Anima by EDO
Rosemary Crostini – Housemade Goat Buttermilk Ricotta, Tarragon Oil
Peruvian Scallop Crudo – Rhubarb Ponzu, Creme Fraiche, Kalix Roe
Tuna Tartare – Chutoro, Creme Fraiche, Kaluga Caviar
Mortadella, Speck, Salshichon, Chorizo, Lomo, Parmegianno Regianno, Sotto Ceneri, Pecorino, Drunken Goat, Manchego, Olives, Piparra Peppers, Pan Con Tomate
Caprese Salad Canape – Stracciatella, Basil, Balsamic
Holland White Asparagus – Morel Mushrooms, Kaluga Caviar, Langoustine Reduction
Massachusetts U10 Scallops – Mussel Sauce, Truffle-Coconut Espuma
Sarde Beccafico – Sardine, Garlic Bread Crumb, Pine Nuts, Golden Raisins, Yuzu-Blood Orange Gel, Lovage Oil
Eggplant Parmagiana – Parmigiano Espuma, Tomato Powder, Basil Crisp
Ravioli Caprese – Stracciatella Cheese and Basil Agnolotti, Tomato Consommé
Stinging Nettle Risotto – Glazed Veal Sweetbread, Garlic Crema, Oloroso Sherry
Lamb Chops Al Ajillo – Spring Onion, Salsify, Nut Picada
Flan – Caramel, Lemon Curd
Tiramisu – Mascarpone Sabayon, Chocolate, Blood Orange, Lady Fingers
Panna Cotta – Lemon-Thyme Goat Milk Panna Cotta, Blueberry Jam
Serving Las Vegas since January 8th, the old Kitchen Table Squared space getting a big upgrade, Anima by EDO aims to merge Italian and Spanish Cuisine into a whole new experience with several of Chef Oscar Amador’s signatures making their way over from Chinatown to join Francesco Di Caudo’s newest ideas.
Tapping industry veterans from front-of-house to kitchen, Chris Leavitt heading up the bar, it is following warm greetings at the door that guests are led to a choice of diverse seating options, banquets in the back most quiet with a full view of murals from local artist Apolo Torres.
More “approachable” than EDO Gastro Tapas & Wine per General Manager Roberto Liendo, though certainly never lacking for creativity, Dinner at Anima begins with Appetizers, crisp Grissini pairing well to Housemade Goat Buttermilk Ricotta that proceeds Scallop Crudo and Chutoro Tuna finely chopped beneath Creme Fraiche and Caviar.
Serving Charcuterie from the former Barista station near the door, a mix of Spanish and Italian choices perfect for two-to-four alongside tableside Gin & Tonic or fruity Sangria, Anima’s “Catalan Olive Oil Bread” riffs on Pa Amb Tomàquet with a texture not unlike layered Biscuits.
Focused largely on new items, though EDO’s Caprese Salad Canape fits Anima perfectly, White Asparagus dazzles amidst Morel Mushrooms and Langoustine Butter while pan-seared Scallops are upgraded by salty Sauce tamed by Truffle-Coconut Espuma.
Next taking liberties with some Italian classics, Sarde Beccafico unnecessarily complicated by Yuzu and Blood Orange but otherwise excellent, Chef Di Caudo’s new Pastas take Eggplant Parm and Caprese Salad in an entirely new direction while vibrant green Risotto acts as a bold backdrop to sauteed Sweetbreads.
Rounding out savories with Lamb Lollipops that sing of Spring Dessert at Anima arrived as a trio, EDO’s Flan still reference standard while Panna Cotta and potted-Tiramisu are light and dynamic thanks to their bevy of tastes and textures.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS: From the team that brought Las Vegas EDO Gastro Tapas & Wine, Anima by EDO is bigger and brighter with all the right ingredients to succeed where others have struggled, though doing so will require careful consideration of how to balance creativity and accessibility in an attempt to please old fans while simultaneously wooing the Gramercy’s usual clientele.
RECOMMENDED: Tuna Tartare, Catalan Olive Oil Bread, Homemade Goat Buttermilk Ricotta, Holland White Asparagus, Ravioli Caprese, Stinging Nettle Risotto, Flan
AVOID: N/A, though less Citrus would benefit the Sarde Beccafico and Tiramisu.
TIP: 5:00p-9:00p Thursday through Tuesday, Wednesday dark. Reservations via OpenTable.
WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor.
www.animabyedo.com

