Mother’s Day 2011: Where to Dine in Phoenix

Still searching for a spot to take mom on Mother’s Day? We’ve got you covered!

We’ve highlighted some of our favorite Mother’s Day brunches and celebrations around the Valley to make your planning a little easier.

Consider spending this Mother’s Day at one of these Phoenix restaurants:

*Looking for a last-minute gift for Mother’s Day? Check out Local Dines for restaurant gift cards at half price. Choose from some of the best restaurants in the Valley. Visit LocalDines.com to learn more.

• The Arrogant Butcher | Downtown Phoenix | 11am-4pm

Specials include Slow Roasted Prime Rib with creamed spinach and marsala glazed shiitake mushrooms ($26) and Alaskan Halibut with hearts of palm, English peas, and tangerines ($24). For reservations or more information, call 602-324-8502.

• Compass Arizona Grill at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix | Phoenix | 9:30am-3:30pm

Mother’s Day Buffet begins with a complimentary glass of champagne. Eggs Benedict, an oatmeal station and ebelskiver (traditional Danish pancakes), pan seared snapper, Peruvian potato gratin, mango chili glaze, chicken à la plancha, green chili tamale cake, yellow pepper mole and chorizo-lobster mac-n-cheese, cedar plank prime rib and salmon, blueberry-cactus marmalade and dill cream and poached shrimp, crab and sushi. Salads, cheeses, fresh and seasonal vegetables and breads. Ice cream sundae bar, crème brulée and chocolate fondue stations. Cakes, pies, tortes and pastries. Children are invited to a craft table where they can make cards for their moms. Pricing: $69 for Adults/ $30 for children 5-12.

• Desert Botanical Garden Jazz Brunch | Phoenix | 11am-1pm

Brunch buffet provided by Fabulous Food Fine Catering and Events. Cash bar. A complimentary rose will be presented to every mother in attendance. Four great, unique jazz singers present classic jazz and songs from the Great American Songbook. Pricing: $75 for members | $80 for Non-Members

• District American Kitchen | Phoenix | 10am to 3pm

The regular menu will not be available during Brunch. Head to the District Bar for an a la carte menu.

The brunch will feature: Bottomless Bloody Mary Bar, Bottomless Mimosas, Full Breakfast Bar, Omelet Station, Raw Bar, Selection of Breads & Patries, Mac & Cheese Station, Prime Rib, Country Fired Chicken and a complimentary flower for Mom. Pricing: $29 for adults/12.50 ages 6-12/ Children 5 and under are Free.

• Farm at South Mountain | South Phoenix

Seven seatings on May 8 starting at 8:30am.  Pricing: Adults: $49.95 per person; Children (8-12yrs): $16.95; Children (3-7yrs) $8; Children under 3 years are free. (Sales Tax and 20% Service Charge added)

Enjoy Mother’s Day Brunch under The Canopy in The Grove featuring an Omelet Station, Vegetable Quiche, Sweet Potato Salad, Chilled Shrimp, Pecan French Toast, Pinot Noir Braised Beef Short Ribs, Fresh Baked Pastries and Breads, and more. To conclude the Mother’s Day meal, Coconut Cupcakes, Caramel Brownies, Orange Cake, Strawberry Shortcake, Pecan Pie, Gourmet Cookies and Biscotti will be served for dessert. Guests are welcome to bring wine or champagne. No corking fee applied. No highchairs available. Reservations required, no cancellations after May 4.

• Great American Grill at Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix North/Happy Valley | Phoenix | 11am-3pm

Classic Caesar salad, Hilton garden salad, Bowtie salad with fresh basil pesto, Fresh fruit medley, Assorted pastries, Strawberry waffles, Blueberry pancakes, Scrambled eggs with culinary cream, dill havarti and potatoes O’Brian, Merlot mushrooms, Mini quiche Lorraine, Chicken breast, Filet mignon tips with sauce Bordelaise, Roasted garlic Idaho mashed potatoes, Fresh green beans with sundried tomato, assorted Chef select desserts. Pricing: $21.95 per person, $9.95 for children 4-12, ages 3 and under free.

• House at Secret Garden | South Phoenix | 11 am, last seating at 6 pm

Start brunch with a Mother’s Day Amuse-bouche. First Course – choose one: House Smoked Steel Head Trout Salad; “The House” Beet & Goat Cheese Salad; Chef’s Special Roasted Pork Tenderbelly Bacon; Field Greens Salad. Second Course – choose one: Pork Scaloppine in Spicy Cherry Tomato Sauce; Open Face Ravioli with Spring Vegetables; Pan Seared Sea Bass with Crispy Potatoes; Osso Bucco. Dessert Buffet includes Arizona Peach Shortcake, Pecan Shortbread Cookies, Almond Cherry Biscottis, Coconut Cake, Financier Cake, Ginger Scones, Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake, Assorted Bars and Brownies.  Pricing: $40 per person, $25 per child under 10.

• Luci’s Healthy Marketplace – High Tea with Mom | Phoenix

Just in time for Mother’s day, this delightful class is the perfect opportunity to enjoy some special time with your favorite person!  Whether you are a mom or have a mom, you will enjoy tasting tea, munching on scrumptious scones, accompanied with homemade preserves and whipped cream.  Of course you cannot enjoy tea without the perfect teacup. Please bring your favorite teacup to class!

During this class you will learn the history and elegant charm of High Tea. You will receive a little history about the start and traditions of High Tea, along with the recipes and insider tips to conduct a High Tea on your own!  This is a fun and relaxing demonstration class that is sure to please.

