First off, a Happy Happy to all you moms out there. To all you non-moms — i.e., dads, sons, daughters, and others who plan to fête mom by taking her out to brunch this coming Sunday — we present you with some options for a memorable meal and merry-making.
Pera Mediterranean Brasserie in Murray Hill will be saying it with music — with jazz, that is. A propos of the restaurant’s Middle Eastern leanings, the $29 prix fixe opens with, among other possibilities, pomegranate pistachio tabouleh (with parsley, shallots, chili pepper, and hazelnut-lemon dressing) and Turkish smoked lamb “tacos” (the taco shells are fashioned from lavash). For a main course, choose “simit” & lox — simit being a culinary cousin to the bagel — or opt for grilled chicken “shashlik,” marinated in yogurt, paprika, and olive oil, and paired with avocado-heart of palm salad and bulgur pilaf. Pera Mediterranean Brasserie, 303 Madison Avenue, 212-878-6301.
Sadly, the weather forecast for Sunday is for rain and temperatures at a chilly 55 degrees. That doesn’t mean you can’t throw caution to the wind and take mom for a Mother’s Day brunch al fresco amid the lush beauty of the Queens Botanical Garden. A menu curated by local caterers will include freshly made hot dishes, muffins, scones, coffee or tea, and a complimentary glass of wine. The cost for members is $55 for adults, $25 for children. Add $10 a head for non-members. Sessions are available at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Bring an umbrella just to be on the safe side. Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main Street, Flushing, 718-886-3800.
The timing of Olmsted in Park Slope Brooklyn could not be more perfect. In March, the restaurant launched its brunch menu, which will be on hand to entice mom this weekend. Of the new menu, Chef-owner Greg Baxtrom told the Michelin Guide, “We wanted a new creative outlet, so we set out to hit all of the familiar flavors — like crispy potatoes, eggs, bacon, smoked salmon and more — while applying our fine dining background to reimagine a brunch service experience.” One of the stars of the new menu is the breakfast sandwich which combines a grilled sausage/beef burger with Raclette cheese, diced white onion, pickles, French’s mustard and sauce choron, a sauce derived from Hollandaise and tomato fondue. Brunch prices run from $7 to $20. Omsted, 659 Vanderbilt Avenue, Brooklyn, 718-552-2610.
Imagine a restaurant that for Mother’s Day features a craft station where kiddies can make gifts for mom. No need to imagine. The Clocktower in Madison Square Park has such a diversion to keep the young’uns occupied while mom enjoys her special day. A $55 three-course brunch menu ($25 for kids) features eggs royale, served with lightly cured Loch Duart salmon and muffins, and fish and chips, alongside a specialty dessert buffet. The Clocktower 5 Madison Avenue, 212-413-4300.
