The London West Hollywood May 9. The London is pulling out all the stops this Mother’s Day with the genius of Gordan Ramsay who makes it an unforgettable celebration of culinary bliss. Treat your Queen Mum to a special English Afternoon Tea Master Class, offered May 8 from noon to 3 p.m., and priced at $350 for two. With fluffy scones and decadent pastries, to selecting the right tea blend, this class will teach all there is to know about this British tradition. For those who prefer to be waited on, enjoy Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday, May 9, with spectacular views of the Sunset Strip in the Hampton Court and dine alfresco. Enjoy free-flowing champagne, mimosas or a Bloody Mary. This buffet-style brunch is $85 per person. For reservations or more information call 310.854.1111. London West Hollywood, 1020 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.358.7788 $$$$ Map H11 thelondonwesthollywood.com/gordon_ramsay
First & Hope Downtown Supper Club May 9. Executive chef Shelley Cooper spins brunch with a Southern flair. Dine on the Elvis French Toast: peanut butter & banana fluff-stuffed sweet potato brioche, bacon and brown butter maple syrup; and Southern Belle Lobster Benedict. Also indulge with a Tableside Champagne Cocktail Trolley, live music, and other special treats for Mom. 710 W. 1st St., downtown, 213.617.8555 $$ Map H16 www.firstandhope.com
Mother’s Day at Elements Kitchen May 9. In addition to the regular brunch menu at the cafe, Pastry Chef, Maryn is creating something special (and chocolatey!) for mothers at the cafe. With dinner at Elements Kitchen, we will be serving a complimentary champagne cocktail for mothers. Dinner at Elements Kitchen promises to be exceptional, with selections including Tomato Confit Tart with Spring Mixed Greens, Pan Seared Diver Scallops, Bolivian Pork Stew, Wild Mushroom Lasagna, and Pan Roasted Chicken Breast. Elements Kitchen, 37 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena, 626.440.0044. elementskitchen.com
Parkers’ Lighthouse Champagne Brunch May 9. Executive Chef Jason Stein has created an extensive champagne brunch showcasing the freshest seafood plus an array of other favorites. Moms can also sip unlimited mimosas and champagne. Save room for Chef Stein’s signature desserts. Brunch is available 9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Dinner will be served from 3:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. featuring Parkers’ regular menu. Adults $38.00, Children 6-12 years $17.00, Children 5 & under FREE. Reservations suggested. 435 Shoreline Village Drive, Long Beach, 562.432.6500 $$ Map N16 www.parkerslighthouse.com
Madame Tussauds Hollywood celebrates Mother’s Day with FREE admission for mom. Bring mom to Madame Tussauds Hollywood on Sunday, May 9, and make her a celebrity for the day with a special photo opportunity on the A-List Party stage with celebrity-mom figures such as Jennifer Lopez, Angelina Jolie and Julia Roberts. Free admission with a purchase of a same-day regular adult or child admission up to two (2) total admissions. Not valid with online tickets, combo tickets and cannot be combined with any other offers. 6933 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.798.1670 Map H13 www.madametussauds.com/hollywood
W Hollywood May. 9. This one-stop destination is ideal for mother’s and daughters who want to enjoy a perfect afternoon including a mani/pedi at Bliss Spa, followed by an alfresco brunch at Delphine including Eggs A La Basquaise with poached eggs, creamy polenta, peppers, onion and prosciutto or Croque Ou Madame finished off by a stop into the W Hollywood boutique to treat oneself to a cute new pair of shoes or clutch. W Hollywood, 6250 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.798.1355 $$$ Map H13
Napa Valley Grille May 9. Dine on a four-course brunch menu designed for every member of the family, including Executive Chef Joseph Gillard’s Local Heirloom Tomato Salad served Gazpacho style, followed by options such as Brioche Griddle Toast with Lime Curd, Fresh Berries, and Blood Orange Butter; Sweet Shrimp Quiche with Freshwater Shrimp, Fromage Blanc, and Asparagus Salad; and Amish Pork Belly and Poached Hen Eggs with Bacon Gremolata. Young diners can enjoy three courses with selections including Apple Smoked Bacon and Cheddar Cheese Omelette, and French Toast with Maple Syrup. Napa Valley Grille’s tableside cocktail cart and inviting outdoor patio seating will also be available to enjoy brunch from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. ($45 per adult; $15 per child). 1100 Glendon Ave., Westwood, 310.824.3322. www.napavalleygrille.com
