I’m about to eat my weight in eggs.
That’s the immediate thought that zipped through my mind when dish after dish arrived to our tiny table at The Hart one Saturday afternoon.
In all honesty, I was there for the Macadamia Nut Pancakes I had heard so much about (and drooled over once or twice on Instagram), the fluffy disks swollen with air and my anticipation and topped with macadamia cream. (They did not disappoint.)
With his Michelin background, Culinary Director and Chef Ryan Costanza is no stranger to flavor and thoughtful dishes. His passionate mind and globe-trotting palate bring his experiences in Japan, Korea, Mexico, and Bali together on every plate.
Speaking of plates, as I previously mentioned, there were many on my table. The Mochiko Chicken Rice Bowl with Hawaiian fried chicken, scallion, and soft scrambled egg was an unctuous delight, the gochujaru mayo melding everything together.
The Wagyu Brisket Loco Moco with maitake mushroom gravy and (you guessed it) egg, though nothing like the food I was served growing up, brought back homey memories of savory stews in my mother’s kitchen.
I also tried the Poke Bowl, as you do with a menu of this cuisine. Alongside the typical sushi-grade tuna, cucumber, tobiko, and sushi rice were the lively additions of edamame, maui onion, macademia nuts, seaweed, and fried shallots, adding a unique take on this oh-so-popular dish.
As a special treat, I was also gifted the Koji Pork Katsu I had been salivating over during my ritual pre-dining menu scouring, not usually served during brunch. Boy, was I happy. The little side salad with miso Caesar dressing was simple, yet had me swooning. Also, the choice of a double dip action with my fork full of perfectly crispy pork into both sauces - tonkatsu and miso mustard - was a good decision indeed.
In terms of brunch beverages, a true standout was the Bitter at the Beach, a bright blend of aged rum, Cynar, orgeat, and lime. The Bloody Mary is also delicious – as long as you like it fiery.
Brunch at The Hart is an overall lovely experience. I’ll be back for the Kalua Pork Breakfast Burrito (scrambled eggs, cheddar, potato, avocado, salsa, Kalua pork, and smoked chili mayo yes please) and the Kahuna Double Burger I’ve heard so much about, featuring gochujang aioli, caramelized onion, and (fittingly) a Hawaiian bun.
I’m also looking for people to go with, so I have a group large enough to order the Tea Smoked Duck served with bao buns, fried rice, mac salad, pickles, and furikake fries. So… hit me up.
The Hart
321 Hart St
Nashville, TN 37210
thehartnashville.com
@thehartnashville
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