What Makes a Great Weekend Brunch Menu?

Brunch sits somewhere between breakfast and lunch, which gives restaurants plenty of room to be creative. The best menus balance a few classics with one or two memorable dishes.

The building blocks

• Something sweet: pancakes, waffles, glazed donuts or cinnamon rolls.
• Something savory: eggs any style, a good sandwich or a hearty hash.
• Something fresh: a seasonal salad or fruit bowl to lighten things up.
• Good drinks: proper coffee, fresh juice and a signature drink people talk about.

For the home host

Prepare what you can the night before: batter, dough, chopped vegetables and the table. On the day, cook two hot dishes, put out two cold ones, and keep the coffee flowing. Brunch should feel relaxed for the cook as well as the guests.