417 Union, Nashville, TN

When I travel, one thing I make it a point to do is check out local resources and find some out-of-the-way dining establishments—the kind not always found in a visitor’s guide. Where do the locals go for breakfast? Is there some lunch specialty that I won’t find in Anytown U.S.A.? Who has the best pizza in town?

During a recent weekend in Nashville I used my breakfast sleuthing skills even though I was staying right across the highway from an authentic, gen-u-wine (say it like Mr. Haney on Green Acres) Waffle House. A WH is ALWAYS a good default if I come up short in the off-the-beaten-path category—a tip from me to you for your travels in the south.

Nashville has a spot that many know of, the nearly famous Lovelace Café just south of the city. It’s great but it’s also popular…popular as in long lines and interminable wait times. I’ve learned to go there at off-peak hours to avoid the throngs. This time I thought I’d expand my scope and dug around to find a couple of new places; The Nashville Biscuit House and 417 Union. The two places, both great btw, are polar opposites in terms of atmosphere and location, but both serve up some outstanding breakfast fare.

My first day in town, I ventured into the heart of the city to 417 Union which came highly recommended from a trusted pal. This little place is tucked along a city block with an unassuming exterior—a place you wouldn’t look twice at if you were passing by. What did we learn in school about judging a book by its cover? Once inside I was immediately struck by the comfortable yet slightly upscale surroundings; a beautiful old bar on one side, tables and wood booths on the other. I was greeted immediately and told to take my pick of seats. Only a couple of tables were occupied but I was there at a “later” time mid-day.

On the admonishment of my friend I ordered their banana French toast. Even I—my jaded and suspicious self—was impressed by the platter that soon arrived. Fresh brioche bread lightly battered and covered in warm bananas floating in a lake-sized portion of hot syrup. Looks CAN be deceiving, this time, not so much. I’m sure there are plenty of variations of this dish at other restaurants, but this one was incredibly satisfying. It was warm and so comforting on a chilly day. A side order of bacon is always a good addition and a perfect complement to this great plate.

There was only one server. She was friendly and helpful. I noticed her helping other diners with things to do and destinations to go in the neighborhood for fun and nightlife. She was efficient and attentive to my needs as well as the other customers.

I also liked the fact that this place had an evening menu and later hours. Sometimes a good breakfast joint is only open limited hours, but I’m confident that 417 Union has great lunch and dinner fare as well. Now if I can just conjure up a reason to return to Nashville and satisfy my curiosity.

If you're in the downtown Nashville, TN area, put 417 Union on your must-eat-at list! I think you'll be as happy as I was and look forward to going back for more!

 

Fox’s Donut Den, Nashville, TN

I’m a pretty easy-to-get-to-know kind of guy—I love Life is Good apparel, I like going out for breakfast, I like “bad” pop music, and I think the world needs more love and kindness. Oh, and one more thing; I LOVE a GREAT donut. In between looking for great breakfasts places and discovering new things to see and do in unfamiliar towns, I enjoy keeping my eyes and ears peeled for local donut shops. So far, no donut beats Old Towne Donuts in St. Louis. (You can read my opinion about the definitive donut in a separate post.) Besides, donuts are considered breakfast fare so the topic is applicable here.

I blame my mom. Lorraine was a REAL donut lover. For more than 20 years when she, my aunt and I would go Christmas shopping in St. Louis, the first stop was Sir Donut in Godfrey, Illinois. Growing up, we ate plenty of donuts in the Evans house. Perhaps that helps explain my ‘imposing stature,’ ahem.

To me, biting into a fresh, yeasty-glazed donut is nirvana. When it’s fresh, and on the rare occasion still warm, life is GREAT. Jam some crème filling inside, ice it with chocolate, caramel, or white frosting and I’m all in too.

Donuts are a dime a dozen. Grocery store ‘bakeries’ try, Dunkin Donuts makes a helluva cup of coffee, Mel-O-Crèmes litter the Springfield landscape, but it’s difficult to find the perfect donut in my book.

During a recent trip to Nashville, I really wasn’t thinking about donuts. I’d just come out of Trader Joe’s when a sign across the street caught my eye. There in big blinking neon letters just a few feet away-- Fox’s Donut Den. I zeroed in instantly. Mind you, this was one of the busiest streets I’d encountered thus far in Music City USA. I quickly changed course and recalculated my coordinates. Ten minutes later, three stoplights, and after far too much waiting I pulled up in front of the place my eyes had locked on, across the street. YES, it was that congested and yes, I’ve digressed.

