Apparently, even the stars are out there bugging Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo about their new restaurant. The Animal chefs catered a star-studded dinner party last Thursday for Dewars’ new bottle design, in conjunction with the Band of Outsiders fashion label. In attendance were celebs like Marisa Tomei, Aziz Ansari, Glee’s Kevin McHale, and author Bret Easton Ellis. An event organizer tells us that the number-one topic of conversation was, naturally, the chefs’ forthcoming project on Third Street, with many of the celebs “quizzing” chef Jon Shook. But while celebrity might grant you access to a dinner catered by Animal, it doesn’t get you any advanced information. Shook is said to have been “tight-lipped” and would not reveal the restaurant’s name, even to his rich and famous fans. See photos of the assembled celebs quaffing scotch and munching on Animal’s eats online and see the full menu, which came stamped on the tablecloth, below. Could its lighter, California market fare offer clues into the chefs’ next direction or was it simply an attempt to please those picky, meat-eschewing actors?
Animal’s Menu
For Dewars/ Band of Outsiders Dinner
Market lettuces, feta, creamy sauce, crispy pita, beets, avocado, arugula, dates, Parmesan, celery, sherry vinaigrette
Meatballs, ricotta
Mustard grilled chicken breast, shallots, garlic, parsley, thyme
Fried cauliflower, capers, chili oil, parself, raisins
Roasted root vegetables, hazlenuts, sage brown butter
Butter beans, shallots, garlic, basil, tomato
Dessert
Snickerdoodles
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Really fresh fruit