The Lobster Omelette and Bloody Mary
at Montrésor. (Photo by Cathy Arkle)
Not sure where to take Mom for Mother’s Day Brunch or Dinner and you haven’t made reservations yet? Here’s a collection of fine restaurants around town that Mom’ll love! Hey, chronic procrastinators: as last-minute cancellations can and do happen, so be sure to call—but check early!
a.o.c.
The Patio at the a.o.c.(Photo Rob Stark Photography, courtesy of The Lucque’s Group)
Restaurant a.o.c. offers their weekend brunch on Mother’s Day. Representative of the signature style of James Beard Foundation Chef/Author Suzanne Goin and award-winning Restaurateur Caroline Styne, A.O.C.’s Brunch is prepared by Chef de Cuisine Adam Cherney. This menu, consistently rated as one of the best brunches in the city, is served on the restaurant’s iconic patio, the vibrant dining room or – for walk-in guests – the communal table.
The à la carte brunch menu includes Vanilla Bean French Toast with Mixed Berry Compote, Mascarpone & Marconas, a.o.c. Brioche with Melted Gruyère, Frisée, Prosciutto and Sunny-Side Up Egg, Spanish Fried Chicken and Cornmeal Waffle with Jamon Butter and Maple Syrup, Wood-Oven Baked Eggs with Chickpeas, Cavolo Nero, Feta and Sumac, or Focaccia Sandwich of Roast Turkey, Mozzarella, Green Harissa, Avocado & Castelvetranos, just to name a few. For dinner, there’s the Vintner’s Plate with Rillettes, Cheese, Cured Meats, Pickles, Roasted Grapes and Grilled Toast perfect for sharing, the Wood-Roasted Shrimp with Caper Bagna Cauda and Parsley Aïoli, Spanish Fried Chicken with Romesco Aïoli & Chili-Cumin Butter, Wood-Fired Clams with Sherry, Green Garlic & Toast and Asparagus with Parmesan Pudding, Pancetta, Dijon and Almonds. Larger platters for sharing are Grilled Whole Fish with Charred Carrots, Charmoula, Labneh, Blood Orange and Walnuts, and the house favorite–Roasted Chicken “Ode To Zuni” with Panzanella, Fennel and Green Olives.
Pricing at a.o.c. for Brunch à la carte menu ranges from $14 – $22; for dinner menu, small plates range from $11 – $20. Platters to share are priced $32 – $52. a.o.c. will be open for Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday, May 13, 2018, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Dinner 5 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.; 8700 W. 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90048; 310.859.9859.
Celestino Ristorante
The Grilled Salmon with Sorell Spinach and the Spinach and Pea Risotto, part of the special Mother’s Day Four-Course Prix-Fixe Menu designed to spoil Mom Italian style, at Celestino Restaurante, Pasadena, California. (Photo courtesy of Celestino Ristorante)
Celestino Ristorante owner and Executive Chef Calogero Drago has created a special Mother’s Day Four-Course Prix-Fixe Menu designed to spoil Mom Italian style! To start, a fresh Buffalo Mozzarella Salad with tomato. For the Second Course, Mom can choose either Artichoke Ravioli with black truffle sauce, or the Spinach and Pea Risotto. For the third course, a Grilled Salmon with Sorell, and for dessert, exclusively for Mother’s Day, the Torta della Nonna, also known as “Grandmother’s Cake”, with a rich creamy custard filling, topped with pine nuts. The Mother’s Day Four-Course Prix-Fixe Menu is $58.00 per person.
The Burrata e Pomodorini di Pachino, with Arugula and Prosciutto di Parma, at Celestino Restaurante, Pasadena, California. (Photo by Monique A. LeBleu)
For dinner, from the regular à la carte menu, to start, there’s the Burrata con Basilico e Pomodorini di Pachino, a buttery Mozzarella Cheese with Basil and a fresh cherry tomato sauce, or the Burrata trio with fresh Arugula, tomatoes, and Prosciutto Di Parma. For the entree–because Celestino’s is known for their fresh pasta–try the Black and White Tagliolini with Scallops and Saffron Sauce, or something from their Truffles and Mushrooms menu, like Gnocchi Stuffed with Mushroom in a Truffle Cheese Sauce.
From the dessert menu, the Panna Cotta with fresh strawberries at Celestino Restaurante, Pasadena, California, March 16, 2018. (Photo by Monique A. LeBleu)
Celestino Ristorante will be open for Mother’s Day Dinner, Sunday, May 13th from 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm; 141 South Lake Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91101; 626.795.4006.
