Animarum — Restaurant in Gig Harbor

Updated from 1 to 2 stars...I was a little too critical previously.

I should have added more here in my previous posting, but on the whole Animarum left a lot to be desired. The Crab Alfredo (which, we have been informed by the restaurant, is now removed from the fall menu) was really unappetizing - overly rich with a bad combination of flavors. But, apparently that's not a problem for them anymore so I'll shut up about it.

I had the Guajillo Lamb Ribs, which were actually ok. I say ok, not incredible, and certainly not worth the $42 price tag in my opinion. The kale (I think it's kale) side dish that accompanies the lamb is pretty salty and underwhelming, rounding the dish out to a low overall score.

The wait staff was very pleasant and attentive, but the atmosphere was a tad dark and ominous in my opinion. The wine we chose, a Pinot from Williamette Valley, was probably the highlight of the evening.

There was nothing hugely unpleasant about my experience there, but I do feel strongly that the prices do not reflect the quality of the food. I've had far better for far less at other restaurants, but look forward to seeing if Animarum can produce something a little more exciting...

I enjoyed my experience at Animarium. Make sure to plan for your eating experience here, due to limited days/hours of operation. I believe Wednesday - Saturday opening around 5PM. The website has the information. The feel is comfortable, but elegant. Plan to dress the part, if possible. In the entry area is a pianist, that begins to set the mood for the evening. We stayed and listened for a few moments before getting on to dinner. Once seated in the dining area, we had a fresh medley of mushrooms as our starter, which was amazingly prepared, tasted great, with lots of delicious earthy flavors. We also had the scallops as a starter, that were prepared perfectly and full of flavor. Our entees were the rib eye and the special bone out pork chop. The proteins were both tender and prepared perfectly. Everything on the plate was part of the experience. It was all prepared and seasoned to perfection. Not one wasted item or item added for fill. Our dining experience was very good and we intend to return. This is definitely a place to visit for a delicious meal and...

I was really excited to try the food here. The menu was really unique and the items sounded good but nothing was well executed. The aqua Fresca was served in a plastic bag which must have leached plastic because it literally tasted like toxic waste and we both threw them away. Kimchi waffle was completely burnt to the point of being inedible and after tasting it I am not sure if kimchi should really go with waffles to begin with now, would rather eat chicken and waffles as a sweet/savory and stick with grandma toast for something more funky. The duck poutine and street corn were admittedly not terrible but the fries were soggy and undercooked and the portion was shockingly small for the price. The corn was just alright. Overall, I think they have a cool concept and I would like to see somewhere in Gig Harbor have really interesting food but it needs to be better quality if it is going to be somewhere I...