How did Eggs Benedict get its name?

Eggs Benedict is a classic breakfast dish that consists of poached eggs, Canadian bacon, and hollandaise sauce served on top of an English muffin. It is a popular choice on brunch menus around the world, but have you ever wondered how this dish got its unique name?

There are a few different stories about the origins of Eggs Benedict, but the most widely accepted one traces its creation back to New York City in the late 19th century. According to this story, a Wall Street broker named Lemuel Benedict walked into the Waldorf Hotel one morning feeling a bit worse for wear after a night of partying. He asked for toast, bacon, poached eggs, and hollandaise sauce to help cure his hangover.

The maître d'hôtel, Oscar Tschirky, was so impressed by Benedict's order that he put it on the menu, but made a few tweaks. He replaced the toast with English muffins and added Canadian bacon to the dish. The new creation was a hit and soon became known as Eggs Benedict in honor of its accidental creator.

Another theory suggests that Eggs Benedict was actually named after a regular customer at Delmonico's, a famous restaurant in New York City. In the late 1800s, a woman named Mrs. LeGrand Benedict reportedly ordered the dish with a side of bacon instead of Canadian bacon, and the chef decided to name it after her.

Regardless of its true origins, Eggs Benedict has become a beloved breakfast staple that is enjoyed by people all over the world. Whether you prefer the classic version with Canadian bacon or like to mix things up with smoked salmon or avocado, there is no denying the deliciousness of this iconic dish.

So next time you order Eggs Benedict at your favorite brunch spot, you can impress your dining companions with the story behind its name. And if you ever find yourself in New York City, be sure to pay a visit to the Waldorf Hotel or Delmonico's to taste the dish where it all began.

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