The Best Mother's Day Brunches

Procrastinator's Guide to Mother's Day brunch: Top dining-out options mom will love

Taking mom out for Mother's Day? According to the National Restaurant Association, over 80 million American adults are expected to do just that. However, just like mom, not all Mother's Day menus are created equal. Here are some of our favorites:

AMERICAN

BISTRO ALEX
Highlights: Bistro Alex at CityCentre will feature a three-course, prix-fixe menu this Mother's Day — plus live jazz by Henry Darragh. Hum along to the music as you dine on items like strawberry salad, cornflakes-crusted chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, grilled steak migas, and strawberry shortcake. Bloody Mary’s and mimosas are just $3 each.
Available: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost per person: Prix-fixe menu is$32
Reservations: 713-827-3545

CULLEN'S AMERICAN GRILL
Highlights: If a raw seafood bar, breakfast station and an array of desserts aren't enough to make mom swoon, there's also a carving station. For that extra special touch, chocolates and fresh flowers can be delivered to your table by special arrangement.
Available: The brunch buffet is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with last seating at 4 p.m. Dinner service starts at 5 p.m. with the full menu available.
Cost per person: Brunch is$49.95 per adult, and children under 12 are $14.95.
Reservations: 281-991-2000

LINE & LARIAT
Highlights: You had me at free mimosas, and also buttermilk fried chicken and gruyere mac n cheese, poached Scottish salmon, and roast beef sirloin. But Hotel Icon’s Line & Lariat isn't stopping there, brunch also features waffle and omelet stations, assorted pastries and desserts, and a cold station with items like a raw oyster bar and gulf shrimp remoulade.
Available: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost per person: $58 for adults, $25 for children ages 6 to 11, free for children ages 5 and under
Reservations: 832-667-4470

TRINITI RESTAURANT + BAR
Highlights: This hot spot's Mother's Day brunch menu, four-course and prix-fixe, offers delectable items such as corn and lobster bisque, monkey bread french toast, frittatas (an Italian dish made with fried beaten eggs), Guinea hen, and pistachio Genoise (a rich and delicate Italian sponge cake).
Available: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost per person: Brunch menu is $65
Reservations: 713-527-9090

LUCILLE'S
Highlights: Lucille's a la carte brunch includes such Southern favorites as chili biscuits, pork belly and waffles, fried green tomatoes, oxtail skillet, shrimp and grits. Enjoy Bottomless mimosas or sangria for $15 per person.
Available: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost per person: Varies
Reservations: 713-568-2505

RDG + BAR ANNIE
Highlights: So many choices on the a la carte menu, including bacon-wrapped quail, bbq gulf crab meat, scrambled egg crepes with house smoked salmon and creamy avocado salsa, and, for dessert, chocolate bread pudding, pecan pie and fresh berry cobbler.
Available: Brunch is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dinner from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Cost per person: Varies
Reservations: 713-840-1111

TREVISIO
Highlights: This Texas Medical Center favorite features gigantic cold and hot buffet tables featuring smoked salmon, antipasti, cinnamon raisin French toast, Romano-crusted chicken and butternut squash risotto as well as an omelet station, roast tenderloin carving station and huge dessert table.
Available: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost per person: $45 for adults; $16 per child 7 and above
Reservations: 713-749-0400

CAJUN/CREOLE

BRENNAN'S OF HOUSTON
Highlights: Show mom some southern hospitality at Brennan’s. Turtle soup au sherry, Gulf Coast seafood cakes & eggs, pecan-crusted mahi mahi, Breaux Bridge crawfish omelette, and Brennan's white chocolate bread pudding are all options on the Texas Creole, three-course, prix-fixe menu.
Available: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost per person: $55 per adult and $15.95 per child
Reservations: 713-522-9711

FRENCH

L’OLIVIER RESTAURANT + BAR
Highlights: Pamper Mom this Mother’s Day with brunch at L’Olivier. On the four-course, prix-fixe menu: Butternut squash panzoti, crab cake Benedict, chicken crepes, and chocolate mousse.
Available: 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost per person: $55
Reservations: 713-360-6313

PHILIPPE RESTAURANT + LOUNGE
Highlights: You can't go wrong taking mom to Philippe where savory brunch menu highlights include chorizo scrambled eggs for $15 and eggs Benedict with bacon or smoked salmon plus hollandaise for $16. A second menu of Chef Specials offers a roasted half lobster with crab bisque, crab meat, asparagus and arugula salad for $25 and surf and turf with braised beef short ribs, prawns a la plancha and soft potato pancakes for $36. The $9 Fraisier tart is one of several dessert options.
Available: The brunch special is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the Chef Special is from 3 p.m to 8 p.m. The regular dinner menu is available all day.
Cost per person: Varies
Reservations: 713-439-1000

