Fate 905 LLC   

905 N 4th St
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-254-6424
www.go2fate.com

Directions   Email   Send to Cell  

In a deteriorating neighborhood on the edge of Phoenix's Downtown Arts District, Fate is a chic island in a sea of urban decay. The crimson exterior of the refurbished old house contains a three-room cafe that's funky, charming, artsy and cool. It has a lot going for it. Offering late night dining -- until midnight during the week and 3AM on weekends -- Fate offers a tempting menu of well-crafted Asian fare that tops out at $10 or less for every item. You can also bring your own wine for a modest corkage fee. The biggest thing going for it is owner/chef Johnny Chu, who puts in 18-hour days to prepare lunches and dinners that compare favorably with anything in the Valley. With no budget for advertising, the Hong Kong-born Chu is gambling on a hard-core response from inner-city residents to his food, art and music. Commissioned pieces hang on the walls, while cutting-edge live music draws crowds on Friday nights. The menu is largely vegetarian, including a nice array of soups and salads. Saigon egg rolls, Thai spring rolls, delicate crab puffs and pork pot stickers are among the appetizers. Entrees, featuring fresh wok vegetables with an array of chicken breasts, beef and tofu. -- Cecil Tuck