No matter how many times your mom might nag you, deflate your artistic aspirations or downright compete with you, it’s worth appreciating that it could be worse. She could be Jamie Lynn Spears. The least you can do is treat Mom to a brunch that fits her taste, temperament and neurosis du jour.
Mom joined AA
Where: blue on blue at the Avalon
What: “Mocktail” menu for moms-to-be and moms on the wagon. Highlights include crab Florentine Benedict, peaches ’n’ cream waffles with macadamia nuts, and Mother’s chocolate pudding with peanut butter cookie. Breakfast menu served 7 a.m.-10 a.m.; brunch 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $55 prix fixe, or order a la carte.
Why: She can start not drinking at 7 a.m.
Mom quit AA
Where: Whist at the Viceroy
What: Slap down a Jackson to supplement the pricey beachside brunch with unlimited champagne and Bloody Marys. The prix fixe buffet features selections such as Alaskan crab legs, eggs Benedict, a charcuterie-and-cheese station, and desserts galore. 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; $55 per person; half price for children (you don’t count, wise guy).
Why: Undoing those 12 steps should always involve a waffle station.
Mom is on Atkins
Where: Dakota at the Roosevelt
What: Mom can tear into a petit filet before noon and not feel bad about it. Better yet, there’s a guilt-mitigating, grass-fed New York steak from Estancia Beef, so Mom can be carnivorous and leave a small carbon footprint. All this while seated on the Bridge, Dakota’s new patio dining area overlooking the famed David Hockney pool and North Garden. 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., a la carte.
Why: So you can tell your mom it looks like she’s lost weight—without lying.
Mom just got a glycolic peel
Where: Blue Plate
What: Montana Avenue’s local spot is offering a Mother’s Day care package. A freshly prepared breakfast is packed for delivery or pickup, so Mom doesn’t even need to leave the house in her delicate condition. Each care package feeds four and includes your choice of either granola, yogurt and fresh fruit, or a lox platter with bagels, lox, cream cheese and fixings. Also included: fresh ground coffee, four cookies, fresh-squeezed tangerine, orange or grapefruit juice, and a split (half bottle) of sparkling wine. Orders must be received by noon on Saturday, May 10. $75 excluding delivery fee.
Why: Because Mom’s face looks like raw hamburger, and she shouldn’t traumatize young children.
Your new stepmommy is younger than you
Where: uWink
What: If you send in photos of your mom or stepmom to momsday@uwink.com, the restaurant will program her image on your console. As always, interactive terminals with games and videos at each table keep everyone entertained, filling in awkward pauses in conversation. A la carte brunch and complimentary mimosas for moms will be available all day, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Why: The younger the mom, the greater the need for attention (and the shorter the attention span—wink, wink).
Mom is banging her yoga instructor
Where: Campanile
What: A la carte brunch selections tend toward chakra-cleansing dishes like wild mushroom quiche with squash blossoms, green garlic, and asparagus, or La Brea Bakery’s granola with yogurt and bananas. There's also the entirely too suggestive two eggs in a hole with olive bread and fried potatoes. 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Why: To support Mom’s new position on life. And keep in mind: Liberation Yoga—and a Sunday pre-brunch class—is within walking distance.
Mom is a cougar
Where: Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel
What: A rarefied three-course prix fixe menu served all day. Highbrow options include an appetizer parfait of foie gras and chicken liver, entrees of Dungeness crab-crusted black cod and spring lamb chops, and, of course, the famed McCarthy Salad. $89 per person, children eat for a bargain $45.
Why: From the valets cutely outfitted in pink polos and khaki shorts to the polished servers, there’s no shortage of strapping young men to service Mom on her happy day.
Mom’s got a pirate fetish—and a heart of gold
Where: Redwood Bar & Grill
What: After launching a new brunch menu earlier this month, the popular pirate-themed Downtown gastropub hosts the Rock Your Mama Benefit for House of Ruth, a shelter for homeless and battered women and children. $5 suggested door donation and happy-hour prices all day.
Why: Because Mom’s thing for Johnny Depp in pirate drag is something we all can get behind, matey
Mom used to be Dad (pre-sex-reassignment)
Where: Hamburger Mary’s
What: WeHo’s hottest brunch spot pours $1 mimosas and $3 Bloody Marys to wash down the extensive breakfast menu.
Why: Wednesday is Drag Queen Bingo Night. ’Nuff said.
More Mother's Day festivities here»
Rachel Levin is a contributing editor for Metromix Los Angeles.
Jiyeon Yoo is Restaurants editor for Metromix Los Angeles.
