That annual appreciation of all things maternal, Mother's Day, is almost here. If you want to treat mama to a celebratory meal, you'd better make your reservation soon because Mother's Day is the most popular day of the year to dine out. To get you started, here are some specials that Philadelphia restaurants have cooked up for Sunday, May 11th.
Alison at Blue Bell: Though the menu has yet to be decided, Alison Barshak's ever-popular cash-only spot in Blue Bell will be serving a special three-course prix fixe dinner in honor of mothers (4:30–8:30 PM; $55 per person; $30 for children for three courses, $25 for two courses; 215-641-2660).
Ansill: This trendy South Streeter is offering a four-course Mother's Day menu featuring house-cured salmon tartine, asparagus-crab salad and seared scallops with English peas and mint (seatings at 4 PM, 6 PM and 8 PM; $55 per person; 215-627-2485).
Patou: Take your mother's taste buds on a trip to the South of France at this Old City spot that's offering a brunch buffet featuring banana French toast, Moroccan-spiced grilled chicken and bouillabaisse with monkfish, fennel, potato, and saffron (11 AM–4 PM; $29.95 per person, $12.95 for children 12 and under; 215-928-2987).
Pond: Chef Abde Dahrouch will prepare a special buffet for the holiday featuring classics like eggs Benedict, smoked salmon, pâté, seafood, a carving station and, of course, a dessert bar (11 AM–5 PM; $50 per person; $25 for children under 12; 610-293-9411).
Rae: Daniel Stern's University City New American will present a buffet featuring carved ham and leg of lamb, a seafood-and-sushi station and a made-to-order omelet-and-crêpe bar that will keep your mother full and happy (11:30 AM–3 PM; $55 per person; 215-922-3839).