466824 Wed Dec 05 18:58:11 -0800 2007 1 19 Outer Boroughs 0 3183449 Last week, my husband and I started our search for great Mexican restaurants in Sunset Park. We tried to go to El Palenque, recommended on this board, but found it shuttered. Then, a friend recommended Eclipse, on 4th Ave b/w 43th-44th. We tried it tonight. First, we looked through the window, and almost didn't go in. It was too nice! We were looking for a hole-in-the-wall that would serve authentic cuisine. But, it was freezing out so we decided to give it a go. Good move! The food was authentic, if a bit updated, delicious and reasonably priced. I ordered Sopa de Mariscos (Mexican Seafood Soup) and it was excellent. Rich broth, boldly spiced (I was asked if I wanted it spicy), and beautifully cooked shrimp, calamari, mussels and striped bass. Very fresh and tender. A far cry from the rubbery and overcooked seafood I often find at inexpensive restaurants. My husband had the Caldo Tlalpeño (Chipotle chicken soup with vegetables), it was great. He also got the huarache (homemade corn tortilla) with suadero (fatty beef). Oh, and we started with the Chicharron salad -- big chunks of fried pork skin over chopped fresh romaine, radishes, avocado, pickled jalapenos. I know romaine is less than authentic, but I find the chunks of 5-day old iceberg lettuce one gets elsewhere dispiriting. We live in Boerum Hill and it was a 10-minute drive. There is an N and R stop at 45th and 4th Ave, one block away. The owner of the restaurant was lovely. When we mentioned we came from out of the neighborhood, she treated us to a free dessert! Wed Dec 05 18:58:11 -0800 2007 23476 rawcuzima 1 3183474 Really glad to hear Eclipse is still going strong. When I lived in Sunset Park (up until a year ago), I used to get food from there all the time, and it was consistently very good. The owner is super-nice and it's a great place to eat in or get delivered -- I've raved before on this board about their breakfast sandwiches in particular. Until I can find a better egg sandwich (theirs comes with avocado, beans, bacon, and on and on), I'll always have a reason to visit the old 'hood. Wed Dec 05 19:04:29 -0800 2007 3183449 25622 jmat