Hosting the Perfect Brunch
A Veghead Chef's Guide to Colorful Gatherings
Hey there, brunch lovers! If there's one meal that's guaranteed to bring joy and laughter, it's brunch!! Whether you're planning a casual get-together with your girls or a special holiday brunch like Mother’s Day, there's something magical about this mid-morning feast.
As a seasoned private chef who has whipped up countless brunch spreads in The Hamptons, I'm here to share my top tips for hosting a brunch that's as vibrant as it is delicious. So, let's roll up our sleeves and dive into the wonderful world of brunch!
Menu Planning: Crafting the Perfect Brunch Spread
When it comes to planning a brunch menu, the key is to strike the perfect balance between breakfast favorites and lunchtime delights. Here's a general framework to guide you:
Protein, aim for two "breakfast" proteins like eggs, bacon or sausage, along with one "lunch" protein such as fish or chicken. Don't forget about options for vegetarian and vegan friends, like tofu or tempeh.
Salads Galore, include at least one salad option, whether it's a seasonal fruit salad or a vibrant green salad packed with seasonal veggies.
Grains and Starches, add a comforting grain or starch dish to the mix, such as crispy hash browns, fluffy pancakes, or quinoa fruit salad.
Seasonal, embrace the flavors of the season by incorporating plenty of fresh, seasonal fruit into your menu. Think vibrant berries, juicy peaches, and tangy citrus.
Fresh Juice, elevate your brunch experience with a refreshing beverage like fresh-pressed juice or mimosas. Mocktails are also a great option for a non-alcoholic beverage!
Summer Brunch Menu.
July is the perfect time to indulge in the flavors of summer! Here's a sample menu to inspire your next brunch gathering:
MINT JUICE
Cucumber + mint + pineapple
SUMMER HERB FRITTATA
Local eggs + zucchini + spinach + basil parsley + chives
LOCAL APPLE SMOKED BACON
CAST IRON HASH BROWN
SMASHED CHICKPEA SANDWICHES
Chickpeas with tahini + Dijon mustard local grilled artisan bread
LOBSTER SALAD WITH CITRUS VINAIGRETTE
Fresh lobster + avocado + cucumbers + sprouts over mixed greens + citrus vinaigrette
Preparing Ahead for Success
To ensure a stress-free brunch experience, it's essential to prepare as much as possible ahead of time. Here's what you can do the day before:
Prep Ahead, using the menu above as an example you can prepare dishes like the smashed chickpea salad, hash browns or frittata to reheat, citrus vinaigrette, and cut the produce for juicing. Pick up your lobster from your local market, ask for fresh cooked meat. This allows you to focus on enjoying the festivities on the day of the brunch.
Set the Scene, set the table ahead of time with colorful linens, vibrant flowers, and eye-catching plateware. Let your imagination run wild and infuse your brunch spread with pops of color and personality.
Colorful Brunch Delights: Setting the Table
When it comes to hosting brunch, color is key, in my opinion! Channel your inner artist and infuse your table setting with vibrant hues and playful patterns. Here are a few tips to get you started:
Fun Linens, choose colorful or monochromatic tablecloths and napkins to set the tone for your brunch gathering.
Blooms, add a touch of natural beauty with colorful floral arrangements as your centerpiece. Flowers bring life to the table and create a welcoming atmosphere for your guests.
Chargers and Glassware, elevate your table setting with chargers and glassware in coordinating colors. Mix and match patterns for an eclectic look.