Happy Monday! If you're new around here, I just left town a couple days ago to embark on a 6 week road trip to the west coast and back. My mom is making the first part of the trip with me so we stopped in Tulsa to visit some family we have here for a couple days before I get to work creating travel guides for cities all across the U.S. Since I won't be creating one here, it's been so great to use this time to catch up with family (including my 90 year old grandmother) and get ahead of some work that I'll likely fall behind on in the weeks ahead.
But before I left town, I had some serious catching up to do in my own city after being away in Europe for over 4 months. There are some incredible restaurants that have opened these past few months, and I felt it was necessary to experience them for myself. So naturally, I went for the best meal there ever was: BRUNCH.
MARSH HOUSE RESTAURANT | THOMPSON HOTEL
PHOTOS BY KATIE THEIS PHOTO
I heard about Thompson Hotel non-stop whilst living in Europe. Whether grabbing drinks or eating meals, it was clear all of my friends were frequenting this new hot-spot. So after seeing how vibey L.A. Jackson was, I knew I had to try Marsh House too. It had been a minute since I had a proper American brunch, and they certainly made up for my lost time. We indulged in SO many delicious dishes (all of which you need to order). First up? That box of doughnuts!
PHOTOS BY KATIE THEIS PHOTO
SUNGLASSES: PRADA (SIMILAR HERE)
Next, we scarfed down these gloriously-gooey cinnamon rolls (that I'm still dreaming about).
PHOTOS BY KATIE THEIS PHOTO
PHOTOS BY KATIE THEIS PHOTO
After the sugar high from all the pastries, we moved on to some appetizers. First we tried Momma's Gumbo (with okra, shrimp, andouille and crab) and the shrimp toast (which was one of the most unique and delicious dishes I've had in a while). After that we moved on to the brussel sprouts (with honey and pecan) and the yellowfin tuna tartare. Every single dish was awesome (and we were already STUFFED at this point).
PHOTOS BY KATIE THEIS PHOTO
PHOTOS BY KATIE THEIS PHOTO
After the appetizers, we noshed on some delicious seafood that they pride themselves in (this crab and oysters were just as delicious as they looked!)
PHOTOS BY KATIE THEIS PHOTO
While I was already full after the pastries, I bravely pressed on for the sake of all ye brunch lovers. It wasn't easy, but I'm no quitter. ON TO THE MAIN COURSES!
These buttermilk pancakes with whipped butter and maple syrup were a carb-lovers DREAM.
PHOTOS BY KATIE THEIS PHOTO
And if you go to brunch in Nashville and you DON'T order Chicken + Waffles, did you actually go to brunch in Nashville? But unlike most of the traditional versions of this dish, Marsh House offers Korean Fried Chicken with a chili & cane syrup glaze (holy yum).
PHOTOS BY KATIE THEIS PHOTO
We washed it all down with countless cups of coffee and mimosas before they finally rolled us out of there (it was well worth the food coma). But as much as we enjoyed all of the food, I'd argue the atmosphere is equally as lovely. Bottom line, I give Marsh House an A+ and highly recommend dining here whenever you find yourself in Music City!
PHOTOS BY KATIE THEIS PHOTO
PHOTOS BY KATIE THEIS PHOTO
PHOTOS BY SARAH CATHERINE DESIGN | SHIRT C/O THREAD CO.
I adore Spanish tapas, and so I quickly went to dinner at Barcelona as soon as I got home (it was SO good). When I learned they also served brunch, I knew I had to go back and experience that too.
PHOTOS BY SARAH CATHERINE DESIGN | SHIRT C/O THREAD CO.
For starters, this Bloody Mary bar is NO JOKE. They have the traditional mix (as well as a spicy version) like most places, but their toppings are unlike anything else I've ever seen: Spanish cured jamón, sardines, a variety of olives, manchego, meats, peppers... the list goes on.
PHOTOS BY SARAH CATHERINE DESIGN
PHOTOS BY SARAH CATHERINE DESIGN | SHIRT C/O THREAD CO.
PHOTOS BY SARAH CATHERINE DESIGN
Once we sat down for food, we started with some greens: Blistered Shishito Peppers (which were BOMB) and the Greener Roots Lettuces salad (also bomb)
PHOTOS BY SARAH CATHERINE DESIGN
Then we moved on to some more delicious dishes: Pan con Huevos, Steak & Egg, Huevos Estrellados... all unique from the other and equally incredible.
PHOTOS BY SARAH CATHERINE DESIGN
But my favorite dishes we tried? Easily the Churros & Chicken and the Wild Mushroom Benedict (that Hollandaise was pure magic).
PHOTOS BY SARAH CATHERINE DESIGN
Aside from the scrumptious food, the ambiance in Barcelona is killer and our server was awesome. It's clear this brunch spot is still a hidden gem because there were actually tables available on a Sunday (so hurry in before the word gets out!)
Looking for some more brunch options in Nashville? Some of my all time favorites include:
PROPER SOUTHERN FOOD
WITH THE GIRLS
RELAXED AND BOOZY
VIBEY AF
Regardless of where you choose to get your brunch on in Nashville, none of these options will disappoint! Stay tuned for more adventures of the epicurean sort...
Thanks to Marsh House Restaurant and Barcelona Wine Bar for hosting me and sponsoring this post. I will definitely be back to see both of you again as soon as I'm in Nashville!
