MOTHER'S DAY BRUNCH IN BETHESDA 2014

Have you bought your Mother's Day gift(s) yet? Let me save you some time on the dining side of Mother's Day, with this guide to some of the very top destinations for Mother's Day brunch in Bethesda:

The Cheesecake Factory

The new Cheesecake Factory at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda will be serving Mother's Day brunch. Expect a wait, but isn't it always worth it at Cheesecake Factory?

7101 Democracy Boulevard

(301) 469-5166

Uncle Julio's

The famous Plato de Madre is back at Uncle Julio's, but with a premium lobster tail added! But, wait - you also get a cajeta for dessert, a famous caramel treat believed to have originated in Celaya, Guanajuato, México.

4870 Bethesda Avenue

(301) 656-2981

Food, Wine & Co.

Frequently rated as one of the DC area's top restaurants, Food Wine & Co. will be serving Mother's Day brunch from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Renowned chef Michael Harr's menu will include Oven Roasted Dutch Baby with fresh local berries and whipped butter; Green Chile Grits and Ham with cured pork belly, poached egg and micro cilantro; and homemade Cinnamon Rolls with vanilla cream cheese and cinnamon sugar. No corners will be cut at this spot, which will also serve its standard dinner menu all day until 9:00 PM.

7272 Wisconsin Avenue

(301) 652-8008

American Tap Room

Mother's Day is special at American Tap Room - special enough to call for Mother's Day-only menu items like Deviled Eggs, shrimp cocktail, smoked salmon, and a carved-to-order prime rib station. Plus, a make-your-own omelet station.

7278 Woodmont Avenue

(301) 656-1366

Jaleo

Chef José Andrés' Bethesda Row outpost has a $55 unlimited tapas Mother's Day brunch, with a complimentary glass of cava, mimosa, bloody gazpacho or orange juice.

7271 Woodmont Avenue

(301) 913-0003

Redwood

Redwood will be serving a Mother's Day buffet brunch, with more options than last year. With good weather, their Bethesda Lane patio is one of the best outdoor dining spots in town.

7121 Bethesda Lane

(301) 656-5515

Mon Ami Gabi

This is the cheapest ticket to Paris you can buy your Mom this Sunday. Crepes and quiche compete with their famous steak frites on this menu, along with traditional brunch items. Be sure not to miss the Make-Your-Own-Bloody Mary bar!

7239 Woodmont Avenue

(301) 654-1234

Mussel Bar

Brunch is always a treat at Mussel Bar, but this Sunday, your Mom can enjoy a free Momosa beverage.

7262 Woodmont Avenue

(301) 215-7817

Lebanese Taverna

Mother's Day brunch includes unlimited mezze and pastries at Lebanese Taverna.

7141 Arlington Road

(301) 951-8681

Cesco Osteria

An Italian-inspired brunch at Cesco Osteria will run you $45 per person, and includes carving and omelet stations.

7401 Woodmont Avenue

(301) 654-8333

Positano Ristorante

Positano Ristorante is open every day of the year, and prices are the same even on holidays. Order what you like from the regular menu at this longstanding Italian spot on Fairmont Avenue.

4948 Fairmont Avenue

(301) 654-1717

MOTHER'S DAY BRUNCH IN BETHESDA 2013

It's not too late to plan for Mother's Day brunch or dinner in Bethesda! I've checked Open Table just now, and found openings still available.

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT...

Detective Mom Mother's Day Brunch at Flanagan's Harp & Fiddle, 4844 Cordell Avenue.

A murder mystery Mother's Day Brunch. Definitely a first for Bethesda!

STAY CLASSY, BETHESDA

If it's a more traditional brunch menu and high-end setting you're looking for this year, try Strathmore.  The music center's Lockheed lobby will be the site of a full buffet brunch, accompanied by live, light music.

The brunch has two seatings at 11 AM and 1 PM. Reservations are $40 per adult, $22 per child (ages 6-12), and free for children under the age of six. Call (301) 581-5220 to make a reservation.

MENU:

Morning Sweets and Savories:

Assortment of mini pastries and bagel bar

Whipped honey butter, fresh preserves, and cream cheeses

Salad and Antipasto Buffet

Fresh fruit, berries, and granola

Selection of grilled and roasted seasonal vegetables

Imported and domestic artisan cheeses

Chopped cucumber, tomato, and avocado salad

Field greens

Caesar salad

Chef's Seafood Table: Shrimp cocktail, Oysters

Hot Buffet:

Spring English pea and mint soup

Applewood smoked salmon filet

Challah french toast, berries, whipped cream, and maple syrup

Eggs benedict on brioche with hollandaise sauce

Applewood bacon

Chicken and apple sausage

Potato and cheddar hash

Omelet Bar: Made to order omelets, whole or egg whites with all the fillings

Carving Station: Black pepper and salt crusted prime rib, Red wine au jus, Horseradish sauce

Country breads and rolls

Desserts: Assortment of mini pastries, mousses, cakes, and cookies

Sounds great!

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BEST OF BETHESDA ROW:

Mon Ami Gabi:

Brunch at Mon Ami Gabi will be served from 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM on Mother's Day.

Enjoy favorites like the Brie and Butternut Squash Crepe, Eggs Florentine with Spinach, Artichoke and Hollandaise Sauce or the Waffle with creamy Nutella.

But wait, there's more!

Mon Ami Gabi will give each Mother a special gift as their way to say santé (cheers!) to the special day.

To make reservations, call Mon Ami Gabi Bethesda at 301-654-1234.

Jaleo Bethesda:

Jaleo has added several menu items to the brunch menu especially for Mother's Day. Treat Mom to brunch from world-famous Chef José Andrés at Jaleo!

Call 301-913-0003 to make reservations.

Others to try:

Food, Wine & Co.
American Tap Room
Redwood
Guardado's
Assaggi
Uncle Julio's

Happy Mother's Day
from
Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row!

MOTHER'S DAY FEAST AT BETHESDA ROW

I have to say, that of all of the great Mother's Day brunch and dinner options in downtown Bethesda, my personal favorite so far is the Plato de Madre at Uncle Julio's at Bethesda Row.

If you like grilled salmon, shrimp or crabs... you're going to get all three on one plate!  First of all, you get the Salmon Campechito, mesquite-grilled, and served over a tequila cream sauce.  You also get crab-stuffed shrimp alongside the salmon.  And a side of Cilantro Rice.

This also sounds like a fairly healthy meal.  For example, the regular mesquite-grilled salmon they offer is listed in the Heart Healthy category on the menu.  And you're getting a serving of rice.

If you add their chips and guacamole/salsa, and a Swirl (a frozen margarita layered with house-made sangria), you have a great meal.

By the way, those tortilla chips, guacamole and salsa are all made fresh in the restaurant.

I'm wondering where the name of the recipe comes from.  There's a city called Campeche, and also Nuevo Campechito in the state of Campeche.  And then there's the ubiquitous use of the diminutive in Mexican Spanish...

I majored in Latin American history, and even I can't figure this one out.  Rick Bayless on Line 1...  (speaking of chefs who should open a restaurant at Bethesda Row!).

Anyway, the best part about the Plato de Madre is that it is available today, and through May 20!  So you don't just have to order it on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 13.

If you'll excuse me, I may just head over right now...

Uncle Julio's, 4870 Bethesda Avenue, Bethesda.  301-656-2981.