Mother’s Day is May 12 and it’s never too early to get your reservations in to the most popular spots for Mother’s Day brunch. Many locations fill up weeks before Mother’s Day, especially at popular times between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. This year make Mother’s Day extra special with one of these special brunch or event experiences.
Mom’s Day Brunch/Dinner
Le Chene French Cuisine
12625 Sierra Highway, Aqua Dulce
Treat your mother to a brunch or dinner in France. You don’t even have to leave the Santa Clarita Valley. Le Chene Restaurant offers up a taste of France, not too far from home. Chef and owner Juan Alonso named his restaurant for the centennial oaks that surround his river-rock cottage and garden. Since opening its doors in 1980, Le Chene’s wine list has repeatedly been given the Best Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator.
Celebrate Mother’s Day 2019 at Le Chene with a special brunch offered 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (last reservation at 2:30 p.m.) Dinner hours are 5-9 p.m. (last reservation at 8:30 p.m.). Reservations are often booked a week in advance for Mother’s Day.
Info https://lechene.com/reservations.
Salt Creek Grille
24415 Town Center Drive #115, Valencia
As always, Salt Creek will offer up its signature Sunday Champagne Brunch beginning at 10 a.m.
Reservations www.saltcreekgrille.com/valencia
94th Aero Squadron
16320 Raymer St., Lake Balboa
Tucked away next to the Van Nuys Airport, 94th Aero Squadron is a charming French chateau complete with ivy-covered walls, stone paths, plush gardens and a warm, inviting interior that is adorned with aviation relics and replica warcraft.
This was, for years, my “go-to” Mother’s Day brunch favorite for myself and my mother-in-law.
The 94th Aero Squadron offers classic American cuisine and an amazing, and bountiful, Mother’s Day brunch.
It’s a great place to watch small general aviation aircraft land and take off from the adjacent Van Nuys airport.
Reservations www.94thvannuys.com.
Extra Special Excursions
Queen Mary Royal Sunday Brunch
1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach
You’re mom’s a queen, right? Why not treat her like a queen with a visit to the Queen Mary? Book a room for mom on this historic ocean liner, then join her for the Queen Mary Royal Sunday Brunch.
A local favorite, the Queen Mary Royal Sunday Brunch takes you on a worldwide culinary adventure and features more than 50 unique dishes from around the globe.
Delight in a traditional western breakfast fare, like made-to-order omelets, pancakes, eggs benedict and homemade hash. Experience southwestern cuisine or a light salad, and enjoy a variety of domestic and imported cheeses. The highlight is a signature carving station, which offers prime rib with au jus and leg of lamb with mint jus. The brunch also features a sushi station, Italian station, patisserie and more.
Wrapped in the elegant grace of the Grand Salon, and featuring live entertainment, the Royal Sunday Brunch has the air of a royal soiree. Free flowing champagne, live music and a signature menu will make mom feel like the queen she is!
The Mother’s Day Brunch includes admission to the Queen Mary.
Cost: $69 without champagne; $79 with champagne and $24 child (Ages 4-11).
Reservations www.queenmary.com/book-now/table/
Mother’s Day Brunch Cruise
Harbor Breeze Corp, 100 Aquarium Way, Dock 2, Long Beach
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Celebrate with a special Mother’s Day Brunch and Mother’s Day Cruise aboard the newest dining yacht in Southern California “Sir Winston.” Live entertainment, cruise of Long Beach Harbor, brunch buffet, champagne toast, cash bar. Cost: Adult $89, child $55. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Info www.eventbrite.com/e/mothers-day-brunch-cruise-tickets-59399085263?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
The Huntington Library
1151 Oxford Road, San Marino
Mother’s Day brunch at The Huntington Library is a Mother’s Day classic. A harp-infused rose garden awaits you and your mom, or you can opt for the English Tea in the Rose Garden Tea Room.
Treat mom to a lavish champagne brunch at The Huntington. This farm-fresh menu is crafted by Executive Chef Jeff Thurston. Indulge in savory mushroom and gruyère quiche, crisp spring pea salad, eggs Benedict, prime rib with horseradish crème, mini lobster rolls and more.
Guests will dine in the Rose Hills Foundation Garden Court surrounded by a lush canopy of beauty. Two seatings, 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Cost: $100 per adult (includes endless mimosas), $30 per child age 4-11 years old, children under 4 free.
Set within the historic Huntington Rose Garden, the Tea Room offers table service instead of a buffet. The Tea Room’s elegant and memorable experience is inspired by the aristocratic tradition of English tea service with a distinctive California twist.
Nibble on scones, delicate finger sandwiches, and seasonal desserts, accompanied by a selection of herbal and teas or sparkling wine. Cost: $50-$37. Separate admission required for entrance to library and gardens.
Info www.huntington.org/mothers-day
Day Trip to Catalina
Treat mom to a special day trip to Catalina Island. Depart on the Catalina Express (1.5-hour trip each way) from San Pedro or Long Beach. (Cost: Adults $37.25 each way; children $29.50 each way).
Once on Catalina, there are various tours you can prearrange for your visit, or stop by Wrigley Botanical Gardens which features a monument to William Wrigley Jr. and lush gardens designed by his wife. The Wrigley Monument, perched at the top of the gardens, is the best place to take in vistas that include views of the sweeping Catalina coastline and Palos Verdes. The gardens offer a tranquil place to enjoy nature.
When it’s time to dine, treat mom to one of the best restaurants on Catalina. Options include Steve’s Steakhouse, Bluewater Avalon Seafood Restaurant, Descanso Beach Club Dining, Avalon Grille, The Lobster Trap or Original Jack’s Country Kitchen.
Info www.catalinachamber.com/island-info
Reservations www.catalinaexpress.com.