INTERNATIONAL

ROYAL SONESTA HOTEL
Highlights: Mother’s Day at the Royal Sonesta Hotel is triple the fun with complimentary mimosas, live music and a special brunch menu. Enjoy fare like chilled melon gazpacho, Peruvian ceviche copa, tuna tartar on wasabi seaweed, cinnamon raisin pecan brioche French toast with blueberry compote, lobster ravioli with cognac butter sauce, tomato-crusted barramundi fillet, and crème brulee to order.
Available: 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost per person: $55 for adults, $45 for seniors (65+), $25 for children ages 5 to 12, and free for children under 5.
Reservations: 713-627-7600

KIRAN'S
Highlights: The Indian-Latin brunch includes a migas and waffle station, an eclectic mix of entrees ranging from free-range chili tamales to chicken tika masala and desserts including tres leches, mango mousse and brioche bread pudding. The brunch also includes bottomless mimosas.
Available: 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Cost per person: $55 per person; $25 under 12
Reservations: 713-960-8472

PESCA WORLD SEAFOOD
Highlights: Two prix-fixe menus include shrimp bisque, paella and flourless chocolate cake (brunch) and empandas de carne, crab cakes Benedict and Venezuela-style flan (breakfast). There is also an a la carte menu.
Available: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost per person: $25 per person prix-fixe breakfast, $35 per person prix-fixe brunch. A la carte varies.
Reservations: 713-522-1330

JAPANESE/ASIAN

RA SUSHI
Highlights: Keep mom happy all day with a happy hour that goes from morning till close and offers a selection of more than 35 sushi, appetizer, and tapas items ranging from $2.25 to $7.25. For $3 to $7, choose from a variety of beer, wine, sake, and signature cocktails like Sake Sangria.
Available: 11 a.m. to close at both Houston locations
Cost per person: Varies
Reservations: RA Sushi does not accept reservations. For more information, call 713-621-5800 (Highland Village) or 713-331-2792 (CityCentre).

STRAITS ASIAN BISTRO
Highlights: It's hard to pass on the Mother's Day specials at this upscale Singaporean restaurant at CityCentre. Divine dishes ranging from $10 to $28 include ahi tuna ceviche, blue crabmeat and mango spring roll and Asian pesto-seared sea scallops with Chinese pork belly sticky rice and spicy red jalapeno curry sauce.
Available: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost per person: Varies
Reservations: 713-365-9922

LATIN

LATIN BITES
Highlights: Start your brunch off right with a Rocoto Porton Bloody Mary, then try items like Venezuelan cachapas (a traditional Venezuelan dish made from corn) and arepas (bread made of corn). Your mom and your wallet will enjoy the complimentary dessert of mil hojas (meaning “a thousand layers”) pastry.
Available: Brunch is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The regular menu is available from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost per person: Varies
Reservations: 713-229-8369

STEAKHOUSE

DEL FRISCO’S DOUBLE EAGLE STEAK HOUSE
Highlights: Banana and mascarpone stuffed French toast for $18 and steak & eggs for $26 are two of the items on Del Frisco’s festive Mother's Day brunch menu. There's also a choice of $10 kid-friendly plates like crispy chicken fingers, French toast and mini cheeseburgers.
Available: Brunch is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The regular dinner menu is available from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost per person: Varies
Reservations: 713-355-2600

At Latin Bites, order Mil Hojas, a delightfully light dessert.

Mother's Day dining May 2013 Latin Bites- Mil Hojas

Photo courtesy of Latin Bites

At Latin Bites, order Mil Hojas, a delightfully light dessert.

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no screaming required

15 Houston restaurants crafting nostalgic and decadent ice cream sundaes

Alex Montoya

The Pit Room in Memorial has a build-your-own dessert bar where patrons can craft sundaes with cookies and toppings.

There’s no need to scream for ice cream when dining at the Houston restaurants listed below as they all scoop out ice cream sundaes for patrons to enjoy. The timeless frozen treat has made a delicious comeback on dessert menus, with variations — like decadent build-your-own bars — appearing all over Houston.

This list takes a broad view of what constitutes a sundae — in line with its dictionary definition of “a dish consisting of ice cream served with toppings.” With that description in mind, sundae fans will discover several iterations of the classic dessert at these local eateries.

The miso caramel sundae at Balboa Surf ClubCourtesy of Western Addition

Balboa Surf Club
Balboa Surf Club emphasizes details in its food, from the sushi rice prepared fresh every 45 minutes to the elegantly crafted miso caramel sundae. A rich housemade miso caramel sauce is drizzled on three scoops of ice cream before being crowned with shaved chocolate, whipped cream, and crushed macadamia nuts.

Buttermilk Baby
The charming burger joint in the Heights could be a Candyland palace stand-in, so it’s only right that diners can order a Carvel’s sundae dasher with Reese’s or Oreo’s (12oz/$7.50, 16oz/$8.50) with layer upon layer of ice cream, whipped cream, and crunchy candy or cookies.

The buttermilk sundae at CredenceCourtesy of Credence

Credence
The buttermilk sundae at Credence aligns with the restaurant’s dedication to preparing ingredients over an open flame in a nod to South Texas’ rugged landscape. The cold treat is served with caramel cooked in embers and toasted pecans, a fitting tribute to Texas.

