Special Occasion Brunches

Did you know the origins of brunch can be traced back to England in the late 19th century? The concept of brunch is believed to have been first proposed by British writer Guy Beringer in an 1895 article titled “Brunch: A Plea” in Hunter’s Weekly.

Beringer suggested that brunch was a more leisurely, social meal that could be enjoyed on Sundays after a late morning wake-up, as opposed to the heavier, more formal Sunday meals traditionally served in Britain.

Beringer’s idea caught on, and brunch gradually gained popularity in England before spreading to the United States in the early 20th century. Lucky us.

Easter Sunday and Mother’s Day are both hallmark occasions for brunch, and two SLU institutions: Waterways Cruises and Duke’s Seafood, offer special seatings for both holidays. Be sure to reserve soon before seats are gone.

If you miss the boat for those occasions, don’t worry — you can find regular brunches throughout SLU.

Patio Brunch is Best Brunch

Duke’s Seafood, the restaurant known for serving up award-winning chowder only does brunch twice a year: Easter Sunday and Mother’s Day. The insanely tasty menu comes with your choice of homemade blueberry scones or Duke’s double sourdough bread and features the Eggs Bene“Duke” (fresh Washington Coast Dungeness crab, poached eggs, wilted spinach and rosemary hollandaise served over a toasted Thomas English muffin); Wild Prawn “Benedict Arnold” (classic preparation with wild Mexican Pacific prawns, poached eggs, nitrite-free bacon and rosemary hollandaise served over a toasted Thomas English muffin); French Toast For the Most (Essential Baking Co. brioche dipped in a cinnamon egg wash, grilled and served with butter, real maple syrup and crispy bacon); and Veggie Scramble For Your Life (fresh asparagus, baby spinach, Walla Walla sweet onions and bell peppers sautéed with garlic and fresh herbs, scrambled with cage free eggs topped with Parmesan/Asiago and basil almond pesto. Don’t miss out on Duke’s Famous Bloody Bloody Mary (yes, that’s two Bloodys). This brunch cocktail is made with New Amsterdam vodka infused with roasted garlic and onions, black peppercorns, bell peppers, lemons and limes, mixed with Demitri’s All-Natural Bloody Mary Seasoning, and garnished with two jumbo Wild Mexican Prawns. dukesseafood.com

Brunch on a Boat

Hop on board a Waterways Cruises yacht for Easter brunch. The booking includes a 2-hour cruise on Lake Union and Lake Washington, a greet drink upon boarding, a private table, expansive buffet of classic Northwest brunch favorites, Easter crafts and goodies for kid, and yes, a full-service bar. The buffet features blueberry parfaits, assorted pastries, bacon, sausage, crudité, fingerling potatoes, mac n’ cheese, blintzes, carving and omelet stations, and dessert. The Mother’s Day brunch experience offers a similar spread, but swap out the Easter bunny and replace it with a special treat for mom at your table and optional enhancements like bottomless mimosas, customized cakes, and chocolate-dipped strawberries.