彭蒙惠英语：Seoul’s Brunch Bunch（在线收听）

Seoul’s Brunch Bunch

By Norman Sklarewitz

Enjoy the ultimate all-American dining experience at top hotels in Seoul, South Korea.

1

In the view of many, the major American contribution to dining out is the fast food restaurant. Those familiar outlets dispensing over-the-counter or drive-by fare—such as hamburgers, hot dogs and pizza—are a fixture not only on the U.S. landscape but also all over the globe.

Yet a more elegant American tradition established years ago in fine hotels has also taken hold. It’s the Sunday brunch, described by one critic as “the ultimate all-American dining ritual.”

The term “brunch” was coined by combining the words “breakfast” and “lunch.” Brunch was first introduced as a meal that hotels began serving buffet style from late morning through the early afternoon. Convenient hours and expansive fare accommodated diners such as families coming in after church, golfers after completing an early morning round or locals meeting friends for a substantial meal.

Setting into Seoul

One hotel’s general manager considers his lavish brunch to be “an unforgettable gastronomic celebration, an event in and of itself. It’s not just a meal; it’s an adventure.” And it’s one that has hit Seoul, South Korea.

About 10 years ago, brunch was introduced at one or two luxury hotels in Seoul, where it quickly found responsive patrons. Before long, other places introduced the Sunday brunch to their dining rooms. As a result, today, American-style Sunday brunch can be enjoyed at almost every top Seoul hotel.

Most of the basic elements that originated in the United States have been carried over to Seoul. For one thing, the brunch is served buffet style with guests invited to partake of the wide range of dishes arrayed on long tables and at specialty “stations.” Those with hearty appetites appreciate the freedom to go back for “seconds” or even “thirds” under the “all you can eat” policy.

Vocabulary Focus

fare (n) [fZE] the type of food that is served

fixture (n) [5fikstFE] something that has been in a place for a long time

take hold (idiom) to become established

in and of itself (idiom) independent, not relying on other things

Specialized Terms

buffet (adj) 自助餐的 relating to a meal where people serve themselves from a variety of types of food

gastronomic (adj) 美食的 relating to the art and knowledge involved in preparing or eating good food

partake (v) 吃喝，享用 to eat or drink