So I was super excited to be invited to the Copper Kettle in Nashville a few Sundays back. I did a little research and apparently, this was the second outpost of a Nashville institution over in Green Hills. I haven't been to the original, but let me say, the downtown operation is hopping! The brunch here is a buffet, but manageable - not one of those oversized hotel affairs that make you wonder when the food was cooked. There are options for people who are gluten-free, but don't ask the waitress about the specifics of fillings or sauces. She may not know, as ours didn't, so be careful. I was, and I was a happy woman.

Start he buffet with a selection of pastries and donut holes if you can. Since I can't, head for the cheese. They had real cheese balls. Yumm! There is also baked brie with several sauce options, but it is wrapped in pastry so I couldn't have it. I could have the wonderful grilled veggies and fruit though. From that station you head to a refrigerated case. There were lots of cold "salads". I loved the tomatoes and mozzarella, but loved that they had ambrosia even more. I mean, what is better than Cool Whip, coconut, maraschino cherries, and mandarin oranges. Not a whole lot I say!

The hot area had eggs benedict, plus hashbrown casserole, biscuits and gravy, and other yummy Southern items. The ham was particularly good. You can also order eggs, waffles, or the omelette of the day (this particular day had crab) from your waitress. This all ends with an array of desserts. I had a second helping of ambrosia for mine, but you could have pudding, trifle, cobbler or a tart. 

It's hard to make a beautiful plate at a buffet, but I tried, just to show you the variety of my dish. For $16, feel free to pile high or make multiple trips. 

The bloody mary was excellent, and had plenty of garnish (loved the pickled okra). 

The service was fair considering how busy they were. My only complaint was the seating. They have a few too many tables jammed into the joint. When your "neighbor" at the next table keeps jostling you because you are practically on top of each other, that doesn't make for the most relaxed atmosphere. The waitress said it was because of the heat outside... that no one wanted to be on the patio and everyone was inside.  I get that, but adding extra tables wasn't the answer. 

So go have brunch on a day when it isn't 200 million degrees and try to get a seat at the bar or in a corner. You will probably have a great brunch and a good dining experience that way .