Animal

Ok so this post is a year old.... but it was one of the most exciting dining experiences of 2013! I've been dyingggg to try this and I was so glad I could eat this before flying back to Hong Kong the next day. Animal is opened by the much buzzed about duo of Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo, who also opened Son of a Gun (next time next time). Animal opened in 2008 to critical acclaim and are still delighting palates. The food is executed perfectly and the dishes are also super interesting and creative. Animal is known for serving various parts of animals so if you like eating innards and all that good stuff this is a MUST VISIT. Those who are a little more squeamish will still enjoy their meal as they have many other offerings.

I tried my best to look up the name of the dishes on the restaurant's menu but it changes all the time so I even went on Yelp to search up pictures, but unfortunately some *may* be incorrect :(

Spicy Beef Tendon Chip, Charred Onion Pho Dip
Such an interesting start to the dinner! The tendon chips were really crunchy and light. The onion pho dip had such immense flavor and its creaminess went really well with the chips. 

Yellow Nectarine, Radish, Agretti, Local Goat Cheese, Almond Vinaigrette
The veggie chips were cut to the perfect thickness and was not greasy at all. It was lovely and crunchy and the creamy dip at the bottom was tangy and delicious. The presentation was also super pretty and a feast for the eyes. 

Chicken Liver Toast 
The chicken liver was luscious and creamy and the flavor was very robust which I loved. The toast was also cut to just the right thickness. The liver mousse to toast ratio was just perfect! I forgot what the black condiment was but I thoroughly enjoyed this. Tiny toast = massive flavor. 

Shrimp and Rabbit Sausage Spring Roll, Mizuna, Green Curry
This was not the most memorable dish. It was was yummy spring roll, but not specifically worth ordering given the selection of other creative and interesting dishes. 

Veal Brains, Vadouvan, Apricot Puree, Carrot
Eeeee brains! This was actually not bad at all! The brains were a bit mushy and spongey but the crust was well flavored and crunchy. Ok I guess that does not make you really want to eat it but it was actually yummy! If you like sweetbreads then you would like this too. 

Mexican Street Corn, Epazote, Serrano, Parmesan 
I really loved how the corn was SMOTHERED with the sauce and cheese. The sauce was spicy, tangy, and creamy. The addition of scallions was also delicious! Serving could be a bit larger though.

Forgot the exact name but should be pork neck
The pork had a great meaty flavor and cooked perfectly. The insides were still slightly pink and the outside had the perfect charred surface. 

Barbeque Pork Belly Sandwiches - Slaw
Porky, fatty, melting GOODNESS. The buns itself were so good as they were a bit sweet and the pork belly was just sooo decadent. The slaw gave the bun the much needed crunch and freshness to offset the fattiness. Yum yum.

Blueberry, Frozen Brown Butter Crumble, Yogurt, Bay Leaf Ice Cream
The yogurt/ice cream ball was super creamy and smooth and the berry mixture was so delicious as you can tell that lots of berries were put in there and cooked down. The presentation was also SO pretty and just looked so cute. 

Cheesecake Pudding, Guava, Seascape Strawberries, Graham
This was a tropical paradise party in your mouth! The strawberries and guava went so amazingly together and there were so many different types of textures going on at the same time. A perfect end to an amazing meal. 

Animal was such a great dining experience! I would definitely return on my next visit to LA and also visit their sister restaurant Son of a Gun which focuses more on seafood. I left this dinner a very very happy girl. 

Animal

435 North Fairfax Avenue

Los Angeles

CA 90036