Fork Dork: Mother's Day Brunch Deals to Make Mom Proud

If you are going to take your mother out to brunch on Sunday, May 13, make reservations now. Restaurants fill up fast on Mother’s Day. It is one of the busiest days in the restaurant business every year.

Many of the traditional holidays are often celebrated over large meals with family at home. In many cases, Mom presides over the kitchen. On Mother’s Day it is your mom’s special day to relax and for you to treat her to a family brunch.

When I was little I would help my mom prepare food, often standing on a stepstool over the kitchen sink to peel carrots and potatoes. My mom would tell me stories of growing up in Japan and share recipes and cooking techniques.

My cooking training wheels are off, so I will be cooking while my mom relaxes. I prefer to stay at home during major dining holidays. She raised six kids. She has earned it.

If you prefer to celebrate out, many restaurants are preparing something special for mom.

that are serving up Mother's Day Brunches (and be sure to vote for your favorite in preparation for a special contest on Patch next week).

, owned by Sammamish resident Jan Lawrence, at the Belcarra Building in downtown Bellevue offers full brunch service on Sundays, including mimosas for $4.50.

in Bellevue is one of my favorite and unlikely brunch destinations. Best known for its dinner service and wine list, Monsoon serves dim sum for brunch and other specialties such as congee and Wagyu beef pho.

At , the Brazilian steakhouse in Factoria, mothers celebrating their special day are eligible to wine raffle prizes such as salon and spa gift certificates. All guests can dine on the Novilhos buffet for $44.50, non-inclusive.

All three locations on the Eastside (Bellevue, Kirkland and Woodinville) will be opening earlier, 10 a.m. to be exact, and serving a special menu. Look for ham and gruyere quiche, spring vegetable scramble, biscuits and gravy, and bananas foster French toast.

next door to Purple Café & Wine Bar in Bellevue will also be serving brunch beginning at 10 a.m. Four different styles of Bloody Marys will be served during brunch service.

at Bellevue Place will be serving brunch from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Specials include a Monte Cristo, beef tenderloin roast carved to order with cheddar-chive biscuits, poached eggs and Béarnaise, and grilled Alaskan halibut filet with artichoke risotto, spring peas and gremolata.

KORAL’s sister restaurant, at Lincoln Square, will also be serving brunch from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Brunch specials include Dungeness crab omelet, classic eggs Benedict and brioche French toast.  

Mothers dining at in Bellevue Square will receive a complimentary dessert. The new spring menu will also be available, including dishes such as shrimp omelet with Andouille Veracruz, and scrambled eggs and jalapeno bacon stuffed relleno.

at Neiman Marcus at The Bravern will be serving a special three-course lunch from noon to 4 p.m.

There are some fine dining restaurants outside of Bellevue, as well, if you're hoping to take mom out for a day trip, including  at  in Kirkland,  and the  at  in Kirkland,  at the  in Woodinville and the Dining Room at The Salish Lodge in Snoqualmie.