Way back when, Jamie and I both worked in the “darth vader” building downtown. both of us coming to it after we were married, and in my case, after I finished grad school. Years later when Jamie ran the office, and I was “retired” and raising 4 children 4 and under, he moved the office to the utc area. Not, as most surmised, because in terms of miles, it was closer to la jolla (in driving/traffic terms it was so much worse), but because it was a better office spot.

All this to say, that if you know jamie, you his alter ego is norm from cheers, because where ever he goes, everybody knows his name. And he always finds the closest watering hole to call his own. In this case, it was red o, which was just outside his building.

I was excited, because red o was conceptualized by rick bayless; and took the spot of our la jolla fav, the rusty pelican.

All that being aside; we love red o, not only for it’s proximity to jamie’s office (the appeal of which has long since worn off after covid times, since jamie now solely works from home), but because it was such a great spot for hang outs, and good food.

And y’all know… I’m not telling you to eat anywhere that I won’t eat on the regular, or that really, makes food that is less than what I can make on my own.

We love red o.

We love the salsa from red o. It’s the chunks of garlic that do it. And thank goodness I’m married to someone who also loves garlic; so there’s no trying to avoid it in this household.

Also, can I tell you how much I love being able to order a martini that isn’t a vodka (hello allergy) based.

Tequila martini? Yes, please, and thank you. Also. It was delish.

Pro tip? Order the queso and add the chorizo. You can thank me later. There is nothing like melted cheese, jalepenos, and seasoned chorizo. Like seriously?

You get your choice between flour or corn tortillas, and it comes with pico de gallo and an avocado crema.

Seriously? you don’t need anything other than the queso. Period.

I mean. Y’all know how I love a good table service. Oh, and tequila.

So lets combine them both and talk about how perfect this is for me.

You get a cart of tequila wheeled toward you; recommendations made, and your pick off of a specialized menu.

Yes please.

Love a good tequila by itself. A sipping tequila if you will. And seriously, brought and poured tableside?

It’s kinda the perfect meal paring.

So yeah, this is the dish to get. I have always been a fan of a fajita plate, because it comes with all the accoutrements… but this tablitas combo is all that, and everything more.

Did you take a look at that giant lobster tail? It was so perfectly tender and fresh. And the tomahawak? steak craving satisfied. Yes the tomahawk can be a fattier cut of meat… but in my opinion, that just makes the meat that more tender and flavorful..

Y’all know I am 100 percent team savory. But every once in a while… all you do want is sweets; and in my case I want want sweets that aren’t too sweet; and that have complex flavor profiles within.

Here’s the cool thing. On this particular visit we moved from the dining room to the bar to have a drink before leaving; and to share a dessert. The bartender, suggested we pair the tres leches (which we picked for the sole purpose of us loving it, having a bite, and taking the rest home to our daughter); with a carajillo.

Now, I gave up coffee about 6 months ago; so I was a little apprehensive about having a coffee drink… but, when in rome…

I am so glad I threw caution to the wind… seriously? Perfect pairing. Perfect drink. It just proves why you should put your choices in the hands of those who know better.

All this being said… red o? yea, it’s the place to be if you want to sample some really good food, get recommendations for things you wouldn’t have considered, and a fun spot to spend your next date night.