More on Celestino Restaurante.
CHAYA Downtown and Venice
The dessert sampler at CHAYA Downtown, open for Mother’s Day. (Photo by Acuna-Hansen)
This Mother’s Day, there is no better place in the heart of Los Angeles to celebrate and shower Mom with all the appreciation she deserves than CHAYA Downtown. Their planned Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet will have a fresh array of Lobster, Oysters, Smoked Salmon, Eggs Benedict and much more–or Mom can create her own Omelet–along with a hot savory meats Carving Station, as well as their signature Sushi Rolls and Nigiri. Be sure to fill Mom’s glass with Bottomless Mimosas, which is $10 per person with the Buffet Brunch. Champagne is a great way to open up the palate and make room for dessert, because there’s also bite-sized sweets and treats to end a perfect a beautiful meal.
CHAYA Downtown will be open for Mother’s Day Brunch, Sunday, May 13th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm and Moter’s Day Brunch is $70 per person. 525 South Flower Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071; 213.236.9577.
CHAYA Venice also offers a Mother’s Day Brunch! Begin with a Mimosa or Bellini, then head to the Appetizer Buffet featuring unlimited seafood and salad options like the Oysters topped with mignonette and horseradish, the Scarlet Quinoa with red beets, ume vinegar, lemon zest, and dill, or the Kale Salad with red onion, roasted peanuts, and peanut dressing. Then choose your choice of an Entrée with selections like the Blueberry Pancakes made of buckwheat, spelt, and oats topped with organic maple syrup, the Avocado Toast with a sunny-side-up egg, mizuna, and lemon and shichimi togarashi, and the Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict with roasted potatoes. Then head to the Dessert Buffet which offers a decadent selection of pastries and mini desserts for Mom to choose from.
CHAYA Venice will be open for Mother’s Day Brunch, Sunday, May 13th from 10:30 am to 3:00 pm. Brunch is $55 per person with optional endless Mimosas and Bellinis for $15 per person; 110 Navy Street, Venice, CA, 90291; 310.396.1179.
Church & State
Brunch at Church & State, Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emi Rose)
What do you mean Mom’s never been to L.A.’s Arts District? Well, then take Mom to celebrate Mother’s Day at Church & State. Mom can indulge in Executive Chef Tony Esnault’s “Church on Sunday” Mother’s Day Four-Course Prix-Fixe Dinner Menu ($45 per person) with an optional Wine Pairing ($25 per person) or enjoy Church & State’s special Sunday à la carte menu. Begin with à la carte Appetizers like the Le Cachat with herbed goat cheese, lavender, and honey spread across a fresh baguette, or the French Onion Soup served with a baguette and Emmentaler cheese. Or she can enjoy classic French dishes like the Vegetables Barigoule with farmer’s vegetables and sherry vinaigrette, or the Wild Burgundy Snails with garlic butter and putt pastry. For dessert, the Crème Glacée with salted caramel, vanilla, and coffee, or the mouthwatering Crème Brûlée with caramelized vanilla custard.
Church & State will be open for Mother’s Day Dinner, Sunday, May 13th from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm; 1850 Industrial Street #100; Los Angeles, CA 90021; 213.405.1434.
Commerson
The Miso Cured Atlantic Salmon at Commerson in Los Angeles, California, May 3, 2018. (Photo Monique A. LeBleu)
For Brunch, Commerson’s Chef Cristina Stuart has a Coconut Pandan French Toast with macadamia nuts, Crusoe Rum butter, and coconut chantilly cream, an Omelette featuring caramelized onions, Maitake mushrooms, feta cheese, and mixed greens, Sourdough Waffles with vanilla butter, maple syrup, the Pork Belly Toast sunny side up eggs, tomato marmalade, piquillo peppers, cherry tomatoes, and confit fennel, or the Smoked Salmon Or Neuske’s Canadian Bacon Benedict with poached eggs, béarnaise, fried capers, and dill on an English muffin with mixed greens.
