The Scenario: Mom’s in town for the weekend and you need to plan some good, pure fun.

The Solution: Skip Sunday mass and go for food instead.

1300 on Fillmore’s bi-monthly gospel brunches prove that you can be spiritual without going to church.

The deal? A three-course prix fixe meal with a side of house band, Future Perfect, featuring restaurant owner Monetta White’s friends from Oakland’s Imani Community Church. An instant hit, Monetta’s gospel brunches have become a regular gig at 1300 on Fillmore, so with mom in tow, we decided to check it out.

The menu ranges from standard brunch fare to traditional Southern specialties and starts diners off with corn bread, chive biscuits and hot pepper jam. For your entrée, order the light and fluffy brioche French toast with balsamic strawberry or try the barbecue shrimp and grits if you’re jonesing for a more authentic dish. Then, sit back, relax and listen to father and daughter team Michael and Mickala Cheadle belt out "Amazing Grace" and “Oh Happy Day” as you casually sip a bellini. But don’t get too comfy—Michael isn’t shy about plucking people from the audience to sing along with him. We recommend tuning your vocal chords before you go because he really doesn’t take no for an answer. We were spared the agony (phew!), but mom wasn’t so lucky and took one for the team. Dessert is quick to follow the merriment and comes with James Taylor’s “You’ve Got a Friend” to top off your meal. Bellies full and mom delighted, we rolled out of there high on faith.  

Gospel brunch at 1300 on Fillmore, first and third Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., 3-course prix fixe meal for $39, 1300 Fillmore St., 415-771-7100.

Note: If mid-morning gospel isn't your thing, check out 1300 on Fillmore's jazz lounge happy hour, Monday through Thursday, 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. and enjoy $3 draft beers and sparkling wine or $5 well drinks and house wine.