i've been to fate twice now-once in the afternoon for appetizers and lunch-to-go in october and most recently for dinner on a friday night. both times the staff was pleasant and attentive. the food was good, not spectacular, but certainly not bad. our wait was minimal. i think it's best to try it any day that's not first friday when it will surely be overwhelmed by the masses.
also i was assured by our server that fate is very vegan/vegetarian friendly- all of the entrees can be made with tofu, which is flash fried in it's own vat, safe from contamination.