Today, my 9 year old’s class held a “Munchkins with Mom” breakfast in honor of Mother’s Day. Each child in the class put together a podcast using photos they had brought from home of Mom and then wrote a little bit about us. My one friend was very relieved that her son didn’t say “My Mom is good at online gambling” like he did in Kindergarten. (Oh God, that still makes me laugh until I cry. Just take a minute and let that soak in, hilarious.) Let’s face it, as a parent we always worry what is going to come out of the mouths of babes in front of, well, everyone we know.
Evidently, my son thinks I’m really good at Tennis. I never play tennis and I don’t know that my son has ever seen me with a tennis racket in my hand. He could have said I was good at cooking, computers, gardening, even sleeping. But, no, he chose something I absolutely never do. Does he have another Mother I don’t know about?
Even though each child shared a tidbit of information we would rather they didn’t, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. The kids were overflowing with love and couldn’t wait to have Mom come join them in class to share their creations. I’ll have that podcast forever. (And you know I’ll dig it out when he’s a teenager, slamming doors and calling me names.)
Motherhood is by far the most challenging job on the planet. I try to be a good Mom, but many days I’m filled with doubt. Judging from all the teary eyed Moms in the room today, I’m not alone. That is why Mother’s Day was created. Moms need to be reminded just how great and loved they are. We need it, trust me. So, for all you challenged and sometimes doubtful Moms out there (even the online gambling ones) Happy Mother’s Day.
If you’re looking for a way to treat Mom to a special day, here are some places to make it happen. And, if your restaurant is putting on something special and we missed it, please be sure to leave a comment with the details.
Alice’s
Bring Mom and the family to Alice’s Sunday Brunch to sample acclaimed Chef David Drake’s scrumptious selections. Choose from White Bean + Escarole Soup, Beer Batter Onion Rings, or Smoked Tomato Bisque. Then move on to a perfect Croque Madame (black forest ham and Gruyere with poached egg) or one of Alice’s favorites, Fried Maine Crab Cake with lightly spiced coleslaw and Halsey Farm greens.
Alice’s
24 Nolan’s Point Park Road
Lake Hopatcong
973.663.9600
www.alicesrestaurantnj.com
BRUNCH: 10 am – 2 pm
Avenue
Spring, sunshine, seashore! What better place to celebrate Mother’s Day then at Avenue in Long Branch, where Chef Dominque Filoni is presenting two tempting (and reasonably priced) Three-Course Prix-Fixe all-day options.
BRUNCH: 9:30 am – 2:30 pm
$35 pp
DINNER: 4:30 pm – 9 pm
$42 pp
(excluding tax, beverage + gratuity)
Avenue
23 Ocean Avenue
Long Branch
732.759.2900
www.leclubavenue.com
Boulevard Five72
Savor Chef/Owner Scott Snyder’s Special Sunday Brunch or Supper with unlimited beverages (choice of Bloody Mary or Champagne Cocktail) and a smorgasbord featuring traditional omelets; carving and raw bar stations; choices of pancakes, crepes, or French toast, and entrée such as Chicken Francese and Seafood Paella.
For evening diners, there’s family-style appetizers with choice of entrée and dessert, from Butternut Squash Ravioliand Sautéed Lump Crab Cakes to Roasted Long Island Duck Breast and Braised Lamb Shank.
BRUNCH: 10:30 am – 3 pm
$35 pp; children (3-10) $17.50
SUNDAY SUPPER: 4 pm – 8 pm
$48 pp
(excluding tax, beverage + gratuity)
Boulevard Five72
572 Boulevard
Kenilworth
908.709.1200
www.boulevardfive72.com
Liberty House Restaurant
Dramatic Manhattan skyline views and a warm, familial ambiance make
Liberty House the perfect spot for Mother’s Day.
Enjoy Chef Phil Campanella’s Brunch with stations galore, including Mediterranean & Antipasti specialties, Breakfast fare, Pasta, Carving Station, Mashed Potato Bar, Salad and Fruits, Breads, Pastries, Desserts. Not to mention entrées such as Herb-Crusted Salmon, Pork Loin with Pineapple Chutney, and Grilled Steak with Sautéed Mushrooms.
BRUNCH: 11 am – 6 pm
$45 pp, $25 for children
(excluding tax, beverage + gratuity)
Liberty House Restaurant
Inside Liberty State Park
76 Audrey Zapp Drive
Jersey City
201.395.0300
www.libertyhouserestaurant.com
Restaurant Serenade
“Say I love you without lifting a finger … except for making the reservation!” That’s James and Nancy Laird’s advice as they welcome guests to Restaurant Serenade for a special three-course prix-fixe menu.
MENU HIGHLIGHTS
Asparagus Soup, Crab Cakes, or Octopus
Grilled Tuna, Roasted Rack of Lamb, Potato-Crusted Salmon,Filet Mignon
Crème Brûlée, Warm Chocolate Tart, Strawberry-Rhubarb Cobbler, Pavlova
1 pm – 7 pm
$65 pp; $32 children 10 and under
(excluding tax, beverage + gratuity)
Restaurant Serenade
Six Roosevelt Avenue
Chatham
973.701.0303
www.restaurantserenade.com
uproot
This Mother’s Day, bring Mom and the family to uproot, where the “food is as much a feast for the palate as it is for the eye,” says Executive Chef Anthony Bucco. Enjoy a plentiful and scrumptious assortment at their walk-around brunch, including breakfast breads, omelets, waffles, and popular lunch dishes. Enjoy complimentary Mimosas and Bloody Marys as well.
À la carte dinner will be served following brunch.
BRUNCH: 10 am – 3 pm
$39 pp; $12 children 3-12; under 3 free
(excluding tax, beverage + gratuity)
DINNER: 4:30 pm – 8 pm
uproot
9 Mount Bethel Road
Warren
908.834.8194
www.uprootrestaurant.com
