Experience the “Hits” from Animo + Golden Bear Station—one night and one place only—by securing your seats today! Savor treats from Joshua Smookler and Heidy He’s latest restaurant concept Golden Bear Station, combined with favorites from Animo, in a four-course menu, expertly paired with Three Sticks and Hamel Family wines.

In 2022, Joshua Smookler, Heidy He, and their two young daughters left New York City and traveled all the way across the country, ultimately settling in the gentle hills of Kenwood, CA. With little advance fanfare or notoriety, the culinary power couple opened Animo. What began as word-of-mouth buzz from Sonoma residents quickly became a national story—building momentum with praise from the San Francisco Chronicle and peaking when Esquire Magazine named Animo to be one of the best new restaurants in America. Animo also garnered positive acknowledgement in the Michelin Guide! All of this happened in Animo’s first year of operation.

In hindsight, given the couple’s restaurant “resume,” success at the highest level should have been no surprise. Their prior restaurant in New York City, Mu Ramen, was named the best ramen in NYC by the New York Times, which awarded Mu Ramen with a prestigious two-star rating in its review in 2015. Eater named Mu Ramen the best ramen in America in 2016! Like Animo, Mu Ramen also earned a place and positive acknowledgement in the Michelin Guide.

Joshua and Heidy took a sabbatical with Animo in 2023 while they opened Golden Bear Station, located in Kenwood, minutes from their home. Golden Bear Station encompasses the essence of a local establishment and a haven for aficionados of wine and gastronomy. It serves as a gathering place for the community where individuals flock to savor contemporary Italian American fare along with seasonal delicacies. 

UP TO 30 COUPLES; $7,000 PER COUPLE

Terms & Conditions:

Event date is Sunday, November 10, 2024 with three distinct seatings.