French Toast at Frankie's

Frankie's 457 Spuntino (457 Court St., between 4th Place and Luquer St., 718-403-0033) is a charming, cozy little place on Court St., deep in the heart of Carroll Gardens. The inside is all brick and warm tones, with Edison bulbs hanging from the ceiling, and a big window at the back that overlooks their backyard and the train tracks in the distance. You can sit at the bar and have a good time watching people come and go, or you can sit at the little table for two in the front window and feel like you're in your own private world, looking out onto the street. The first time I ate here, a few months after it opened, I sat in the front window and watched the first snow of the season fall. It was sublime, as was the food that followed.

Today I'm highlighting my favorite breakfast food from the Brunch menu: The French Toast. Mmmmm, it's SO good. Made from two thick slices of crusty bread, it soaks up the egg just enough and is cooked to perfection so the outside is ever so slightly burnt and the inside is still moist and light. Hints of vanilla waft up at you, as it arrives with slices of banana, strawberry and real maple syrup, and once you taste it, you'll never be able to get French Toast anywhere else. Gorgeous!



I always get a side of their thick-cut Bacon. It's almost like ham it's so meaty. And salty and sooo good!



My boyfriend ordered the Granola with yoghurt and fruit. This turned out to be surprisingly good. It was chock full of almonds, walnuts and pecans and wasn't too sweet. The yoghurt was nice and tart and the fruit was simple - bananas, strawberries and raisins. The granola was somewhere in between museli and granola, with less crunch than granola, but it didn't turn into mush like museli tends to do. I think it's a new favorite!



The coffee is great at Frankie's too - strong, but not burnt tasting, and the lattes and cappucinos are made with care.