Mother's Day Brunch

This Sunday is Mother’s Day, a holiday that always poses a bit of a gift-giving challenge. When I was little, Mother’s Day gifts were typically made in school and featured pieces of dried pasta that were spray-painted pink and glued to a picture frame made out of popsicle sticks, or handprints set on paper with fingerpaints and signed with a name, a date, and an “I Love You, Mom.” These gifts might not have been very practical, but they came from the heart and were pretty darn cute, if I do say so myself.

As I’ve gotten older, however, gifts made from miscellaneous household items no longer seem appropriate, and I don’t know that mom would find as much charm in a 28-year-old’s fingerpainting skills as she did in an 8-year-old’s. But somehow it also doesn’t seem right to give her a regular old grownup gift. “Thanks for reading to me, wiping my nose, feeding me, clothing me, and shaping my character for countless years—here’s a sweater” doesn’t exactly sound very grateful. And what purpose is a gift that doesn’t show our mothers just how thankful and appreciative we are?

This Mother’s Day, instead of trying to figure out whether your mom would prefer flowers, a sweater, or a bottle of perfume, give her what she would most appreciate—time spent together. And what better way to spend time together on Mother’s Day than at a lovely Sunday brunch? Here are a few spots that are sure to please both you and your mom this Mother’s Day.

Alice’s Tea Cup: With its whimsical Alice in Wonderland murals, delectable menu, and ample amounts of fairy dust, Alice’s Tea Cup is a mother-daughter dream come true. Treat your mom to tea and scones, crepes, eggs Florentine, smoked salmon, and maybe even a pair of fairy wings at one of Alice’s two UES locations.

David Burke Townhouse: Formerly davidburke & donatella, the upscale restaurant on 61st between Park and Lexington, the newly-renamed David Burke Townhouse is featuring a posh prix-fixe Mother’s Day brunch. For $48 per person, you and mom can enjoy a three-course meal featuring dishes like a pretzel-crusted crabcake, a lobster scramble, a chocolate-chip pancake sundae, and something intriguingly called a cheesecake-lollipop tree. Call 212-813-2121 for reservations.

Fred’s at Barney’s: Head to Barney’s for a little shopping, followed by brunch at Fred’s. Featuring huevos rancheros, steak and eggs, and challah French toast, among many other delicious-sounding items, Fred’s is sure to satisfy.

One83: On 1st Ave. between 83rd and 84th Streets, One83 offers a breezy back deck and a classically ambient interior, where you can indulge in an extensive brunch menu that features dishes like smoked salmon eggs benedict, Tahitian vanilla French toast, chicken Milanese, and rigatoni with yellowfin tuna meatballs and broccoli rabe. Oh, yes, and a complimentary mimosa, bellini, or bloody mary. Need I say more?

JoJo: The Jean-Georges creation on 64th between 3rd and Lexington is currently featuring a brunch special well-worth taking advantage of. For $24.07, you can choose two small plates from a list of dishes that includes a warm asparagus salad, spinach ricotta ravioli, buttermilk pancakes, and a goat cheese frittata, plus a dessert. Sounds like a deliciously good deal to me!

Sarabeth’s: No mention of brunch would be complete without a mention of Sarabeth’s, the restaurant on 92nd and Madison known for its heavenly—and very generous—brunch portions. Porridge, omelettes, frittatas, burritos, salads, and an assortment of “sweet breakfasts” like lemon and ricotta pancakes, pumpkin waffles, and cheese blintzes are all eye-catching items on the substantial menu. Top one off with a milkshake or an ice cream float, and you and mom and sure to go home happy.

So forget the sweaters this Mother's Day and take your mom to brunch. It's a treat you'll both be sure to enjoy!

And you could toss in a handmade popsicle stick frame, too. Just for old time's sake.