Fonda Mexican and Gontran Cherrier, Hawthorn

I had wanted to try Fonda for a long time, just because I dig the name.  "Fonda" automatically brings to mind the mighty Fonda acting dynasty.  However, the restaurants are actually named "fonda" because in Mexico, a fonda is a family home that has opened to the community as a restaurant. Neat, huh?

The Hawthorn branch of Fonda is conveniently located both close to tram and train lines, so it is quite easy to get there.  It is set in a bright, open space, with plenty of light and visibility of the bar from all angles:  

We were greeted by a friendly staff member on arrival and promptly seated.  On learning that we were first timers, the host explained the menu to us.  Some of the dishes at Fonda are designed for sharing, while others are single serves designed for one person.

As a starter, Tim ordered a chicken taco with corn, guacamole, and pico de gallo ($7.50):

For myself, I just love corn on the cob but rarely cook it myself (because I batch cook and freeze things),  so I could not go past the Chargrilled Corn, with chipotle aioli, queso and lime ($6):

The corn was divinely spicy and just melted in the mouth - I could have easily gone seconds and thirds.  However, main courses were to come, so I resisted temptation.

For main, Tim ordered a Mex-Bim-Bap salad with pork, guacamole, baby spinach, shaved cabbage, radish and smoked corn, among other ingredients ($20):

It looked delicious, but as the bowls all contained quinoa, I was not going to touch them with a barge bowl given my sensitivity to quinoa.

I chose the much safer option for my gut of a pulled pork quesadilla with baby spinach, chilli, lime and pineapple salsa ($16):

It was delicious.  I am having a real pineapple renaissance at the moment, so I loved the salsa.

If you wanted more chilli sauce, there was a mild sauce called the Jane Fonda, or if you really wanted some kick, there was the F#*k You sauce:

I tried both and liked them :)

To wash it all down, I ordered a Flying Brick cider ($9):

For dessert, we swapped continents and went to Gontran Cherrier, Artisan Boulanger, for Tim's favourite, an Almond Croissant:

This was a huge though delicious croissant, so I am glad that we usually share dessert.

Of course, no pastry is complete without a coffee: 

Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn has some great food venues, and these are just two that we'll definitely be going back to.

Fonda Mexican

651 Glenferrie Rd

Hawthorn VIC 3122

Ph: (03) 8686 7360

Gontran Cherrier

696 Glenferrie Rd

Hawthorn VIC 3122

Ph: (03) 9915 8600