The Widow’s Kiss and the Le Colonial, both served in a Nick and Nora glass, and the Billionaire. Cocktails at Commerson, Los Angeles, May 3, 2018. (Photo by Monique A. LeBleu)
For dinner, to start, there’s the Salmon Poke with avocado, ponzu, garlic sesame seeds, tortilla chips, the Citrus Cured Kanpachi hass avocado mousse, micro cilantro, watermelon radish salad, and Masago rice balls, the flash-fired Brussel Sprouts with tonnato, shallots, parmesan cheese, and herbs, The Miso Cured Atlantic Salmon with shishito peppers, cherry tomato raisins, cilantro, grilled romaine, scallion oil and shishito aioli, a Baja Striped Bass leeks with english peas, pattypan squash, pickled lemon, and basil pistou, the Roasted Free-Range Chicken fingerling potatoes with Maitake mushrooms, escarole, preserved Meyer Lemon, and chicken jus, or the Crispy Pork Belly onion broth, Cipollini onions, chives, with homemade daikon noodles.
Commerson will be open Sunday, May 13th for Mother’s Day. Brunch is served from 10:00 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dinner from 5 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.; 788 S. La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036, 323-813-3000. Two hours validation is offered for complimentary garage parking, with entrances on 8th street and sycamore.
The FLATS
The Maine Lobster Bolognese at The FLATS. (Photo by Acuna-Hansen)
You love pizza, and so does Mom. Pizza on Mother’s Day, you say? Of course! So take her for very fine pizza at The FLATS in Beverly Hills, where executive Chef Paul Shoemaker is creating the best Artisanal Flatbread Pizzas in Los Angeles. Head Barman Pete Capella has created a very special libation “Say Hello To Your Mother For Me,” comprised of St. George California citrus vodka, Giffard Peché de Vigne, lemon juice, agave nectar, rose water, and sparkling rosé.
The Say Hello To Your Mother For Me Cocktail at The FLATS, Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Acuna-Hansen)
For Mother’s Day Dinner, start with lighter Appetizers like the Brussels Sprouts with brown butter, garlic, lemon, and cured egg yolk, or the Field Greens Salad with avocado, tomato, bacon, blue cheese dressing and grilled ciabatta. Then choose between a variety of Flatbreads and entrées like the classic Margherita with organic tomato sauce, fresh basil, and house-made mozzarella, the Porcini Mushroom with gruyère cheese, béchamel, rosemary, and olive oil, or the spectacular Maine Lobster Bolognese with house-made pasta alla chitarra, and tomato sauce.
The FLATS will be open for Mother’s Day Dinner on Sunday, May 13th from 5:00 pm to 12:00 Midnight; 8400 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90211; 310.909.7549.
Lucques
Lucque’s (Photo Rob Stark Photography, courtesy of The Lucque’s Group)
Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne present Mother’s Day at Lucques on Sunday, May 13, 2018, for dinner. Lucques, with its cozy decor of brick, wood beams, and a serene garden was originally the rustic carriage house of the Harold Lloyd estate. Lucques offers an inviting surrounding for an annual Mother’s Day Sunday Supper. This four-course menu, prepared by Chef de Cuisine Mercedes Rojas. The dinner begins with Curried English Pea Soup with Crème Fraîche and Mint; followed by Apricots and Meyer Lemon Ricotta with Crushed Pistachios and Fresno Chiles.
For the main course, guests can choose a Lobster Chopped Salad with Fava Beans, Cherry Tomatoes, Avocado and Smoked Bacon or Glazed Duck Confit with Black Rice, James’ Mustard Greens and Burlat Cherries. There will be musical entertainment. For dessert, there’s the Mother’s Day Charlotte Royale with Mixed Berries and Red Fruit Mousseline created by Executive Pastry Chef Noubar Yessayan. The dishes all representative of the signature style of James Beard Foundation award-winning chef Suzanne Goin, with a supplemental wine pairing by Caroline Styne and a seasonal hand-crafted cocktail by Barman Christiaan Röllich.
Lucques’ Mother’s Day Sunday Supper is priced at $75 Per Person. Lucques will be open on Sunday, May 13th for Dinner from 5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., 8474 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90069; 323.655.6277.
Montrésor
The Montrésor. (Photo by Cathy Arkle)
Executive Chef Paul Shoemaker at Studio City’s newly-opened Montrésor will prepare a mouthwatering Mother’s Day Brunch. In a beautiful French bistro setting, you are transported to 1920’s Paris while sipping on a Mimosa or classic Wine of choice. Start off Mother’s Day Brunch with an Appetizer that is sure to delight with choices like the Berries & Honeycomb prepared with pine nuts, biscotti crumble, and Chantilly cream, the classic French Onion Soup with gruyère, and baguette croutons, or the Foie Gras Torchon served with black cherry, Moscato, and brioche. Then there are entrées such as the Lobster Omelette with tarragon béarnaise and a baguette, a Black Truffle Omelette made with winter black truffles, truffle brie, and a baguette, or the Poached Eggs with two organic farm fresh eggs paired with a frisée lardon salad.
