Frank Fat

* Re “Frank Fat, Capital Restaurateur, Dies,” April 7: For five decades, Frank Fat and his family provided my father with a home away from home. As a legislative advocate, Dad spent four days a week in Sacramento. He spent so much time at Frank Fat’s that, on all those school forms that had to be filled out during my youth, we always included the restaurant’s telephone number as a place where my father could be reached in case of emergency. If Dad were not there, Frank or his son Wing always knew where we could find him.

While I was growing up, my mother faced many challenges, not just because Dad was away so much but because she had to compete on a culinary plane with steak Frank style and his deep-fried asparagus. During visits to the state capital, the children and spouses of legislators and lobbyists alike always looked forward to a meal at Frank Fat’s. I do not recall the place being smoke-filled. I do remember the banana cream pie and warm welcomes from Frank Fat, who always greeted each member of the family by name.

SHARON M. BURKE

Palos Verdes Estates