Tacos, fish, burgers on menu at El Fat Cat Grill

KENNEWICK — Even if you've never met Felix Sanchez, you might remember his cooking.

He has worked side by side with chef Paul Robinson at TS Cattle Company and Sundance Grill, and with chef Andy Craig at Castle Catering.

A few years ago, Sanchez and his wife, Jenny, moved to Las Vegas, where he worked at The Venetian and House of Blues Restaurant at Mandalay Bay.

The couple are back in the Tri-Cities, and March 23, they opened their own restaurant, El Fat Cat Grill, in Kennewick.

"Having our own restaurant is something we've talked about for years," he said. "It's always been in the back of our heads."

"We always swore that when we were in our 30s, we'd go and do something for ourselves. Well we are, and this is it," said Jenny Sanchez, gesturing at the pale cream stucco walls accented with black wainscoting and a curving front counter in rich walnut.

The two decided late in 2010 to begin looking for a place to lease, and found it at 420 S. Vancouver St. It was a former deli, the Cornerstone, which closed several years ago.

"As soon as we walked in, we knew this was the place," said Jenny. "It had the bare bones of what we wanted, but what excited Felix was the spacious kitchen."

In January, the Sanchezes, their extended families and a host of friends began painting, cleaning and getting the restaurant ready. Friends and family still are lending a hand in the kitchen and out front.

"We're the only two employees right now," Feli said, adding they likely will later add three or four paid workers.

They can seat 50 with plenty of space between tables.

"I hate feeling I can't move my chair without hitting the one behind me," Jenny said.

The restaurant's name is a pun on Felix's name and his love of chocolate chip cookies.

"He has a glass of milk and a couple of cookies every night," Jenny said, grinning. "His family teases him he'll get fat."

The "cat" comes from Felix the Cat, a mischievous cartoon character created in the silent film era. El, Spanish for "the," is a nod to their Hispanic heritage.

Yet they are quick to explain their establishment isn't the typical Mexican restaurant.

The menu is an eclectic mix of cultures and flavors.

"Sure, we have old school tacos and burritos, but even they have a twist," Jenny said, pointing to the shrimp burrito on the menu.

The description reads: "Sauteed prawns in a creamy garlic sauce with rice, peppers, onions and pico de gallo."

Even when he's cooking something as traditional as Italian fettuccine, Felix likes to add his own little something. In his kitchen the dish becomes Fettuccine Ranchero, with sauteed beef, onions and peppers.

The menu also includes hoagies stuffed with a variety of meats and veggies, grilled fresh oysters and burgers made with handmade patties.

There also is Seafood Paella, "my version," he said.

Entrees run $7 to $11. They have soft drinks and are applying for a license to serve beer and wine.

Hours are from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday-Thursday, and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Closed Sundays. Phone: 396-9939.

* Loretto J. Hulse: 509-582-1513; lhulse@tricityherald.com

This story was originally published March 26, 2011 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Tacos, fish, burgers on menu at El Fat Cat Grill."