FNO (Foodies Night Out)

RED O

THE IVY on Robertson

I am thrilled to be a guest blogger on Top Chef Trail. This past weekend I had the opportunity to visit one of the newest HOT restaurants in LA and revisit an old favorite. Both lived up to their reputations.

September 10 was Fashion's Night Out in LA, a bicoastal event created and promoted by Diane von Furstenberg (true fashion royalty) and Anna Wintour (remember Meryl Streep's character in Devil Wears Prada?). After stops on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills and the Beverly Center, my fashion partners in crime and I topped off the evening with Melrose shopping at Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen, and Fred Segal. Our reservations at Red O came at the perfect time and it was good we had thought ahead. We were met curbside by a host (read: well-dressed middle aged bouncer) who checked us in and led us to the hostess inside. Quite an interesting introduction....more LA club feel than foodie hangout. The interior was quite hip...imagine a plantation style living room with Eastern decor. All tables make you feel as if you are in a vacation retreat more than a dining room which is obviously why Red O was packed at 10PM.

Where to start with the menu??? This restaurant was conceptualized as a collaboration with Rick Bayless of Frontera fame, and the evening's choices included an amazing variety of small plates and entrees. Since it was rather late, we settled on a variety of the small plates which in portion are truly a large appetizer (very easy for 2-3 people to share). The Corn & Goat cheese tamale was certainly one of the most delicious single plates I have ever had which was followed by the Duck Taquitos and Chicken tamale. Not to be missed are the hand-crafted drinks...The Scorpion Margarita with Serrano infused syrup was topped off with a ring of red salt....making this the signature drink. Don't try this one unless you like a little heat! We topped off the evening with a soft serve sundae...OMG Mexican goat milk caramel, and bacon struesel made this the most delicious over the top dessert ever. The wait staff was attentive and helpful the entire evening. Best part was that the price was easily under $100/2 tip inclusive! Red O is a must eat in LA.

Before we packed up Saturday morning, we decided to walk Robertson Blvd and revisited an old favorite, The Ivy. A very nice lunch (beware the price of alcoholic drinks...Bloody Marys = $15 so better to pass)....the grilled vegetable salad was tasty and quite a large portion. People watching can't be beat here so ask to be seated outside when the weather cooperates. Our table allowed us to take in all the celebs and sports cars roaming this trendy shopping street.

Thanks Craig for allowing me to share with your readers.....can't wait to go back to Red O when you"re in LA.