Beyond Brunch

Beyond Brunch 
The Origins and Evolution of Brunch

It’s 2pm on a Sunday. You sit up, stretch your arms, and let out a well-rested yawn. You check your phone and see 10 missed calls and 20 texts – Oh no! You’re late for brunch!

So what is this phenomenon called “brunch” and where did it originate from? What is proper brunch “etiquette” and most importantly, what are the best places to brunch around town? 

In this article, we’ll go “beyond brunch” so not only will you have a deeper understanding of the experience, but also a handy list of delicious places to eat next Sunday – or any other day for that matter. 

The Beginnings of Brunch

Brunch, a blend of the words “breakfast” and “lunch,” was first used in print by British writer Guy Beringer in 1895. Beringer says, “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” (Rhodes). 

The origins of the actual meal vary – some historians believe it originated from England’s hunt breakfasts, while others say it began with Catholics fasting before mass. England’s “hunt” breakfasts were prepared by servants who cooked the day’s catch by hunting parties. These breakfasts usually consisted of “a smorgasbord of goodies such as chicken livers, eggs, meats, bacon, fresh fruit and sweets” (Rhodes). 

Others believe the meal originated in New York since many of the main dishes - such as eggs benedict and lox bagels – were commercialized by New York’s dining spots. Wherever the source, it was evident brunch was a meal for the privileged in its early years. For example, the initial spark of brunch began in the 1930s when celebrities would take the transcontinental train to Chicago for a late morning meal. Hotels would be the main source of brunch as most restaurants closed early on Sundays. However, soon restaurants began to pick up on the trend and provided cocktails such as mimosas and Bloody Marys alongside the meals. During this era, it was the upper class who had the time and money to day drink, essentially disregarding the Prohibition (Jay). 

Following World War II, more women entered the workforce and used going out to brunch as an outlet for their families (Rhodes). The meal started to become gendered towards women as “Washington Post writer Ruth Chambers called brunch a ‘meal for professional women,’ an alternative social event for Ladies Who Lunch now working full-time jobs” (Herman). During this period, the meal’s appeal shifted from the upper class to working middle class. 

Brunch Today

During the 1980s, brunch began to look like what it is today - stigmatized by being classified as a “women’s” meal, but slowly improving in its inclusivity of all genders and classes. Pop culture and television (i.e. shows such as Sex and the City and How I Met Your Mother) are top contributors to the idea that brunch is a meal reserved for women to get together (Herman). Sex and the City emphasizes brunch as both a sign of social status among women as well as a group excursion to gossip. In another show, How I Met Your Mother, Marshall (one of the main male characters), gets teased by his friends for wanting to get brunch with a male friend as they characterize the meal as “girly.”  

 

However, more recently shows such as You’re the Worst have reinforced the idea that brunch is a chance for friends (regardless of gender) to get together and rehash the details of their weekend, laugh, and enjoy good food and company before the beginning of another week. It has become a part of millennial culture through the support of social media and the predisposition to spend on experiences. Social media outlets such as Snapchat, Instagram, and Yelp have strongly influenced “brunch” culture and the idea of dressing up and going to brunch spots with “aesthetically appealing” foods. With free marketing, restaurants are largely profiting from brunch culture and becoming one of the main sources of spending of those with disposable income/time. 

Brunch Fast Facts and Stats (Ferdman)

• Mother’s Day is the most popular day to brunch 

• Brunch is heavily concentrated around the coasts of the United States

• 89% of adults ate breakfast in 1971, the number dropped to 82% in 2002 and has been gradually declining since 

• Brunch staples vary from state-to-state and culture; for example, biscuits and fried chicken are popular in Atlanta, lobsters and oysters at Las Vegas’ “all-you-can-eat brunch,” and dim sum is a main dish of brunches at Chinese restaurants

     

                               

Where Should I Brunch Next? 

At this point, you’re probably hungry and craving brunch food. If not, save this list for another day when you can’t decide where to eat! Below are some delicious places to brunch around Los Angeles: 

• Republique 

• Joan’s on Third

• Grand Central Market 

• Bird’s Nest Café 

• Prank

• Industriel

• Bouchon 

• Commissary

• Sqirl 

• Trois Familia

• Barbara Jean LA 

• Paley 

• Hyperion Public

• Café Los Feliz 

• Fig & Olive 

• Viviane 

Happy Brunching! 

        

(From left to right: Grand Central Market, Industriel, Paley, Hyperion Public)