I recently heard someone say that if you needed a holiday to honor your mom, you might need to rethink your relationship. Which is probably true, but it’s always nice to have a fire lit under one’s sorry behind to get that maternal thanksgiving crackling.
And what better way to say, “You’re the best, Mom” than treating her to a sit-down meal on Sunday (that’s Mother’s Day, if you haven’t gotten my drift yet). But not just any old brunch. We’re talking seriously good eats that let her know just how much you care.
BiteClub’s top bet is a patio-side seat at the new Cafe Saint Rose. We got a first look at Mark Malicki’s new digs on Tuesday, and any concern over his departure from downtown Santa Rosa can be filed under No Worries. The roadside spot sits on 1.5 acres with a babbling creek, two large outdoor patio decks and more charm than should be legal in Wine Country.
Sunday’s ‘Samba Your Mama’ menu includes Suckling Pig Hash, sweet potatoes with poached eggs; short ribs, biscuits and gravy, smoked chicken, asparagus and morels and sheep’s milk ricotta blintzes. Plus, a few surprises. You’re so gonna be the favorite child.
Mark’s left a couple of Big Wheels on the patio for the tots to roll around–or well, the young at heart. He’s planning to have some music to serenade mom by as well as plenty of wine and beer selections should the conversation start getting sticky. The restaurant opens for brunch at 9am and Mark’s set aside some room for walk-ins. If you miss out on Sunday’s festivities, Cafe Saint Rose is now open Wednesday through Sunday for dinner, starting at 5pm, and every Saturday and Sunday for brunch. Note the new location: 9890 Bodega Hwy (a few miles west of downtown Sebastopol), 829.5898.
Also this weekend for mama:
Sonoma: The General’s Daughter will be serving cream of corn soup with lump crab and sweet sherry; shrimp and grits with andouille and Tabasco butter; French toast with smoked salmon and poached egg; lamb rib eye with lentils and pancetta; wild mushroom crepes; and Valrhona chocolate caramel tart. Three courses $49, wine pairings $25. 400 W. Spain St., Sonoma. 707.938.4004.
Santa Rosa: Zazu Restaurant features lavender waffles with lemon curd, breakfast pizza and their own Black Pig bacon from 9am to 2pm on Sunday. Kids under 12 are half price. 3535 Guerneville Road, 523.4814
Spicy Moms might like the international flavor of the champagne brunch at Sizzling Tandoor (409 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa, 579.5999) or Las Guitarras Mexican Restaurant (unlimited champagne and flowers from 10am, 7384 Commerce Blvd,, Santa Rosa. 792.4380).
Geyserville: Santi Restaurant hosts an a la carte Italian Mom’s Day feast from 10:30am to 2pm. 21047 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville.
Napa: Julia’s Kitchen has a prix fixe feast at COPIA from 11am to 3pm (265.5700). Plus, you can check out the new Oxbow Market (which has finally gotten some critical mass) and snag an edible gift or two.
Petaluma: La Dolce Vita Wine Bar features a
special brunch menu with champagne flights, and a free glass of bubbly for mom from 12pm to 3pm.
Where will you be on Mother’s Day? Add your favorite spots to raise a toast (and a fork) to mom.