Take Mom Out to Eat for Mother's Day and a Cinco De Mayo Secret...

I'm not a mom, so I make sure to revere and fête the mothers I know, including my own, on Mother's Day. I can barely take care of my cat and my husband, let alone be responsible for a wee one. What I can do, however, is choose the appropriate restaurant for the occasion. And while that may be a minor talent in a world where diseases are cured, despots are dethroned, and mothers nurture their children, I do strive to use my powers for good.

In this case, Sunday, May 8, 2011, requires some serious thought about where to take mom and her hangers-on — so that she has the best time possible. Today is her day, whether she's your significant other, aunt, niece, friend or actual mother — as long as she's raising up, or has raised, a child. Show your appreciation and love with a trip to one of these places, and the mom in your life will be a happy camper.

Feed Your Mother Right

is synonymous with breakfast for folks in Linden Hills. If your mom is an early riser, it's open at 7:30 a.m. for Sunday Brunch and offers up all the morning usuals plus a variety of kid-friendly foods. The wild rice chicken hash has been written up in City Pages, the pancakes come every which way (buckwheat, buttermilk or cornbread with blueberries, bananas or pecans) and there's even granola and tofu scrambles for the healthier among us. It's spot on for sensible mothers (nothing is over $9) who like good taste on a reasonable budget.

Down on Lyndale Avenue, will have several Mother's Day specials available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. that will be sure to make any mom smile. From a classic Eggs Benedict to a salmon flatbread to a jumbo lump crab salad, there is something for everyone, including more simple fare like omelettes and French Toast. The prices range from $13.95-$15.95 and come with fresh fruit, baked breads and pastries. Reservations are suggested and the regular dinner menu will be served from 4 p.m. to close.

Back in Linden Hills, Stephen Brown's cannot be overlooked for brunch. If your mom would like a glass of wine or local brew with her meal, she can do so in an upscale casual atmosphere. Whether its simple steamed eggs on toast for $8 (with cauliflower and brown butter bagna cauda), a $12 sturdy braised pork shoulder or the yogurt creme brulee with tinned peaches persimmon, mint for $6 (sigh), your mother and frankly, the whole family will sigh like I just did. Remember that brunch goes from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m and it can get quite crowded, as reservations are not taken for small parties.

A Cinco de Mayo Secret

is celebrating Cinco De Mayo on Thursday by having many, many $5 dishes for dinner from 5:30 p.m on. Chef Garcia will be making his favorite Mexican plates for all guests, but no reservations will be accepted for this special evening. Get there early to revel and chow down on May 5.

***

Mother's Day

- 2803 W. 43 St./612.920.3606

- 5325 Lyndale Ave. S/612.927.7376

-2726 W. 43 St./612.354.2806

Cinco De Mayo

- 4537 Nicollet Ave. S./612.827.2254