"Fat Rice was packaged as a Macanese restaurant, which allowed Conlon (who has Portuguese roots) and Lo (who is Chinese American) to interpret food from the former colony of the Portuguese empire off China’s coast. In addition to Macau, Fat Rice and NoodleBird cook food inspired by China, India, Malaysia, and Africa. The formula worked, garnering national acclaim and awards. Fat Rice helped bring a buzz to Logan Square, and other would-be restaurant owners took notice in hopes of opening their own spots in the neighborhood." - Ashok Selvam