Eats
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As a restaurant, being called a “hidden gem” is considered a compliment. It is a prestigious label that so few actually receive, nor generally deserve. But in this fledgling economy, it seems that those hidden gem places are receiving the most neglect. So when I entered La Fonda Latino Bar & Grill a few Tuesdays ago, it was a completely empty dining room and I felt downright sad. Yes, it was cold and sure, it was a Tuesday – but the food, the service and the atmosphere at La Fonda are so ridiculously damn good that I hope in writing this, our cheeky readers will help rescue this restaurant.
La Fonda is a casual storefront at Broadway and Foster in Uptown, but feels more like a real Latin family home with warm smiles, familiar faces and a “sit wherever you want” vibe. What I love most about the food here is that everything feels like a home cooked meal, made with tenderness, love and care. Let’s start with appetizers. They have a great selection of traditional starters, such as empanadas, arepas and tamales. The best has to be the tostanachos caribenos: fried green plantains topped with melted cheese, guacamole, black beans and salsa. (Yeah—come hungry.) The black bean soup is one of the best I have ever tried, with just the right texture, freshness and smoky flavor. La Fonda truly shines in their entrees. The Arroz con Pollo is a rich, hearty dish of moist yellow rice, tender dark chicken, fresh veggies and plantains. For lighter fare, the Tilapia comes steamed in a plantain leaf, baked with natural juices of peppers and onions and finished with a creamy white wine sauce. Be forewarned: there will be many things happening on your plate at one time. You’ll have your main protein, plus the side of rice, a side of plantains, maybe some black beans, the side salad of tomato and avocado salad with a sweet, tangy dressing. I promise you: everything will feel harmoniously perfect in your mouth. Plus, the presentation is always beautiful.
No Latin restaurant is complete without a phenomenal drink menu. Mojitos, margaritas, sangrias, oh my! You could get lost here in the plethora of amazing libations. So stay on track and try the caiparinha. It’s no small task creating this Brazilian cocktail and La Fonda is on point with their perfect blend of cachaca, fresh limes and fine sugar. And when it comes to dessert, skip the traditional flan and try the Rollos De Queso Crema: creamy dulce de leche cheesecake rolls with vanilla ice cream and a homemade guava sauce.
Did I mention this place is affordable? On Mondays you can find $5 pitchers of sangrias, on Tuesdays half off wine bottles and Wednesdays, $5 pitchers of margaritas. So, even if Uptown may not be the most convenient locale for you, La Fonda (with its tender staff, loving food and careful attention to detail) makes it worth the trip.
