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Mother's Day is a funny holiday. It is definitely a time to celebrate the special people in your life. These are the people that help make things just a little better for you all year long. It says a bit about us as a culture that we actually need to designate a day for that, right?
The day can also be a little sad for some folks. Everyone’s situation is just a tad different. One thing is for sure, everybody should observe it in a way that is the best suited to them. Whether it's full-on party time or a quiet day doing whatever makes you the happiest. Mother's Day runs the gamut!
The holiday kind of snuck up on me this year. Am I alone on that? Or do you feel it too? I think it might have something to do with the fact that Easter/Passover was so late this year. That's my guess, anyway.
We've barely had time to launder our stretchy pants from the Easter food fest, and we're getting ready to pull up a chair to the brunch table once again.
Our Easter piece focused on buffet-style meals. But, for Mother's Day, we're going to broaden our horizons and give you a little wider variety. After all, every mother's tastes are different.
Maybe your mom/wife/GF likes a traditional sit-down brunch or dinner. Maybe they want a buffet replay. Or possibly they want to be pampered with a special meal at home. We're going to dish out options for all of the above.
Sit back and let us do the leg work for you. We've got a specially curated list of Mother's Day possibilities that will please whomever you're trying to spoil!
Image by Liliboas via Getty Images
THE TRADITIONAL
We all know what "The Traditional" means. Probably not a lot of explanation necessary. But for those of you who might need a refresher, these are places where you can get that nice, upscale Mother's Day experience. That includes delicious food, outstanding service, and a little bit of indulging. These experiences come in a variety of different wrappers. We have special menus and buffet-style brunches, lunches, and dinners. Pick the one that suits your tastes the best!
GROVE Restaurant (10670 Boardwalk Loop, (941) 893-4321)
GROVE is always on our special occasion list. Why? Because along with a handful of other Sarasota area restaurants, they know how to do holidays right!
Brunch buffet – 10AM to 3PM. $45.95 adults and $19.95 children. They're serving assorted starters/appetizers, a sushi bar, and a build your own omelet station. They also have a special dinner menu served from 4PM to 10PM. HERE'S MORE INFO.
Mattison's Forty-One (7275 S. Tamiami Trl., (941) 921-3400)
Mattison's will be rolling out a big Mother's Day buffet brunch. 10AM to 4PM. Of course, they will be featuring "locally sourced and sustainable ingredients from small family farms and regional purveyors." And, as a treat, they will be giving away two unique gift baskets. A Relax and Resort Getaway Gift Basket and a Mattison's Gift Basket. Both are loaded with great gifts anyone would love to receive. HERE'S MORE INFO.
Michael's on East (1212 S. East Ave., (941) 366-0007)
You've seen Michael's on a lot of our holiday lists. You know why. They always provide a terrific experience no matter what holiday is being celebrated. Their Mother's Day buffet happens from 10:30AM to 3:30PM. $74.95 adults and $$39.95 children. They'll feature cold and hot buffet stations. An omelet and pancake station. A carving station and a decadent dessert bar. HERE'S MORE INFO.
Rosemary & Thyme (511 N. Orange Ave., (941) 955-7600)
They'll be presenting a special Mother's Day brunch menu. It will include such delicious dishes as Canard A L'orange, Pistachio-Dusted Salmon, Escargots or "Lobster-Cargots," and Bermuda Lobster Benedict. This is a perfect alternative for some upscale holiday dining without the buffet line. HERE'S MORE INFO.
Image by Pam Susemiehl via Getty Images
MOTHER'S DAY ANOTHER WAY
If the traditional route isn't for you, don't worry. I guarantee you that you're not alone. We've got a couple of ways you can make your mom's day memorable without busting the budget or getting too fancied up.
Season 52 (170 University Town Center Dr., (941) 702-9652)
They're offering special to-go options to help you celebrate Mother's Day somewhere other than in a typical restaurant setting. You choose the dishes; you choose the place! Apricot-Glazed Spiral Ham, Cedar Plank-Roasted Salmon, or Wood-Grilled Tenderloin. HERE'S MORE INFO.
