Millie’s in The Bottom has been touted as the best brunch
spot in Richmond so when my friend and I were undecided as to where to go
for brunch last weekend, I quickly suggested we give it a try. I was really excited and did my research
beforehand: I checked foodie blogs, contacted a local foodie friend, and read the
menu to narrow down the options that I liked best.
We got there right when they opened and there was still a
bit of a wait. It went by really
quickly, though and before I knew it we were being shooed into a booth. I wish I’d had a little more time to look
around since we were seated in the side room (the one that’s not part of the
bar). I did manage to catch a glimpse of
the kitchen, which is literally to the right of the door. Just hanging out. Free as a bird.
I was a little taken aback at how abrupt the servers
were. Don’t get me wrong – they were
nice, they just seemed to be rushing us to get in and get out. But that’s how some local RVA joints operate,
I suppose. Millie’s doesn’t do substitutions,
by the way, so don’t try and ask for fruit instead of potatoes or white bread
instead of wheat. I had read this on the
menu beforehand and wasn’t going to push my luck once I got there.
I decided I was going to get one of their many “messes” and
pass on a drink – although I hear they are pretty good. I have been craving a Bloody Mary lately, but
am just not going to spend $7 on one.
Especially when my meal cost $11.
The mess I chose was the “Cajun” one because I’ve also been wanting some
seafood and a little somthin’ spicy. The
others at my table got their “Veggie mess,” the “Cuban mess,” and their Eggs
Benedict (which was way too sinful for me since it’s served on a croissant and
not an English muffin).
My mess was good – you could definitely taste the white
cheddar and there was a lot of seafood.
The only thing that got me was that the texture was a little mushy. I get it, I get it: the idea of a mess is to
cook the eggs with the add-ins and stir and stir so it because a giant pile of
goodness. But come parts of my portion was really,
really chopped up – to the point where I didn’t have to chew. That was weird. You should chew your seafood. But the portion was really big and the flavor
was there so I was a happy camper. All entrees come with a side of potatoes
which were, in my opinion, the star of the brunch. They were spicy and crispy and well
seasoned. I especially liked how they have
Siracha sauce on the table for you to use instead of ketchup.
The final bill for the four of us came to about $50 I think –
so, reasonable for a brunch spot. Was it
the best in Richmond? I still think
Perly’s gets it. But I’m biased and I
admit it. I love their omelets. And the biscuits. And the breakfast potatoes. And the fact that they let you sit and catch
up with friends for hours and hours. In fact,
Gray will stop by and chat you up too. And that, dear readers, is the best way to
start the day.
