What makes a good brunch? Long, lazy culinary sessions, preferably with a view.
Brunch is a favourite across the world, particularly during the warmer months when fresh spring and summer produce can be enjoyed outdoors.
Trends like Dubai-style long brunches have hit SA’s shores with Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront recently having launched its seasonal Breakers Brunch. A three-hour long buffet and platter-style seasonal food and drink experience on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Head Chef Norman Heath comments:
“Brunch should be all about enjoyment, good food and fun. Think bottomless drinks, an incredible menu, stunning views and captivating live music.”
It’s so popular, in fact, that across South Africa, we’ve also seen the opening of all-day breakfast establishments looking to carry brunch well into the evening. Strictly speaking though, brunch is best enjoyed between the hours of 11:00 am and 16:00 – not quite breakfast, not quite dinner, and not quite lunch.
To really enjoy the brunch experience, take note of these top tips.
Get a crew together
Brunch should be enjoyed in good company. It’s a social experience that includes bringing people together through food and drink.
Having more friends or family at your table ensures that through everyone ordering something different, you can share each other’s dishes and have a full experience of the menu. For buffet-style brunches that offer more dishes than one person can eat, strategise who will pick up what and share as many dishes as possible among each other.
Come hungry
While brunch doesn’t have to be a heavy meal, the fact that it’s lunch and breakfast combined means that you’ll want to make sure that you’re eating enough for the day. Enjoy a light breakfast that morning if you must, but make sure to arrive hungry.
Cape Town local, Lauren Paris, recently had the chance to try the Breakers Brunch and her advice is similar:
“Go hungry, don’t forget your shades, relax and allow the flavours to take you on a journey.”
Start light and pace yourself
Generally speaking, proteins and carbohydrates fill us up faster than fruits and vegetables. The trick is to start off with light fruit and vegetable starters, followed by carbohydrates like savoury pastries and bread. These can then be followed by protein heavy-options like egg dishes, seafood, meats and pulses.
Food and travel influencer, GotThePassports, advises:
“Make sure to take breaks in between, stand up to look at a view or take pictures in order to not fill yourself up too fast”.
Remember that brunch etiquette is a thing
During peak season when great eateries are fully packed, guests who decide to go off the menu by ordering complicated dishes can hold up service for everyone. If you’re not sure whether a menu offers the types of dishes you’d like to try out, consider calling in advance or going online to find out more about the menu selection.
Be kind to busy waiting staff, especially with regard to bottomless drinks orders. “A general rule of thumb for large tables referring to bottomless drinks orders is that there should be no more empty drinks on the table than there are people,” notes Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront Food & Beverage Manager, Colleen Lategan.
End it off right
After arriving with excitement and zest at the prospect of a lavish meal with friends, your food experience will likely leave you feeling relaxed and full. To counteract this, and the mimosas you enjoyed, order a coffee about half an hour before you leave and make sure to end off with a selection of desserts.
Arrange your transport home
If you are going to be indulging in bottomless alcoholic beverages – or even just one – be sure to arrange for a lift home. A ride hailing service like Uber could work, or ask family or a friend to be your lift home. It’s silly season, but there’s no reason to take unnecessary risks. Be safe, have fun.
ALSO SEE: 8 scrumptious Sunday brunch recipes
Feature Image: Courtesy of Breakers Brunch at Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront
Issued by: Irvine Partners
