Mother's Day Dining Guide on the Hill

Photo by María Helena Carey

Is there a special lady in your life that deserves a treat this Mother’s Day?  Flowers and cards are touching, but if you want to include a delicious meal in that celebration and don’t know where to take her, we’ve got you covered!    Since I am have a bit of a thing for breakfast foods, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite brunch spots around the Hill that will make for a lovely Sunday treat for the mom in your life.  And THIH contributor Jon Penndorf has pulled together recommendations for dinner that are sure to make her feel special.  So pull up OpenTable.com (or pick up the phone if you like the more old-fashioned approach), because you’ll need to make reservations ASAP!

Brunch Recommendations:

• Montmartre: This is one of my favorite brunches on the Hill when I want something a little on the upscale side.  The food is delicious, and they have a spacious patio which will be perfect on a sunny Sunday morning.  It gets packed early so reservations are strongly recommended.
• Belga Cafe: The classic stand by for a special brunch on the Hill.  Their menu is not large but the waffles are fantastic.  This is another place that gets crowded early, so make reservations!
• Matchbox: This is becoming one of my more frequently recommended brunches on the Hill.  Since they have more tables than Montmartre, you have a better chance of getting a table without a reservation.  The menu is pretty extensive, and the Bloody Marys are fantastic.  They also have a jazz band playing on Sundays, which will add a nice extra festive touch to your brunch experience.
• Art and Soul: I still have yet to make it here for brunch or dinner, but keep hearing really good things, so I will keep recommending it!  For Mother’s Day “Executive Chef Travis Timberlake will serve a special three-course prix-fixe brunch menu full of spring time favorites such as Crab Three Ways which includes fried soft shell crabs, which are only in season for a short time, a Maryland crab cake and crab stuffed relleno with chipotle butter. All moms will receive a complimentary red rose.” $49 per person; Served from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. A children’s menu will be available.
• Zest Bistro: This is another spot that is still sitting on my to do list, but I’ve been hearing good things about it as a brunch option that is very family friendly.
• Ted’s Bulletin: I have yet to have their breakfast but already love it because it is available all day, every day.   You can see my post about their options at brunch and the city.
• Bistro Cacao: This is a great option if you are looking for something on the northeast side of the Hill, but want to avoid the restaurants around Union Station, which will likely be crowded with tourists.
• If you are looking for something off of the Hill, I have a longer list of recommendations at brunch and the city that include restaurants downtown and in Virginia.

Can’t organize the troops for brunch on Mother’s Day?  Treat mom to a nice dinner somewhere on the Hill.  Here are a few special dinner options offered locally:

• Bistro Bis just across North Capitol Street in NW is offering an la carte menu with Mother’s Day specials.
• Also across North Capitol is Charlie Palmer Steak, offering a three-course prix fixe menu for $55 per person, $25 for kids.  This menu will be available for lunch and dinner.
• Though not specific for Mother’s Day, why not try the seasonal Asparagus Menu at Cafe Berlin this weekend?  Cream of asparagus soup and chilled asparagus with orange vinaigrette are some of the offerings that celebrate the often-mocked veggie.

And if you’re full from all the French toast and Hollandaise sauce at brunch, why not skip dinner and treat mom to a special dessert?  An “adult” milkshake at Ted’s Bulletin, a slice of pie from Dangerously Delicious, or a key lime pie from the Fine Sweet Shoppe at Eastern Market may satisfy mom’s sweet tooth and cap off a delicious Mother’s Day.