Brunch Bunch

Early Saturday morning, I got a text from a long-lost friend (should I have been concerned how she got my number?) telling me she'd be in Nashville this weekend and could we do brunch on Sunday morning. Well, of course I wanted to see her, so I quickly agreed and was subsequently charged with naming the location. I love Sunday brunch, so I didn't mind having this responsibility. The only kicker this time? She wanted to meet at 10 a.m. To me, this qualifies more as breakfast than a breakfast-lunch combo, and unfortunately, all my favorite hot-spots to take out-of-town guests to brunch don't start serving until at least 11. (On the list, Bosco's, Tin Angel, and Chappy's on Church.) As an aside, 55 South serves brunch (which I've heard is delicious) beginning at 10 but I have yet to go....always looking for a brunch buddy!

At any rate, I suggested Hillsboro Village's  Fido for this group from Indy. By 10 a.m. the line was already wrapped around the counter and out the door, but their recent expansion project meant there was plenty of seating available. This restaurant is more than a well-loved coffee shop. It's a something-for-everyone eatery with a variety of cleverly-named specialty coffee drinks, wines, beers, healthy (as possible) muffins & cookies, and a pretty extensive breakfast menu. Brunch at Fido is served weekends until 2 p.m.

Our group of five sampled something from each section of the breakfast menu. I had the veggie scramble, which I was pleased to discover did not include mushrooms (my only will-not-touch-it-under-any-circumstances food), though I think the hashbrowns at Jackson's Bar & Bistro are better. (Fido's are just roasted potatoes, while Jackson's come covered in cheese!)

Someone else had the Bachelor Bob, a pb&b bagel sandwich, while another opted for oatmeal with fresh fruit. The bagel sandwiches were loaded with eggs, meat, and cheese and looked delicious, despite the certain heart-attack inducing qualities of the meal.

For those of you who are wondering, yes, they serve mimosas on a Sunday morning.

Although we could have stayed and chatted for hours, we were served quickly, despite the long line. The service was friendly and the food was good without leaving you with a brunch hangover for the rest of your Sunday. Don't let the crowds deter you from this well-loved little coffee joint.

The End Notes:

• Good food, easy service, great coffee (it's Bongo Java, people!)
• Relatively easy for out-of-towners to MapQuest and find on their own
• Oversized booths and tables make for a comfortable scene to catch up with old friends, meet for Bible study or business, or just grab a quick meal before you start your day. 
• Two paws up for Fido!