May 12th is right around the corner and it’s time to start thinking of that special someone. You do know what day that is, right? It’s the day to celebrate the mothers in our lives, whether it be your own mother or the mother of your child, it’s a day to show them how much you appreciate them. Of course, everyday is Mother’s Day and I’m sure you go above and beyond to show them how much you care (sarcasm font hasn’t been invented yet), but let’s all make May 12th extra special. Below is a long list of places to go and things to do, everything from a simple brunch to a spa day to a stay at an amazing waterpark. Whatever your mother is into, it should be covered on this list. Well not everything, I didn’t put skydiving or any other extreme activities on here, so I apologize to all the maternal thrill seekers. But it’s still a solid list and I hope you can find something to add to your mother’s extra special day.
FILINI BAR & RESTAURANT
221 N. Columbus Dr.
Chicago, IL 60601
www.facebook.com/FiliniChicago
Treat Mom to an elegant Italian brunch or dinner this Mother’s Day at Filini Bar & Restaurant, the contemporary Italian dining destination in the Raddison Blu Aqua Tower. On Sunday, May 12, Chef William Johnson will be serving up delectable menus with specials such as Blue Point Oysters with hibiscus mignonette sauce; Raviolo Con Uovo, a traditional Italian dish with spinach, pine nuts, ricotta, golden raisins, and topped with a slow-cooked egg; Lamb Porterhouse with fingerling potato, sopressata, artichoke, and mustard vinaigrette; and Strawberry Shortcake with whipped crème fraiche, macerated strawberries, and homemade shortbread. In addition, mom can indulge her sweet tooth with complimentary gourmet cookies.
Pricing: $15-$38
Mother’s Day Brunch Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Reservations: Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 312.477.0234.
FOUND
1631 Chicago Ave.
Evanston, IL 60201
847.868.8945
Just in time for Mother’s Day weekend, Found will open a new “alfresco living room” and launch an all-day dining menu. The new menu is filled with seasonal, light plates perfect for sharing with Mom on her special day, and the patio offers a fun atmosphere for family noshing. Executive Chef Nicole Pederson takes advantage of the season’s bounty by introducing a selection of fresh salads, flatbreads, and shareable plates like Quinoa and Poached Chicken Breast Salad with fennel, Peppadew peppers, capers, feta cheese, green olives, and arugula; Smoked Fish Tartine served open-face on a baguette with radish and watercress; and Pan-Seared Salmon with farro, parsnip relish, and baby bok choy.
Price: Dishes range $7- 21
Mother’s Day Weekend Hours: Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. (new all-day dining menu available until 4:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday)
Reservations: Recommended; can be made by calling 847.868.8945
GRAND GENEVA RESORT & SPA
7036 Grand Geneva Way
Lake Geneva, WI 53147
262.249.4788
On Sunday, May 12, the Grand Geneva hosts a fabulous spread as part of its annual Mother’s Day Brunch held at The Geneva ChopHouse and the elegant Grand Ballroom. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., guests can toast Mom with complimentary Champagne before feasting on the extravagant buffet. Beginning their meal, diners can select from an assortment of seasonal salads and stations of Wisconsin cheese, fresh seafood, and fruit. The culinary team will also carve up choice cuts of meat, from traditional Prime Rib to Asian-inspired Rare Seared Sesame Crusted Black Tuna Loin. Breakfast lovers can indulge in Housemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast, made-to-order omelets, and assorted breakfast pastries. An elaborate dessert display completes the meal, featuring Spring Fruit Strudels, cookies, and other sweet treats.
Pricing: $42 for guests 13 years and older; $21 for children ages 6-12; $6 for children 2-5; complimentary for children under 2
Mother’s Day Brunch Hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Reservations: Required; call 262.249.4788
GRAND GENEVA RESORT & SPA
7036 Grand Geneva Way
Lake Geneva, WI 53147
262.249.4788
The AAA Four-Diamond Grand Geneva Resort & Spa is celebrating Mother’s Day in grand style. With accommodations fit for a queen, guests to the 1,300 acre campus can choose from holiday offerings and packages that showcase all the resort has to offer.
