Los Angeles - June 10, 2008

The Carnivore’s Dilemma

Animal Restaurant Opens

Hungry like the wolf?

Prowl over to Animal, the new spot from chefs Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo (a.k.a. Carmelized Productions, b.k.a. the Food Dudes), opening tomorrow.

Follow your instincts; there’s no sign on the door. Naked bulbs, a wall-length wooden bench, and lots of elbow room at the copper bar make the stripped-down space  ideal for indulging.

Seasonal, sustainable ingredients — and lots of pork — dictate the weekly changing menu: johnnycakes topped with foie gras and blueberry-plum syrup; fried soft-shell crab atop watercress and avocado dressed in pancetta vinaigrette; balsamic-glazed country pork ribs with warm bacon potato salad and a rich chocolate crunch bar sprinkled with — yes, siree — bacon bits for dessert.

Choose from 25 wines by the glass and affordable carafes and bottles handpicked by sommelier Erik Kelly. High-class hedonists throw down for the reserve list.

Oh, you beast!

Animal, 435 North Fairfax Avenue, between Oakwood and Rosewood Avenues, Fairfax Corridor (323-782-9225).