Tasting Menu:  Tea – English Style, Cream Scones with Homemade Preserves, Madeleines, Cream Cheese Square. Plus discussion and additional recipes for a variety of finger sandwiches, lemon tarts, and chocolate pound cake. Space is limited. To reserve a spot, call 602-773-1339.

• McCormick & Schmick’s |  Phoenix and Scottsdale locations | Pricing is a la carte

McCormick & Schmick’s will celebrate the most important women in our lives by offering benedicts, omelets and our signature baked French toast. Children’s brunch plate with scrambled eggs, bacon, and baked French toast with strawberry garnish is available. All mothers who dine on Mother’s Day will receive a complimentary Chocolate Truffle Trio dessert. A complementary Mother’s Day Concierge Service is also offered on Sunday. Guests making reservations for Sunday may order flowers to be delivered to their table when they dine. The restaurants will coordinate this with local florists. Guests may also arrange to have a customized message printed on their menu or a card for the table. Any mother who dines at McCormick & Schmick’s over Mother’s Day Weekend will be able to enter for the chance to win a private cooking class/demo for herself and a friend with the local Chef.

• Ocean Prime | North Phoenix | Staring at 11am | Pricing is a la carte

Mother’s Day Brunch offerings include a selection of appetizers, salads, sandwiches and featured brunch entrees including Short Rib Hash, Applewood Smoked Salmon, Blueberry French Toast, Lobster & Eggs, Ginger Salmon, King Crab Benedict, Crab Crusted Blue Tilapia, Filet Mignon.

• Palmera Salon at the Royal Palms Resort and Spa | Phoenix | 9am-4pm

Mother’s day Brunch includes the Brunch Buffet; Carving Station with oven-roasted turkey, Salmon Wellington stuffed with house made orange marmalade and basil, roasted leg of lamb, roasted NY strip loin; Soup & Salad Station; Omelet Station; Waffle Station; Mini Desserts including Fudge brownie s’more, Tequila Key lime tarts, Crème brûleé tart, Chocolate fantasy, Chocolate covered strawberries, Frangipan, New York cheesecake, Banana torte, Strawberry white chocolate panna cotta, assorted Truffles. Pricing: $60 per person, $20 for children under 12.

• Ritz-Carlton Phoenix | Phoenix | 10am-3pm

Enjoy a selection of classic brunch items on Mother’s Day such as Eggs Benedict, Omelets, and a Waffle Station along with specialty choices such as Coffee Brined Roasted Chicken, Alaskan King Crab and a Sushi Bar. Pricing: $75 per adult, $35 per child (ages 4-12), 3 and under are free.

• T. Cook’s at the Royal Palms Resort and Spa | Phoenix | 8am-2:15pm

Mother’s Day Brunch includes the starter buffet, the dessert buffet, juice and coffee. Select one entree from the following choices: Mediterranean Benedict with breakfast potatoes; Buttermilk pancakes topped with blueberry compote & vanilla cream; Breakfast burrito with chorizo, potatoes; Green eggs & ham with pork sausage; Braised short ribs with house dried tomato risotto, sautéed asparagus; Organic Scottish salmon with herbed Mediterranean cous cous, glazed local farm vegetables; Roasted chicken breast with a mushroom and leek gratin and Brussels sprouts; Pithivier filled with Boursin, cream cheese, mushrooms, spinach and caramelized onions. Pricing: $75 per person, $25 for children under 12.

• True Food Kitchen | Phoenix and Scottsdale

The restaurant will be serving its heart-healthy, flavorful brunch menu, including a few dishes just for the occasion. Try the Brioche French Toast with berries or Sea Bass with farro, fava beans, peas and herb emulsion. Both True Food Kitchen locations will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. True Food Kitchen has two locations in Phoenix and Scottsdale. For more information, call 602-774-3488.

• Turf Paradise | Phoenix | 11am-2pm | $29 per person

The elite Valley horse racing track will be hosting a Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch, featuring a gourmet buffet, champagne and live horse racing, all viewed from the comfort of Turf Club. In addition to a gourmet brunch prepared on-site by veteran Chef Gareth Jones who will be cooking up brunch-time delicacies for the entire family to enjoy.

Also the last day of the live racing season, and the day after the Kentucky Derby, it’s a safe bet that the day will bring some of the most compelling races of the year. For more information on the Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch visit the Facebook events page and to make a reservation (required) call 602-375-6472.

• Venue at the Grove | South Phoenix | 9am and 12:30pm

Enjoy Mother’s Day Brunch in the green ambiance and serene environment of a pecan orchard. Brunch featuries an Omelet Station, Beef and Turkey Carving Station, Roasted Chicken with wild Mushrooms, Mediterranean Pasta, Soup and Salad, Fresh Fruit, Belgian Waffle Station, Eggs Benedict & French Fingerling Potatoes, Variety of Pastries, Pies, Beverages and more. Adults can enjoy complimentary mimosas and hibiscus drinks. Pricing: Adults: $44.95; Children (8-12): $19.95; Children (4-7): $9.95; Children 3 and under free. Price includes gratuity.

• Wrigley Mansion | Phoenix | Seatings at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm

Mother’s Day Brunch features free-flowing Champagne and mimosa. Roses will be distributed to all moms. Free desserts with a purchase of two entrées. Coupons will be distributed.$75 per person, $37.50 for children 12 and under.

• Z’Tejas | Phoenix, Chandler, Scottsdale & Tempe

Z’Tejas is offering a wonderful brunch on Mother’s Day at all Valley Z’Tejas locations. Mother’s will be celebrated with complimentary family photos plus a dessert! Brunch favorites include Bananas Foster French Toast, Eggs Benedict, Chicken and Potato Hash, Breakfast Quesadillas and Enchiladas. Call your Valley location for hours.