Aside from opening one of L.A.’s most highly anticipated restaurants, Rick Bayless has been busy this year. A favorite of the Obamas, he recently catered the state dinner honoring Mexican president Felipe Calderón, he won Top Chef Masters, and you can catch him on PBS hosting his series “Mexico-One Plate at a Time.”
Now Angelenos don’t have to travel outside Hollywood for a taste of his cuisine. Bayless just opened Red O in an expansive indoor-outdoor space (big enough for two 14-foot handmade artisan chandeliers) on Melrose Ave.
Take a seat on a piece of custom made furniture, or snag a spot at the bar in one of the leather swings. Sip a Topolo Margarita with fresh squeezed limonada, or peruse the glass tunnel, which showcases an array of premium tequilas.
In the dining room, signature dishes vary from rich and bold to light and fresh. Savor the Albondigas al Chipotle with Beef & Pork Meatballs, Smoke Chipotle Tomato Sauce, Caramelized Onions, and Yukon Gold Potatoes; or Pork Belly Sopes with Black Beans, Salsa Negra, and Sesame; the Classic Guacamole pops with a refreshing blend of flavors and a creamy texture.
Red O is open Sun.-Thurs.: 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.; Fri.-Sat.: 5 p.m.-midnight. 8155 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.655.5009. RedORestaurant.com
PS-Hollywood Bowl picnic season is starting! If you want to know what Rick Bayless and other top LA chefs recommend for you nightly picnics, sign up for our Chef’s Picnic Club HERE. It’s free and you will receive a recipe Monday mornings for the entire Hollywood Bowl summer season.