Brunch!

Brunch has had a separate meaning throughout my college years. When I was a freshman and sophomore, weekend brunch was always at the dining hall. My friends and I hardly strayed out of our college bubble during our first two years, and were very content with whatever the dining hall had to offer. I always looked forward to the hash browns, shredded of course and slathered with ketchup, and the pancakes...Oh how I adore pancakes. Any one of my friends can attest to my infatuation for pancakes. Sitting at our usual spot in the dining hall, a mountain of empty plates, and just chatting for a few hours was all we needed to get recharged and ready for the next week. In our junior year, we started to branch out and make it more of a priority to go out and try new restaurants and foods. Mostly because we no longer had a dining plan and the novelty of cooking for oneself quickly wears off when dirty dishes pile up in the sink...

Brunch as a meal is so versatile. There is always an option for everyone, even the pickiest of all eaters. My ideal brunch comprises of fresh fruit - golden pineapple spears, plump raspberries, vibrant strawberries and sweet honeydew are some of my favorites. Cleanse the palate with some coffee - black with one teaspoon of sugar for me. Now onto the next course...what are we thinking? My usual order is an egg-white omelette with onions, Swiss cheese and broccoli (for health purposes, of course!), served with crisp home fries and buttered whole wheat toast. I always insist we share something sweet as a table. Either thick, buttermilk pancakes with a sweet blueberry compote and freshly whipped cream...soft brioche french toast doused in maple syrup...fluffy cinnamon monkey bread dipped in a sugary glaze...No brunch is ever complete without something sweet (in my professional brunch opinion). Along with coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.

From sitting in the dining hall in pajamas, munching on frosted flakes and drinking too many cups of hot chocolate, to being stylishly dressed for a chic city brunch...Weekend brunches hold some of my fondest memories. It has always been a time where my friends and I relax (truly relax for the first time that week), and just enjoy being with one another and eat incredible food. And drink coffee. Did I mention coffee already?