Fun fact for Mother’s Day: Mothers prepare somewhere in the neighborhood of 1,100 meals for their families each year. This is, of course, an approximate number that does not take into account the last minute, on-the-fly takeout pizza purchases, the multiple meals made for finicky palates, or the three different varieties of pancakes requested for a typical Sunday brunch. But you get the picture.
Luckily, on Mother’s Day, the nice chefs at these local restaurants have taken this particular task off our plates (see what we did there?), at least for one day.
Bon Appetit and Happy Mother’s Day!
Novo
For Mother’s Day with a Mediterranean flair, try this Ridgewood institution. Brunch includes the indulgent Morrocan French Toast (topped with salted caramel gelato!), pancakes with date syrup and salmon benedict. Dinner features the always popular halumi cigar appetizer, branzino a la plancha and seafood couscous, along with daily specials inspired by what is fresh and in season. (Hours: brunch from 11am-3pm and dinner from 4pm-9pm, 37 Chestnut Street, click here for reservations or call (201) 444-4910).
Sofia
If the mother(s) in your life prefer to eat farm-to-table, settle into the gorgeous garden room at Sofia where Chef Pasquale takes the inspiration for his market specials from what’s fresh, organic, in season and local. Brunch on Mother’s Day will include Sofia specialties like crepes with Nutella (add gelato because, hey, it’s only Mother’s Day once a year) and the Sofia benedict or, order from a reduced version of the dinner menu created just to make Mom feel special. (Hours: 11:30 am – 3:00 pm for brunch and 11:30 am – 11:00 pm for dinner, 36 Engle Street, Englewood, click here for reservations (201) 541-8530).
Haven Edgewater
For an elegant meal with lovely views of the Hudson river, Haven Edgewater is the place for you. They’ll pamper moms with a $75/pp three-course prix fixe menu (appetizer, entrée and dessert) and feed your little ones too. Selections from the adult menu include tuna tartare, seafood risotto, filet mignon and a warm chocolate brownie. Prix fixe for kids is $22/per child and includes and entrée and dessert. (Hours: 11:30 am – 9:30 pm, 2 Main Street, Edgewater Harbor, Reservations required, click here to reserve your spot or call (201) 943-1900).
Bacari Grill
A mainstay for families looking to spoil Mom, Bacari Grill will once again host their buffet brunch, boasting of a mix of breakfast and lunch items. Cost is $60 for adults and $25 for kids ages 5-13. But if mom doesn’t feel like rolling out of bed until afternoon, Bacari Grill will also offer a three-course limited a la carte menu for dinner that night. Costs for dinner range from $45-$75. (Hours: 11:00 am – 1:30 pm for brunch and 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm for dinner, 800 Ridgewood Road, Washington Township, click here for more information, or call (201) 358-6330).
Roost
So you want to take mom someplace special, but you don’t really want to dress up to do it? Try Roost for elevated fare in a casual bistro atmosphere. Roost will be offering their regular brunch and dinner items with extended menu items and their inventive cocktail list to help make mom’s day extra special. (Hours: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm for brunch and 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm for dinner, 623 Main Street, Sparkill, NY, click here for more information, 845-359-6700).
D’vine Bar
Make Mother’s Day divine at D’Vine Bar. D’vine Bar serves unpretentious food that highlights local and seasonal ingredients, like those used to make brunch items that include bacon sliders, sweet potato waffles and smoked salmon benedict. Or save your appetite for later when you can savor small or large plates and entrees with global appeal. And if your kid’s intimidated by the menu? Just ask the chef for the kid-friendly version of your favorite meal. (Hours: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm for brunch and 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm for dinner, 4 Depot Square, click here for reservations, Sparkill, NY (845) 359-2141)
Rosa Mexicano
Raise a margarita to mom on El Dia de las Madres, and order her some guacamole on the side. Choose from items on Rosa Mexicano’s extensive regular brunch, lunch or dinner menu or enjoy Mother’s Day specials like lamb mixiote or fresh fish primavera. (Hours: lunch and dinner from 11:3 0am – 10:00 pm, 60 Riverside Square Mall, Hackensack, Reservations recommended, click here to reserve your spot or call (201) 489-9100).
Capital Grille
Oh go on, indulge! Start your meal at Capital Grille with one of their endless mimosas. Then move on to your three-course prix fixe meal with selections like shrimp and grits, lobster frittata, or filet mignon. Your little ones will be well taken care of with their own three-course prix fixe menu featuring favorites like fresh fruit, mac and cheese, scrambled eggs and ice cream for dessert. Cost for adults is $49/pp with an additional charge of $12/pp for the mimosas. Cost for kids is $15. (Hours: Serving brunch from 11:00 pm – 3:00 pm, 1 Garden State Plaza, Paramus, Reservations required, click here to reserve your spot or call (201) 845-7040).
The River Palm Terrace
You know you can’t go wrong at any of the three local River Palm locations and all will be open to help you pay homage to your mother this Mother’s Day. All three will offer their regular menu of steaks and seafood plus a long list of special entrees and desserts. (Hours: Edgwater location opens at noon, Fair Lawn and Mahwah locations at 1:00 pm, 1416 River Rd., Edgewater, 209 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, or 41-11 Route 4 West, Fair Lawn, Reservations required, click here to reserve your spot, priced a la carte).
Brownstone Pancake Factory
Listen, just because it’s Mother’s Day, it doesn’t mean those little sweeties that originally gave you the title are going to let you sleep in. So, if you find yourself awake early on Mother’s Day, head over to Brownstone Pancake Factory. They are not kidding when they say they have “endless possibilities of taste” and everyone will find something to love on the wide-ranging menu at this beloved eatery- make sure to treat yourself to one of their “insane shakes”. (Hours: 7:00 am – 10:00 pm, 860 River Road, Edgewater, 201-945-4800).