Beginning Friday, May 10, guests can treat the lady of honor to a special spring getaway with overnight packages at Grand Geneva. The Mother’s Day Grand Style package offers the utmost in R&R, featuring an overnight stay in one of Grand Geneva’s deluxe guest rooms, $100 dining credit, and a $300 credit for services at the WELL Spa + Salon. For more information or to reserve accommodations at the Grand Geneva, please call 800.558.3417 or visit www.GrandGeneva.com.This package is only available from May 10 to 12, with a starting rate of $479 per night.
TIMBER RIDGE LODGE & WATERPARK
7020 Grand Geneva Way
Lake Geneva, WI 53147
866.636.4502
www.facebook.com/TimberRidgeWaterpark
At Timber Ridge, the whole family can celebrate Mom while staying in one of the lodge’s fully-equipped suites, featuring all the amenities of home with the added bonus of relaxing whirlpool Jacuzzi tubs. As part of the Mother’s Day Package, guests will receive overnight accommodations in a one-bedroom suite, four waterpark passes to Moose Mountain Falls, a 20% discount on spa services, and a special gift for Mom—a lavender-scented eye mask. In addition, Timber Ridge’s Activity Center will host special arts and crafts all weekend for kids, complete with scavenger hunts, cookie decorating, and other family fun. The Mother’s Day Package is available from May 10 to 12, at a starting rate of $199 per night.
For more information, or to reserve accommodations at Timber Ridge Lodge, please call 866.636.4502 or visit www.timberridgeresort.com.
HASH HOUSE A GO GO
1212 N. State Pkwy.
Chicago, IL 60610
312.202.0994
www.hashhouseagogo.com/chicago
www.facebook.com/HashHouseAGoGoChicago
Vying for the favorite child award? Take Mom to Hash House A Go Go for an over-the-top brunch, and the title is yours. The twisted farm food eatery will help make this Mother’s Day one for the books with special menu items such as Roast Chicken Betsy, a riff of the restaurant’s famous eggs Benedict with spinach, mushrooms, and house-roasted chicken crowned with scrambled eggs and trimmed with basil pesto cream; Hash House’s giant Strawberry Frosted Flake Flapjack; light and fluffy HHAGG Sausage Waffles; and Hash House Steak O’ Day, a New York Strip Steak served with tomatoes and griddled mashed potatoes, drizzled with barbeque sauce. To truly relax, Mom will appreciate Hash House A Go Go’s drink menu, with options like the BLT Bloody Mary and the Ruby Grapefruit Mimosa. Brunch is served from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and a limited number of reservations can be made by calling the restaurant.
Price: Dishes range $8-28
Mother’s Day Hours: Brunch 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m., dinner 5-10 p.m.
Reservations: Recommended; call 312.202.0994
LOCKWOOD
17 E. Monroe St.
Chicago, IL 60603
312.917.3404
This Mother’s Day, Executive Chef Joseph Rose has crafted an exceptional menu for families to celebrate the special lady in their lives. The brunch buffet menu includes delicacies from the sea such as Marinated Grilled and Chilled Shrimp with homemade cocktail sauce and Meyer lemons; Tri-Color Peppercorn Encrusted Beef Tenderloin, served alongside a horseradish cream; Pan Seared Duck Breast, paired with orange compote. Guests looking to ring in the spring can celebrate with Marinated Artichokes, served with heirloom tomatoes and olives provençal, or Roasted Tomato Orecchiette with fresh Grana Padano. It wouldn’t be a celebration without dessert, so treat Mom to a selection of miniature French pastries. Complimentary four-hour parking is available at 55 E. Monroe St.
Price: $68 per adult, $55 per senior, $35 for children (6-12), children under 6 are complimentary; prices do not include tax and gratuity
Mother’s Day Brunch Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Reservations: Strongly recommended; call 312.917.3404
MARKETHOUSE RESTAURANT AND BAR
611 N. Fairbanks Ct.
Chicago, IL 60611
312.224.2200
@Markethouse
www.facebook.com/MarkethouseChicago
Markethouse Restaurant and Bar’s new executive chef De’Ann Wellwerts will present a delicious Mother’s Day brunch buffet, perfect for the entire family. For a farm-to-table experience located just off the Magnificent Mile, Markethouse will offer hearty American classics, such as Smoked Pork Shank Benedict with sweet and sour cabbage, Swan Creek egg, and aleppo pepper hollandaise and Carr Valley White Cheddar Mac & Cheese Gratin. Seasonal favorites include the Wild Mushroom and Ramp Tart with brown butter royale and wild arugula salad. For the breakfast lover, the restaurant will offer a Swan Creek egg omelet station and Meyer Lemon Waffles with Markethouse’s housemade ricotta, along with applewood smoked bacon and Esposito sausage. No meal will be complete without Markethouse’s signature butterscotch pudding! For additional details and a full menu, visit www.markethousechicago.com.