Pistachio soft serve at ElRo Pizzeria and CrudoCourtesy of ElRo Pizzeria and Crudo

ElRo Pizza & Crudo
This pizzeria is based in a bungalow tucked into a spot where Montrose and Midtown converge, and its soft serve sundae is just as approachable as the locale. The pistachio soft serve ($10) is made in-house at ElRo before being covered in crumbled cannoli shells that have been dipped in chocolate.

il Braco's Italian sundae with olive oilCourtesy of Western Addition

il Bracco
The Italian sundae at il Braco is a luxurious dish with olive oil, chopped pistachios, and three scoops of vanilla ice cream resulting in a smooth, creamy dessert. Flaky sea salt adds texture while enhancing the sundae’s sweetness.

Katami's sundae is made with Japanese shaved iceCourtesy of Katami

Katami
The American dessert receives an international spin at Katami, where the restaurant substitutes ice cream with kakigori, Japanese shaved ice. The green tea ($15) is made with white chocolate cream, caramel, and condensed milk. The strawberry Nutella ($16) combines chocolate ice cream with mascarpone cream, Nutella, and strawberry compote.

La Lucha's soft serve sundaeCourtesy of La Lucha

La Lucha
After slurping down oysters at this stylish spot on Shepherd, it’s time for soft serve. Diners can build their own soft serve sundae ($7) with Nutella or vanilla ice cream. Then come the toppings and there are plenty to choose from, with pecans, Maldon sea salt, Fruity Pebbles, and mini M&Ms, to name a few.

Little Rey
Houston native Ford Fry brought his Atlanta-based chain, Little Rey, to the city this summer with street tacos and other northern Mexico-inspired fare. The eatery’s soft serve machine is getting lots of love from patrons, with a range of flavors and toppings. The newest soft serve “sundae” is a Mexican spiced chocolate concoction with peppermint bark and sea salt.

The Marigold Club's sundae cartPhoto by Zach Horst

The Marigold Club
The classic sundae experience is elevated with the upscale restaurant's sundae cart ($22). A server navigates the elegant walnut cart through the Marigold Club's dining room, laden with housemade chai tea, clotted cream, and chocolate ice creams. Patrons can craft their ideal sundae without leaving their seats thanks to an array of toppings from sprinkles and candied hazelnuts to rum-infused banana jam and vanilla chantilly.

Medium Rare's hot fudge sundaePhoto by Alex Staniloff

Medium Rare
Dessert isn’t included in Medium Rare’s, two-course, $33 dinner of steak frites and salad, but the hot fudge sundae ($12) is worth the order. Also known as le sundae maison with sauce au chocolat chaud, the classic creation’s vanilla ice cream is smothered in hot fudge, with sprinkles scattered over a tower of whipped cream with a cherry on top.

Relish Restaurant & Bar
Relish's Town & Country location may have only recently opened its doors, but it's already dishing out a housemade vanilla soft serve sundae ($6). Relish's take on the dessert is adorned with Luxardo cherries, candied pistachios, and shaved dark chocolate. At the original River Oaks location, diners will find the sundae with sweet cream ice cream.

the annie cafe's sundae The Annie sundae at The Annie Cafe and BarPhoto Kirsten Gilliam

The Annie Cafe and Bar
This Uptown cafe delivers a sophisticated interpretation of Texas-American cuisine and the Lone Star State inspiration is evident with the Annie sundae ($12). Vanilla and chocolate ice cream are smothered in chewy brownie bites, pralines, and marshmallow fluff, before being stacked with churros.

The Pit Room has a dessert bar for guests to create sundaes. The Pit Room's Memorial location has a dessert bar to create sundaes. Photo by Alex Montoya

The Pit Room
Diners can step up to The Pit Room’s dessert bar at its Memorial location to customize a sundae by mixing and matching ice cream flavors, such as sweet cream, pistachio, and birthday cake, with fresh baked cookies like chocolate chip and red velvet white chocolate. Garnishments such as sprinkles, chocolate syrup, and whipped cream are on hand to complete the masterpiece.

The coffee ice cream sundae at Tiny ChampionsCourtesy of Tiny Champions

Tiny Champions
The coffee ice cream sundae ($12) is the perfect way to end a meal at this pizzeria from the team behind Nancy's Hustle. At Tiny Champions, coffee beans are cold-steeped in housemade ice cream for 48 hours, infusing it with rich flavor. The sundae is then topped with hot fudge and pillowy, freshly fried donut holes.

The turtle brownie sundae at Turner'sPhoto by Brian Kennedy

Turner's
The fine dining establishment’s turtle brownie sundae ($17) is a recent addition to the menu. “We wanted to create an elevated take on the beloved, classic dessert by adding refined ingredients, including candied pecans and bourbon whipped cream,” restaurateur Ben Berg told CultureMap. “It’s the sundae you loved as a child, with the elegance you expect when dining at Turner’s.”

ice cream desserts lists news-you-can-eat ice cream sundae

The Best Mother's Day Brunches

Procrastinator's Guide to Mother's Day brunch: Top dining-out options mom will love

At Latin Bites, order Mil Hojas, a delightfully light dessert.

no screaming required

15 Houston restaurants crafting nostalgic and decadent ice cream sundaes

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