Twitter: @AndreaGompf
La Fonda Boricua was more than a place to get the most unreal mofongos and stews in El Barrio – it was a staple of the community, a hub that brought people together to celebrate Puerto Rican culture, music and art. Over its 16 years in business, La Fonda Boricua became a veritable institution, drawing locals and famous clientele alike, including Marc Anthony, Willie Colón, Poncho Sanchez, Ray Barreto, and the former Governor of Puerto Rico, Sila Calderon. Bobby Flay even featured the restaurant on the Food Network’s Throwdown with Bobby Flay, challenging head chef Jorge Ayala to an Arroz con Pollo cook off (Jorge emerged the victor, obvio). So when La Fonda Boricua was forced to shutter its doors in August of 2011 over owed back rent, it left a deep void in its wake.
Here at Remezcla, we never quite found another place that could meet our comida casera cum latino recreation center needs the way La Fonda Boricua did, so we’re thrilled to report that we can now cease our search; after nearly a year, the legendary spot has reopened! No word yet on whether La Fonda Boricua’s FB Lounge, host to some of the best live afro-caribbean music to be heard anywhere in New York City, will be reopening as well, but our fingers are crossed.
La Fonda Boricua is located at 69 E106 St (Bet Lex & Third) and you can check out their new website here.