It’s not all about bacon at ANIMAL Restaurant. Before the first of my many, many visits, I read a review that noted there was “too much” bacon on the menu. Of course that made me want to go ASAP, but in reality the restaurant is more about being adventurous… as chefs and as an eater.
Two of my favorite dishes were actually bacon-free. The Raw Amberjack and the Foie Gras with Strawberry & Grits (pics below). But there were plenty of pork accented plates that made me think I had died and gone to bacon heaven. Especially the Bacon Chocolate Crunch Bar dessert!
That very first dinner at ANIMAL (Aug 29th) was so good, that my husband Peter and I ate there again the next evening. The servers (Jeff on Friday night… Victor & Arlene on Saturday) were convivial and very helpful.
Chef Jon Shook stopped by our table a few times to chat and to recommend dishes. Chef Vinny Dotolo never left the busy kitchen but I blame that on our table… we just could not stop indulging ourselves and had to taste everything we could.
Simply put, the food at ANIMAL is fearless, delicious and full of passion. See you there soon!
Raw Amberjack, Nectarines, Orange, Mint and Serrano Chili $14
Crispy Squash Blossoms $14
Softshell Crab, Kimchi, Pork Belly, Chili Soy $20
Pork Ribs, Balsamic, Heirloom Tomato, Rocket and Bread Salad $15
Bacon Chocolate Crunch Bar with Creme’ Anglaise $8
Foie Gras, Strawberry, Hasty Pudding (old school grits) $20
Wine: We love the Joel Gott Zinfandel wine that we first tried at Animal. More info here
Dining Date 8/29/08
– > Animal Visit 2
Animal Restaurant
http://www.animalrestaurant.com
435 N. Fairfax Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 782-9225
my last bite... 
Every single dish looks delicious I can’t believe you tried them all.
We need to go soon.!!
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