The Madonna and Mad Donna's

This week after hanging with the Methodists at East End United Methodist we headed to brunch at Mad Donna's.  Located at 1313 Woodland Street (Corner of Woodland and 14th st.) this place never dissappoints.  The neighborhood vibe,  bangin food,  and delightful cocktails are reason to head to this East Nashville joint whenever you get the chance.

On this particular Sunday we were blessed with absolutely beautiful weather,  leading to the opening of the outdoor patio.  Having arrived at prime time (just passed noon)  we expected a wait.  Luckily with a lot of folks headed outdoors for a little alfresco dining on this lovely New Years Day,  it was only about 15 minutes before we were headed to our table.

Brunch is one of my favorite meals at Mad Donna's  not only for the food,  but for the drink specials.  Brunch is served every Saturday and Sunday from 10-3,  and offers 2 for 1 mimosas ($6) and a make your own Bloody Mary Bar ($6).  Typically I go for the Bloody Mary,  there must be something about someone bringing you a pint glass nearly full of vodka that makes me happy.  This time however I opted for the mimosas and was pleasantly surprised to find out that they came in a multitude of flavors.  I won't remember them all but here goes:  Orange, Peach, Pineapple, Pomegranate, Blueberry, and White Grape.  I stuck with the peach throughout,  and Carolyn mixed it up having the white grape,  pineapple, and peach.  The only real loser in the bunch was the white grape,  seemed a little too watered down.  The others were nice and refreshing.  For our entree we both ordered the crab cakes benedict ($14.50) (this is not about you, the reader, getting a review of the different items the place has to offer,  it is about us getting our hollandaise on :)  Anyhoo,  in a word delicious.  The crab cakes were made with fresh crab meat (no imitation crap) and seasoned and sautéed nicely.  The eggs were perfectly poached,  and the hollandaise was tasty and showed no signs of breaking.  Served with a side or either grits or home fried potatoes,  I went for the grits and Carolyn the potatoes.  The grits were not as creamy as I like,  but still pretty darn good.

Always a good value our bill ran about $30 a piece with tip,  and the server was nice enough to let us split the last 2 for 1 mimosa instead of insisting we liquor up a little more on a Sunday afternoon.  I don't think we are kidding anybody by saying that would have been an awful thing,  but it was sweet just the same.

Mad Donna's is a hotbed of activity just about every other day of the week as well (except Monday when they,  and every other restaurant worth a damn is closed in East Nashville).  They run food and drink specials every night of the week,  almost too many to mention.  Some of my faves are Taco Tuesday with $2 tacos,  chips and salsa,  and Dos Perros pints,  and Burger and Beer night every thursday ($8).  Upstairs in the loft they have entertainment most nights.  Open from 7-12 weeknights,  and 7-2:30 on weekends in addition to live music they have Karoake (Sunday),  Drag Queen Bingo (Tuesday) and Live Trivia (Wednesday).

So if you haven't picked up on it by now,  I really like this place.  Anytime of day or night (except Monday) it is a good time.  Service is casual but attentive,  food and drink are exceptional,  and the vibe is easygoing.

Open for Lunch and Dinner Tuesday-Friday,  Brunch and Dinner Saturday and Sunday.  For full menus,  and weekly happenings check out their website maddonnas.com