Dining Out: Le Fat

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Don't you just LOVE Vietnamese food? Or have you stayed away from these less-than-common restaurants?

I completely understand how intimidating a new cuisine can be; sometimes knowing what to order is half of the problem. If you live in Atlanta, you may be overwhelmed by the choices or language challenges on Buford Highway.

Still, Vietnamese food is a fabulous "gateway" to South East Asia deliciousness and it's worth the effort.  After two different sets of friends RAVED about their meal at Le Fat, I finally booked a date night there. In breaking with the pack, Guy Wong ( from the fan favorite Miso Izakaya) opened Le Fat away from the dive-y Buford Highway locations opting instead for an upscale setting in the West Side of the city (just down the street from Bocado, Octane Coffee).

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The great news about the location and food is not only does Le Fat measure up to other Atlanta options, it does so in an environment which is decidedly UN-intimidating!The dining room is light, airy, and more than a little noisy. Tables aren't as tightly packed as Miso Izakaya, but the feel is still the same as if you're eating in a crowd. If you were at a steak house, you'd feel cramped, but for Vietnamese food, the ambiance is just right.

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We started the evening off with the dumplings.  They were about as strong a showing of dumplings as you'll find in Atlanta, perfectly steamed, lusciously stuffed and topped with the classic fixings - including a healthy dose of cilantro.  I could have had these for my entire meal!We also tried the calamari prepared in a "salt & pepper" fashion, tossed with jalapenos and served over a mild slaw.  This was a solid decision, though not as earth shattering as the dumplings.Next up were the steamed bao, which is one of my favorite dishes at Miso Izakaya.  In this restaurant they make these buns with soft-shell crab/bacon/lettuce.  While I liked them, they couldn't outshine the duck version from Miso.Like the appetizers, we ordered our entrees and shared with the table. We all loved the flat, pan-fried noodles tossed  with sprouts and scallions.  The noodles were the perfect density being neither too heavy nor too light.

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The Com, a typical Vietnamese dish of rice and assorted toppings is good, but paled in comparison to the other flavors going on at our table.  Include if you must have rice with your meal, but next time I'll order more dumplings!At the risk of being completely weird, my favorite dish of the evening were the green beans.

Green. Beans.

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Ridiculously delicious.  Even at a $15 price point (yes, the price is crazy), I would order them again. I forgot to note the seasoning, but there was a sweetness (honey?) and flavor that's just divine.  While you can't make a meal of these, do NOT miss them!Finally, the table favorite for an entree was the shaking beef. This gorgeous combination of filet with onions and garlic tasted as great as it appeared.  Put this on your must order list.In case it isn't obvious, Le Fat is a great place to go with friends because sharing food is DEFINITELY the name of the game! Absolutely put Le Fat on your short list of restaurants to visit.