CHAYA Venice Sip bottomless mimosas (11 a.m.-3 p.m.) in addition to a three-course menu that includes starters such as Roasted Beet Salad with Mixed Greens and Crispy Goat Cheese; and entrees including Grilled Tempeh and Curry Lentils with Tuscan Kale and Sweet Potato Puree, and Miso Marinated King Salmon with Hijiki Brown Rice, Bok Choy, and Tamari Beurre Blanc. Dessert options include Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cookies with Vanilla Ice Cream. The Young Adults Platter for diners under 12 years old features options such as Calamari with Tomato Sauce, French Toast, and Mango Sorbet with fresh Strawberries ($38 per adult; $18 per child). 110 Navy St., Venice, 310.396.1179. CHAYA Brasserie Mothers can indulge in a three-course brunch (11 a.m.-3 p.m.) that features appetizers such as Pink Grapefruit, Avocado, and Fennel Salad; entrees including Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict, and Papparadelle with Kobe Beef and Porcini Bolognaise; and desserts such as Pannacotta with Farmers’ Market Berries Compote and Greek Yogurt Gelato. Children can enjoy a menu that includes a housemade Muffin to start; entrees such as Pancakes with Chocolate, Banana, and Vanilla Whipped Cream; and a sweet treat to top off Mom’s special day ($38 per adult; $18 per child). 8741 Alden Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.859.8833. CHAYA Downtown Enjoy various options from a three-course brunch menu while sipping on bottomless mimosas from 11 a.m. -3 p.m. Savory selections include Flash-Seared Albacore Carpaccio with Yuzu-Pepper Sauce; Pancetta-Wrapped Gulf Shrimp with Provençal Grits; and Grilled Flatbread with Ham, Arugula, Fontina Cheese, Scrambled Egg, and Truffle Oil; and sweet treats include a Valrhona Chocolate Brownie with Tahitian Vanilla Ice Cream. The Children’s Menu features entrees such as French Toast with Banana and Mascarpone Cheese, and a Mini Cheese Burger with French Fries; and desserts including Frozen Greek Yogurt with Fresh Strawberries ($38 per adult; $18 per child). 525 S. Flower St., downtown, 213.236.9577 www.thechaya.com
J Restaurant and Lounge May 9. Chef Oz has created an exquisite French inspired 3-course brunch menu that will be served under the sun on the outdoor patio, featuring items such as Kobe sirloin steak, Maine lobster au gratin and a special kid’s menu. All mothers will receive roses and complimentary bottomless “Momosas”. The menus served will be a pre-set 3 course brunch menu for $39 and a kids menu for $8. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. J Restaurant & Lounge, 1119 South Olive St., 213.746.7746 Map I16 www.jloungela.com
“Festa della Mamma” Mother’s Day Feast May 8-14. Lago in Santa Monica presents a special Mother’s day feast featuring a menu of Chef Roberto Maggioni’s favorite childhood dishes, pairing his innovative contemporary touches with his Mamma Cristina’s traditional home-cooked Italian cuisine. The three- or four-course Festa della Mamma, matched with wines (optional), is served in addition to Lago’s lunch, brunch and dinner menus on Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 9) and also at dinner from Saturday, May 8 through Friday, May 14. The popular Santa Monica restaurant is known for its unique menu, which spotlights the cuisine of Bellagio on Lake Como in Northern Italy. The three-course menu is $45.00 (choice of black cod or veal stew), the four-course version is $59.00, and the wine tasting pairing is an additional $24 (not including tax or gratuity). Each selection is available a la carte, for $16, $19, $32 and $28 respectively. 231 Arizona Ave., Santa Monica, 310.451.3525 $$ Map L8
Dinner at Vertical Wine Bistro May 9. Upon arrival at Vertical, mothers get the royal treatment with a complimentary glass of Gruet Rose sparkling wine, which is also available by the bottle for retail purchase at an honorary Mother’s Day price of $19. Beginning early at 4 p.m., Executive Chef Doug Weston’s three-course dinner menu – with wine pairings by General Manager Manuel Mesta – includes starters such as White Corn Soup, and Arugula Orange Salad with Goat Cheese and Walnuts (paired with a 2006 Les Chailloux Sancerre from France); and entrees including Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Baby Artichokes and a Chive-Laced Crème Fraîche, and Farro Risotto with Asparagus and Fava Beans (paired with a 2007 Cep Pinot Noir from the Sonoma Coast). Dessert offerings including Chocolate Cake with warm Ginger Sauce (paired with a 2003 Roumieau-Lacoste Semillion, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle from France). This special menu is available for $49 per person, with an additional $26 for wine pairings. 70 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena, 626.795.3999 Map Q19 www.verticalwinebistro.com