Animal
Animal is easily within my handful of top favorite restaurants in the entirety of Los Angeles. Whether for a special occasion or to satiate a carnivorous craving, this unmarked restaurant front on North Fairfax with its famously cacophonous interior never ceases to leave my taste buds satisfied and my stomach ridiculously full. Topping countless best-restaurant lists (Food & Wine, Bon Appetit, LA Times - and more!) chefs John Shook and Vinny Dotolo wield a miraculous talent with all things meaty, perfectly marrying rich bone marrow with a bright chimichurri, or oceany uni with fried cheese and a hard boiled egg. Their hamachi tostada and barbeque pork belly sandwiches with slaw are my two must-orders every time I visit this hallowed restaurant, and the menu boasts dishes for both adventurous eaters (like crispy pig head or veal tongue) but also their take on more standard fare (smoked turkey leg and balsamic pork ribs). The modest dessert menu is not to be overlooked, as though few in choices, they are all delicious and worth saving room to enjoy - their Tres Leches Cake is the best I've ever had, and my family members and I are not too proud to fight for the final, creamy bite!
Dress: Dorothy Perkins
Lips: Lime Crime Velvetines in Red Velvet
Japanese uni with heirloom cucumbers, za'star, fried cheese, and hard boiled egg.
Hamachi tostada with herbs, fish sauce vinaigrette, and peanuts.
Barbeque pork belly sandwiches with slaw.
Poutine with oxtail gravy and cheddar.
Tres leches cake with dulce de leche.