For dinner, Montrésor will also be serving Mother’s Day Dinner the entire day. To start, there’s Kumamoto Oysters with a classic mignonette, Beef Tartare made with gougère, butter lettuce, and Dijon, or the Bouchot Mussels prepared with garlic white wine, cherry tomatoes, and parsley. Then there are entrées such as the Rhode Island Black Bass with artichokes, tomato, and saffron jus, the Coq Au Vin served with baby root vegetables and bacon, or the Duck with baby turnips, Bloomsdale spinach, orange, and vin rouge.
Montrésor will be open for Mother’s Day Brunch, Sunday, May 13th from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, and for Mother’s Day Dinner from 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm; 11266 Ventura Boulevard, Studio City, CA 91604; 818.760.7081.
The Raymond 1886
The Salmon Eggs Benedict at The Raymond 1886, Pasadena, California, February 11, 2018. (Photo by Monique A. LeBleu)
At Pasadena’s The Raymond 1886 Executive Chef Tim Guiltinan has something extra special prepared for Mom this Mother’s Day. Begin at Things to Start With, like the Golden Apple Fritters with maple syrup, or the Homemade Cinnamon Roll with homemade cream cheese frosting. For savory, there’s Chef Inspired Omelets such as the Shrimp, Thyme, Sundried Tomato, Sweet Corn and Crème Fraiche Omelet, or the Italian Baked Eggs with prosciutto, potatoes and mushrooms baked with tomato and Parmesan with sourdough. Get a little South of the Border flavor with Huevos Montuleños, featuring scrambled eggs on crispy tortillas accompanied with black beans, corn salsa, roasted tomato-guajillo chile sauce, avocado, and cotija cheese. Enjoy Eggs and Other Breakfast Items like the Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon, avocado and bacon, corned beef hash, or classic Canadian bacon. There’s also breakfast treats like the Pineapple French Toast with vanilla-brioche, caramelized pineapple and honey butter, or the Cheddar & Herb Cakes, featuring savory pancakes layered with ham, cheddar, white mushrooms and a poached egg.
The We’re In It cocktail at The Raymond 1886, Pasadena, California, February 11, 2018. (Photo by Monique A. LeBleu)
For Lunch, The Raymond 1886 has a little bit of everything for Mom starting with the Blackened Salmon Salad with lightly blackened salmon over organic baby spinach, mixed greens, marinated beets, vine ripened tomato, red onion, haricot vert, and hazelnuts served with a lemon-poppy seed vinaigrette, the Spinach and Strawberry Salad with fresh strawberries, Spanish manchego, red onion and balsamic dressing, and the delectable Togarashi Crusted Ahi sandwich with fresh Hawaiian Ahi, soy marinated cucumbers, wasabi aioli, sprouts, lettuce, and tomato.
There’s the 1886’s own fresh squeezed Mimosa or a perfectly crafted cocktail, the Ramos Fizz with gin, fresh citrus, cream, egg white and orange-flower water, topped with a splash of soda.
The Raymond 1886 is open for Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday, May 13th from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm, and for Mother’s Day Dinner from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm; 1250 South Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91105; 626.441.3136.
Spring
The Lobster Benedict at Spring, Los Angeles, California. (
Photo by Emi Rose)
Mother’s Day Brunch has sprung at Spring and accomplished restaurateur Yassmin Sarmadi and celebrated Executive Chef Tony Esnault have prepared a special Three-Course Brunch Menu full of French delights to truly capture the essence of this special occasion. Housed in the time-honored Douglas Building, the dining room at Spring is “an airy atrium with a glass and steel A-frame ceiling, with tables and sage-colored chairs scattered amongst two large pepper trees and a fountain in the center of the dining room.”