Price: $39.95 for adults and $18.95 for children 12 and under; exclusive of tax and gratuity
Mother’s Day Brunch Hours: 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Reservations: Recommended; call 312.224.2200
MERCADITO CHICAGO
108 W. Kinzie St.
Chicago, IL 60654
312.329.9555
http://www.facebook.com/MercaditoChicago
Mom always taught us to share so Mercadito will feature a special four-course brunch sharing menu for Mother’s Day. Guests can celebrate mom with traditional Mexican dishes such as Enchiladas and Huevos Rancheros or Chef Patricio Sandoval’s take on American brunch like the Pancakes with manchego cheese, strawberries, cinnamon butter, and maple syrup. Brunch will also include a brunch cocktail like the Mango Mimosita with cava, mango, and green chile, as well as a take-home gift for mom.
Price: $35 per person, excluding tax and gratuity
Mother’s Day Brunch Hours: Sunday from 11:30am-4pm
Reservations: Strongly recommended; call 312.329.9555
MERCAT A LA PLANXA
638 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60605
312.765.0524
Catalan-inspired restaurant and bar Mercat a la Planxa presents a special menu of sumptuous and festive fare this Mother’s Day. Chef de Cuisine Cory Morris offers three courses that begin with Melon Con Jamón, compressed melon salad with vanilla yogurt, fried serrano, and arugula; Pimientos de Padrón, Padrón peppers with salbitxada sauce; and Donas de Xocolata, chocolate brioche doughnuts with raspberry compote. For the second course, guests are served Mercat Eggs Benedict, with grilled chorizo, truffled hollandaise, poached egg, and toasted brioche; Gambas al Ajillo, garlic shrimp with guindilla chiles; and Datiles con Almendras, bacon-wrapped dates with Marcona almonds and La Peral fondue. To conclude, the third course features Paella Valenciana, chicken and chorizo paella topped with artichoke and tomato salad, and Prawns a la Planxa, jumbo prawns with garlic, lemon, and parsley. Kids can feed their creativity at the build-your-own pancake station, which includes various toppings such as fresh fruit, compotes, whipped cream, sprinkles, and assorted candies.
Price: $35 per person, excluding tax and gratuity
Mother’s Day Brunch Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Reservations: Strongly recommended; call 312.477.0234
SEPIA
123 N. Jefferson St.
Chicago, IL 60661
312.441.1920
For a Michelin-starred Mother’s Day, head to Sepia, where James Beard Award-nominated Chef Andrew Zimmerman is planning an extravagant brunch packed with fresh spring ingredients. Mom will swoon over the decadent, four-course meal and love the chic atmosphere of her special day. Offering a meal fit for a queen, Sepia’s special menu starts with assorted breads and pastries served family-style, and continues with a shared second course including Pork Rillettes Crostini with red wine and onion jam or Roasted Mushroom Crepes with black truffle cream. Spring entrées include Chiliquiles with salsa roja chorizo, black beans, fried egg, and queso fresco; Breakfast Strata with asparagus, goat cheese, piquillo pepper, and arugula; and Crunchy French Toast with whipped mascarpone and warm berry compote. To finish the splendid meal, Mom will enjoy Pastry Chef Cindy Schuman’s fanciful desserts like Buttercrunch Cake with raspberry sauce; Chocolate Tart with pecan crumble and caramel sauce; and Strawberry Cheesecake with chocolate sauce. The cost per person is $48 for adults and $26 for children age 12 and under; exclusive of beverage, tax, and gratuity. Brunch libations are available for $10.
Price: $48 per adult and $26 for children age 12 and under; exclusive of beverage, tax, and gratuity
Mother’s Day Brunch Hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Reservations: Required; call 312.441.1920
