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 Bay Area restaurants have cooked up for Sunday, May 11th.
Campton Place: This old-school, special-occasion spot will be breaking in its new chef Srijith Gopinathan for the holiday; he will prepare a special three-course prix fixe lunch and a four-course prix fixe dinner (lunch, 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, $58 per person; dinner, 5:30–9:30 PM, $75 per person; 415-955-5555).
Carnelian Room: This elegant restaurant on the 52nd floor of the Bank of America building is serving up extraordinary views of the city and the Bay Area, as well as a brunch buffet extravaganza (10 AM–3 PM; $82 per adult; $40 per child under 10; 415-433-7500).
Foreign Cinema: Show mom where the hipsters like to go by taking her to this chic Mission Mediterranean, which is offering a three-course prix fixe brunch (10:30 AM–3 PM; $40 per adult; $15 per child; 415-648-7600).
Grand Cafe: Every bruncher at this French bistro gets a free long-stem rose on Mother's Day, and that's just the beginning – the lavish buffet includes roast lamb, eggs Benedict, chocolate-dipped strawberries, brioche-bread pudding and much more (9 AM–2:30 PM; $68 per adult; $34 per child under 12; 415-292-0101).
Lark Creek Inn: Treat mom to Bradley Ogden's high-end comfort fare in the form of a three-course prix fixe brunch featuring spring-vegetable-and-black-truffle quiche, pork loin with a bourbon-pineapple glaze and strawberry shortcake with vanilla-whipped cream and peanut brittle; an à la carte children's menu will also be available (10 AM–2 PM; $49 per person; 415-924-7766).
Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay: For Mother's Day, the hotel will host a ballroom brunch complete with a performing trio and complimentary roses (10:30 AM–3:30 PM; $110 per adult; $55 per child under 12; free for children four and under). For dinner, Navio, the hotel's posh New American, will serve a special holiday tasting menu in addition to its regular à la carte offerings (6–9 PM; $105 per person, $53 per child under 12, free for children four and under; 650-712-7000).