Frank Fat's in Sacramento

Since 1939

I was thrilled when our son and daughter-in-law told us they'd made reservations at Frank Fat's! (That is NOT Fat Franks!)

Days before we arrived in Sacramento, I happened to read an article about the iconic restaurant, opened by Chinese immigrant Frank Fat, 85 years ago.  

​Near the Capitol

The article talked about the restaurant's reputation as a place where influential politicians come to drink, dine and negotiate. That was back in looser days, before lobbying reform.

We parked 2 blocks away, near the capitol. I couldn't help but wonder, since it was a Friday night. Maybe we'd spot some martini drinking politicians! 

Exterior

I was hoping we'd see a neon sign with words like Chop Suey and Cocktails. I'd seen a photo with an image of Frank and the sign. It put a big spotlight on the  address, 806 L Street.

There was no glowing sign when we arrived, but a plaque showed the same address. Besides black awning, the main focus was an enormous circular window. Beneath that, we entered through a set of doors, with a bit of a retro nightclub vibe.

Lounge

Once inside we were greeted at the desk by a hostess wearing a silk flowered robe, For a moment, I thought "Time Warp!" But then I saw how casually she wore the robe over other clothes. A blend of the old and new world, I guess. 

The young woman in silk had us follow her to our table and I could see the interior was flashy and modern. I expected an old school dining room, but we were suddenly in a noisy Friday night lounge with lime green stools and hoodie sweatshirts.

Laughing Buddha

As we moved through the room, I looked up and saw a golden smiling face, inside circular alcove.

I learned from our very educational menu, that the smiling head (from a Temple in China) was covered in 24-carat gold leaf. It was originally part of a full figure, carved from wood. 

As we passed through the lounge, I looked back and was a bit disappointed we weren't in this hopping and decorated space. I could see the round window, that we'd seen from the street.

I wasn't sure what the artwork was above the bar, until I read my menu.

The silk tapestry (woven with gold threads) was used in the Shanghai Opera, in the 1920s.

Dining Room

We reached the next room and I thought, okay this must be the room everyone asks for!  There was a lot going on in that fancy ceiling!

The walls also had some noteworthy treasures.

Once again, I learned a little something from the menu's write-up. The Chinese screen in this room, was made up of 9 panels, showing 9 "immortals".

I couldn't see those immortals too well, because they were below the dragons. But they were each bringing a birthday gift to the Goddess of Heaven. She only gets 1 birthday every 1,000 years, so... no pressure to bring the proper present!

Across from the dragon screen, there was a display showing the armor worn by an Imperial Palace Guard, in the 1840's.

"It is a gold brocade embroidered in colors and edged with black velvet and gilt rivet heads." I can see why it's kept behind glass.

Eating in the Back Room

We continued to follow our hostess into the back room. I was disappointed for a moment. Sometimes the room furthest away is not where you want to be.

The area was quieter, with private booths. We can't watch the action! I thought for a split second. Then as we slid into our spacious horseshoe booth, I realized this was the best. I'm sure some important negotiations (and proposals) have taken place in these booths.

Golden Menu

Our waiter greeted us, wearing a black shirt and yellow tie. He politely handed over 4 shimmering menus.

We didn't order martinis, but we did go for a little retro fun, with a shared Mai Tai, served in a fishbowl.

The 4 of us didn't fight over the 3 cherries. We all ended up with a cherry, when we eventually ordered another.

There was no classy way to share this monster Mai Tai.

​Chali and Scott gave it a try first.

It was too challenging to attempt a selfie with the 4 of us, plus our drink.

So we took 2 photos across the table!  

Combination Platter

​While we were in the sharing mood, we ordered an appetizer platter that pleased us all!

Spring Rolls, Salt & Pepper Chicken, Pot Stickers and Yu Kwok. A good start!

Chinese American Cuisine

Since 1939, Frank Fat's has offered traditional Chinese American dishes, like old school Chow Mein and good ole American grilled steak and banana cream pie.

We went for one of the most popular dishes, Honey Walnut Prawns. The prawns were lightly fried with honey sauce, walnuts and sesame seeds. Mouthwatering sweetness made us crave an order Garlic Green Beans! Both wonderful!  

General Tso's Chicken was served with a tangy sweet glaze, surrounded by refreshing broccoli. Another good combination of sweet and fresh!

Dessert

We'd heard that Frank Fat's was known for their Banana Cream Pie, since 1940. We knew we had to try it.

Then Chali noticed the Taro Ice Cream option. It was an absolute hit! The buttery taste was as soothing as the lavender color! I will be seeking this on menus forever, now!

​Heading Out

We finished up and headed for the door with a few boxed up leftovers. I paused near the front to study a few photos on the wall. How fun to see these cheerful announcements that Frank Fat's would be serving on Easter and Christmas.

The lower notice had an image of Santa carrying a steaming order. The cost for Christmas Dinner was $2.00!

The Fat Family

I studied the family photo for a moment and tried to recall what I'd read before. How Frank came to the U.S. illegally, as a teenager in 1919. He chose Frank Fat as his American name and worked in laundries and orchards and restaurants for 20 years. Frank was a waiter in 1939, when a man rewarded his honesty (a longer story there) by financing Frank Fat's restaurant!

And during that 20 year period, Frank went back to China for an arranged marriage and eventually had enough money to bring his wife and family to America! Frank passed away in 1997 and left behind many "fans" as well as awards and a restaurant that is still owned by the Fat Family.

Thanks Scott and Cha

​The sweetest part of our dinner outing was minutes before we got outside, with our bag of leftovers.

Scott had turned away Don's credit card with a smile. Scott and Chali insisted on treating ole Dad and Mom. 

How can we be old enough to have kids who treat us to dinner. Sweet memory!
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