“Vegetarians beware” – it’s “all about the carnivores” at this “hip” Fairfax  American restaurant where celeb chefs Vinny Dotolo and Jon Shook revel in the “sheer creative fun” of conjuring up a “decadent” menu.

Animal is a New American restaurant celebrated for its interesting combinations of flavors and it's creative meat plates.

I had been hearing about this restaurant for years and finally decided to dive in.  Only open for dinner and brunch on weekends, it is definitely worth a trip to try some of the very tasty dishes on the menu.
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We started with the street corn which was out of this world.  Slightly charred with a delicious aioli sauce topped with parmesan cheese.

Poutine, a traditional  Canadian diner dish was our next choice.  French fries, topped with a delicious veal shank gravy.  I am not really a Poutine fan but I could not stop my fork from diving in to this scrumptous side.  It had tender chunks of veal that had this dish addicting.

Before we sunk out teeth into the classic patty melt, we had Hamachi topped with a crisp, fresh and most interesting cole slaw garnished with crisp onions and a hint of Jalapenos. They call it The Tostada.

Our dessert were equally great.  The Trés Leche cake so dense and moist, dripping with a creamy  sweet milk.

These chefs Vinny and John have six restaurants to try. Stay tuned!

​Reservations Recommended!

435 N Fairfax Ave . Los Angeles . CA 90036 . (323) 782-9225 . animalrestaurant.com

 Get a recap on our lunch at République.

Republique

624 La Brea Ave . Los Angeles . CA 90036 . 310.362.6115


republiquela.com

After our darling waiter picked out a lovely Chardonnay, which by the way was a really nice pour, we started grazing the menu.  I had read about their delicious “Toasts” and just look.  We had the avocado, heirloom tomato, and finally the candy stripe fig.  Each one  wowed us.  We moved onto ordering their signature dish, rotisserie chicken, which was so moist and the skin a little crispy, to die for.  The butcher steak was served with tomato, romesco, and served on a trencher (Google it.)  Look at the frisee aux lardon. You ask yourself, what is that?  Bacon confit, slow cooked egg, with a mustard vinaigrette.   We finished with two fabulous desserts.  Truly a favorite pick and will go back.  They are open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and the ever popular brunch.

Superba Food + Bread
1900 Lincoln Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90291
(310) 907-5075

Sunday morning, we picked up Trent from LAX after his two week medical mission in Ghana, Africa.  He was craving three things: Starbuck's venti iced green tea, cement roads, and Bar Ama for lunch. Off we went to explore some culture.

Aubrey, McCall, and Trent exploring the street art

Chef and owner Josef Centero has completely wowed my family and friends… and to wow me is a task.  We went to his first place across the street called Baco Mercat before, which was crazy good. But Bar Ama has a Tex Mex menu originally coming from the inspiring recipes from his grandmother Grace Alice.  The pictures tell all.

I can't wait to try the third location Orsa and Winston.  He rules the corner of 4th and Main.  Truly worth the 40 minute drive from the OC.  It is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner with great happy hour and taco specials.  This is OCwino's top pick. Belly's full, off we went to explore.

Bar Ama 118 W 4th St, Los Angeles, CA 90013 
(213) 687-8002