Upper West Side: Zak Pelaccionator's newest Fatty Crab location at 2170 Broadway opened just two weeks ago, and since then there has been a flurry of Fatty-related activity on the boards and blogs. Most diners (Robert Sietsema, Ruth Reichl), seem to love the new location, but there is always a sour detractor or two. To the early word:
The Good News: Robert Sietsema is in love with the Fatty Dog: "The dog was dressed like a Chicago red hot with rabies, featuring hot pickled chiles, pickled radish discs, and a French aioli. 'Man, this is good,' I exclaimed as a little nugget of dog shot out of the bun and landed in my lap." [Fork in the Road]
The Ambiguously Good News: Twitter-holic Ruth Reichl seems to be in favor of the new spot (or her husband). She tweets: "Nick is home, we went to the new Fatty Crab for dinner, I am a happy person..." [Twitter]
The Very Good News: A Citysearch commenter and Upper West Sider is an early fan: "Awesome space, great decor and the staff was great. We loved every second of it. Going back this weekend, this place is a MUST visit for any fan of Fatty Crab downtown....CHEERS TO FATTY CRAB UWS you are here to stay!" [Citysearch]
The Bad News: This Gothamist reader weighs in on the authenticity complaints that have dogged the Fatty Crab since it first opened: "Having been born and raised a Malaysian, I do not recall the food tasting like this or the prices even close to what is being charged here. Please bear in mind that Malaysian food flavors also consists of more than the use of belacan. Any serious Asian foodie will also tell you that the cuisine capital of Malaysia is not really Kuala Lumpur. I hope no one starts calling this food authentic..." [Gothamist]
More Bad News: An assertive Grub Street commenter echoes the above: "OVERPRICED MALAYSIAN FOOD! THERE ARE MANY BETTER MALAYSIAN PLACES IN TOWN WITH MORE AUTHENTIC AND AT LEAST 3 TIMES LESS EXPENSIVE. BUT IF YOU WERE RICH YUPPIES/HIPSTERS WHO COULD AFFORD IT, WHY NOT?" [GS]
The Mostly Good News: The one Yelper has some small complaints but will be back again: "I like the vibe in the space and will definitely go back to try other things on the menu. I enjoyed my meal and the service was attentive...Wings appetizer: I enjoyed eating these sweet glazed wings! Chii crab: Delicious, messy, overpriced. Short ribs entree: Short ribs were great, but sort of boring as an entree bc it's just the meat next to a pile of white rice...so, I'd suggest getting this to share. Drinks: Watermelon/mint and coconut water. Nice to see non-alcoholic options on a menu...." [Yelp]
