Le Barricou

Nancy's Take:

Atmosphere: * * * * 1/2

This is a great atmosphere in which to dine, with walls plastered in old newspapers and worn painted signs. It feels like a trip to a charming bistro in France, especially as many of the staff speak to you in French accents. On a bustling brunch hour, we were still seated fairly quickly.

Food: * * * * *

All of my eating experiences have been phenomenal here, and this was no exception. I ordered the omelette special, made with farm-raised eggs and filled with asparagus, tomato, and mozzarella. The omelette was delicious and served with flavorful homefries - crispy outside and soft inside. The chocolate croissants served beforehand are a tasty little brunch treat (they bring you a plain croissant too).

Drinks: * * * * 1/2

Taste: Delicious! One of my favorite Bloody Marys in Brooklyn.

Size: Large mason jar - clever and the perfect size

Garnishes: Lime and an olive

Becca’s Take:

Atmosphere: * * * * *

Not only does Le Barricou have an interesting, antiqued French ambiance, it has possibly the hottest manager of all time. I would go to brunch in a porta-potty if that man was showing me to my seat. But, other than him, the restaurant is deceivingly large, so it’s almost never a problem to get a table – even though it’s often packed. The staff is always friendly and the water boys are attentive and courteous.

Food: * * * * *

No matter what I eat at Le Barricou, I love it. I have never been disappointed in their cuisine, and this being my first time dining at brunch, it was no different. I had the Vegetarian Egg White Omelette, which really packed a punch. Alongside the mixed, roasted veggies and goat cheese was a potent Chipotle sauce, which was a pleasant surprise. I opted for the pommes frites instead of the homefries, but I stole some of Nancy’s and they were both delish. This was actually the first time my brunch defeated me. The omelette was so large, and the helping of frites was so heaping, I did not clear my plate. For shame, for shame.

Drinks: * * *

I had a mimosa and it was pretty standard. I enjoy the food much more than the drinks at Le Barricou, for no particular reason other than I’m not nearly as daring with my bevies as I am with my brunch. Don’t get me wrong – the mimosa was refreshing and tasty – but not as special as the food.

Stats:

Le Barricou

533 Grand Street

Brooklyn, NY 11211-3502

(718) 782-7372

Web site: http://lebarricouny.com/

Brunch Sat & Sun 11am - 6pm

maggie brown

Nancy's take:

Atmosphere: * * * * 1/2

We intentionally waited to review Maggie Brown on a day with good G train service, otherwise it would be a huge pain to get there. This is something to factor into your decision if you live outside of Fort Greene - check the G train schedule first, or take a car service.

I love the decor at Maggie Brown, with its Victorian feel, intentionally a bit time-worn and antique-looking. There is rich, gold/black wallpaper meeting with a raw brick wall, and outdoor garden seating in the back. Being a hot summer day, we opted for the air-conditioned indoors. We were seated in a booth, promptly brought ice water and asked for a drink order. The drinks and food were delivered timely by a friendly waitress. In fact, all of the staff working that day were very friendly and engaging.

Food: * * * * *

I can't say enough good things about the food, based on all of my experiences there. This time I ordered the Brie and berry pancakes, and they were incredible. I usually opt for the savory food for brunch, but it was worth veering toward the sweetness this time. The Brie is an unusual yet completely brilliant addition to pancakes, and the flavor paired nicely with the strawberries.

Drinks: * * * * 1/2

Bloody Mary

Taste: This is one of my top 3 favorite Bloody Mary's in Brooklyn to date. Lots of horseradish kick to it.

Size: Small rocks glass

Garnish: 2 olives, lemon, lime.

Becca’s Take:

Atmosphere: * * * ½

This was my virgin voyage to Maggie Brown, and I have to say, it was worth the trip! When you step into the door, the restaurant appears homegrown with a weird haunted mansion vibe. That probably sounds awful, but really, it’s fun! We were seated in a big booth made of tufted, maroon leather. The odd art, gaudy-in-a-good-way wallpaper was the perfect complement to all the hip-hop music they played. Awesome. Oh, and no rug-rats! (Michael, you owe me a Frozen Harrison now.)

Food: * * * * *

THIS FOOD IS GOOD. Maggie Brown had a lot to live up to, since Nancy was raving about it, and it totally met and probably exceeded all expectations. I ordered The Grandma Harriet, which included scrambled eggs with fresh dill, tomatoes and onion. I got my eggs with a side salad, homefries and I substituted bread for a homemade biscuit with raspberry butter. Let me tell you about raspberry butter: it’s almost like raspberry sorbet, but a bit grittier, but it’s not like jelly at all – jelly is gross. It has a unique texture and a killer taste.

Drinks: * * * ½

On this soberest of Sundays, I only sampled one mimosa. It was made with fresh squeezed OJ and served in a tall flute. It was delicious, but that day I only had eyes for raspberry butter.

