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Brunch

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Brunch is a unique meal that combines elements of breakfast and lunch. It is typically eaten during the late morning or early afternoon. While some sources suggest a time between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm, modern brunch often lasts until 3:00 pm. The word itself is a portmanteau, which is a word made by joining two other words together. In this case, "brunch" joins "breakfast" and "lunch."

This meal serves as a social and leisurely way to eat. It is often enjoyed during holidays like Easter, Mother's Day, or Thanksgiving.

There are several ways that a brunch service can be organized. Many hotels and colleges use a buffet style for their brunch. A buffet is a service where guests can serve themselves from various trays of food. This often allows for an "all-you-can-eat" experience. Other restaurants use a traditional menu system. In this setup, guests select specific dishes that are then brought to them by waitstaff.

The level of formality can range from inexpensive diners to high-end bistros.

A famous version of brunch is the Cantonese tradition known as yum cha. This is a dim sum brunch found in Chinese restaurants worldwide. During yum cha, customers select small portions of food from passing carts. The kitchen continuously prepares fresh dishes to send out to the tables. The food can be savory or sweet. It includes items like steamed buns, dumplings, and other baked or deep-fried foods. This meal is usually eaten during mid-morning, midday, or mid-afternoon teatime.

The history of brunch begins with a specific written plea. In 1895, a British writer named Guy Beringer published an essay. It was titled "Brunch: A Plea" and appeared in Hunter's Weekly. Beringer proposed brunch as a sociable alternative to traditional Sunday meals. He suggested it for "Saturday-night carousers" who might want a late meal.

This idea helped establish brunch as a recognized social event.

Brunch grew into a luxurious dining tradition in the American South. It first appeared in New Orleans during the late 1890s. A German immigrant named Madame Elizabeth Begué is credited with starting this trend. She offered a "second breakfast" at her restaurant, Begué's. Her meals were massive, six to seven course feasts. These feasts lasted several hours and included champagne and chicory coffee.

The 1884 World's Fair helped bring her restaurant to national attention.

In the early 20th century, brunch became a staple for the upper class in New York City. This popularity lasted between 1920 and 1950. The restaurant Delmonico's was one of the first to serve it. Their menu included specialized items like omelet aux fines herbes and poached eggs with truffles. The Hotel Lombardy also offered brunch, which they called a "hunt lunch" or "tally-ho lunch."

At the Hotel Lombardy, a $1.25 price included a mixed drink, entertainment, and a full buffet. This buffet featured items like sausage cakes, kidney stew, and fried oysters.

Menu items vary significantly based on geography and culture. In the United States, brunch is often seen as an indulgent meal. Common dishes include eggs Benedict and chicken and waffles. People may also drink juice-based cocktails like mimosas or Bloody Marys.

In Canada, brunches in places like Toronto or Kitchener-Waterloo include pancakes, waffles, and meats like ham or bacon. Some Canadian brunches even include lunch foods like quiche, soup, or Cobb salad. In the Philippines, brunch is served between 9:00 am and noon. However, an afternoon snack eaten between 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm is called merienda, a term from the Spanish colonial period.

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