Best Restaurants for Mother’s Day
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Mother's Day is the busiest day of the year in the restaurant industry, so plan accordingly, and according to what “type” of mom you’ve got!
Best places for gourmet-loving, "Top Chef Mom"
This mom knows her kimchi from her bok choy, has The Food Network on a constant loop and chooses vacation destinations based on how good the restaurants are. So dress to impress on Mother’s Day, come with a gift from Williams-Sonoma, and take her to Gracie's, in Providence, where Chef Matthew Varga regularly welcomes the country's top chefs to the restaurant for guest chef dinners. He'll dazzle with his restraint while using fresh, locally sourced food. Gracie's is serving Chef Varga's menu from 2-9 pm and tables are sure to fill quickly.
Prefer ocean to urban? Both the food and views at the Ocean House (right), in Watch Hill, are sublime. Chef Eric Haugen worked with Thomas Keller (don't know who he is? Ask Mom--she will!) and is featuring a brunch buffet in the gorgeous ballroom or a 5-course tasting menu at their signature restaurant, Seasons, Either way it will be fresh and tasty.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe crown jewel of the Newport Restaurant Group is Castle Hill Inn and Resort in Newport. Chef Jonathan Cambra. Chef Cambra is top notch, just like this gorgeous property. And he doesn't miss a beat at the Sunday Jazz Brunch. When you combine the great views of Narragansett Bay with the great things coming from the kitchen you have a worry-free Mother's Day for your foodie mom. Gracie's, 149 Washington St, Providence, 272-7811. Ocean House, 1 Bluff Ave, Westerly, 315-0579. Castle Hill Inn and Resort, 590 Ocean Dr, Newport, 888-466-1355.
Best places for classically elegant, "Breakfast at Tiffany's Mom"
She's classic, elegant, always in style. She prefers old school to trendy. These moms love what they love, so why not give it to them? Pick out a gift from Talbots and make a reservation at one of the classics: Since 1889 Jamestown has been blessed with the venerable Bay Voyage Inn (left), and a classic it is! Eggs Benedict, prime rib au jus, and bananas Foster will delight your mom, as will the classic service and pretty views. You can be sure that the brunch will feature something good for the whole group!
Now, when you think classic in Providence, you think Capriccio. Offering classic European cuisine since the late 70's, Capriccio offers a unique dining experience in Providence. It's one of the few restaurants left where you can have your entire meal prepared table side. Start with the Ceasar, followed by the steak Diane and finish it off with the crepes Suzette. Imagine the fun Mom will have with all that "flambe" going on at the table!
When friends from out of town ask why people will wait hours with no reservations to get in to Twin Oaks (below), we just shake our heads and say, "It's a Rhode Island thing." Rhode Islanders are famous for their loyalty and no restaurant takes better advantage of that than Twin Oaks. Those red leather benches in the lobby have held many hungry Rhode Islanders over the years and it continues today. Start with the largest shrimp cocktail you have ever seen and follow it with the famous baked stuffed shrimp with buttery Ritz cracker stuffing and you will have a happy seafood lover on your hands. And don't worry carnivores--the dinosaur cut of prime rib still overlaps the dinner plate! The Bay Voyage, 150 Conanicus Ave, Jamestown, 866-323-3087. Capriccio, 2 Pine St, Providence, 421-1320. Twin Oaks, 100 Sabra St, Cranston, 401-781-9693.
Best places for offbeat, wacky, "Bette Midler Mom"
Fun-loving, a little wacky, always the life of the party and always willing to try something new. First get her laughing with a couple of tickets to see Steve Martin's one-man show in later May, then take her to see Barbara Streisand, Elton John, Billy Joel and Cher. Well, sort of. Via Roma, on Federal Hill, is presenting celebrity impersonators the Edwards Twins and a great Italian meal featuring chicken Marsala, pasta, dessert and coffee. Nothing says "love you Mom" quite like comfort food and all of her favorite performers, right?
Our 94-year-old grandmother, Charlotte, has been going to the Crescent Park Carousel in East Providence every Mother's Day for more than 70 years. This year we'll start at O Dini's family restaurant. Broaden her horizons with some incredible, authentic Portuguese food served in a laid-back atmosphere before heading over to try to grab the ring on the carousel. Locally made chorizo simmered with little neck clams and tomatoes is an easy way to introduce your adventurous matriarch to the wonders of Portuguese cuisine.
If your mom's idea of fun is watching the History Channel, then start at Parkside Rotisserie in Providence and walk off that great meal with a walking tour of historic Providence. Walk Rhode Island-A Capitol City Walk is offering two separate walks around Providence starting near Roger Williams Memorial on North Main St. that will show your mom the great past and present of our fair city. Chef Steve Davenport has taken the art of Rotisserie to new heights at his Providence institution. On Mother's Day, Parkside's rotisserie is turning out such spring favorites as lamb and beef tenderloin along with its always delicious chicken. Roma, 308 Atwells Ave, Providence, 331-1717. O Dini's, 579 Warren Ave, East Providence, 438-3769. Parkside Rotisserie and Bar, 76 South Main St, Providence, 331-0003.
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