BY KAREN YOUNG
There are many ways to make Mother’s Day special for Moms or any mom-like figure. To those honoring the moms— take over the chores, clean the house, clean her car, prepare a picnic, sing her praises for at least 24 hours, send her for spa pampering or on a shopping spree, give hugs, say nice things, don’t bicker…say “I love you.” Looking for a special dining treat? Check out these select dining options around the San Fernando Valley.
Flowers, Sweets and Good Eats this Mother's Day. Photo: Karen Young
TEA TIME
This quaint tea house feels like a home away from home, tucked away on a side street just south of Topanga in Woodland Hills. High Tea Cottage is offering a special Mother’s Day High Tea on both Saturday and Sunday with three seatings each day at 10 am, 1 pm and 4 pm. Saturday features four courses complete with tiered service include cheese, pate, organic salad, tea sandwiches, scones, chocolate cups, petit fours, chocolate mousse and select teas. $30 adult, $15 child. Sunday’s celebration is five courses: $45 adult, $30 child. 21938 Costanso Street Woodland Hills 818 887-2117. www.highteacottage.com
This cozy gourmet chocolate emporium in an Encino strip mall is a delightful surprise, offering two seating times for a luscious tea service that includes a selection of finger sandwiches, scones, pastries, fresh strawberries and a tempting array of sweet treats along with a spot of tea. Two seatings — 2:30pm – 4:00pm and 5:00pm – 6:30pm . The price is $35 per adult and $15 per child (ages 10-5) . 17312-A Ventura Boulevard, Encino (818) 784-7714Reservations Required: Call (818) 784-7714. www.thechocolatebaronline.com
MUSEUMS AND A GARDEN
Mother’s Day at Descanso Gardens
The Patina Group (Pinot) offers a three-course menu in the Rose Pavillion, including house made danish, tomato tart, Classic quiche Lorraine with apple wood smoked ham, gruyère and sweet onion, French toast with caramelized bananas, pecans. Saturday and Sunday seatings: 9am, 10:30am, noon, and 1:30pm $50 for adults; members for $42; kids under 12 for $17. 1418 Descanso Dr. La Cañada Flintridge. Reservations: 818-790-3663. www.descansogardens.org
Zeidler’s Cafe at Skirball Cultural Center
Zeidler’s Cafe is offering a Mother’s Day Buffet Brunch, including smoked salmon benedict, rack of lamb, french toast and more from 11am-3 pm.$27.95 per adult, $13.95 per child, plus tax and gratuity. Admission to museum not included. Reservations required: (310) 440-4575. 1100 12:30 1-2:30 310-440-4515. Side Note: Presented in honor of Mother’s Day, the Skirball is having a special tour at 2 pm, Jewish Women in History, which looks at relevant exhibits within the Skirball’s core exhibition, Visions and Values: Jewish Life from Antiquity to America. 2701 North Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles
The Golden Spur Cafe at The Autry Museum
Celebrate Mother’s Day with Women of the West at the Autry Museum in Griffith Park with a brunch including pastries and unlimited champagne at the Golden Spur Cafe. $20 adults. Kids menu available. $27 with admission to the museum, Home Lands: How Women Made the West. Sunday, May 9, 2010, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. No reservations needed. 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles (323) 667-2000 www.theautry.org
A RESTAURANT AFFAIR
Sit in the beautiful garden-esque dining room recently featured in “Valentines Day.” Choose three-courses of Bistro Garden favorites including Maryland Lump Meat Crab Cake, Eggs Benedict,Cold Poached Salmon and the famous Bistro Garden Soufflé in Chocolate or Lemon. Cost is $48 adults, $30 kids. Reservations 818.501.0202. Menu available at www.bistrogarden.com 12950 Ventura Blvd., Studio City 818.501.0202
Sit outside on the Tuscan inspired patio and imagine dining in a Siena courtyard at this valley mainstay. The three-course menu includes antipasti selections, such as zucchini blossoms, parma proscuitto and white asparagus soup. Entrees include pumpkin ravioli, Black and White Linguini and Braised Short Ribs and Profiteroles for dessert. Open from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and from 4:30p.m. to 9:00 p.m. $34.75 per person www.cadelsole.com
It’s a weekend celebration Italian style with Chef Fabio and a Italian guitarist to serenade your meal. The regular menu is a la carte. Complimentary champagne and rose for all mothers on Saturday dinner and Sunday brunch. 4212 Lankershim Blvd. Toluca Lake. Call for more information and reservation: 818-760-7081. www.firenzeosteria.com
Celebrate in this serene haven, surrounded by trees and a trickling stream. The extensive buffet includes an array of hot and cold entrees and salads, waffle bar, bagel bar, fruit bar, pastry bar, raw bar and fish bar.
Adults $60 full buffet/ $57 vegetarian. Children: 5-13 $1.75 x age . Under 4 Free. 128 Old Topanga Canyon Road Topanga 310.455.1311. www.innoftheseventhray.com
The classic, yet modern French bistro offers a three-course brunch featuring saffron risotto, grilled hanger steak, mustard-crusted roasted chicken & brioche chocolate pudding. Adults $42; kids under 12 $15 12969 Ventura Blvd. Studio City. www.patinagroup.com (818) 990-0500
This casually elegant hideaway in a large strip mall is offering an eclectic three course brunch menu, including Sweet Carrot and Ginger Soup, Build Your Own Omelette, Poached Egg Florentine with Baked Parma Ham, Seared Ahi Tuna, Pork Shop Milanese and Filet Mignon. Adults $32, Children under 12 $14. www.tuscany-restaurant.com/riviera/whatsnew.html 23683 Calabasas Rd, Calabasas For reservations: 818-224-2163
This Woodland Hills restaurant has one of the most beautiful garden patios in the San Fernando Valley. Enjoy an a la carte brunch menu with such entrees as Eggs Benedict, Eggs Dungeness, Brioche French Toast. Salmon Salad and Buttersquash Ravioli. Make it special with free flowing champagne for an extra $12. 22160 Ventura Boulevard. Woodland Hills, (818) 704-1185. www.villapiacere.com
Karen Young is the Editor/Publisher of My Daily Find Email: karen@mydailyfind.com