align="alignnone" width="600"] Red O Brunch Menu[/caption]

 It was around 1:30PM when we arrived and I was surprised to see that they were still offering their Brunch menu. I didn't feel like breakfast at that moment so I went straight for the lunch menu. But the items on the brunch menu do look good so I would love to come back here for that.

[caption id="attachment_18330" align="alignnone" width="600"] Red O: Chips and salsa[/caption] Chips and two types of salsa is on the house. The salsa includes a green tomatillo and a red tomato salsa. [caption id="attachment_18329" align="alignnone" width="600"] Red O: Chips and salsa[/caption] That's a lot of chips right?! Mmmm [caption id="attachment_18332" align="alignnone" width="600"] Skinny Margarita[/caption] We got started with our drinks. Once I saw the Skinny Margarita on the drinks menu, I made my decision and ordered it. And let me tell you, it is strong! The rims were salted, the drink was tangy, a bit sweet, and tasty. [caption id="attachment_18333" align="alignnone" width="600"] Victoria, Vienna Lager, México D.F., México. $8[/caption] There were some interesting beer selections, one from Spain and Italy, so "G" wanted to order it but unfortunately those two weren't available... he ordered the Victoria, Vienna Lager, México D.F., México instead. [caption id="attachment_18334" align="alignnone" width="600"] Red O- SOFT TACOS​: Grilled Corn, Pescado Del Dia, Grilled Chicken, with rice and beans. $17[/caption] I ordered the Soft Tacos Grilled Corn, Pescado Del Dia, Grilled Chicken, with rice and beans. From my plate I thought the Pescado was best. The rice was surprisingly good even though it looked dry, but you can see it has a lot of flavor by the dark red color to it. The beans were okay and I liked the cheese on top. [caption id="attachment_18335" align="alignnone" width="600"] SOFT TACOS​: Carnitas with rice and beans. $17[/caption] "G" ordered the Soft Tacos as well but with the Carnitas. Overall we really enjoyed tacos but the best ones were the carnitas as it was juicy and they really packed it in the tacos.

Newport Beach: Fashion Island, 143 Newport Center Dr Newport Beach, CA.

Los Angeles: 8155 Melrose Ave Los Angeles, CA.

Huntington Beach: 428 Main Street Huntington Beach, CA.