Mother's Day is fast approaching, and savvy sons and daughters know reservations for a special meal out with mom fill up quickly. So make plans now for May 10 – or risk a year-long guilt trip when all the good rezzies are gone.
Amalia: Named after Sigmund Freud's mother, this Midtown Med will serve a prix fixe menu (price still to be determined; 11:30 AM–3:30 PM; 212-245-1234).
At Vermilion: The Nuevo Latino–Indian import from Chicago is going all out for the holiday with a six-course seafood extravaganza (though vegetarian options are available) including lobster bisque and a Brazilian caldeirada (brunch noon–3 PM, dinner 5–10 PM; $55 per person, $105 with wine pairings; 212-871-6600).
Aquavit: Celebrate Scandinavian-style at Marcus Samuelsson’s Midtowner with a smorgasbord brunch buffet or a three-course dinner prix fixe (brunch 11:45 AM–2:30 PM; $60 per person; dinner 5:30–10:30 PM; $55 per person; 212-307-7311).
Campo and Nonna: These Upper West Side siblings are offering to donate tulips and daffodils to the Central Park Conservancy in the name of any mother who orders the special holiday menu (10 AM–3 PM; $25.95 per person; Campo, 212-864-1143; Nonna, 212-579-3194).
David Burke Townhouse: David Burke's Upper East Side townhouse is offering a three-course prix fixe brunch ($55 per person; 10:30 AM–2:30 PM; 212-813-2121).
JoeDoe: In addition to special brunch items ("mom's pancakes and eggs"), this East Village newcomer is offering a five-course dinner called "The Irish Lady's Pasta Dinner," featuring meatballs, a seafood misto, baked ziti and lots of desserts (brunch 11 AM–4 PM; dinner 5–11 PM; $30 per person; 212-780-0262).
Klee Brasserie: The Chelsea spot is blooming for the holiday with a multicourse flower menu (price depends on entree) in addition to its à la carte brunch offerings (11 AM–4 PM; 212-633-8033).
Museum of Modern Art: For something different, head to MoMA for the day. Enjoy a private breakfast in Cafe 2, followed by an hour-long guided tour and free admission for the rest of the day (9 AM; $60 per adult, $25 per child 16 and younger; $50 for MoMA and corporate members; call 212-708-9685 or e-mail groupservices@moma.org for more info).
Osteria del Circo: In addition to its à la carte menu, the Maccioni clan's Tuscan is offering a three-course Italian spread in honor of mom, with everything from stuffed calamari and scallops with fava beans to thyme-crusted roast lamb (1–9 PM; $58 per person, $78 with wine pairings; 212-265-3636).
Pamplona: Alex Ureña is whipping up a three-course prix fixe "dia de la madre" menu, served alongside à la carte options (1–9 PM; $70 per person; 212-213-2328).
Russian Tea Room: The Midtown Russian is serving classic dishes – borscht, chicken Kiev, boeuf à la stroganoff – along with more modern fare for its three-course prix fixe (11 AM–10 PM; $95 per person; 212-581-7100).
SushiSamba: Both locations of this popular Brazilian-influenced sushi restaurant will be serving a prix fixe, accompanied by a complimentary mimosa and a gift bag that includes a $10 gift card and a recipe (11 AM–3 PM; $35 per person, $15 for children under 12; West Village, 212-691-7885; Flatiron, 212-475-9377).
Tavern on the Green: This Central Park mainstay is offering a three-course menu for you and yours all day, with the price depending on where you sit and when ($67–99 per person; 212-873-3200).
Tribeca Grill: Drew Nieporent and Robert De Niro's TriBeCa classic is opening its doors for mothers with a three-course prix fixe at brunch (11 AM–3 PM) and dinner (5:30–10 PM). The details of the menu, and its price, are still being determined (212-941-3900).
Check back on the Buzz for further deals as we hear about them!