Treating Mom to brunch on Mother's Day is a time-honored tradition. Families pack restaurants to pay homage to the people in their lives who offer consistent sources of care and comfort.
As with any holiday, making plans early offers the most choices, but procrastinators need not worry. We've identified a few possibilities that still have tables available. Or just stay home and cook. After all, isn't it the thought that counts?
Fig & Olive
The New York-based Mediterranean restaurant has been a hit since it opened in March. For Mother’s Day, the restaurant will serve a three-course, $42 prix-fixe for brunch and a $49 prix-fixe at dinner. Starter options include the signature croquettes, and the entree choices accommodate just about every taste. Only early seatings are still available for brunch, but a few prime dinner spots are still available. Call 832-632-6632 or use OpenTable for reservations.
Aces of Taste
Let the pop-up masters provide mom with a memorable experience. Chef Evelyn Garcia’s three-course menu includes passed appetizers, blood orange salad, and a crab cake benedict. Plus, the $35 includes a bouquet of flowers from Amanda Bee Floral. Best of all, CultureMap readers can save 15-percent with the code CM15.
The Grove
This scenic restaurant in Discovery Green recently rolled out an all-new brunch buffet. For $35 ($15 for kids 12 and under, kids two and under are free), diners can choose from a range of options including a carving station, an omelet station, dishes like barbecue brisket Benedict and bananas Foster French toast, and more. Those looking for refreshment can choose from mimosa, margaritas, sangria, or mojitos; the first one is $15, but every refill is only one cent. What mother could say no to a deal like that? Reservations available via OpenTable.
Moxie’s
If mom’s a sports fan, she’ll love this stylish Canadian import that recently opened in the Galleria area. The three-course, $39 menu starts with a choice of soup or salad and continues with entree choices such as chipotle mango chicken and lobster and shrimp linguine. Or splurge on a 12-ounce, USDA Prime New York strip for an extra $15. Call 346-571-6164 for reservations.
Bellagreen
Already have plans on Sunday? The healthy, fast casual restaurant is offering its Mother’s Day specials all weekend. They include $1 mimosas until 2:30 pm, half price appetizers with the purchase of a bottle of wine, and $10 gift cards for mom. Of course, the restaurant’s full range of salads, wraps, pizzas, and more is available.
Jaxton’s Bistro
Cypress-area residents may want to consider this European-inspired restaurant that recently welcomed veteran Houston chef Micah Rideout to its kitchen. The three-course, $34.95 menu includes starters such a smoked salmon dosa or wood-fired patatas bravas and entrees such as crab cake Benedict and summer squash and onion quiche; kids ages 12 and under eat for just $12.95. Beverage options include a mimosa pairing for $15, a mimosa flight for $24, or a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar for $9.95. For reservations, email reservations@jaxtonsbistro.com or call 832-653-2297
Peli Peli
On a busy restaurant day like Mother’s Day, the safest plan is to choose a well-established restaurant with a reputation for good service, and few places take pleasing diners as seriously as this South African-inspired fine dining concept. The brunch menu includes chicken schitzel with deep fried waffles and stuffed kitka French toast. All three locations have tables available, so check OpenTable for specific times.
Carmelo’s Cucina Italiana
This Memorial-area favorite is serving a decadent, $35 brunch buffet from 10 am to 3 pm that includes everything from omelets and prime rib to fresh fruit, pancakes, bacon, and more. Brunch is also family friendly; kids 12 and under are $12, and a balloon artist will be on hand to keep the youngsters entertained.
Lady M Confections
For moms with a sweet tooth, consider this pop-up that’s taking place Saturday and Sunday in The Galleria. The NYC-based bakery will be serving its signature Mille Crêpe Cake (made with at least 20 layers of delicate crepes) as both whole cakes (pre-order here) or slices from a stand directly in front of Nordstrom. Three flavors are available, and quantities are limited.
Treat mom to Fig & Olive for brunch or dinner.