Entering the Den, I was met with a 50’s-style diner vibe—red and white seating, chrome, vintage signs, et al. The cases were well-stocked with various flavors and kinds of sugary goodness. I picked out a small assortment and went on my way. I had toyed with sitting down and making my judgements on site, but decided to get back out into the holiday traffic and make my way back to the hotel

The donuts were way above average having their own unique texture and such, but the flavor was good. I always base my opinion on the basic yeast glazed donut. Fox’s was very good which means I’d rate it a 7-8 out of ten. The cherry fritter and filled donut I tried later on in the evening were just as satisfying. If I had a complaint about this Donut Den, it was the server whose appearance seemed more suited to a job over at H&M across the street. She wasn’t at all knowledgeable nor really interested in purveying donuts.  

If I were a local, I’m sure it would be a go-to donut shop. Having a Trader Joe’s nearby puts another “x” in the plus column so as to kill two birds with one trip.

The Best Breakfast in Springfield, IL--Cafe Coco

I'm a go-out-for-breakfast guy. Sometimes I get up early and go before work, but more often I like the leisurly kind of breakfast that Saturday and Sunday mornings allow.

I like rolling out of bed, grabbing whatever is handy to wear (usually involves a hat), and heading out for some quality breakfast time with my coffee and whatever entre speaks to me that particular day.

I prefer a breakfast "joint," or "place;" you know, somewhere that's popular but not impossible to get a table at. Sometimes I go early, sometimes I ease into the day and go a little later. It all depends on my mood...like most things I do or don't do in my life.

Since this is one of my favorite things to do, going out for breakfast, I did what every other person does when they think they've got something to share, I started this blog. I'm going to share my observations, recommendations, and experieces in morning time dining rituals.

This isn't something I reservere for just around town ('cause let's face, it Springfield, IL isn't too big of a town and that would make this blog pretty short), but rather it's something I do when I travel or should I say, especially when I travel.

I think what inspired me to start writing about my go-out-for-breakfast adventures was a recent find locally combined with a leisure trip to Nashville, Tennessee not long ago.

So, let's begin. I love breakfast. I especially like going out for breakfast to a funky, off-the-beaten-path, or really delicious sort of spot. I've lived in Sprignfield for several years. During my time here I've looked high, low and everywhere in between for that "perfect" regular spot I can go for breakfast.

Here's what I've discoverd locally; just because you turn a quanset hut into a "diner" doesn't necessarily mean you are going to have me at "come on in." You'd think that would entice me, but there's something more important; the food! Yes, I like a tasty, homemade kind of plate of eggs and meats and assorted breakfast nibbly bits.

Not too long ago I tried a place that had been in the back of my mind for a while, Cafe Coco. I kept forgetting about it for some reason though it had been open for business for nearly a year.

Shame on me! This place, and the great ladies who own and operate it, serve up my favorite breakfast food in Springfield. You like biscuits and gravy? They got'em, and they're the best I've had in this town. You'd think eggs and breakfast meats would be pretty easy to purvey--au contraire! I don't know what they do to the ones they serve, but they know what they're doing way beyond any others I've had around Springfield.

Pancakes and French toast take a little more finesse perhaps, but these women do themselves proud when serving either of these delicious breakfast offerings.

It's always fun and enticing when a place has a signature item or something unique. Cafe Coco has their very own Apple Fritters available anytime. A small order of three fritters is the perfect accompaniment to their menu items. You can add on an oder for only a buck ninety-nine and when you go, make sure you do.

I'm also big on ambiance. A place doesn't have to be fancy or chic, but I like a little personality. Coco's has that. It's small enough to feel intimate but not cramped. There are regular tables, bar-height tables, and a counter to sit at. The suroundings have a definite country sort of feel. The ladies who own the place seem to have an affection for horses and cowboy-style. It's cozy and inviting, at least to this breakfast-loving guy.

And what's a great diner without great servers? Coco scores again in this area. Once you've been there a time or two, they call you by name, greet you as you come through the door and make sure to thank you for coming before you leave. You coffee cup is always full and it feels like you're being taken care of by friends. There are plenty of restaurants, and businesses in general that could take lessons from the Coco crew.

I always leave Cafe Coco full and feeling great. The food is top-notch, the service is friendly and sincere, and the value is unbeatable. Open seven days a week from 6 a.m. - 2 p.m. its nice to have a place you can count on.

If it's lunch you're looking for, Cafe Coco has a great selection there as well and is on par with their breakfast fare. Looking for homemade pie? YEP, they got'em...and those deserve their own post so keep your eyes open for that in the not-too-distant-future.

So, for my money, if you're looking for a great breakfast or lunch in Springfield, you can't beat Cafe Coco. Make the trip out to North Dirksen and support this great local spot.