We’re loving the longer days and balmy breezes this spring — it’s the perfect time to dine al fresco and celebrate Mom at a brunch hotspot. In addition to midday mimosas, there are also some eclectic offerings from a few new restaurants this year to shake up the selection.
Mother’s Day falls on Sunday, May 12 this year. Now, we know that’s still nine days away, but now is the time to make your reservations. To help you plan to honor the mothers in your life, here’s Culture OC’s handpicked roundup of dining selections, no matter how she likes to celebrate.
For MOMS WHO ENJOY A CLASSIC EXPERIENCE
One Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point
The coastal luxury resort is offering not only but two Mother’s Day brunches this year.
But, you don’t even have to wait for May 12 to come around as its Spring ParTea afternoon tea experience is already in full-swing.
The Ritz’s Raya restaurant in collaboration with the Parisian tea brand, Palais des Thés, puts a modern twist on afternoon tea with a panoramic ocean backdrop. Think classic cucumber sandwiches and California-inspired avocado egg sandwiches, along with strawberry pound cake and chocolate tulips.
Not only are there a variety of exquisite loose-leaf teas to sample, but they are also offering tea-infused cocktails. The vodka-based Tropical Garden features Palais des Thés’ Grand Marnier Tropical Garden Herbal Tea and the Andalusian Garden is made with vodka, peach cream liqueur and Palais des Thés’ Andalusian herbal tea.
Afternoon Tea, Now through May 16:
The full adult and child Spring ParTea menus are available. Seatings are available Monday through Thursday from 2:30-3:30 p.m. through May 16 for $115 per adult and $9 per child (ages 4-9).
Mother's Day Brunch on May 12:
Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet at Promenade Ballroom: The ballroom will host a classically decadent brunch buffet complete with live entertainment and face painting and balloon art for the little ones from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Price: $225 per adult, $75 per child (ages 3-9). Reservations can be made on this site.
Three-Course Mother’s Day Brunch at Raya: The Latin-inspired coastal cuisine at Chef Richard Sandoval’s Raya will include Maryland crabcakes, lobster Benedict, abuelita’s French toast, mishima reserve wagyu steak frites and lemon lavender cheesecake, accompanied by a Latin trio. Available from 12-3 p.m. Price: $145 per adult, $65 per child (ages 3-9). Reservations can be made on Open Table.
For Moms Who Appreciate a Show
1870 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa
Cafe Sevilla is hosting a special Mother’s Day Flamenco & Champagne brunch as well as a dinner show on May 12.
During midday, enjoy a two-part flamenco performance and three-course Spanish brunch including avocado toast, paella and dulce empanadas for dessert. All moms will also receive a complimentary glass of champagne. Tickets for brunch are $79.50 per person and the show starts promptly at 12:30 p.m.
In the early evening, the flamenco performance features a three-course Spanish dinner with Sevillian Serrano ham salad, the award-winning paella Valenciana and a lemon tart to finish. Tickets for dinner are $89.50 per person and the show starts at 5 p.m.
For MOMS WHO LIKE TO TRY NEW THINGS
12361 Chapman Ave., Garden Grove
An interesting newcomer to the list is Asian fusion restaurant Nova. The exclusive à la carte menu features an international menu of American steak and eggs, eggs Benedict with pork belly, ube pancakes, French toast with popcorn chicken and rice and Shine (tocino and Filipino breakfast favorite Longanisa sausage). A full sushi menu will also be available. Book your reservations at novaoc.com for the mom in your life who likes a sleek environment and eclectic offerings.
For Moms Who Like to Keep It Casual
1200 S Coast Hwy Suite 101, Laguna Beach
The locals in Laguna always go to Sapphire for the perfect elevated comfort brunch. Think fluffy omelets with smoked salmon and blue crab, crispy chicken sandwiches and buttermilk biscuits with sausage gravy and a hint of sage. Wash it all down with craft-made mimosas, Bloody Marys and Patio Pounders in a rustic backdrop.
Serving a long brunch until 4 p.m. on the weekends, Billy’s at the Beach in Newport is known for legendary mai tais and island-inspired favorites like banana nut pancakes topped with coconut meringue. The Hawaiian-forward menu also features black sesame crusted ahi alongside chilaquiles and malasadas and coffee with plenty of specialty cocktails and pupus to titillate the taste buds.
31431 Santa Margarita Pkwy, Rancho Santa Margarita
4975 Lakeview Ave, Yorba Linda
The Blind Pig offers diners in the Rancho Santa Margarita and Yorba Linda areas gastro pub fare with a curated cocktail menu for brunch. Kimchi enchiladas, pork belly and salsa verde Benedict and a classic lobster roll pairs well with bottomless mimosas for Mom if champagne is more her speed.
