The Rules of Brunch — (brunch rules)
Brunch at Acadiana Restaurant
Brunch-goers are a passionate breed. Particularly in Washington, DC. And any dedicated brunch-goer knows, there’s more to it than just a mid-morning meal.
Brunch is a social occasion — a time to catch up on the weekend gossip and gather around a glorious smorgasbord. It’s the best of breakfast and lunch, often with the added bonus of dessert (and booze).
The term “brunch” was first coined in 1895 by an Englishman named Guy Beringer. Hunter’s Way Magazine published Beringer’s article “Brunch: A Plea,” where he argued for a lighter, post-church alternative to the traditional “heavy meats and pies.”
By eliminating the need to get up early on Sunday, brunch would make life brighter for Saturday-night carousers. It would promote human happiness in others ways as well. Brunch is cheerful, sociable and inciting… It puts you in a good temper, it makes you satisfied with yourself and your fellow beings, it sweeps away the worries and the cobwebs of the week. — The Founding Father of Brunch
Pure poetry. Not to mention, it gives merit to my hair-of-the-dog philosophy. For those of you not familiar with the brunch phenomenon, I’ve come up with a few rules that might give you a better grasp of DC’s favorite pastime. I borrowed the first two from Honolulu Magazine, and I call them the The Rules of Brunch:
- Brunch is always a special occasion. Brunch is never just a meal. It’s a feast! Celebration of good company is of the utmost importance.
- Brunch is the only time it’s socially acceptable to drink before noon. There are very few exceptions to this rule, so enjoy. It might even be illegal to brunch without a mimosa, I can’t remember.
- Gorging is allowed. Encouraged, actually. Think of it this way: it’s two meals in one, so you better sustain yourself til dinner.
- Presentation is everything. So is taste. Lucky for you, Washington, DC, has some of the best for both.
So cheers! We can thank Beringer for his plea — a little R&R in the form of a sociable feast. (Smart man) Remember the rules of brunch, and you can’t go wrong. Next post, I’ll be featuring some of the best brunch spots in the city. I’d love to hear your input, so shout at me.
In the meantime, the weekend is upon us, people. Carpe diem your Sundays.
