Dear Readers, today’s post must begin with a confession:
Mattito’s is an avid supporter of brunch.
Eating brunch, making brunch plans, the whole concept of brunch…we love it. But does that news really surprise anyone? After all, it’s very hard for a person to actively dislike brunch. Not when it comes with the following perks, anyway:
Brunch Doesn’t Adhere to a Strict Schedule
Have you ever arrived at a restaurant late in the morning and tried to order a breakfast plate, only to be told that the restaurant stopped serving breakfast 30 minutes ago and you’ll have to order off of the lunch/dinner menu? Many small restaurants just don’t have the resources or kitchen space to serve breakfast all day, but it can still be pretty frustrating to learn that you missed out on a breakfast special (and reducing pricing) because you hit the snooze button a few extra times. Restrictive schedules can also be aggravating for parents with small children, because getting kids up, dressed, and out the door early in the morning can be like trying to herd cats. So, are late-risers and frazzled caregivers doomed to always miss eating breakfast out?
No, they aren’t, because brunch is there to save the day! Brunch is essentially the laid-back “cousin” of breakfast; it’s much more relaxed about hours and timing. “Brunchtime” can come in the late morning or even the early afternoon, so even the busiest among us can often find time to mosey on in. Convenient, no?
Brunch has Something for Everybody
Some people don’t like breakfast foods. As odd as that factoid may sound if you’re a huge fan of breakfast, there are people in the world who just don’t care for hash browns, eggs, toast, or even cereal. That’s okay; we’re all allowed to like different things. And brunch is a great way to celebrate these differences in taste, as menus often include both breakfast and lunch entrées. If you’re not a fan of huevos rancheros, then you can order an enchilada or a burrito. Conversely, if you’re the only breakfast-lover in a pack of breakfast-neutral diners, you can load up on chorizo tacos while everyone else opts for fajitas. Enjoy a late breakfast, enjoy an early lunch—either way, enjoy your meal!
Brunch is an Excuse to Consume Alcohol During the Day
Real talk: if you’re a healthy, responsible adult who knows your limits and generally makes good decisions, then there’s really nothing wrong with drinking alcohol in the morning or early afternoon. Still, for many of us, the old saying “It’s 5 o’clock somewhere!” isn’t enough to assuage the guilt that frequently accompanies day-drinking.
When it’s time for brunch, though, a little bit of booze usually makes its way to the table, and no one raises an eyebrow. You obviously don’t have to imbibe during your brunch meal; there’s no law on the books saying that consuming plain orange or tomato juice instead of mimosas or Boody Marys is verboten. But if you truly think that your early morning meal would be improved with a glass of champagne, a margarita, or even a draft beer, then brunch has your back.
Brunch Lets You Start the Day Off in a Leisurely Manner (and in a Good Mood)
Breakfast has long been hailed as the most important meal of the day, but it’s becoming more and more common for breakfast to be the hastiest meal of the day. While some people do get to enjoy casual, relaxed breakfasts on a regular basis, many more of us find ourselves wolfing down a burrito or a protein bar on our way to work or school. Forget about sitting quietly and sipping a cup of coffee, tea, or juice while you ponder the day ahead—throw your beverage into a thermos and try not to spill it on yourself while you’re driving!
By its very nature, though, brunch is a sit-down meal, and it’s one that is rarely enjoyed alone. Not only will you start out the day with a full belly, but you’ll also have a chance to socialize and make plans with your family and/or friends. Barring some kind of relationship drama, you’ll probably leave the table in better spirits than when you first sat down!
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Not everyone has the time or means to have a real, full-fledged brunch every week; that’s a sad fact. But it’s still something to consider doing—at the very least—every once in a while. Brunch can be as festive or as low-key as you want it to be, so make it yours. Just keep one thing in mind: the only thing better than a “regular” brunch is a Tex-Mex brunch!
