Chances are, many of you are trying to decide where to take your mom for brunch on Mother’s Day, which is coming up quickly, on May 14. Moms should be pampered every day, I think, but this is certainly the time to do something special for the woman who takes care of everyone else all year.
There are plenty of choices for brunch in Tallahassee. And I use the term brunch loosely. Technically, brunch is a meal that combines breakfast and lunch, usually late in the morning, and most often offered on weekends. Consider this explanation of brunch from “The Simpsons” character Jacques, a suave bowling instructor: “It’s not quite breakfast, it’s not quite lunch, but it comes with a slice of cantaloupe at the end.”
Here’s a roundup of some of Tallahassee’s best options, some likely with cantaloupe, for brunch on May 14. FYI, most places accept reservations but act quickly.
A La Provence
If mom likes a touch of class, A La Provence is a white tablecloth setting known for its French and New American cuisine. Options include bruschetta eggs Benedict, omelets, leg of lamb and beignets (savory as an appetizer and sweet as a dessert). 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; 1415 Timberlane Rd.; 850-329-6870.
Andrews Capital Grill & Bar
Open for four decades, the downtown staple serves a Sunday buffet with omelet and carving stations, plus a selection of individual brunch items. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 228 South Adams St.; 850-222-3444.
Avenue Eat & Drink
The upscale venue offers its traditional Sunday brunch, including short ribs and potato hash, wild smoked salmon Benedict, pound cake French toast and shrimp and grits. 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. 115 East Park Ave.; 850-224-0115.
Blu Halo
Indulge in an opulent buffet at this swanky setting, with filet mignon and pork tenderloin on the carving station along with chicken and waffles, eggs Benedict and other breakfast items. Free mimosas for mom and a Bloody Mary bar for serious fans. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. 3431 Bannerman Road, #102; 850-999-1696.
Cypress Restaurant
Chef/owners David and Elizabeth Gwynn will be presenting a Mother’s Day brunch though the menu is still in the works. Check Facebook for updates. 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. 320 E. Tennessee St.; 850-513-1100.
The Edison
Savor a brunch with lamb or Southern-style Benedict, stuffed French toast and shrimp and grits, salads and sandwiches while savoring a view that overlooks the fountains and greenery of Cascades Park. 10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. 470 Suwannee St.; 850-765-9771.
The Egg Cafe & Eatery
This popular spot serves all the classics and classics with a twist, like the Ultimate Seafood Omelet; Lox, Stock and Bagel Benny; and shrimp-n-grits skillet. 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. 3740 Austin Davis Ave., 850-765-0703.
Fifth & Thomas
Set the right tone for Mother’s Day as the Tenessee group, Belle and the Band, performs during brunch at Fifth & Thomas. Choices include pulled pork Benedict; pickle brine chicken with Applewood bacon pancakes and a ham and egg buttermilk biscuit sandwich. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 1122 Thomasville Rd.; 850-694-3322.
Food Glorious Food: FGF “Mackin” Cheese, pan-fried catfish, brioche French toast and a long list of other items are available on the brunch at this contemporary restaurant .10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 1950 Thomasville Rd.; 850-224-9974.
Georgio’s
The restaurant is opening early May 14 for Mother’s Day, offering seafood, prime steaks, drink specials and desserts. Noon to 7 p.m. 2971 Apalachee Pkwy.; 850-877-3211.
Hotel Duval
Treat your mom to a lavish, picnic-themed buffet in the hotel’s eighth floor Horizon Ballroom. Highlights: truffled hash brown casserole, an omelet station and barbecue chicken with complimentary mimosas. There will be two seatings, at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. There’s a kid’s buffet and craft area so youngsters can make their own Mother’s Day cards. 415 N. Monroe St.; 850-224-6000.
Kool Beanz
Enjoy brunch surrounded by the colorful work of local artists in this laid-back space, where the menu features a full English breakfast, banana-rum French toast and shrimp and grits. 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. 921 Thomasville Road; 850-224-2466.
Liberty Bar & Restaurant
This is a bar but known for its good food as well as its chill atmosphere and drink menu. Sample dishes like a Scottish egg (a soft-boiled egg wrapped around sausage and fried), chicken and biscuits and pork belly Benedict. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 1307 N. Monroe St.; 850-284-7966.
Madison Social
Expect a multi-generational crowd soaking up the atmosphere at this casual venue, where you’ll find lemon ricotta pancakes, a pork belly benny and Buffalo chicken salad on the brunch lineup. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 705 S. Woodward Ave.; 850-894-6276.
Nefetari’s Fine Cuisine & Spirits
Make your mom queen for the day at exotic Nefetari, which showcases Egyptian-African artwork. There are two menus on May 14, one with regular brunch items and the other with entrees like pan-seared salmon, wild mushroom ravioli and “Zen” teriyaki with your choice of protein. Moms will receive a complimentary iced tea or mimosa. Brunch 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; entrees served 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 812 S. Macomb St.; 850-210-0548.
Paisley Cafe
A cozy courtyard provides the backdrop for brunch, with chorizo hash, grits and collards with candied smoked sausage and daily specials. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 1123 Thomasville Rd., 850-385-7268.
Sage
The restaurant’s executive chef-owner Terry White offers a sophisticated brunch menu, with chicken and mushroom crepes, steak frites, croque Monsieur, quiche, a burger topped with a fried egg and other breakfast and lunch specials. 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 3534 Maclay Boulevard South; 850-270-9396.
Southwood Golf Club
The Mother’s Day buffet features grilled redfish, an artisan cheese board, salads, an omelet and carving stations and assorted desserts in a classic space. Moms get a complimentary mimosa. Hours: 10 a.m. -12:30 p.m. (regular breakfast menu available from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.) 3750 Grove Park Dr; 850-402-5131.
Table 23
You’ll find sweet potato pancakes, biscuits and gravy, chicken and waffles and other Southern-style fare in this breezy setting. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 1215 Thomasville Rd.; 850-329-2261.
319 Wine & Cheese
The cozy nook presents grits and egg frittata, stuffed French toast and other homey fare during brunch, with bottomless mimosas for $12. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 6265 Old Water Oak Dr., Suite 104; 850-765-7053.
+39 Fine Dining: Chef Alessandro Di Maggio presents an elaborate Mother’s Day brunch showcasing Italian dishes like chicken piccata, cannelloni and cioppini (Italian-style Fisherman’s stew) as well as several breakfast items including eggs Benedict, deviled eggs and quiche. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Urban Food Market; Centre of Tallahassee, 2415 N Monroe St.; 850-536-6843.
Uptown Café
Pancakes, Benedicts, omelets, blackened chicken and smoked salmon are some of the faves on the extensive menu. Add a mimosa (classic or blood orange), a peach bellini or breakfast beer (FYI, no Bloody Marys) to celebrate mom’s special day. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 1325 Miccosukee Rd.; 850-219-9800.
