Apr 30 2009
The Mother of All NYC Mother’s Day Brunch Guides
The way to a Mom’s heart is through her stomach. Here are dozens of NYC restaurants that are offering special brunch and dinner menus with Mom in mind. Though May 10th is quickly approaching, it’s not too late to make a reservation. So do as the Scissor Sisters tell you and “take your mama out”:
10 Downing Food & Wine: 10 Downing’s dinner menu features a complimentary glass of prosecco, bellini, or mimosa for all Mom’s. (212-255-0300)
5 Ninth: Soft shell crab, oysters, whole lobster, filet of beef, chocolate soufflé, strawberry shortcake. Free champagne for Mom. (212-929-9460)
Adour at the St. Regis: A special 3-course Mother’s Day tasting menu with an exclusive parting gift to each Mom from the pastry chef. (212-710-2277)
Agozar!: Brunch includes a complimentary glass of mimosa or Bloody Mary...and not just for Mom. (212-677-6773)
Aleo: Mom’s entree is free with the purchase of entree equal or higher value. (212-691-8136)
Aquavit: Offering the Scandinavian smorgasbord brunch for $60 that we hear comes with a free glass of champagne (not just for Mom, either) and also offering a special Mother’s Day menu for dinner. (212-307-7311)
Asiate: Treat Mom to a special 3-course prix-fixe brunch ($68/person) 35 floors above Columbus Circle with stunning views of Central Park. Sunday 11:30am-3pm ($68/person). (212-805-8881)
At Vermilion: Despite it’s struggles, this Midtown East Nuevo Latino–Indian import from Chicago is going all out for the holiday with a six-course seafood extravaganza (though vegetarian options are available) including lobster bisque and a Brazilian caldeirada. Mom gets free glass of champagne (brunch noon–3 PM, dinner 5–10 PM; $55 per person, $105 with wine pairings; 212-871-6600).
Atlantic Grill: On Sunday honor your mother at Atlantic Grill & receive a complimentary cocktail with brunch entree. Here’s the Mother’s Day menu. (212-988-9200)
Aureole: Straight from the Charlie Palmer newsletter: “When you bring Mom in for her special day, Charlie will help you show your gratitude by offering complimentary sparkling “toasting” wine to all your guests. Just introduce us to your mom and see what happens.” Mother’s Day 3-Course “Sumptuous” Prix-Fixe is $95 per adult/$50 per child. (212-319-1660)
Bar Blanc Bistro: Treat Mom to a delicious brunch or a special 3-course prix-fixe dinner menu (11:30am-3pm; $47; 212-255-2330).
Bar Boulud: Serving brunch & a prix-fixe menu $45 (2 courses) or $55 (3 courses) from 11am-3:30pm. 4-9pm enjoy a la carte or a prix-fixe menu $55 (3 courses). Mom gets a complimentary copy of the book “Cooking With Daniel Boulud.” (212-595-0303)
Beacon: Pamper Mom w/ a 3-course celebratory brunch, a complimentary mimosa & family portrait she will treasure forever! (10:30am-2:30pm; $44/adult; $22/child under 10; 212-332-0500).
Benjamin Steakhouse: Offering a generous $69 Mother’s Day Prix-Fixe, including crab cakes with a roasted pepper puree and seasonal greens, lamb chops with creamy mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus, USDA prime dry aged rib eye steak with sautéed spinach and onion rings, and more. Check out the menu here. In addition, Benjamin Steakhouse will be giving each Mom a $25.00 gift certificate to use the next time they dine. Maybe your Mom will return the favor and give you the $25 gift certificate so you can go back and try one of Benjamin’s burgers that have been receiving so much attention of late. (52 E. 41st St.; 212-297-9177)
Benoit: Offering a 3-course menu with several choices ($50/adult; $25/child under 12; 646-943-7373). Oh yeah, and a free copy of Ducasse Made Simple cookbook for Mom.
