Rick Bayless Opens Second Red O In Newport Beach, California

Rick Bayless, known best for his Chicago restaurants Topolobampo and Frontera Grill, has opened a second outpost on the West Coast. His Californian-meets-Mexican joint Red O has opened a second location in Newport Beach, Calif., in Fashion Island.

The second in Southern Califonria, the new Red O will have similarly Oaxacan-infludenced dishes, a press release says, like beer-braised short ribs, chipotle chicken, shrimp and goat cheese, plus Yucatecan shrimp and calamari ceviche, lobster jicama tacos, and Sonoma duck taquitos (served with pork belly sopes). The space, as it's in Newport Beach, features 8,500 square feet with an outdoor patio; Bayless' Chicago fans are probably jealous.

As for dessert, the press release promises dishes "inspired by American classics with a modern Mexican touch" like goat cheese cheesecake, caramel corn, and Mexican "root beer" sauce. To drink: a selection of 100 tequilas, 400 wines, plus beers and cocktails. Similar menu, different, OC vibe. Now if only Bayless will come save Mexican food in New York.