b'Ideas for creativelyserving up this comforting,popular mealBY CONNIE JESKE CRANES ome decades ago, South Carolina-based chef andSmith-Sullivans warm reminiscences, not to food writer Belinda Smith-Sullivan started her workmention her beautiful recipes, epitomize what life as a flight attendant based out of New York.most of us love about a good brunch. A casual vibe, Back then we were called stewardesses, just to give youaffordability, tantalizing foodand did we mention an idea how long ago that was, she says with a chuckle. the socially acceptable chance to down cocktails It was then, in between jetting the globe andbefore noon? Whats not to like?sampling new cuisines, that Smith-Sullivan first cameFor caterers, brunch is equally appealing, and to love brunch. Her latest cookbook, Lets Brunch:food industry reports consistently note its roaring 100 Recipes for the Best Meal of the Weekreleasedpopularity. (See sidebar on p. 35 for more details.)in September by publisher Gibbs SmithcelebratesHowever, plying garden-variety eggs benny that love. Originally, Smith-Sullivan says, brunch wasand OJ isnt going to net you Instagram raves or a simply the easiest way for her and her roommatesflurry of bookings. According to industry analysts, to entertain in their sixth-floor walk-up. I could getas comfy as the format is, brunch requires real friends to come every Sunday and climb the endlesscreativity and hard work. As Datassential recently stairs for a champagne brunchthat, by the way, didnoted: Today, a significant portion of customers are not break the bank!seeking opportunities to experience new and unique foods. Millennials, specifically, are very adventurous and interested in on-trend breakfast foods. With that challenge in mind, not to mention industry changes due to COVID-19, we talked to Specializing in handcrafted souffl pancakes,Sullivan and caterers with brunch expertise. Whats Fuwa Fuwa Japanese Pancakes in Torontoinspiring them in the kitchen? How are they staying serves up such tempting options as thissafe? And how are they preparing for this unusual Raspberry and Caramelized Banana Pancake. holiday season? Here are key strategies they shared:cateringmagazine.com CATERING MAGAZINE33'