Bocca Restaurant: Mom’s drink is on the house at this Gramercy Italian. Offering a 4-course prix-fixe menu ($55/person), as well as its regular menu (12-10pm; 212-387-1200)
Bottino: Enjoy a Mother’s Day 3-course brunch in or overlooking the garden, with a complimentary bellini or Bloody Mary ($25 per person; 212-206-6766)
Bouley: Serving a 6-course tasting menu with choices on Mother’s Day (11:30am-11:30pm; $95 per person; 212-964-2525)
Braai: At this theater district South African restaurant, Mom gets a complimentary brunch entree & a glass of sparkling rosé at brunch. For dinner, offering a 3-course prix-fixe with complimentary bottle of wine ($59/adult). (212-315-3315)
Braeburn: Sunday brunch 11am-3pm & dinner 5-9pm. In addition to the regular menu, Braeburn is offering a 3-course menu during dinner ($40). Mom will receive a special gift (and it’s not the check). (212-255-0696)
Brasserie: Offering a special 3-course prix-fixe menu for $39.50 per person. (
Broadway East: Offering a special greenmarket brunch both Saturday and Sunday. Mom gets a complimentary glass of champagne & warm banana bread. But what about us? (212-228-3100)
Café Boulud: Offering continuous service 12-9pm with a 3-course spring menu and a la carte selections. Mom gets a complimentary copy of the book “Cooking With Daniel Boulud.” (212-772-2600; $95/adult; $45/child under 12 years $45).
Caffe Grazie: Celebrate Mother’s Day in a beautiful UES townhouse. Brunch includes 2 courses & a complimentary mimosa or Bloody Mary (212-717-4407; $29 per person)
Cru: Offering a 4-course meal dinner with choices including a glass of champagne. (212-529-1700)
Darbar: Sat & Sun 11:30am-4pm, treat Mom to a special brunch ($14.95), including unlimited mimosa, Bloody Mary, or screwdriver, plus buffet. Also, a free glass of wine for mom during dinner.
db Bistro moderne: Offering an a la carte brunch / lunch menu 11am-3pm. Beginning at 5pm, offering a 3-course dinner menu ($75/person). Mom gets a complimentary copy of the book “Cooking With Daniel Boulud.”(212-391-2400)
Dovetail: Offering a three-course brunch for $35 per person as well as a $65 three-course dinner option (212-362-3800)
Dylan Prime: A la carte menu with chef’s special items. No corkage all weekend long. Offering a $35 prix-fixe in the lounge. (212-334-4783)
Eleven Madison Park: Chef Humm is creating a wonderful 4-course menu offered ($98/guest) for this special Mother’s Day. (212-889-0905 or OpenTable)
Gilt: Chef Justin Bogle’s special 3-course brunch menu will include some familiar brunch classics as well as signature dishes such as English Pea Ravioli, which combines house-made pasta with ricotta cheese, buttermilk, speck ham and farm-fresh English peas, and his Spring Salad, a delightful medley of seasonal baby vegetables, petite greens and elderflower. (brunch 11AM-5PM; $95 per person; 212-891-8100)
Irving Mill: Mother’s Day Brunch with special menu, including appetizer, main course, & dessert (brunch 11:30AM-3PM; $35 per person; 212-254-1600). A la carte menu not available for brunch.
Isabella’s: Celebrate Mom’s special day with special brunch menu featuring wild king salmon, soft shell crab scampi, casco bay sea scallops, & other special dishes made just for her. (212-724-2100)
JoeDoe: In addition to special brunch items (”mom’s pancakes and eggs”), this East Village newcomer is offering a five-course dinner called “The Irish Lady’s Pasta Dinner,” featuring meatballs, a seafood misto, baked ziti and lots of desserts (brunch 11 AM–4 PM; dinner 5–11 PM; $30 per person; 212-780-0262).
Kittichai: Special Mother’s Day 3-course prix-fixe brunch menu, ($35) 12-3pm. A special prix-fixe for dinner, ($35) 5:30pm – 11pm. A la carte menus available. Patio dining, weather permitting. (212-219-2000)
L’Absinthe: This tried-and-true French bistro is serving up a three-course menu for $58 that includes a quail and foie gras pâté croûte, an omelette with fresh morels, asparagus and swiss cheese, duck leg confit and a dessert trolley (11:30 AM–9:30 PM; 212-794-4950)
L’Ecole: The restaurant of the French Culinary Institute recently launched a Sat-Sun weekend brunch. You get a basket of fresh bread and pastry (no hidden fees for the fresh bread here), and your choice of appetizer and entreé every Saturday and Sunday for just $19.50. Take a look at the menu here. (212-219-3300)
Market Table: Offering an extended Sunday brunch from 12-9pm. Chef Mikey Price is offering a special prix-fixe menu that will be available all day ($45). (212-255-2100)
Mint: Complimentary champagne or dessert will be served. (212-644-8888)
Mocca: All-you-can drink bloody marys, mimosas, screwdrivers, and Champagne for $20. (212-233-7570)
Museum of Modern Art: ZagatBuzz reports that for something different, the MoMA is offering a private breakfast in Cafe 2, followed by an hour-long guided tour and free admission for the rest of the day (9 AM; $60 per adult, $25 per child 16 and younger; $50 for MoMA and corporate members; call 212-708-9685 or e-mail groupservices@moma.org for more info).
