MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH

By Natasha Bazika

This year, show Mom your appreciation and love by taking her out to a decadent brunch—New York style! Even better, now that the days are warming up al fresco dining is in full swing, which means brunch is the perfect way to gather family and friends to celebrate the day. We scoured the concrete jungle to bring you six decadent brunches your mom will love this May 12th.

CAFÉ BOULUD
The famed establishment by Daniel Boulud is the indulgence your mom deserves and the family setting she will love. Situated in the glamorous Upper East Side neighborhood—just steps away from Central Park—this Michelin-starred restaurant serves up a high-end French fare in a chic setting. The special three-course Mother’s Day brunch menu encompasses a range of options under each course. For the first course, delight your taste buds with Oysters on the Half Shell, English Pea Soup, or Yellowtail Tartare. Then dive into a delectable Maine Peekytoe Crab and Lobster Benedict or Crispy Duck Breast with Foie Gras for the main course. And of course, the piece de résistance: Molten Chocolate Cake or a Parisian Flan will complete this special occasion. (Order more than one—we don’t judge.) In addition to indoor seating, the outdoor terrace sits along the sidewalk and will make you feel like you’re dining in a Parisian café on the streets of Paris. Info: cafeboulud.com.

Prefer the West Side? Then make reservations at sister restaurant Boulud Sud which draws its inspiration from the Mediterranean, including France’s Côte d’Azure, Spain, Italy, Greece, Morocco, Tunisia, Lebanon and beyond. Executive Chef Ulises Olmos and Executive Pastry Chef Daniel Kleinhandler will create a sensational menu: Start with house- made Taramasalata or Arabic Lamb Flatbread. Then move to the main course with items such as Three-Egg Frittata, Brioche French Toast, Grilled Sea Bass or Octopus a la plancha. Then to top it all off, there are many great options, including Grapefruit Givre, Chocolate Gateau, and house-made Crèmes Glacées. Info: bouludsud.com.

ELÉA
It’s the newest addition to the Upper West Side’s restaurant scene and offers a light-filled experience reminiscent of a Greek getaway, complimented by authentic Mediterranean fare. This year, Eléa is launching its first-ever brunch, which is perfect for Mother’s Day and comes with a complimentary glass of Prosecco for all moms. Start with a savory or sweet Greek breakfast pastry like the Spanakopita or Karadopita muffin or if you’re looking to indulge the market oysters are show-stopping. For the main course, there is much to choose from including a traditional Eggs Benedict, served with ham or smoked salmon on an English muffin topped with hollandaise sauce. The Greek style Shakshuka is all you could want from true Greek cuisine, however, the Lamb Burger Royale or Lavraki are also great options. As with any brunch, Bellini’s are a staple, and Eléa serves up daily fresh squeezed juices in all brunch beverages, which includes Bloody Mary, Screwdriver, the beloved Mimosa. Finish off with the Baklava or Karadopita for dessert. Info: eleanyc.com.

AI FIORI
With an excellent Italian-French menu, plus regional wines, this popular restaurant is situated on the second floor of the Langham Hotel on Fifth Avenue. Expect to taste your way through hand-made pasta with fresh and seasonal ingredients.Dishes will include Crudo e Caviale with American Sturgeon Caviar, and Spaghetti with Blue Crab. Ai Fiori received three stars from The New York Times as well as Michelin star recognition the past several years. Info: aifiorinyc.com.

KYMA FLATIRON
What better way is there to celebrate mothers than with a stunning ode to the sun-drenched island of Mykonos. Kyma Flatiron’s menu and aesthetic centers around its many sun-kissed beaches. The 250-seat bi-level whitewashed space is the perfect background for a chic and sophisticated brunch. Upon arrival, all moms will receive a complimentary glass of Prosecco. As for the menu, breakfast is always a popular option and includes two eggs any style, bacon, sausage, and Black-eyed Fasolada. They also serve Eggs Saganaki, Omelette Santorini guaranteed to satisfy any cravings you may have. The raw bar is great for sharing with the family, especially if you want to try different items such as lobster cocktail, oysters, shrimp cocktail or a large tower featuring all of the above and more. Do you have a health conscience mom? So do we, but don’t worry the salad options are all fresh and incorporate classic Greek style. From the simply grilled section, you can taste your way through the sea with options including Tiger Shrimp, Swordfish, Tsipoura, Pink Snapper and Black Sea Bass. Or jump on land and try traditional Lamb Chops or a 10-ounce Sirloin Steak. Let Kyma Flatiron do all the impressing and hard work while you get all the credit. Info: kymarestaurants.com.

IRVINGTON
Located in the W Hotel Union Square is a bright farm-to-table experience serving up a Mediterranean-influenced menu of New American classics. In addition to their usual brunch menu, the industrial chic establishment will be offering a few Mother’s Day specials, which includes Coconut-Dipped French Toast, House-Cured Salmon, and House-Made Pea and Ricotta Ravioli. Are you looking for that eggs-cellent protein hit? The eggs section is packed with cage-free eggs any style. They also have brick oven pizzas, mains with smoked salmon and burgers, or for the sweet tooth in you, eat all the Buttermilk pancakes, Whole Wheat Waffles, or Croissants your heart can desire. Info: irvingtonnyc.com.