Stats:

Maggie Brown

455 Myrtle Ave., Brooklyn

718-643-7001

www.maggiebrownrestaurant.com

nita nita

Nancy's Take:

Atmosphere: * * * 1/2

We arrived around noon and the waitress asked if we planned just to drink. At that moment I knew I had come to the right place. The World Cup games were being screened in the front room, so we went to the back area, which was secluded enough to act as a separate room. The waitress was polite, and our drinks and food arrived very promptly.

Food: * * * *

I ordered the Huevos Rancheros. If you like salsa, you would definitely have enjoyed this version, as it was served with a generous helping on top. I don't remember enough to describe the taste, because I shoveled the whole thing into my mouth in about 5 minutes. I'd say that's a sign that it was delicious.

Drinks: * * *

Drink #1 - Bloody Mary

Taste: Definitely approved. Nice and spicy.

Size: Small glass

Garnishes: served with a celery stalk.

Drink #2 - Bellini

Taste: It was good but could have been better. Their motto is "Stiff Drinks, Great Eats," so I would have expected there to be a bit more sparkling wine in the drink. The peach juice (to me) tasted almost like orange juice.

Size: Small glass, the most disappointing part.

Garnishes: None, doesn't need any!

Becca's Take:

Atmosphere: * * *

I like Nita Nita because of its cozy backyard - but sadly - it was nearly 100 degrees when we brunched, so even though the interior "decorating" of Nita Nita leaves something to be desired, the air conditioning unit might as well have been an original Picasso on the wall - pure genius. Luckily, the layout of the restaurant lets the bar crowd do their rowdy thing up front, while us posh, very lady-like diners can enjoy our brunch in the peace and quiet of the back area.

Food: * * * *

For the first time in Summer Of Brunch history, I stepped outside of the omelette box and dove straight into a carby pool of pecan-infused maple syrup. (You would've done the same!) But, I wanted a little protein, so I ordered a side of scrambled eggs. The side items at Nita Nita are one of my favorite parts about brunch here. You can get eggs, bacon and a bunch of other small-plate breakfast favorites for only $3, so whatever you're in the mood for can be easily obtained, even if not included in your entree. But back to my french toast. It was made with thick-cut sourdough bread and topped with pecan maple syurp and whipped cream. It was cooked to perfection and came out much faster than I expected. I was more than pleased.

Drinks: * * * 1/2

I see a Bellini, I drink a Bellini. It was very refreshing on a hot day, and had a smooth flavor going down. It could've been a little "peachier" and a lot bigger, as Nancy said, but it definitely wasn't hard to drink. It was so above mediocre that I had two!

Stats:

146 Wythe Ave

(between N. 8th St & N. 9th St)

Brooklyn, NY 11211

(718) 388-5328

www.nitanitabk.com

Hours: Mon-Fri 4pm-Midnight; Sat-Sun 11am-Midnight

Fanny

Nancy's take:

Atmosphere: * * * ½

I was pleased that we were seated right away because I was starving! The decor inside was fairly minimal, but the place was clean and pleasant looking. Being a hot day, my only complaint was that the air conditioning wasn't strong enough, and my legs were sweating on the vinyl seat. I noticed they had a garden area, plus a more private area of seating in the back. This worked out well when a group came in with a crying infant, and they were seated in the very back area. Privacy for them....peace and quiet for us!

Food: * * * *

They offered a mix of creative brunch items on the menu alongside traditional brunch favorites. I wished there were a few more creative dishes that boasted the Southern French theme of the restaurant. Yes it's called "French Toast" for a reason, but how about some things we don't all know?

I ordered the poached eggs and tarragon shrimp (on country bread with sautéed spinach). The sauce had a slight sour cream taste with a hint of dill and was a delightful alternative to a Hollandaise sauce. The flavors all blended together nicely, and the shrimp were large and modestly tasted of tarragon. I would happily go back and order the same thing again!

Drinks: * * *

Bloody Mary

Taste: Delicious! Just the right amount of spicy from the horseradish

Size: Good on size - comes in tall drinking glass

Garnishes: None - I was a little disappointed in the lack of garnish.

Becca’s Take:

Atmosphere: * * *

Fanny is a homey little joint along Graham Avenue with homemade curtains and long, open windows to catch plenty of sunlight (also good for people watching). They have an outdoor eating area, which we were unfortunately not offered when we arrived for brunch, otherwise, we would have dined out there. It seemed to have a sweet garden and happy ambiance. Also maintaining a happy ambiance was that the waitress was kind enough to seat the baby in the back of the restaurant, behind the bar, so us brunchers wouldn’t have to hear it whine.

