The word brunch is a portmanteau of the words “Breakfast” and “Lunch,” which is a fancy person way of saying it’s like someone took breakfast and lunch and mixed them together. Like most Americans, you probably love Sunday brunch, and that’s all you really need to know about it.
Even so, here are some surprising #BRUNCHFACTS you never even knew that you desperately wanted to know:
Sunday Brunch Is A Relatively Modern Invention
Surprisingly, brunch wasn’t invented until the 1890s, which means the majority of human history passed before some hero discovered bottomless mimosas and bacon-inspired breakfasts. The word “brunch” first appeared in 1895 in a British Hunter’s Weekly article, and it would take 30 years to catch on in the United States.
So-called “hunt breakfasts” featured lavish spreads with chicken livers, fresh fruit, cakes and pastries, and other delicacies. From there, modern brunch evolved into the Sunday morning treat we all know and love today.
Alternative Explanations
In addition to the hunt breakfasts enjoyed by English gentlemen of distinction, other historians think Catholics fasting before mass (and then gorging themselves on pancakes afterwards) also contributed to the trend. Still others think New York City cafes and diners invented the modern Sunday brunch, offering delicious menu offerings for the Sunday morning crowd.
Ethnic Fusion Brunches
Although most brunches feature stereo typically American offerings — bacon, eggs, bacon, pancakes, bacon, mimosas — more and more restaurants are offering ethnic cuisine inspired brunches in 2015. Popular menu items include things like Chorizo scrambled eggs and coconut milk pancakes.
Wedding Brunches
For modern couples planning traditional three-day weddings, the weekend festivities usually close out with Sunday brunches. Depending on your family, you’ll either want an unlimited brunch with a Sunday brunch buffet, or a high-class brunch with those catering dudes who make omelets for you. And although brunch is usually an affordable meal, wedding brunches cost $457 on average for bridal parties.
It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere
There are only two places in America where it’s socially acceptable to drink before noon. First, the airport. And, of course, the Sunday brunch table, where bloody mary’s and bottomless mimosas are almost as important to the brunch menu as eggs and bacon. Read more like this.