Puffer Malarkey Collective Unveils Animae

The Puffer Malarkey Collective has unveiled Animae, a $5.5 million Pan Asian American concept on the ground floor of Pacific Gate by Bosa, a luxury condo building near Downtown San Diego’s waterfront.

Puffer Malarkey Collective Unveils Animae

Animae brings a sophisticated, stylish experience matching the level of excitement that the group is known for with concepts like Herb & Wood and Farmer & The Seahorse. Designed by partner/owner Christopher Puffer (designer of Herb & Wood), and Bells + Whistles (Jeune et Jolie, Lola 55), the 7,600 square foot dining room juxtaposes natural elements and architectural lines of the Art Deco period.

The result is a seductive atmosphere that sets the stage for highly theatrical dining amongst jewel-toned custom booths, ceiling length curtains, and carpet that mimics a mossy forest floor.

Puffer Malarkey Collective Unveils Animae

Coal-fired, Asian-inspired dishes

Partner/owner Brian Malarkey and executive chef/partner Joe Magnanelli (Urban Kitchen Group) threw out the playbook when conceptualizing Animae’s menu. The coal-fired, Asian-inspired dishes that are rooted in street food, push culinary boundaries by incorporating unexpected ingredients, cooking techniques, and flavors. Guests can revel in the opulent setting with a dinner to match, or enjoy a playful high-low experience by dining on a sampling of small plates.

Puffer Malarkey Collective Unveils Animae

Utilizing a Josper oven and Japanese robata grill to prepare large format proteins and serving the finest raw seafoods delicately presented as crudos, dinner at Animae ranges from Steelhead Trout Poke with Sea Bean, Daikon, Shiso and Plum Vinegar; Tom Yum Mushrooms with Burrata and Leek; Black Garlic Udon Noodles with Lobster, Chili, Choy Sum, Bisque and Espelette; Roasted Duck with Pineapple, Gochujang and Mint; and a 32-Ounce Snake River Farms Wagyu Porter House with Miso Butter and Chef’s Choice Accoutrements.

Puffer Malarkey Collective Unveils Animae

Straightforward cocktails

Created by bartender Adam Ono (Yeast of Eden, Bourbon & Branch) the menu takes influence from Japanese cocktail bars that focus on making straightforward cocktails outstanding through detailed precision, emphasizing the quality and shape of ice, temperature of spirits prior to mixing, shaking technique, aeration and texture, carbonation, and water quality. Animae focuses on single malts and gins, and has an extensive Japanese whisky and sake program.

Puffer Malarkey Collective Unveils Animae

A stunning dessert menu

Just like at Herb & Wood, executive pastry chef, Adrian Mendoza, stuns with a dessert menu that includes, Chocolate Pavlova with Yuzu Mousse, Concord Grape and Chocolate Cremeux; Black Velvet Charcoal Sponge Cake with Banana Caramel, Miso, Ancient Grain Brittle, Raspberry Ponzu surrounded by Charcoal Marbled Meringue; and Honey Panna Cotta with Soy Almonds, Jasmine Tea Boba, Shiso and Lemon Ice.

Puffer Malarkey Collective Unveils Animae

Joining the Puffer Malarkey Collective at Animae as general manager/partner is Lucien Conner (Snake Oil, Puesto) who hosts a nightly dinner service that exemplifies refinement and polish without pretense.

Animae is open Monday-Friday from 5:30-10:00pm and Friday-Saturday from 5:30-11:00pm. Happy Hour will be served Monday through Friday from 4:30-6:00pm.

See you there!

Share This Post
The Latest
The Craving 3
The Craving is all about helping you satisfy your craving for the best from San Diego’s local food scene. Come back every week for the...
Shop The B.L.A.C SD
Shop The BLAC SD is back, bringing together makers, artists, and community for a day of connection in San Diego’s vibrant Black Arts & Culture...
San Diego Ballet
Get ready to be swept away by one of the most powerful love stories of all time, reimagined through movement, music, and soul-stirring emotion. San...
Ocean Beach Kite Festival
Get ready for a sky full of color, creativity, and community joy—because the 78th Annual Ocean Beach Kite Festival is taking flight once again! Hosted...
fit athletic Free yoga class
Another incredible treat for our San Diego yoga community has arrived! Fit Athletic Yoga is bringing their signature Bootcamp Yoga to The Rady Shell at...
The Salon of Art Gallery
La Jolla’s art scene is about to get a whole lot more vivid. World-renowned tetrachromatic artist Concetta Antico is unveiling her newest exhibition, A Modern...
Recently Featured Restaurants
A new fire has lit up Little Italy—Piedra Santa, an Argentinian-inspired steakhouse, is now open and bringing the bold, smoky tradition of open-flame grilling to...
Dora, a vibrant new Southern Italian restaurant from the husband-and-wife team behind Cori Trattoria, is set to open in La Jolla’s Theater District this fall—and...
There’s a breezy new addition to Little Italy’s dining scene! Brisa, an island vibes and Latin-Japanese fusion restaurant, is now open at the corner of...
Downtown La Mesa has a delicious new addition—Tour de Tapas, a restaurant offering Euro small plates and sips inspired by the culinary traditions of Spain,...
Tajima Crown Point is the latest addition to San Diego’s beloved ramen scene, officially opened on December 14 at 3782 Ingraham Street. Known for its...
Wildland in Carlsbad Village is officially opening its doors, bringing rustic cuisine and coastal-inspired dining to North County. This all-day restaurant, bar, and bakery from...