ONDA: This cozy & vibrant place in the seaport sporting a Latin vibe is offering an affordable 3-course menu 12am-9pm ($29.95/person). (212-513-0770)
One if by Land, Two if by Sea: Offering a 3-course dinner ($65/person; $30/child under 12). Live piano.
Ono: Kill two birds with one hot stone and treat Mom to an AYCD brunch and a spa day at the Gansevoort. Prix-fixe brunch menu with bottomless mimosas or Bloody Marys ($35) & discounted gSPA packages including $35 for a spa mani or pedi or $65 for an express massage or facial. (212-660-6766)
Perry St: Retreat to a relaxed & lovely setting for food that reflects Jean-Georges’ culinary strengths & sensibility. Perry St is offering a prix-fixe 3-course brunch ($24).
Rock Center Cafe: Offering a lovely al fresco prix fix 3-course brunch ($40/person) & a special 3-course dinner ($55/person) with a free prosecco cocktail for Mom!
Rosa Mexicano: In celebration of Mom, we are offering special Mother’s Day Brunch menu additions & as a Rosa Mother’s Day tradition each Mother will receive a special gift to take home!
Rouge Tomate: From the Rouge Tomate newsletter: “In honor of Mother’s Day, Rouge Tomate will be open for a rare Sunday brunch. 12pm – 3pm. Delicious offerings for the person who fed you first! In addition, Mary Ann Zoellner and Alicia Ybarbo, authors of Today’s Mom: Essentials for Surviving Baby’s First Year, will be doing a book signing in the restaurant from 1pm – 2pm. Each party reserving a table will receive a free copy of the book for the signing.” (646-237-8977)
Smorgas Chef: Share a special Scandinavian 3-course brunch ($35) w. your mother. Menu choices include lobster bisque, steak & eggs, & our famous waffles. incl. one brunch cocktail.
SushiSamba: Both locations are offering a prix fixe, accompanied by a complimentary mimosa and a gift bag that includes a $10 gift card and a recipe (11 AM–3 PM; $35 per person, $15 for children under 12; West Village, 212-691-7885; Flatiron, 212-475-9377).
The Oak Room at the Plaza Hotel: Offering a massive prix-fixe Sunday Brunch ($85/person), including a complimentary glass of champagne. The brunch features a buffet selection including Smoked Salmon with Blini & Caviar, Lobster Cocktail, Fish Tacos, and a carving station with Drunken Ham, as well as a choice of entree such as Waffles with Cookies and Cream, French Toast Holes, and Lobster Benedict with Chorizo. A dessert station will include mini Strawberry Shortcake, Candied Apples, and Chocolate Mousse. We tried some of Executive Chef Eric Hara’s creations at The Taste of Hope event and have to say we were quite impressed. (11 AM–3:30PM; $75 per person; 212-758-7777)
All these places look great! One I didn’t see on the list that I have had great experiences with in the past is SOBs (Sounds of Brazil, 200 Varick St., in SOHO). If you’re looking for a unique and awesome experience for the whole family check this place out. I went last year with my fam and had a blast with Brazilian dishes and Bossa Nova. I recommend it – check out their website at: http://www.sobs.com/
I went to Atlantic Grill for Mother’s Day yesterday and the experience was indicative of everything that is wrong with the UES (from the perspective of a guy who lives in the UES with his girlfriend.)….too many strollers, too many toddlers treating the restaurant like their own playpen and parents sitting idle, admiring with the grandparents how cute the children were as they slammed into the back of my chair and created an obstacle course for the waiters.
Next year lets drill down the options a bit for those people who dont have children but still want to enjoy a nice afternoon with our mothers….complimentary mimosas are a plus