Fonda

In a neighborhood not unsaturated with upmarket restaurants, Fonda takes the cake. A chef born in Mexico City and lauded in Austin whips up comida sabrosa on this southern stretch of 7th Ave. A lovely garden in back offers a quiet respite and most important a killer meal Friendly, attentive service to boot. I ordered the enchiladas suizas with scrambled eggs for $12 with a mimosa for brunch. This dish is also available with chicken tinga. My suizas were smothered in a super tasty green tomatillo sauce. I asked for chips and they brought over(gratis) some house fried giant salty ones with spicy red sauce. Other great sounding options are the shrimp enchiladas for $15 or the french toast served with piloncillo syrup, whipped cream and sugared pecans for $10.

MUST GO!

Fonda

434 7th Ave.

Brooklyn, NY 11215

718-369-3144

Barrio

Located in the center, center slope on 7th. Ave and 3rd. Street, this new endeavor works hard to please those who jones for quality Mexico City style Mexican in Brooklyn. Chef Adrian Leon who has worked with Nuevo Latino superstar Douglas Rodriguez, as well as manning kitchens at Rosa Mexicano and Zocalo. I ate there for brunch yesterday and was not dissappointed. Seated in the covered outdoor area, which was nice and warm with cute, colorful lights, brunch began with chips and homemade salsas. The busboy explained the green was tomatillo and the red was morita and spicy. Both were fresh and vibrant and the chips good though not housemade. My entree of baked vegetarian enchilada for $11.95 was served in a corn tortilla with black beans, cactus, roasted poblanos, anejo cheese, green salsa and topped with pickled jalapenos was very good though I might have enjoyed it more with a little something extra with it, like a little rice perhaps. The tables surrounding me looked happy and all the food, especially those topped with the lovely freshmade salsas looked enticing. Other brunch entrees include huevos rancheros for $10.50, pancakes topped with fresh fruit and sugar and chicken or steak chilaquiles for $9.25. The sides are only $2.95 including guacamole which is pretty reasonable for an add on. Lots of specialty cocktails are available and the staff is plenty willing to please. A nice clean bathroom with a little wood wainscotting is located in the main dining room. Soon arriving will be Mexican hot chocolate which I look forward to on a future brunch visit.

Rachel's

Along the Amsterdam Ave. of Brooklyn aka 5th Ave there are many dining/brunch options some more crowded and overhyped than others. At Rachel's on the mighty 5th. between 8th and 9th. street. this potential brunch destination is neither too crowded or expensive. This funky spot is owned by the original California Taqueria King of Brooklyn Mr. Medina and is a solid food choice. Lot's of old rock and roll posters line the top half of a wall with the bottom decorated in pretty yellow Mexican style tile. A bar and open kitchen lead to an outdoor garden just waiting for the Spring season. Brunch choices start at $5.50 and go up to $6.50 which is a real bargain for this hood. The Pepe is an egg and spicy potato stuffed burrito with salsa roja and melted cheese on top. Other options include french toast, huevos rancheros as well their regular menu being available at brunch. I ate the poblano chicken mole which includes cheese, and your choice of rice and beans for $6.50 plus guacamole for an extra peso. The tortilla chips are fried in house and are yummy. Hot chocolate was so-so, but the marachino cherry on top was so cute. The food here is solid, filling and oh so cheap.