Origin of Brunch

How did Brunch Begin?

I wondered that same question myself so I did a little digging and this is what I found.

According to my favorite source of information, Wikipedia, I discovered that the first recorded use of the word dates back to 1896 in a British magazine.  However, the article states that it was already common in the U.S. but it doesn't exactly state how early it became an event.  For some reason, I don't know why, I always thought that brunch was a product of the 1920's.  Perhaps something originating from a novel by Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald or Truman Capote. 

Obviously, the word is a marriage between breakfast and lunch.  But that's the English version.  The French try to avoid "English" terms being introduced into their language so they call it "le grand petit déjeuner"  translated as the "big breakfast".

The German word for brunch is "Gabelfrühstück".  Everyone try saying that 3 times fast! 

Apparently, according to the same source, brunch in New York is popular as a remedy for hangovers resulting from heavy partying the night before.  I wonder how Mimosa's and Bloody Mary's work into that equation? 

Personally, I'm thankful to the pioneer foodies who developed the tradition of brunch.  It is, and will always be, my favorite meal of the day.

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