Sunday Brunch at Eighteen58 at the Sewanee Inn

When our friend, Tracy, suggested a Sunday trip for brunch at Eighteen58 at The Sewanee Inn in Sewanee, Tennessee, we couldn't wait. Tracy is one of those friends who is great at coming up with ideas for new adventures and unique places to visit. I knew this was a trip I didn't want to miss. First of all, Sewanee is a picturesque town. It is the home of one of the most beautiful college campuses in the country, The University of the South. The gothic architecture of the buildings on the campus is especially lovely.  Established in 1857 and owned by 28 southern dioceses of the Episcopal church, the college sits atop Monteagle Mountain in the Cumberland Plateau. 

The views from atop Monteagle Mountain are breathtaking.

Naturally Rob got a little too close to the edge of the mountain for my comfort!

The Sewanee Inn is constructed of sandstone in an English Tudor style. As soon as you walk through the front door, you know you are in for an experience. 

This beautiful bedroom suite comes with the expansive living room below and a large wraparound porch overlooking the golf course.

But of course, the experience we were most looking forward to on this day was Sunday brunch, so as soon as we all arrived, we scurried to the Eighteen58 dining room to get seated. In addition to Rob, Scott, Tracy and me, we were joined by Tracy's husband, Tony, and our friends, Deborah and Jeppa. Our server explained the set up, took our drink orders and turned us loose to explore the myriad of buffet tables. There were tables that included an omelette station, roast beef carving station, pancakes and French toast bar, and other hot entrees, in addition to all the usual breakfast suspects such as, eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits, and gravy. Then there was the salad bar, dessert bar, and Bloody Mary and mimosa bar. Smoked salmon, with all the toppings from cream cheese and capers to chopped red onion and tomatoes, took up one entire table. Choosing what to put on our plates would be difficult, but we rolled up our sleeves and got to work! Some of our creations are pictured below. Self preservation prohibits me from identifying which plates belong to which diners. Suffice it to say, we were all full when we finished!

                           

          

                     

So, what did we like best? The bacon, roast beef, shrimp and grits and grillades and grits all got rave reviews. The fruit was sweet and the shrimp salad was fresh with a mustardy bite. Rob and I loved the smoked salmon. At the dessert table there was much to love, but the creme brulee was creamy and divine. The Bloody Mary and mimosa bar was fun and only $5 extra for unlimited refills. With all the food, there weren't many refills, but even if you only get one drink, it is still a bargain. The sweet potato and chorizo hash browns were a big hit. A couple of unusual items, eggs Benedict over blue corn cakes and shakshuka, an Israeli dish of eggs cooked in a spicy tomato broth, were surprisingly delicious. The thing about the brunch at The Sewanee Inn is that it is so creative and innovative, as well as tasty and fresh. Sometimes those are difficult things to achieve when so much food is coming out of the kitchen at once. The Eighteen58 Sewanee Inn brunch buffet succeeds magnificently. 

You almost expect Robin Hood and his Merry Men to come riding down the road.

                 

                                          The gothic architecture and lots of beautiful stone make for a very Medieval impression. 

This enormous cross is a memorial to the students and citizens of Sewanee who fought in WWI, WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War and Desert Storm. Rob and Tracy were happy to pose by the cross.

While you are in Sewanee, take the time to stroll around campus. It is so lovely. From the beautiful buildings to this gigantic memorial cross, there is something around every corner. And, on your way out of town, keep your eyes open. You never know what you might find. For instance, I couldn't resist checking out this cute little shop, The Amish Hippie. If the colorful sign wasn't enough to draw me in, the name certainly was!.

 It was full of everything the name implies, handmade soaps, jellies and jams, teas, incense, lotions, wind chimes and yard art. The Amish Hippie was cheerful and colorful even on this gray Sunday. I left with a trio of tasty Amish Hippie jams which are made in nearby Bell Buckle, Tennessee. I know this because I asked!

 So, next Sunday, take the scenic drive to The Sewanee Inn and enjoy a wonderful Sunday brunch, stroll around the beautiful campus of The University of the South and hug a hippie on your way out!

Three Friends and a Fork, Rob and Scott and our friends Tracy, Tony, Deborah and Jeppa give The Sewanee Inn 3 bountiful Yums UP!