The Empirical goes to Fat Spoon.
ANOTHER Michael Cardenas outfit opens up in Little Tokyo. Add to Lazy Ox and Toranoko on San Pedro between 2nd & 3rd. This third concept resto went up on 1st at San Pedro, next door to the perpetually crowded (and overrated methinks) Daikokuya.
Fat Spoon is the affordable one of the trio offering curry and pasta dishes with chef Hiroyuki Fujita (not the professional golfer, at least I don't think so?) at the helm. Look for standard Japanese offerings tarako spaghetti and katsu curry. You'll also see pasta dishes with mixed seafood or mixed mushrooms. Don't forget to check the specials board behind the kitchen area visible from the dining room. If you aren't seated near it, ask one of the very friendly/helpful staff members. Last I checked in, a larger than average beef curry pan was the off-menu treat.
Me? I went with the "mini corndogs." These were good. A hint of spice and house-made ketchup. A tiny dab of Japanese mustard on the corner. I've had fresh ketchup before, this was better. It wasn't watery and had a more Heinz-like texture.
Not only do they put the mushrooms in anything/everything, they offer it as a side. Get it as a light appetizer if the corndogs seem like too much.
Classic katsu curry. Haven't had in a long time, if not vegetable, usually opting for chicken katsu. This is as good as it gets. Fresh. Might be the first time I had curry from scratch. I thought I tasted a little cheese in it. This comes with a lot of rice. If you are on the carb-conscious side (what are you doing in J-Town?), ask for 3/4 or even 1/2 order on the rice.
Excellent meal. Couldn't look at the dessert menu; too full. I will return. I was hurting the next day but with a little hiking it wasn't too bad.
Fat Spoon
329 E. 1st St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 621-7890
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