wine with breakfast?

As I sat down to lunch in a smart but friendly Melbourne restaurant recently, I found myself ordering a wine with my Artichoke & Mussel Soup with Crème Fraiche & Sourdough Garlic Toasts.

“You are obviously a very conservative thing Maryann.” I thought to myself, having really only ever drunk wine in the late afternoon or evening and never ever on my own! 

There are undeniable social norms about when certain beverages are acceptable to consume. I have never, for example, ordered a Pinot Noir with the Mushroom & Brioche breakfast special.

A coke with your scrambled eggs? I think not!

What about a freshly squeezed orange juice to finish off your evening meal?

As a child, I used to order a glass of milk with dinner when my parents would take us out to restaurants. The look of bewilderment on the wait-staff’s faces stays with me even to this day!

I remember how shocked I felt travelling through Europe (many moons ago), when I noticed a middle aged man sitting down to breakfast with his wife at a quaint street-side café, nursing a hearty glass of red! He wasn’t alone. Other tables were specked with a bright orange aperitif known as a Veneziano (Aperol, Prosecco, Tonic Water) or Champagne.

The question must be asked, “Why not?” The pH of the wine may indeed act as an effective aid to digestion! Those Europeans were on the ball with the Olive Oil thing after all!

Or perhaps, the occasional, moderate splurge on fine wine with breakfast or lunch simply makes the dining experience that little more memorable.

I don’t know what I had yesterday, but I still remember every moment of my lunch in Melbourne. I remember how much I enjoyed the experience and I remember how I had to, in fact, stop myself from skipping down the streets of Melbourne for the remainder of the day. 

I will add here that I am certain this wasn’t just an effect of the alcohol either! I honestly don’t think a pre-packaged Iced Coffee would have had the same effect.

Eating out should be an enjoyable experience. It doesn’t have to be gluttonous, but I know I will be leaving my options open when it comes to choosing what beverage I consume with my meals from now on – whatever the time of day!

Lake's looking lovely today everyone - come on in!