Mother’s Day Brunch Spots

There’s something about “brunch” that just seems so classy and luxurious. Take a look at some top picks for where to take your mom this Sunday to make her feel like a lady of leisure.

May 5, 2009; 9:49 PM • by Kelly Blanchard

Mother’s Day Brunch. Sounds like a cliché’, right? I mean, is brunch really something special to give to your mom (or, ahem, wife = mother to your children)? Let’s face it, what she probably wants is an uninterrupted morning to sleep in. So, let her sleep. Then, give her a morning unlike the rest.

Just what do the rest of those mornings look like, you ask? Oh, let me see… Mommas don’t “get up in the morning.” No, we are *gotten* out of our beds. Are we waking up to the paper folded nicely next to the bed, slippers awaiting us at our feet, and Folgers in our cup? Doubtful. The things that we wake up to are engorged breasts, cries from the crib, whines from the kitchen, lunches to pack, diapers to change, clothes to set out and put on, shoes to find, breakfast to serve, keys to grab, seat belts to fasten, and off we go. It’s a good morning if we’ve managed to get ourselves dressed, forced down some caffeine, and eaten breakfast (and the fruit snacks that you find in the bottom of your bag do not count).

Now, I’m not saying here that mornings as a mom are always awful. There are definitely some sweet moments thrown in the mix. But, from the moment we mothers open our eyes, we’ve got to give, and then give, and then give some more. It’s kind of a rough awakening, if you ask me.

Now that you know what it’s all about, you’re responsible to take some action here. Make the morning of May 10th different than all of her other mommy-mornings. Start with the sleeping in part, of course, and then treat her to a nice morning out. Brunch is almost unheard of in a mom’s schedule, and Richmond has got some great little morning spots. I’m not talking a about IHOP or Einstein’s. Where to go? Try one of these scenarios…

Ceilito Lindo is a great little Mexican spot, just south of the river in the Westover Hills area. Mexican for breakfast? Yeah, I know, BUT they’ve got a great covered porch with lots of outdoor seating. You can order a mimosa to sip as you enjoy a nice spring morning. They also make the best omelets stuffed with spinach, cheeses, onions, peppers, mushrooms, and topped with their famous salsa. They’re friendly here, well priced, and delish. I bet they’d even let you order a taco before noon. (Celito Lindo, 4702 Forest Hill Avenue)

Want to take a stroll before or after brunch? Walking through Carytown without a stroller or Bjorn is a real treat for us moms. Take a stroll, and then take her to Weezie’s Kitchen. The atmosphere is casual, and extremely kid friendly (I know, we don’t all have good babysitting options). They’ve got a great brunch menu, including the best southern comfort choices: buttermilk pancakes, biscuits, sausage and gravy, French toast, chicken fried steak, egg sandwiches, and more. And you’ve gotta check out the home fries here – they’re the best. Now that you’ve seen a sample of the goods, aren’t you glad I mentioned the walking as well? (Weezie’s Kitchen, 3123 W. Cary Street)

If the mom in your life likes to shop, try Mosaic Café at the River Road shopping center. Sit inside or out, their brunch menu has – get this – shrimp and grits with a gouda cream sauce, (for breakfast!), eggs benedict, crustless quiche with feta, fresh herbs, spinach and tomato, just to give you a sampling. Not up for eggs? No big deal, because you are sure to satisfy any craving with their café’ menu, including yummy salads, wraps, and sandwiches. Take your time, enjoy your meal… then take her to the shops next door! (Mosaic Café, 6229 River Rd # A)

If you’re up for something different altogether, you must go to Edible Garden. Located way west on River Road, Edible Garden is a modest and charming restaurant. They pride themselves on using the freshest ingredients, as well as produce from local farmers. The menu is short (though not limiting), and always changing. Some previous to-die-for Sunday Brunch options have been cinnamon spiced brioche French toast stuffed with marscapone cheese with a side of Virginia bacon and homemade grits. If you don’t want to go sweet, go for the toasted French baguette topped with a fried egg, fresh mozerella, tomato and balsamic. You are not likely to forget this meal or experience soon. (Edible Garden, 12506 River Road)

Now, I realize that because I’m a mom of two little ones myself, I’ve written this from a “Help, I need to see what other people do in the mornings!” perspective. In case you’re wondering, I have not also forgotten that I too HAVE a mom. A mom who I love even more now that I know that she put up with thousands of mornings with me. A mom who *I* should be taking out for brunch, too. So, maybe I’ll see you there – with my mom in tow, as well as my girls. Whichever way it ends up, I think a Mother’s Day brunch is a cliché’ I’m willing to live with.

May 5, 2009 9:49 PM 2