Brunch is a great way to relax and catch up with family and friends while enjoying delicious food. Have you ever wondered about the origin of this meal? It’s been around for longer than you may think and knowing a little more about its history can give you some interesting facts to share during your next brunch meet-up.
The First Use of the Word Brunch
The word “brunch” was coined by British writer Guy Beringer in an 1895 article in Hunter’s Weekly. He argued that instead of the post-church early dinner that was typical in England at that time, there should be a hybrid of breakfast and lunch served around noon for “Saturday-night carousers” to enjoy. He argued that this meal should start with breakfast food and include heavier dishes toward the end. Beringer wrote of the benefits of brunch, stating, “Brunch is cheerful, sociable and inciting. It is talk-compelling. It 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.” We couldn’t agree more!
Brunch in the United States
In the 1930s, brunch began to become more popular in the United States. This was because individuals on transcontinental train trips would often stop at this time for a late breakfast. These were usually celebrities, so brunch became associated with luxury and glamour during this period. The rise in popularity during this time was also related to World War II. With more women entering the workforce, there was an increased demand for a Sunday meal that would allow for a break from cooking at home.
The association of alcohol with brunch started as early as the 1920s among upscale diners, despite Prohibition. Serving cocktails with this meal became more common in the 1950s due to changing social norms.
Our Weekend Brunch
At our Ventana tasting room, we serve brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 3pm. Each week, our chef creates a delicious special. In the past, this has included eggs Benedict, Belgian waffles, and avocado toast. In addition to our weekly special, we serve our full menu, which includes omelets, salads, sandwiches, and more. For drinks, we craft a weekly cocktail pairing for our brunch special. You can also order our tantalizing local wines and, of course, mimosas.
Join Us for Brunch
To keep up to date with our latest brunch specials or to RSVP, you can check out the events page on our site. We post updated information each week and you can reserve a spot directly from these listings. You can also follow us on Instagram and like us on Facebook, as we announce our specials on these platforms as well.