Scrumptious Sunday Brunch at Marvin

For our February meal, the FDPs decided to change things up a bit. All of us were feeling a bit tight in the wallet and over-scheduled in the evenings, so we agreed that a casual Sunday brunch was just what we needed. We chose Marvin for our first FDP brunch destination—a bar/restaurant, Marvin has gotten lots of buzz since it opened last year. Located on 14th St. just off of U, Marvin has become a local favorite. And for good reason—Marvin is a hip hangout with an upstairs bar and a cozy but bustling main dining space with dark paneling and a large window revealing the kitchen in the rear. The place was hopping when we arrived, filled with city-dwellers looking for mimosas and delicious food to ease their post-Saturday night hangovers. We had, as usual, made a reservation through Open Table, but when we arrived, we discovered they did not have us on the list. To our pleasant surprise, the hostess was very apologetic, and after only a short delay, she somehow arranged for us to be seated despite the mix-up. We began our brunch with mimosas—the mimosa du jour was a lovely, light pear which was quite refreshing. Pouring over the menu, it wasn’t hard to find a variety of enticing options. Being a Southern girl, Kate was immediately drawn to the Country Fried Chicken and Waffle, a dish for which Marvin has earned local acclaim. Molly chose the Eggs Benedict, Melissa picked Shrimp and Grits, and Amanda went with the Croque Madame—a fried egg on brioche toast with bechemel, Virginia ham & gruyere cheese. Of course, we knew the main dishes alone would not suffice for the FDPs, so we also ordered pommes frites, maple sausage, and coffee. The food began arriving quickly, along with the incredibly strong French-pressed coffee (a good balance to the mind-fuzzing mimosas we were drinking). The fries, while not Granville Moore’s, were appropriately crispy and nicely seasoned, and accompanied by a strangely mild “wasabi” sauce and ketchup. The sausage was just the right amount of sweet to compliment the salty fries. The main courses, though, stole the show. The chicken and waffle was the hands-down favorite—perfectly fried chicken (light and crispy on the outside, moist and juicy on the inside) rested atop a Belgian waffle, which rested atop a very light gravy and small mix of sautéed collard greens. Top it off by pouring maple syrup on top and you’ve got heaven on a plate. For all of you out there to whom this sounds less than appetizing, we would like to say—TRUST US and try it. Delicious! The shrimp and grits, which were creamy and surprisingly light, won high marks as well. Actually, it all did. The service was fast and efficient, the food incredibly reasonably priced (mimosa + main dish will run you about $20). We rolled out of Marvin into the bright Sunday sunlight stuffed and content. Before heading to our homes to take much-needed naps, we all agreed this was one spot that would definitely warrant a return trip. After all, we regretted not sampling the bacon-egg-and-cheese waffle we spied on other diners’ tables! For a cozy, delicious, and affordable brunch experience, we give Marvin 3 oinks.