On the fashionable Melrose, West Los Angeles, CA
Oh, boy, Oh boy.... or should I be saying?? ... Oh Rick, Oh Rick!!!
The master chef, Rick Bayless, and best ambassador to Mexican cuisine, has come to LA!! After making a name for himself with his restaurants in Chicago, IL; Frontera Grill, the more upscale Topolobampo, and the newer brainchild XOCO... Rick has moved West, to the area that could be the mecca of Mexican cuisine, outside of Mexico.
Bayless is a very celebrated chef and best selling author of cookbooks, having won the coveted James Beard award and earned much acclaim from some of the best food publications in the country... How does one resist then to visit such an acclaimed establishment?? ....Moreover... what a perfect location to celebrate a birthday??
On my recent 41st birthday, I along with 13 of my wonderful foodie friends went to RedO... with some pretty high expectations, and we were not disappointed!! The restaurant as a whole has a wonderful vibe... a very extensive tequila bar to complement the truly authentic menu. Delicious drinks, La Sirena, El Catrin, to name a few, the favorite by far was El Alacran (The Scorpion), a delicious concoction of lemony tartness and the spiciness of chile peppers... rimmed with a chili/salt mix that's yummy through every sip!!
When you gather 14 foodies in a restaurant that has a BRIGHT BITES menu, similar to Spanish TAPAS, you will have most of the menu items ordered to that table... so to say that it rained fantastic food that night is an understatement!!
Much to say about all the dishes that were ordered... and all great things!! Here are the dishes that stood out... and for the most part, the ones the made it before the camera before they mysteriously vanished!!
The Shrimp Ceviche... one word, flavorful!! I am quite particular about the preparation of this Mexican treat, and Mr. Bayless did not skip a beat... a definite must try!! I must try one of the other three on the next visit!
The Plantain Sopes... I had to try the creative, and not usual use of ingredients... there was a completely separate party in my mouth!! This would be perfect for all my vegetarian friends!! Delicious!
The Cazuelas for Soft Tacos... I can't say enough about the Adobo marinated Duck Tacos... something u just won't find at your average taqueria... very memorable!!
Then there are the CELEBRATED SEVEN. These are traditional regional dishes that Mr. Bayless has perfected. I wish I could have ordered one of each, but alas I was able to sample one of the two pork dishes. The COHINITA PIBIL... form the Yucatan region, achiote-marinated and slow cooked in banana leaves; you take a bite and you are instantly transported to Mexico. Rick does not skip a beat on flavor, texture and presentation!
Always having room for dessert, even after a surprise birthday cake, I had to try the creamy Goat Cheese Cheesecake, served with caramel corm and a Mexican "Root Beer" sauce... I can still savor the smooth creamy consistency that melted as it touched my tongue! Who would have thought... Goat Cheese? Believe it!... more importantly, try it! You will thank me!
All in all, this culinary experience did not disappoint. I am sure I will return and try different items every time! Having grown up on truly authentic Mexican cuisine, I am proud to say that Rick really represents the spirit and flavors of Mexico in his genius creations! All those years of living there and absorbing the culture truly paid off!
I can't wait to visit his acclaimed restaurants in Chicago and report back with equally fantastic, if not more amazing reviews!!
A phenomenal culinary experience through and through. The food was definitely center stage, and it was my pleasure to share the limelight!
Thanks to the staff at the Red O for the amazing evening and a very memorable 41st birthday celebration!!
Buen Provecho!!
Elle :)
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