Mother's Day is all about pampering the moms in your life. And that usually involves showering them with gifts, affection and – most definitely – feeding them. Moms love that. Here's what some Chicago area restaurants have cooking for Sunday, May 11th.
Brasserie Jo: This River North boîte goes kid-friendly with a special kids' menu that ranges from pancakes with fresh fruit ($7.95)
to chicken escalope with pommes frites ($8.95) and includes yogurt to
start and dessert to finish; also on the menu – a break for mom in the form of complimentary childcare in the Salon with games, crafts and more. Adults won't go hungry, either, with à la carte selections like crab cake Benedictine en brioche with frisée ($15.95), smoked pork chop with
potato latkes, apple sauce and two eggs sunnyside up ($16.95), steak au poivre with pommes gallette ($22.95) and much more (11 AM–2:30 PM; 312-595-0800).
Café Ba-Ba-Reeba!: For cocktails and brunch in perfect harmony, it's the "Mamas and the Tapas" brunch with 12 breakfast tapas to choose from, including eggpanada with chistorra (sausage) and manchego cheese ($4.75), a waffle with either crispy jamon or bananas and cream ($5.25) and crêpes with goat cheese, dates and walnuts ($4.50); wash it down with $7 build-your-own Bloody Marys (10 AM–3 PM; 773-935-5000).
Le Titi de Paris: At this fancy French in Arlington Heights, diners can choose between a three- and four-course prix fixe Mother's Day menu for lunch or dinner; dishes include such innovative fare as crispy mille-feuille (layered pastry sheets) of Maine lump crab, celery root and blood oranges with dill crème fraîche, and Asian-scented pork tenderloin with triple-mustard spaetzle and peach-basil compote (lunch, 10 AM–2:30 PM; $36–$43; dinner, 3–9 PM; $40–$46; 847-506-0222).
Mon Ami Gabi: At both locations, brunch features an elaborate Bloody Mary bar and lavish à la carte menu with choices like blueberry French toast ($10.95) and shrimp-and-scallop crêpes with sweet peas ($11.95). Regular menus will also be available, as will outdoor seating if the weather agrees (10:30 AM–3 PM; Chicago, 773-348-8886; Oak Brook, 630-472-1900).
SUSHISAMBA rio: A special family-style brunch includes savory and sweet menu items incorporating Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian flavors served to the sounds of live Brazilian jazz (11 AM–3 PM; $35 per adult; $15 for children under 12; 312-595-2300).