Our visit to the West Village Fatty Crab was probably the most fun dining experience of the weekend. We sort of stumbled upon the place; I knew it was in the general vicinity but wasn't expecting to see it when we did. We were gently encouraged to go on in by a guy we had passed on the sidewalk, notable for his baggy shorts and knee high socks 
, who was on his way back in the front door. Base on a little research, I believe he was Zak Pelaccio, partner and chef (and resident "Dude"). Surprisingly enough for just before 7:00 on a Friday night, we were seated immediately. The place is tiny but has a bustling, cozy vibe with red walls and tables close very to each other.
I started with the StoneFashioned - an Old Fashioned made with stone fruit infused bourbon - very good, with lots of plum and peach coming through. I can't recall the name of the +1's drink, but it was a can of Tecate served with a shot of tequila and a shot of Sangrita.
We ordered a few things to share:
Green Mango Dips - a stack of green mango 'sticks' served with a dish of salt, sugar, and chili for dipping. Simple and refreshing.
Jalan Alor Chicken Wings (roasted, kecap manis, chili, cumin, fennel) - Sticky, sweet, and spicy. I love wings and these were a different take.
Watermelon Pickle and Crispy Pork - one of their signature dishes, for good reason. The pork was great, the mild sweetness and crunch from the pickle went well with it - not a lot to say. Simple ingredients, well executed.
Our brief chat with the guy on the sidewalk resulted in a totally unexpected (and very generous) amuse being sent over before our dishes came out. We were each brought a generous splash of prosecco and a lovely bite of uni. I didn't see this going to any other tables, not sure why we were singled out, but it was certainly a nice surprise! He also stopped by our table to see how we were doing. Overall, the service was great. I have great respect for service staff who keep a good attitude while negotiating tight, noisy spaces. Our waiter was helpful and food came out as it was ready, as we had been told it would.
The couple at the table next to us had the chili crab, which I am definitely going to try next time - because I know I want to go back!
Don't be so sure you'll be trying that chili crab next time - they were out of it when I went.
Even though I went to the Upper West Side location (pretty much right across Broadway from Fairway), it sounds like we were in the same restaurant. Despite the neon website, and the second location, Fatty Crab has no more of a "chain feel" than Cowboy Cafe.
I walked in for an extremely late lunch (3 PM or so), and asked my server which two things I should try if I were to get an appetizer and an entree. 'I don't mean to overload you on pork,' he said, 'but ....'
Nursing a
Singha ($7), I followed his recommendations to the letter.
Off the "Snacks" section,
Steamed Pork Buns ($14) were wonderful, about as good as steamed pork buns can be. Absolutely steamed to order in an empty dining room, I don't know how I could have enjoyed these any more than I did. If you're sitting on the fence about these, get them.
From the "Fatty Specialties" section, I got the same
Watermelon Pickle and Crispy Pork ($17) that Jackie ordered, and I was every bit as impressed as I was by the steamed pork buns. She described it perfectly: "One of their signature dishes, for good reason. The pork was great, the mild sweetness and crunch from the pickle went well with it - not a lot to say. Simple ingredients, well executed." That sums it up.
A very charming semi-dive that reminds me of absolutely nowhere in Washington, DC. The service was friendly, the atmosphere was comforting, and the food - even though it was limited in scope - was really good.
Boy was I misled by the look of their website - I really enjoyed this place.
Cheers,
Rocks