Morton's Gourmet Market (1924 S. Osprey Ave., (941) 955-9856)
You know the drill. Morton's can set you up with just about whatever your special person would want for their holiday celebration. Whether it's a simple spread of salads or something WAY more extravagant like a selection of delicious cheeses, caviar, and cured meats. Ask their extremely helpful staff for their suggestions!
Image by Reg Charity via Getty Images
FOR THE SUPER CASUAL MOM'S OUT THERE
OK, so you have a special someone who likes things very non-traditional. Or at least would like to keep things a little more on the causal side. This is one of the most popular days to hit the beach with the family! We've got some delicious picnic-type ideas for you. Whether it's a stop at one of our beautiful beaches, a trip to Oscar Scherer State Park, or even just hanging out in the backyard with some family and friends, we've got a few easy, casual picnicky, carryout ideas.
Anna's Deli (6535 Midnight Pass Rd., (941) 349-4888)
A staple on Siesta Key since 1971. This is a perfect Mother's Day beach lunch. Great sandwiches. Fast, efficient counter service. They have a little something for everyone!
Whole Foods Market (1451 1st St., (941) 316-4700)
If you're downtown (or out in the University Park area), Whole Foods has a large selection of delicious pre-made meals and dishes. Perfect for a picnic or any outdoor gathering.
Publix Deli (multiple locations in the Sarasota area)
Anyone who has been in a Publix grocery store knows they their deli makes some of the most popular and tasty sub sandwiches around. They travel well and would be ideal for whatever Mother's Day outdoor plans you happen to have. And, to make things super easy, you can order them straight from their mobile app, then just swing by, grab and go. OH, they also have great fried chicken (hot and cold) that's perfect for a beach day!
A few last-minute thoughts. Mother's Day will mark the last meal service for Café Baci (4001 S. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota, (941) 921-4848). So if you're feeling a bit nostalgic, this might just make the perfect Mother's Day stop for you! Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar (5353 S. Tamiami Tr., (941) 925-4444) will have special Mother's Day features, including a 12oz. cast iron NY strip steak and their famous steamer pots for two! AND, the Bijou Garden Cafe (1287 1st St., (941) 366-8111 will be serving a special menu that will include a classic eggs benedict and chicken française.
There you have it. There are so many fantastic local ways to celebrate and honor the important people in your life. Whether you’re planning a fancy and upscale day or something more laid-back and casual, we hope you enjoy it!
Here are some upcoming local food events that we think you might find interesting. All you need to do is make that reservation. We’ve provided you with a link to more info.
ALL APRIL –Epicurean Month: Peru – Michael’s on East
APR 28 - Familia Martínez Bujanda Wine Dinner– The Columbia Restaurant (Ybor City)
APR 28 – Burgundy Wine Tasting Dinner - Mademoiselle Paris
APR 28 – ** James Beard Chef Tour Dinner ** – Café Gabbiano
MAY 8 – Mother’s Day Brunch – Michael’s on East
MAY 11 – Downton Abbey Dinner – Taste Magazine
MAY 14 - Food Trucks Tunes and Brews - INFORMATION
MAY 20-22 - Sarasota Shrimp & Music Festival - INFORMATION
MAY 21- Lola Wine & Food Pairing – 99 Bottles
MAY 26 – Alsace Wine Tasting Dinner – Mademoiselle Paris
JUN 3 - Bites & Libations: The Rum Edition – GROVE Restaurant
JUN 9 - Wine Cellar Social Club – Michael’s on East
EVERY SUNDAY - Siesta Key Farmers Market - DETAILS
EVERY SUNDAY – Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch - DETAILS
EVERY SUNDAY – The Meadows Farmers Market - DETAILS
EVERY WEDNESDAY – The Phillippi Farmhouse Market - DETAILS
THIRD THURSDAY NIGHT – RADD Night Market - DETAILS
EVERY SATURDAY – Sarasota Farmers Market - DETAILS
EVERY SATURDAY - Downtown Bradenton Public Market - DETAILS
EVERY SATURDAY – Venice Farmers Market - DETAILS
Did you miss a story? Here are some of our past Bites – SB ARCHIVE
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