Tres Pommes Patisserie

This is my one of my favorite spots on Fifth Ave, near Garfield Street in the Slopey, Slope. This charming spot owned by the former pastry chef at the ever popular Union Square Cafe in Union Square churns out amazing baked goodies plus homemade ice-cream and chocolates. Everything is simply delish here, with an expert at the helm. My personal faves are the sticky pecan bun loaded with sugary pecans and molasses baked to a golden dark hue, banana bread, homemade oreo cookies, brownies and rocking homemade hazelnut chocolates with a hazelnut on top. A recent addition of jelly donuts are simply killer with a beautifully fried donut with a layer of raspberry jelly and lots of sugar on top. Her ice-creams are luscious which as you know I have a thing for ice-cream. All are creamy fresh and good with a homemade waffle cone, but the caramel ice-cream with caramel pieces is simply delisiouso. Mine yesterday was soft and tasted like caramelized dark brown sugar with crispy caramel pieces, oh so yummy. A few tables are up in front of the store with the kitchen and other baking and ice-cream paraphanalia in the back. A small purple bathroom in the back is there if you need it.

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.