Fat Sals is a treat

(Photo by Brett Callwood)

Fat Sal’s describes itself online as, “the spot for your favorite guilty pleasure sandwiches or sides. We also have salads.  But we don’t judge.” That’s a perfect description, because everything about Fat Sal’s, from the name to the large amount of merchandise available for purchase, screams decadence.

While, yes, Fat Sal does sell salads, this really isn’t the chow-joint that you want to venture to if calorie counting is your thing right now. But the “guilty pleasure” of a Fat Sal’s sandwich is worth taking a night off. Take the pressure off for a little bit – release a bit of steam.

Of course, you can always split the difference, as this writer did. A family of three was eating, so we had the opportunity to try a few different menu items, but the first choice was the Chicken Caesar Wrap.

This is exactly what it sounds like it’s going to be, namely a chicken caesar salad rolled up on a wrap. Grilled, marinated chicken breast, shredded mozzarella, lettuce, tomato, and caesar dressing, on a flour wrap. OK, so it’s mozzarella rather than parmesan, so the authenticity is in question. But the damn thing is on a wrap anyway – this isn’t the time for detail-picking.

What isn’t in question is the quality, and the flavor. The salad leaves are crisp and lively. Vibrant, even. The tomato is juicy and tart, while the chicken is grilled perfectly. It’s not dry and shriveled; rather it’s meaty and moist, and demanding of your attention. The cheese works perfectly in this environment, and the dressing ties it all together.

The vegan in the family chose the Vegan Impossible Burger: “Impossible Patty, American ‘cheese,’ shredded lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, and vegan Fat Sauce.”

As Impossible burgers go, this was a good one. The Fat Sauce (kudos for having a vegan version of the signature sauce) made the burger and toppings feel as authentic and comforting as, ahem, possible.

The final family member opted for total decadence with theBuffalo Chicken Cheese Fries: “Chicken fingers, melted cheddar and mozzarella, buffalo hot sauce, and blue cheese dressing.”

This item was insane. The fries, already coated in the two cheeses, are then drenched in the two sauces, and the result causes a mini explosion on the roof of your mouth. The blue cheese dressing tempers the heat of the buffalo sauce, but the two flavors are so strong that your mind has a bit of a meltdown. In a very good way.

Fat Sal’s Deli has locations all over the L.A. area, and we heartily recommend that you try one as soon as possible. 

Fat Sal’s Deli is located at 9810 Washington Blvd., Culver City 90232. Contact 323-539-4055 or visit fatsalsdeli.com.