There are a lot of great choices for brunch in Denver, including The Original Pancake House. This long-standing social tradition is a favorite in the Mile High City. What better way to enjoy a relaxing weekend than with a leisurely late meal and good company?
Everyone knows that both the word brunch and the common foods served are a combination of breakfast and lunch. But do you know where this tradition came from? The word itself was coined in 1895 England by a writer named Guy Beringer in his article, Brunch: A Plea. He wrote about a need for an alternative to the traditional big Sunday dinner. He thought that a lighter, more social meal would “make life brighter for Saturday-night carousers.”
Before the word brunch was being used, the act of enjoying a large meal was being practiced. Traditional English breakfasts before a big hunting party featured multiple courses and a wide variety of meats, egg dishes and desserts. It was also traditional for Catholics to fast before Sunday mass and then eat a large midday meal. It was in the 1930’s that he tradition of brunch seems to have become popular in America. Hollywood stars on cross-country train trips would stop in Chicago for a late morning meal. Many restaurants were closed on Sundays so hotels took advantage of this by developing and promoting their brunch menus.
World War II also plays a role in the popularization of brunch. During the war, many married women went to work. Many kept their jobs after the war and going out to eat on Sunday was necessary to give them a much-needed break. Church attendance also started to drop post-WWII and brunch was an opportunity for people to eat and socialize in the late morning.
When you want to celebrate history with brunch in Denver, come visit us at The Original Pancake House!