Food: * * * * ½

I love me some French cookin’ – especially when it’s done right! I didn’t know Fanny deemed its cuisine French, and I ended up ordering a classic French dish: Baked eggs over Ratatouille. Other than the fact that I wanted veggies, this was one of the only meat-free menu options (beware vegetarians!) But it was scrumptious – a dish to be envied by any carnivore. I can’t wait to go back to Fanny for brunch when the weather cools off, because it was extremely warm outside and this dish never gets cold – it was piping hot the whole time – I was sweating in my seat! I chose the salad to go along with my eggs and it was a large helping for a side – very impressive. My dish, had I not chosen to do the brunch special with drinks, would’ve only cost $8, so Fanny is a great place for those who are pinching pennies.

Drinks: * * * ½

With the brunch special, you get a Mimosa or Bloody Mary, so I naturally chose the Mimosa. But, you also get fresh squeezed OJ, so I kind of had a Vitamin C O.D. The Mimosa was very refreshing – so much so that I ordered a second! The drinks are just as affordable as the food – excellent!

Stats:

Fanny

425 Graham Avenue, Brooklyn, NY

(718) 389-2060

www.fannyfood.com

Brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The brunch special is $13 and includes entrée, fresh squeezed OJ & either a Bloody Mary or Mimosa.

Beco

Nancy's Take:

Atmosphere: * * * 1/2

We tried to eat brunch at this place the weekend before but were greeted with over an hour wait. I think it's a combination of the small size of the restaurant and the food being good but cheap. It seems to draw a large crowd from the neighborhood, in spite of it being located off a side street by itself. We decided if we were going to have the slightest chance of getting seated faster, we would have to be early birds. We made it there by about 11:30 on Memorial Day, and were pleased to find that people were still out of town for the holiday and there were plenty of tables. Hooray! The inside was cute, very diner-esque with some Brazilian-themed pop culture framed on the walls. The waitress was very sweet and attentive. I also can't believe how well they do with cooking food in their tiny kitchen space. But I'd get there on the early side (it opens at 10 a.m.) unless you want to be starving for at least an hour.

Food: * * * *

I ordered the Misto Quente, which is a sandwich consisting of toasted, sliced bread, ham, and mozzarella with eggs on top, served sunny-side up. I decided the trick was to stick the eggs inside the sandwich to eat it....and it was delicious! This is a traditional Brazilian dish, but it reminded me a lot of the French "croque-madame" sandwich that is also a ham and cheese sandwich with an egg.

Drinks: * * * 1/2

Caipirinha: muddled fruit, sugar, and cachaça (classic-lime, pineapple-mint, passion fruit) with Pitu. I had the Pineapple-Mint version which is one of the brunch choices included in the price of brunch

Taste: refreshing....also pretty strong

Size: small rocks glass

Garnishes: a lime

....Still wondering what their Bloody Mary is like, because I didn't see it on the menu until we had already eaten!

Becca’s Take:

Atmosphere: * * *

Beco is small and quaint and has a traditional Brazilian vibe inside and out. As Nancy said, when we originally went, it was too packed to get a seat, and I simply cannot imagine how warm all of those patrons must’ve been! There was plenty of space when we dined, but boy, was it hot. We sat in a seat in the back, mostly because of the industrial fan pointing right at the table, but ideally, I would’ve preferred to sit by the windows in the front and enjoyed some fresh air.

Food: * * * *

The cuisine at Beco is delicious and creative. It’s a great place for vegetarians, with many options to choose from. I had the Herb Omelet, mostly because of the fillings you could pick: my choices being baby asparagus, minas cheese and sun-dried tomatoes. Mmmm! Being a cheese freak, I had never had minas cheese before – it is actually native to Brazil, and it was incredible. My omelet came with a side salad, lightly tossed in a dressing that had a strong lime kick to it and, my only complaint, the saddest little thimble of potato stix. When we got our bill, our waitress handed us a take-out menu, and the food they serve for lunch and dinner looks just as enticing as the brunch did, so I know I’ll be back. Or, if you're lucky enough to be in their delivery area, their menu does offer delivery service for lunch and dinner. Woohoo!

Drinks: * * *

I had the Sakerinha; it was similar to Nancy’s Caipirinha, in the sense that it was made of muddled fruit (strawberries and kiwi), but my drink was not strong, and I’m still on the fence if it even had alcohol in it at all. I, too, was a little discouraged to find out at the end of our meal that there is a whole brunch “deal,” which includes various drinks, (definitely made with alcohol), so I’ll have to go back and try my hand at their drink menu again.

Stats:

Beco

45 Richardson Street

Brooklyn NY 11211

Tel:718-599-1645

Monday-Friday 7:00 a.m - 2 a.m.; Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 2 a.m.; Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover cards.

www.becobar.com

All entrees are served w/French press coffee, and a choice of fresh OJ, Bloody Mary, Pineapple-Mint Caipirinha, or

Passionfruit Caipiroska: $14.95