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There are at least two stories about the original eggs Benedict, though both date to 1890’s New York City.

One story names Delmonico’s as the point of origin, in 1893. A Mrs LeGrand Benedict (and possibly her husband) were tired of the usual fare at the restaurant, and negotiated the new dish with the help of the maître d’hôtel.

Serving eggs Benedict at the Waldorf-Astoria

The more interesting story credits Mr Lemuel Benedict, who requested toast, bacon, poached eggs, and a small pitcher of hollandaise to help treat a hangover one morning in 1894 at the Waldorf-Astoria. If true, Mr Benedict also appears to have been the first to recognize the therapeutic effects of eggs Benedict.

So, take your pick: 1893 or 1894, downtown or midtown, restaurant or hotel, wife of the elite or Wall Street broker, fighting tedium or fighting intoxication.

Visitor Comments

My father's mother was Florence Benedict. My Uncle, LeGrand, was named for their mother's father, LeGrand Benedict. So since you're talking about my great-grandmother, I certainly think the history involving her must be correct and the other Benedict is just an imposter.

Ron Fonda
April 22, 2002