Quick Bites: Rabbit At Fatty Cue

[Pigging by Wilfrid:  December 14, 2011]

So, the West Village Fatty Cue is a more "grown up," relaxed, comfortable version of its "Billyburg original.  Well yes... kinda: but it's still rambunctious.

Even on a midweek evening, it's fairly full, the staff are in party mode, it's dark and noisy.  But the rabbit - which comes in a carved rabbit bowl - is good.

Ironically, it's the least Asian-influenced of all the dishes I've tried at Fatty Crab and Fatty Cue, and it's probably the one I've liked best.

A half rabbit, and a big 'un, encased in a Popeye-crunchy crust, all served on the bone.  There's a shake of mildly spicy salt on the rabbit; there's no garnish; the only other condiment is a lemony chili vinegar.  That's about all you need, other than the large, white towel.

Hot, shatteringly coated, and a lot of it.  As there should be for $40 - although it's well portioned for sharing.

Some sticker shock too with the seafood salad.  Undeniably fresh, high quality produce, but - three shelled mussels, three scallops, and some shards of crab meat.  $18.  The tangerine segments provided a cooling contrast to a peppery spice dusting.

All good, except for a cocktail - Smoked Bone - which for all the smoked pineapple juice and chocolate bitters might as well have been a whisky sour.  The lime overwhelmed all.

Comments

[Austin Scott Brooks]

I've been a fan of Fatty 'Cue since the original location opened in Williamsburg. Fatty 'Cue West Village is no exception. It's still the same great food, there's just even more of it to choose from!