Best NYC Mother's Day Brunch Menus For 2016: Rainbow Room, Charlie Bird, More
Celebrate the mama(s) in your life with good food and fine drink this Mother's Day. Herewith, five of our favorite spots in Manhattan for brunch, sure to make her feel loved, honored, and so very, very cherished. By Jessica Allen.
Instead of flowers, take your mom to A Fiori, which means "among the flowers" in Italian. The elegant restaurant specializes in "modern interpretations of traditional regional dishes" from the French and Italian Rivieras by Chef Michael White. On Sunday, you and Mom can enjoy three courses for $75 a person, choosing from among such options as smoked salmon benedict, pollo arrosto (pan-roasted chicken with porcini mushrooms), duck hash and desserts like panna cotta or a lemon tartella.
More: Best Books To Give Mom For Mother's Day 2016
Big Daddy's offers a decidedly different vibe from the other restaurants on this list, and that's a good thing. Not every mom wants to be feted with roses or asked to dress up to go out. Many will prefer throwing on a pair of jeans and slurping up a thick, rich milkshake, like those served at Big Daddy's, kitted out to look like a 1950s-era diner. Try an overflowing plate of "Hunka Hunka Burnin Love;" pancakes with banana and chunks of chocolate, or French toast.
More: Best Local Shops For Mother's Day Gifts
For a lovely Sunday, consider Brushstroke, a Michelin-starred restaurant jointly run by David Bouley and the Tsuji Culinary Institute, one of Japan's top cooking schools. You and Mom can opt for either a six-course Kaiseki Tasting Menu ($95 per person for lunch, $135 per person for dinner) or a Vegetarian Tasting Menu ($135 each). There won't be any a la carte options. There will be, however, delights like Cape Cod scallop and Uni, Kampachi sashimi sesame soy sauce salad and cherry wood grilled Long Island duck breast. Call ahead for reservations.
More: Best Greenmarket Finds For Mother's Day 2016
This Italian-inspired downtown eatery is nestled near the heart of Hudson Square -- and their brunch menu will be sure to please those of many different appetites. Patrons can choose to mix and match a variety of small plates -- like fig focaccia with honey butter and anise -- or opt for one of their many crudos featuring beef, scallops and oysters. Larger dishes include favorites like quinoa pancakes and poached egg with buckwheat polenta and crispy duck skin. Accompany your meal with a Bloody Mary, a mimosa made with clementine juice -- or choose from their selection of wines. Larger parties can also book a room in their private dining area.
Because you can't go wrong with a classic! The iconic Rainbow Room celebrates Mother's Day with a brunch, from 11 a.m. to 3: 30 p.m. pm, and live entertainment from the Nightingale Jazz Band ($125 per person). This year, the classic restaurant's menu includes several serving stations, including a bacon bar, fresh crepes and other breakfast delights. BarSixtyFive at the Rainbow Room will also be dishing out special Mother's Day cocktails. When the restaurant opened in 1934, it was *the* place. After a hiatus and intense renovation, it reopened in 2014, and is fast surpassing what it once was. Mom will definitely approve.
