A Memorable Mother’s Day

Every year as Mother’s Day approaches, I’m giddy with excitement to celebrate my mom. Gifts often seem mediocre, no matter how extravagant they may be. The one thing I am sure of is that a good meal provides the perfect way to start the day.

If you’re choosing to cook at home for mom, my go-to spread is brunch. Think local bagels from Country Hot in Northport, wild lox, homemade herbed cream cheese, thinly sliced red onion, tomatoes, and capers. Serve with passion fruit mimosas or spicy Bloody Mary’s for a kick. Presentation is equally important, so check your favorite food blogs for a surplus of visual tips. If you’re in the mood to serve up something hot, I recommend Challah French Toast with fresh berries and mascarpone, with a side of chicken sausage, or a homemade sweet potato and chorizo hash, served with eggs. Poached eggs are a bit more difficult to master, but they certainly dress up any entrée.

Whether your mom enjoys breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner – the day is likely to book up quickly, so make your reservations (or start planning your meal) before it’s too late!

Lucky for me, my mom is low-maintenance. She enjoys fresh, local food preferably with large quantities of vegetables. The matriarch of my family is a runner and avid CrossFitter. She also works locally as a registered nurse. She enjoys her eggs every morning, and salads each evening. On the *very* rare occasion she goes out for a meal, she will usually pick Thai food. My recommendations for her are usually Sawasdee Thai, Lemonleaf, Raan Thai or Sawadee Thai Fusion (our local staple). Although my mom may be the exception to the rule, I am sure there are plenty of moms out there who enjoy a healthy meal as well.

My other favorite, local healthier spots include Wild Side Bistro, Lota Veco, The Purple Elephant, Tula Kitchen, Rustic Root, and Tiger Lily Café.

If your mom is a foodie, and looking for a good ‘cheat meal’, I recommend Thyme, Salumi, Love Lane Kitchen, The Shed in Sayville, and/or One10. For something a bit more upscale, try Bijou, Jonathan’s or Sage Bistro. Check your neighborhood favorites for Mother’s Day menus, and specials.

Whether you’re dining out or in, make sure you put some thought into Mother’s Day this year. Make a reservation in advance (or aim to prepare/cook an unforgettable spread), and bring along a local bouquet of flowers. After all, our moms have supported us, fed us, and showed up for us…365 days a year.