Restaurant 1 - Animal

Firstly, let me say that because Angelini Osteria which is the first restaurant listed in the book is closed on Mondays I had to start with the second restaurant listed which is Animal. To start I want to say that it took me a total of 20 minutes when I got in the area to figure out where Animal was and also to find a parking spot, which I would say is a big downfall. On the other hand, the fact that the name "Animal" was no where to be found other than on the back wall of wine on an old lunch box added a bit of interest to the restaurant. We were handed the menu which is simply a typed out piece of paper that lists all their entrees on one side and their wine menu on the flip side. By the way, I also made this journey a date this is why I say "we." Kill two birds with one stone, right? Anyway, we decided to order three dishes which were: 1 - barbeque pork belly sandwiches, slaw, 2 - pig ear, chili, lime, fried egg,and 3 - poutine, oxtail gravy, cheddar. The bbq pork belly sandwiches and fried egg w/ pig ear were scrumtious. But, and I say this with emphasis... But, the fries covered w/ poutine, oxtail gravy, and cheddar was a mouth orgasm. Words cannot describe the feelings that this dish aroused in me, I'm in love. To finish I HAD to order tres leches. My date who is Guatemalteco was equally as excited and we were not disappointed. To top it off Tupac and Outkast were in their playlist. So, my evaluation is that the authors of Eat.Shop.Los Angeles didn't fail us with Animal and have made me a customer for life! Oh yea and the date went amazing, I'm thinking I won't be on the rest of this journey alone. :)