Why Brunch Will Always Be Cooler Than Lunch
I get this question a lot... why brunch? Why would one choose brunch over lunch? What's even the difference? Well, my friends. There's a major difference, and it's a sin to even think that brunch could be considered so similar!
Okay, I'm exaggerating a bit. Except not really.
You may think brunch is more of a modern meal, but it's actually been around for centuries. People were talking about it as far back as 1896!!!
It has become an American staple, and has swept the country by storm. A nationwide obsession and an instinctive fixation on the act of dining at a trending destination crawling with like-minded breakfast and champagne hungry individuals... a socially accepted weekend ritual is an understatement.
In American society, it's often perceived as a "hangover meal" ... don't get me wrong. A lot of times it is. But there is something absolutely magical about the act of brunching that goes far beyond needing a "hair of the dog" and a bagel in the morning. It's more than a meal, but an elaborate affair that brings people together over a delectable combination of breakfast and lunch food, aesthetically pleasing dishes, inquisitively crafted cocktails, strong lattes with foam masterpieces, the freshest and most colorful juices, sweets, treats, savory bites and so many one of a kind creations in between.
Growing up, my mom and my aunt would tell me about the time when they lived in NYC in the 80s and would be so excited to sit outside and brunch on the weekends. Fast forward 30 something years later in the same city, and I found myself with my friends never missing one weekend of brunch. From local spots to boozy over the top champagne brunches, I couldn't get enough and I fell in love... with brunch!!! Now in LA, the fun continues with countless brunch options, all boasting different experiences and menu items.
Why wait for 2 PM for lunch when you could have already been brunching since 11 AM? Lunch... it's got such a bland ring to it and I couldn't be happier that brunch has taken the spotlight, especially over the last 10 years or so.
Okay, so let's get to the nitty gritty. Here's why brunch will ALWAYS be cooler than brunch. Lunch may have held its own for a loooong time, but since the real breakout of brunch, there's no going back now.
BRUNCH IS NEVER TOO EARLY, AND NEVER TOO LATE.
11 AM start time? Great. Whether you drank or not the night before, sleeping until at least 10 AM on the weekends is sufficient rest. Want to start brunch at 2 PM one day? That's cool, brunch at most places usually goes til 4 PM.
COMBINING SICKENINGLY SWEET TREATS WITH SAVORY STAPLES IS NOT ONLY WELCOME, BUT IS DEVOURED.
The chicken and waffles. The pumpkin pancakes. Lemon ricotta french toast. The burger with a fried egg on top. Chilaquiles. The breakfast burrito. Every type of avocado toast variation you could imagine. The Lobster Benedict. I mean... am I right or am I right?!?!?!
THE OBVIOUS: IT'S SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE TO DRINK CHAMPAGNE (OR ANY COCKTAIL) IN THE MORNING.
Whether you're craving the bubbly (champs, mimosa or bellini) or you're into the $14 one of a kind cocktail made with pristine, flavorful and intriguing ingredients you've never heard of that come with an Instagrammable garnish, it's one of the most important things about brunch - and one of the most important things that people look forward to most!
YOU BOND WITH THE PEOPLE AT YOUR TABLE AND MAKE FRIENDS WITH THE TABLE SITTING NEXT TO YOU. IT'S THE PERFECT TOOL FOR NON-AWKWARD SOCIALIZING.
A lot of times, a friend brings a friend and you know nothing about them before and then by the time you leave, you're already planning to go out again that night. There's no need to ever feel awkward or nervous around new people!
OFTEN TIMES, BRUNCH DESTINATIONS ARE WATERING HOLES.
Especially local spots known for bottomless mimosas. It's pretty much guaranteed that there's going to be a lot of co-ed interaction. What better way to flirt than over a mimosa or two?
BRUNCH GIVES YOU PERMISSION TO DO RIDICULOUS THINGS TO GET THE PERFECT PHOTO.
Because it's brunch. You know you want to get that best flatlay of your french toast oozing with syrup alongside your fluffy pancakes and perfectly poached eggs. Stand on a chair, wait 20 minutes to eat, cause a scene... this is normal behavior for brunch. People just get it. Pull this at lunch and you probably won't have too many fans.
YOU CAN BE OVERDRESSED.
You can never look too fabulous. Brunch is an occasion... dress accordingly.
BRUNCH ALL AROUND IS LOOKED FORWARD TO THE MOST.
Whether you're in the mood for something more low-key, an upbeat vibe, or a place where you can dress to the nines, brunch is always looked forward to because it's a total crowd pleaser. It's no pressure and overall a welcoming experience. It's the best of both worlds and combines the best parts about breakfast, lunch, and even a night out all into a mid-morning occasion.
Do you even need any more convincing??
Photography by: Emma Lynn Cinema
