CELEBRATE MOTHER’S DAY

By Patricia Canole

Nothing says “I love you” like a little bit of extravagance. Maybe it’s time to go all out this year. Make it brunch or dinner with an after-dinner drink—all options to make this day extra special. There are plenty of ways to spoil the most important lady you know, so use our guide to making mom smile.

LE COUCOU
Le Coucou is the spot of the moment. And if you want to impress, snag a post-dinner table at The Blond, the bar/lounge located at the end of a spiral staircase that morphs into a nightclub. The menu showcases French food that’s as top notch as the scene. The décor doesn’t disappoint either, which should come as little surprise with Stephen Starr, the restaurateur of Buddakan fame, behind the eatery. As for the food, expect dishes like Terrine de Veau (veal terrine, pickled milkweed), Huitre Tiedes, Beurre Aux Algues (oysters warmed with seaweed butter) and Canard et Cerises (duck, cherries, black olives). Don’t forget dessert. We recommend the Mousse Au Chocolate.

For more information on Le Coucou, visit lecoucou.com.

LA SIRENA
If you’re the kind of person, who likes sprawling restaurants, Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich’s newest spot on the plaza level of The Maritime Hotel is for you. This Italian hot spot is splashy, centrally located in the Meatpacking District, always packed and it’s not surprising that the dress code is very nightclub. The sprawling eatery boasts indoor and outdoor seating along with a 38-foot bar. If you’re looking for privacy, there are a few tables in nooks, which you can request. Being a Batali spot, just remember the food is not exactly diet-friendly. What are tops on the brunch menu? Try the Amaretti Mascarpone Pancakes with maple syrup. Or Hazelnut French Toast. Either one will not disappoint.

For more information on La Sirena, visit lasirena-nyc.com.

AVRA MADISON
An offshoot of the popular Avra Estiatorio in Midtown, Avra Madison now occupies the 17,000-square-foot space once housing Rouge Tomate. Well-heeled Upper East Siders have been flocking here to dine on traditional Greek food with an emphasis on fresh seafood. In addition to grilled fish dishes, sashimi options are also on the menu. The open white-washed space, designed by the Rockwell Group, has comfortable seating, a reflecting pool, lush greenery, lots of white oak and a market-style seafood and produce displayed in the back to highlight the kitchen’s fresh fish and raw vegetables.

For more information on Avra Madison, visit avrany.com.