For Brunch First Course, there’s a choice of house-made Pastries such as Chef Esnault’s Croissants, Pain au Chocolat, and Fresh Baguette with house-made rhubarb and cherry preserves, the Avocado Tartine with country bread toast, sprouts, hemps seeds, and arugula, a Little Gem Salad with radish, fine herbs, parmesan, crostini, and buttermilk dressing, or the English Pea Soup with carrots, mint, pea tendrils, and crostini. For the Second Course, choose between the Eggs Florentine with spinach, organic poached eggs, and hollandaise with the special option of adding Maine Lobster, Mary’s Chicken Breast with roasted asparagus, crushed potato, tomato Provençale, and chive blossoms, or the Flat Iron Steak prepared with Strauss’ Farm grass-fed beef, carrots, peewee potato, and broccoli. For the Final Course, enjoy the Panna Cotta Love made with a rose petal panna cotta, litchi, sable, and raspberry, or the Louis XV made with Jivara Valrhona chocolate mousse crémeux and crunchy hazelnut.
Spring will be open for Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday, May 13th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm and Mother’s Day Brunch is $58 per person with bottomless Mimosa’s for $12; 257 South Spring Street; Los Angeles, CA 90012; 213.372.5189.
Tavern
The Tavern. (Photo Rob Stark Photography, courtesy of The Lucque’s Group)
In Brentwood there is Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne’s Tavern, a chic space boasting a glass-roofed atrium and bar with deep cushioned seating, leisurely California/Mediterranean dining and conversation in this stylish Westside neighborhood.
For Mother’s Day, Tavern will be serving special dishes representative of the signature style of James Beard Foundation award-winning chef Suzanne Goin. Holiday specials include Dungeness Crab Salad with Beet Purée, Avocado, Beluga Lentils and Crème Fraîche or the Alaskan Halibut and Clams with Fingerlings, Fava Beans and Chorizo. From the brunch menu, Larder Baking Company pastries, savory egg dishes, main courses and child-friendly dishes.
Tavern dinner menu selections include California Endive with Local Citrus, Avocado, Mint Yogurt Dressing & Pistachio Dukkah or the Lamb Meatballs with Currant Relish, Pine Nuts & Feta. A sampling of the medium courses are the Ragoût of Morels with Crème Fraîche, Soft Herbs & Grilled Brioche, Cape Cod Oysters with Aguachile, Cucumber, Red Onion, Mint & Lemon Vinegar, or Scallops with Carrot Broth, Coconut Cauliflower, Lemongrass Sambal & Cashews. Large plates to share include Grilled Scottish Salmon with Farro, Black Rice, Spiced Carrot Salad & Lime, the Local Halibut with Red Harissa-Tomato Rice, Pickled Fennel, Grapefruit & Currants, the Devil’s Chicken with Potatoes, Leeks & Mustard Breadcrumbs or the Short Rib with Green Garlic Soubise, Barbara’s Greens & Feta Salsa Verde. For dessert, try one of Tavern’s decadent desserts – “Snickers” Bar with Salted Peanut Caramel & Vanilla Ice Cream, the Belgian Beignets with Powdered Sugar & Chocolate Sauce, or the Coupe Exotique with Coconut & Mango Sorbet, Macaroon Ice Cream & Passion Fruit Loop.
Tavern pricing ranges from $10-$36 for brunch and $6-$42 for dinner dishes. Tavern will be open for Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday, May 13, 2018, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; Dinner 5:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.; 11648 San Vicente Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90049; 310.806.6464.
Twohey’s Tavern
Brunch at Twohey’s Tavern, Pasadena, California. (Photo by Acuna-Hansen)
Take Mom to the newly opened Twohey’s Tavern for Mother’s Day Brunch. Begin with Bottomless Mimosas or a specialty cocktail created by Head Bartender Enrique Vasco, such as the vibrant Queen Genever made with Amaro, Bols Genever, orange juice, eggs whites, and simple syrup. Next, start off the dining celebration with the Velvet Pancakes that are almost as sweet as your mother with whipped butter and Vermont maple syrup or the Brioche French Toast with maple caramel, toasted almonds, and orange zest. Enjoy more traditional and savory dishes like Eggs Benedict prepared with smoked ham, English muffin, poached eggs, hollandaise, with country potatoes, or the Dropped Eggs on Toast with brioche toast, poached eggs, and soft herbs.
For Lunch, Twohey’s Tavern will also be serving dishes like the Smoked Chicken Salad with bib lettuce, orange, sweet onion, toasted almond, soft herbs, and wildflower honey or the Grilled Salmon Salad made with shaved fennel, scallions, pearl barley, wild rice, beets, capers, and beet vinaigrette.
Twohey’s Tavern will be open for Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday, May 13th from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm, and for Dinner from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm; 2835 East Foothill Boulevard, Pasadena, CA; 626.284.7387.
