Patch Picks Five Plus One for Mother's Day

Instead of the normal “what’s going on where” this column features Mother’s Day events for you to fete that most important person in your life, she who gave you birth – or maybe not, whatever. She deserves the best. Area restaurants are gearing up for one of the bigger brunch days of the year. Expecting Mom to cook on her day will not make for a happy family. Here are some suggestions for places that will make her feel special.

Frontenac Hilton will showcase their traditional Mother’s Day buffet in their grand ballroom with omelets prepared to order, breakfast meats, a carving station with ham and roast beef, plus an assortment of sides including fruits and vegetables, pastries and pies-all designed to tempt Mom’s gastronomic needs. If that weren’t enough, Moms will receive roses to commemorate her day of days. 1335 S. Lindbergh Blvd. 314-993-1100.  www.hilton1.com.

Trattoria Branica will open earlier than usual on Mother’s Day. Instead of opening at 5 p.m., they will open at 11 a.m. and feature a special menu that includes chicken spiedini, halibut, and a strip steak with a fontenella glaze and mushrooms. 10411 Clayton Rd. 314-432-8585. www.trattoriabranica.com.

Gourmet To Go will feature a special menu for Mother’s Day consisting of orange roasted salmon, jasmine rice, hearts of palm salad, roasted baby vegetables, and, for dessert, a strawberry napoleon. Brunch dishes will also be available. All items will be available the Saturday before Mother’s Day, and it is recommended to call ahead and reserve whatever dishes you want. You don’t want to disappoint Mother. 9828 Clayton Rd., 314-993-5442. www.gourmettogo.com.

Zodiac Restaurant,Plaza Frontenac. Manager Lucy Bommarito said that while Zodiac is not open on Mother’s Day, they will be featuring, from April 25 to May 7, a special Mother’s Day promotion drink, Frutti di Bosco, a sparkling cocktail made with Santa Margherita Prosecco, and dessert, a chocolate shortcake biscuit with vanilla bean ice cream, chocolate ganache and fresh berries. 1701 S. Lindbergh Blvd. 314-994-5050.

Moms love flowers and Ladue Florist is featuring several options that will make her smile. Besides a wide variety of fresh flowers, you can select a couple of outdoor planters already filled with outdoor plants, then Mother can just put them on a porch or patio. The shop also carries a line of bakeware, Casafina,that goes from freezer to oven or microwave to table to dishwasher. Soaps always please, and shea butter soap is popular. 9776 Clayton Rd. 314-994-7304. www.ladueflorist.com.

Take Mom to Plaza Frontenac who is hosting their Mother’s Day promotion again this year. Shoppers spending $100 or more at any of the retailers or restaurants from April 24 to May 8 can choose between Bissinger’s Chocolates or an Eileen Fisher tote bag to take home to Mom.  Receipts must be shown at the Concierge desk in center court and they must be dated between April 24 and May 8, 2011.  Shoppers will receive a certificate for the choice of either chocolates or the tote bag.  

Provence at the Market Place at Ladue features one of Mom’s most favorite things – Vera Bradley, and they have all the coordinating pieces guaranteed to make her day. The boutique also has a melamine that looks like Italian pottery. You have to pick it up to tell the difference, and it is perfect for an outdoor table setting when you don’t want to risk breaking the crockery. With that patio setting, choose some outdoor rugs in a variety of colors that only require hosing off – and they don’t mildew.  9723 Clayton Rd. 314-997-0025. www.ladue-frontenac.patch.com/listings/provence-boutique.