BRUNCH 101 - THE HISTORY OF BRUNCH

To me, Brunch is the whisper of sweet nothings to my insanity. To you, Brunch might be two eggs over easy. Either way, before we continue our exploration, I want to equip you with the proper tools to navigate this beautiful thing called Brunch! Therefore (drum roll) I have composed a sweet nothing guide to all things Brunch! Where did Brunch originate? What does bottomless mean? All the things you never knew about Brunch, but laid awake restlessly pondering… you will now know J Class is in session:

In the Beginning: Brunch originated in 19th century Britain by an Englishman named Guy Beringer. In 1895, he wrote an article for Hunters Weekly called “Brunch: A Plea”. In the article he pleads “Instead of England's early Sunday dinner, a post church ordeal of heavy meats and savory pies. Why not a new meal, served around noon that starts with tea or coffee, marmalade and other breakfast fixtures before moving along to the heavier fare? By eliminating the need to get up early on Sunday, brunch would make life brighter for Saturday night carousers.” From this article, the meal after second breakfast (a light meal eaten around 10:30am) called Brunch was born; becoming a frequently used slang word by England’s university students.

Brunch in the USA: Originated in 1930’s Chicago, due to the late morning stop by the transcontinental train, which transported celebrities and the wealthy. During the stop, passengers would leave the train for Brunch, before continuing their journey. Brunch popularity increased after World War 2, with the decline of Americans attending church. Sunday soon became the day to do absolutely nothing but sleep late, read the paper, lounge in bed; and then later venture outside for a wonderful meal...Brunch!

The word Brunch: A portmanteau (blend of 2 words) of breakfast and lunch.

Day of the Week: Sunday. Saturday has since been adopted as an alternative day.

Time: Traditionally between 11am and 1pm. Most restaurants serve until 3pm.

Dress: Casual. Upscale restaurants and hotels may require more formal attire.

Gender: Most popular among women but “Real Men Brunch” too! (See WW4B “Real Men Brunch” list for restaurants perfect for men to Brunch)

Brunch Cocktails: Mimosa, Bellini, Bloody Mary, Ramos Gin Fizz, and Brandy Milk Punch. The first three are the most common served.

Most Popular Brunch Cocktail: Mimosa. Champagne (or sparkling wine) and chilled Orange Juice. Served in a champagne flute as a hair of the dog; an alcoholic drink that lessens the effect of a hangover.

Bottomless Brunch: Means “all you can drink” brunch cocktails. (See WW4B “Bottomless Brunch” list for restaurants offering bottomless delights!)

Brunch Foods: Eggs Benedict, French Toast, Crepes, Quiche, Savory Meats and Poultry, Smoked or Raw Seafood, Soups, Salads, Traditional Breakfast Items, Assorted Breads, and Desserts!

Most Popular Brunch Food: Eggs Benedict. An English Muffin topped with Poached Eggs, Ham or Bacon, and Hollandaise Sauce. Named after 3 different people with the last name Benedict…with 3 different stories!

Brunch is Served: Buffet or Ala Carte menu. Buffet style is the most popular, usually offered “all you can eat”.

Jazz Brunch: Live jazz played during brunch, creating a festive atmosphere. It is said to have originated at the Commander’s Palace in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Popular Brunch Holidays: Easter, Mother’s Day, New Years Day, and Christmas

Perfect for: Weddings, Holidays, Baby/Bridal Showers, Fundraisers, Post Church Fellowship, Girls Day Out, Football Game Day Ritual, First Date, Every Weekend and Every Occasion!

Why Brunch: Why Not!

Congratulations! You have now completed Brunch 101, your prerequisite to the fabulous world of Brunch. Now divide graduates, make reservations, sip mimosas, and as the late Guy Beringer would say “Brunch is cheerful, sociable and inciting. It is talk-compelling and puts you in a good temper. It makes you satisfied with yourself and your fellow beings. It sweeps away the worries and cobwebs of the week."  I don’t know about you, but I want two of everything he was having for Brunch that dayJ