Mama J's BP, Richmond, VA

Mama J's let me know that there's some serious soul food in Richmond. I am often surprised when food is historically delish going north, specifically greens. But this is about BP and Mama J knows her way around it, except for the darned raisins. It is sent home in a small
aluminum pan, which adds to the homey feel. It was very good, despite the raisins. There weren't as many as the Croaker's Spot BP, which were more like currants, so I was able to remove them as I ate. I'd probably give this 2.5 forks, but I don't have that official rating.

415 N. 1st Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: (804) 225-7449
$6

Croaker's Spot Bread Pudding, Richmond, VA

Croaker's Spot is known for seafood and generous portions, so if you have time, try the BP. It was a traditional presentation with a plethora of raisins. There were so many I couldn't remove them all. In their favor was that they had a lemony taste and they were small, so I wasn't disgusted. There was a sauce accompaniment that was unnamed. 

After the Perry's BP, it makes me rethink every rating. This one got one less fork because of the raisins, but it was good so the rating is more like 2.5 forks.

1020 Hull St.
Richmond, VA 23224​
(804) 269-0464
$6 (or so)

Hero's Bread Pudding Donut

It was certainly a surprise to find a BP donut in this bakery/lunch shop. The donut is so pretty, a tiny bundt cake. Hero says it's "Yesterday’s doughnuts soaked in a mixture of cream, brown sugar and eggs. BAKED in the style of bread pudding in doughnut shapes and topped with vanilla glaze." Well, you can't go wrong with that approach. It reminds me in theory of the BP made with old Krispy Kremes, but it has a wonderful condensed fork and mouth feel. It is not like a cake donut. I'm happy to see that the BP donut is featured on the regular menu.  

Hero is a chain. I went to the Sylvan Heights location.
4013 Charlotte Avenue
Nashville, TN 37209
$4.50

Perry's Steakhouse Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Toasted Marshmallow Topping

Perry's Steakhouse describes this dessert as "Rocky Road Bread Pudding: Butterscotch bread pudding with chocolate chips in a caramel sauce, topped with candied walnuts and a toasted homemade marshmallow". I describe it as pure perfection. It was enough to share and I appreciate my friend who shared hers with me because I might not have been so generous. I'm happy to see that the portions are increasing along with prices because for many years, the price did not justify the cost. It's usually hard to justify for me because it's leftovers. 

This was a CREATION. The bread pudding was allowed to sit and become one with all of its ingredients. I mean, it is phenomenal in texture and flavor. The walnuts give the tongue a surprise. The toasted marshmallow topping is genius. I'm usually not a big fan of toppings, and this creativity was irresistible. If I could give this 10 forks, I would.

Perry's is a chain restaurant.
5028 Aspen Grove Drive
Franklin, TN 37067
615-721-7781
$12

Costco Apple Walnut Caramel Bread Pudding

I wish I'd saved the packaging or taken a photo but I think it was by We Take the Cake. I bought it as Costco for maybe $10.99. It was exceptionally delicious - easy to heat, in a compostable package. The apple wasn't strong and the walnuts were plentiful. I loved it, especially with the Bourbon flavored whipped cream from Aldi. I did find a seed hull in almost every serving, but that didn't slow me down or make me any less likely to not eat at least 2 servings each time. Microwaved or oven heated, it was almost magical. 

Shotgun Willie's BBQ Butter Pecan Bread Pudding

Shotgun Willie's BBQ is open Wednesdays through Sundays, from 11 am - 3 pm, so talk about a captive audience if one actually makes it there on the right day at the right time. The restaurant is known for its Texas barbecue, but the day we went there was butter pecan bread pudding made by one of the Willies. You're a Willie, I'm a Willie - we all have a little Willie in us, according to the owner, whose name is not Willie. 

The bread pudding was ok (OK, like this terrible photo). I give it 2.5 forks, and an extra half fork for the fun I had while ordering. I love pecans and walnuts in everything, so that made me happy. However, it was really dense and light on flavor, so I wasn't crazy about it. However, I would be willing to try the next Willie's take on BP if I ever happen by on the right day. I think it was about $6.

Shotgun Willie's
New location coming soon (3/2024)

Ruby Slipper White Chocolate Bread Pudding Pancakes

Ok, the menu planner person and the chefs/cooks at Ruby Slipper and Ruby Sunshine need to be, well I don't slap people so this is just metaphorical, slapped! For those who don't know, this is a compliment. Like if I said someone put their foot in those pancakes. I'm saying that this is the first entry in years and these pancakes deserve that honor. Don't think I haven't had bread pudding in the interim, though I have it less often. And then I forget how to update this site, but that's tangential. All I have to say is get those pancakes. 

I asked for them with the sauce on the side and that directive was not followed, and guess what, I didn't care. My dining companion was charming and engaging, and so were those cakes. I think I responded to her and gave her most of my attention, but I can't guarantee it. Bad Jenifer! I have no idea where bread pudding was in these tasties, and that's OK with me, too. It's worth a trip to [crowded] Hillsboro Village, where you can sit outside, hold up your plate and grin-giggle at the people in line for that pancake place across the street. 

RUBY SUNSHINE - NASHVILLE, TN
1800 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212
(629) 210-3060
Monday - Friday: 7:00am-2pm, Weekends: 7:00am-3pm

I think the plate was around $10.