Mother’s Day 2012

Celebrate Mom. Or else.


If there’s one holiday you better get right, it’s Mother’s Day (May 13). Not because your mama slaved away for years, raising you right. Not because even though you’re 41, she still worries about you. And not because she has helped you out of too many jams to count. But because mom deserves a day where she gets to be the center of attention, for once.

And while scrambled eggs in bed, homemade cards and hugs are much appreciated, we’ve found a few other events to make your favorite lady feel extra special — from Elvis impersonators to luxe brunches.

But no matter what you do, just make sure to tell her how much you love her.

Saturday
Edible Bouquet Class for Kids
Small chefs aged 6-10 can make cake, cookie and chocolate lollipops to put in an edible bouquet for mom (if it lasts that long). Recipe packet and arrangement included. 10a.m. to noon, $30. G&G Market, 1211 West College Ave., Santa Rosa. Register at gandgmarket.com.

Queen for a Day Cooking Class & Brunch
Fun in the kitchen, with a tasty reward. Chef Annie Simmons offers a hands-on class that includes a sparkling wine fruit cocktail, lemon-lavender beignets, spring veggie salad with Champagne vinaigrette, smoked salmon and Florentine Benedicts. Berry meringue trifle for dessert. 10a.m. to 1p.m., $90, 450 W. Spain St., Sonoma.

Sunday
Flock to the Flock
Canvas Ranch, home to babydoll lambs and cashmere goats, invites families to an old-fashioned farm day social from 11a.m. to 4p.m. Bring a blanket and picnic to eat on the lawn, shop their fresh farm products and enjoy a little country air. Free for CSA members; adults $10, children $3. 755 Tomales Road, Petaluma.

Cheap Kitchen Inspiration
The BrokeAss Gourmet, aka Gabi Moskowitz, celebrates the release of her cookbook at The Olive Press from 11a.m. to 3p.m., featuring tips on maximizing grocery shopping and making meals under $20 (like oven-fried sriracha chicken). Enter mom in a raffle for a liter of extra virgin olive oil and a copy of the cookbook. 24724 Arnold Dr., Sonoma.

For the Birds
Take a guided hike through the Martin Griffin Preserve and observe nesting mother egrets near the Bolinas Lagoon, along with a barbecue luncheon of chicken (don’t tell the egrets) or vegetarian quiche. $25 for adults, $12 for children. The event is a benefit for the Audubon Canyon Ranch and Marin Audubon Society. Tickets required: marinaudubon.org or (415) 453-2216.

Picnic in the Blooms
Sonoma Valley Winery Chateau St. Jean celebrates moms with the annual Fete De La Fleur. Stroll through the gardens, in full bloom, sample wine and hors d’oeuvres and take a terroir tour. $25, (877) 478-5326 for reservations. 8555 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood.

Elvis Your Mama
Treat your queen to the King! The AllwaysElvis Show & Band channels the Viva Las Vegas vibe, rocking by the river at Stumptown Brewery from 2 to 7p.m. No cover, 15045 River Road, Guerneville

Brunches
Brasserie: Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Salad ($13), Humboldt Fog tomato galette ($10), Seafood Louie Salad, fish and chips, roasted chicken breast or treat her to filet mignon with bacon potato puree ($36). 10a.m. to 3p.m., Hyatt Vineyard Creek, 170 Railroad St., Santa Rosa.

Duck Club: Seafood buffet, assorted breakfast pastries, Thai beef salad, quiche plus mushroom chicken crepes, pan-roasted salmon, eggs Benedict, berry waffle, creme brulee, mini cheesecakes. Starter and dessert buffet, entrees a la carte. Adults $39, children under 12, $19.

Zazu: Cornmeal waffle, smoked salmon, bacon burger with onion rings, maple glazed donuts with bacon, $39, 523-4814, reservations required. 3535 Guerneville Road, Santa Rosa.

Corks: Scones, cheeses and choice of smoked salmon scramble, steak and eggs, crab and asparagus omelet, dessert ($42.95) and special kids brunch menu with french toast, grilled cheese sandwich, buttered pasta ($19.95). 5700 California, Forestville.

Estate: House salumis, eggs Benedict, veggie frittata, brunch pizza, bacon panini, berry semifreddo, $32 per pesron, $15 for kid under 11. Reservations required. 400 West Spain St., Sonoma, 933-3663.

Hungry for more? Check out BiteClubEats.com for updated food and dining news.