Taco Bell serving up the `Naked Egg Taco'

Taco Bell is aiming to turn breakfast inside out with a ``Naked Egg Taco,'' a concoction in which crispy potatoes, bacon or sausage and cheese are tucked in a fried egg ``shell.''

The Irvine-based Mexican fast-food chain announced Tuesday that it's latest breakfast offering will be available nationwide beginning Aug. 31 for a limited time a la carte for $1.99, or in a breakfast combo that includes a coffee or medium drink and two Cinnabon Delights or a hash brown for $3.99.

"Shell innovation is at the core of where we experiment -- and whether it's crispy chicken, biscuits or waffles that wrap up menu item classics -- we bring our fans craveable and unexpected food experiences that leave them wanting more,'' said Liz Matthews, chief food innovation officer at Taco Bell Corp.

Four "Bell & Breakfast'' events are planned at Taco Bells in four cities, including Laguna Beach, where diners can taste the chain's newest menu item before its national debut.

The kick-off is planned in New York on Thursday, and will continue at Taco Bell restaurants in Laguna Beach on Aug. 25, Austin, Texas, on Aug. 26 and Chicago on Aug. 27, with reservations available exclusively via the OpenTable app.