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Thursday, April 22, 2010

Local Hidden Treasure: FAT FACE in Davis

So after becoming a proud alumnus of UC Davis I find myself still visiting it every once in awhile to see old friends, and of course the annual Picnic Day (all Davis students and Sacramentians know the hedonistic joys of Picnic Day). Well on a recent rain day adventure to Davis over near 5th and L st (take a right) is a warehouse looking structure with a little FAT FACE sign. If you weren't looking for it you wouldn't know it's even there (which I personally love, I want to keep this place the diamond in the ruff that it is). In their 4 -5 car parking lot there is a warehouse like entrance with roll-away doors (open during nice weather)



The menu is small, but defined with greatness, with not even a stove or hood to work with (this might change in the future) they focus and execute wonderful sandwiches and the real treat, the gourmet Popsicles, pun intended.



POP $2.50
  • Grapefruit & Fennel Yogurt
Light and creamy with a smooth tart flavor of grapefruit that isn't over powering, with just the slightest hint of fennel giving a soft black licorice quality - truly great!
  • Strawberry Lemonade
Yummy, tart, kids favorite
  • Strawberry Coconut
Similar to the previous in smart kid appeal, the coconut taste is more a texture as the strawberry flavor engulfs the delicate coconut flavor
  • Lime & Avocado
Truly genius, the avocado is smooth and creamy and the Kefir Lime leaves are flecked through tout the Popsicle - bright, clean flavors - this is culinary Popsicle-age!
  • Thai Tea & Sweet Potato
Personal favorite, the creamy sweet potato favors are almost caramelly and the Thai tea adds a distinct almost smokey quality. The owner claimed this is such a strong flavor combination, that she made on the inspiration of a friend, that it's a love it or hate it feeling. Love it.

SAMMICH
  • Mesquite Pork, Housemade Slaw, Garlicky Bread $8
Smokey pork, tangy relish, yummy garlicky bread and a wonderful drippy sauce that was the best sauce on all the sandwiches.
  • Cold Smoked Salmon, Herbed Cream Cheese, Beets, Onion, Lettuce, Caper Berries $8
Brilliant. I had never thought to put beets on a traditional favorite of mine, I love LOX, it's always perfectly paired with cream cheese, and onion and capers of course, but beets? The color is always vibrant and beautiful, but I had never put these two together! Really creative! Of all the food that I've tried this year the addition of beets to a classic combination has been my favorite thus far.
  • Cola Braised Pork, Queso Fresco, Avocado Salsa, Onion, Lettuce $8
Fan favorite. This is their famous pulled pork sandwich, the sauce, salsa combo create great symbiotic flavors.
  • Beer Poached Figs, Caramelized Onion, Arugula, Goat Cheese $7
I just wanted more, and more figs. This, their vegetarian option, was wonderful - almost like a dessert. Perfect figs (always an underused ingredient), goat cheese, and caramelized onion? add the bite of arugula and forgeeeedaaaboutttit! Really wonderful
  • Grilled Cheese: Aged Cheddar, Garlic Herb Butter, Walnut Bread $5
Only sandwich I didn't get a chance to try, but I'm loving the ideas with walnut bread!



The case where the famous Popsicles reside.



Yes, that's right your eyes didn't deceive you. Our table was a milk crate, but did that deter the quality of the food? NO, it almost enhanced it, there is no fills at this Popsicle stand only good food, and for the quality and the price, I don't even need a napkin - I'll use my sleeve. (they do have napkins for all you literally minded)

Now lets talk about the prettiness on the spoon! That is a pot du creme - sea salt caramel, with crushed chocolate on top. All on top of a milk crate. The BEST texture of a pot du creme I've ever had. Perfect, silky, absolutely creme flavor of salt caramel. The owner said she filters it over and over and over to achieve the perfect effect. Mission Accomplished.



This place is a wonderful hole in the wall with great potential. It, I have to say, is the best food I've ever eaten in Davis (I'm including Seasons, and Little Prague in that evaluation). With aspirations of moving on to dinner as well as lunch soon, it looks like this place can do no wrong. Although the venue is small and quaint, it maintains it's quality without compromise, here's hoping big success (which I'm certain they will achieve) keeps them humble.

FAT FACE

425 L ST - SUITE C
DAVIS CALIFORNIA
LUNCH SERVED WED-FRI 11AM-3PM



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