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