Origins: Brunch

 

The origins of "brunch" can be traced back to England in the late 19th century. The term itself is a portmanteau of "breakfast" and "lunch," signifying a meal that combines elements of both.

The practice of having a late morning meal that blends breakfast and lunch became popular among the upper class in England during the late 1800s. However, it wasn't called "brunch" at the time; it was simply known as a late breakfast or a "hunt breakfast." This meal was typically enjoyed by wealthy individuals and hunters after participating in a morning fox hunt.

The concept of a more leisurely, relaxed meal that combined breakfast and lunch elements gained popularity over time. The term "brunch" itself first appeared in print in an 1895 article titled "Brunch: A Plea" by British writer Guy Beringer. In the article, Beringer advocated for a new kind of meal that would be more suitable for modern life, allowing people to sleep in on Sundays and have a meal that combined breakfast and lunch.

Beringer suggested that brunch should include a range of dishes, including those typically associated with breakfast, such as eggs, bacon, and pastries, as well as lunchtime fare like roasts and salads. He believed that brunch would be a social and sociable meal, encouraging people to gather and enjoy each other's company.

The idea of brunch caught on, and by the early 20th century, it had become a popular social event in England and spread to other parts of the world. In the United States, brunch gained popularity in the 1930s and became a fashionable and enjoyable way to spend a Sunday morning or early afternoon.

Today, brunch is widely enjoyed across many cultures and countries, with restaurants and cafes offering brunch menus, often featuring a variety of sweet and savoury dishes, beverages like mimosas and Bloody Marys, and creating a relaxing and enjoyable dining experience. It has become a beloved tradition for many people, providing a chance to enjoy a leisurely and delicious meal with friends and family.

Source: Some or all of the content was generated using an AI language model