Chef Brian Malarkey's Upscale Animae To Unveil In Downtown San Diego This Weekend

September 19, 2019

San Diego celebrity chef Brian Malarkey will unveil his nearly $6 million, 9,300 square-foot Animae restaurant this weekend on the ground floor of downtown's 41-story Bosa luxury condominium tower.

Announced in early 2018, Chef Brian Malarkey and Chris Puffer's highly anticipated Animae restaurants opens this Friday, September 20. Remnicient of Malarkey's once-upon-a-time "Asian Cowboy"-themed Burlap, Animae will be an Asian Fusion restaurant, described by Malarkey as a "French-Asian charcoal grill," offering flavors from Japan, China, the Pacific Islands, and Southeast Asia.Ìý

Animae's seasonal menu is constructed by Malarkety and Executive Chef Joe MagnanelliÌýand centered around proteins like duck, fresh seafood, and Wagyu beef expertly cooked over a robata charcoal grill and Josper oven. The restaurant is outfitted with an elegant art deco design with retro accents like wall-to-wall carpeting, velvet drapes, and tufted velvet booths, as well as columns draped with green velvet - all a nod to 1920s Chinese American actress Anna May Wong. Investors in Animae include Brian Malarkey's mother and skateboard legend and San Diego resident, Tony Hawk. Animae will also house an adjacent casual cafe similar to Herb & Wood's Herb & Eatery, which will open in a month or so, that will serve instant ramen on tap and house a wine bar and event space.Ìý

Malarkey & Puffer are also nearly ready to open Herb & Sea restaurant in San Diego's North County surf town of Encinitas.ÌýHerb & Sea will likely open this October within the 5,500 square foot building at 131 West D Street above Moonlight Beach - steps away from the Encinitas sign and Highway 101. Like Herb & Wood, Herb & Sea is designed by Puffer and will offer a menu based around shareable items, this time with a more nautical theme and a focus on local seafood. The kitchen will be managed on a daily basis by Executive Chef Sara Harris, who previously worked for Malarkey at Searsucker Del Mar, which will coincidentally close at the end of October.

Animae is located at 969 Pacific Highway near downtown San Diego's Big Bay. For more information and to make reservations, visit Ìýand check out the menu below as well as photos from Animae's Yelp page.