For Mother’s Day this Sunday, here’s a buffet of ways to celebrate, from special prix fixe meals to local wine getaways to actual buffets.
Amarante’s Sea Cliff, for example, is offering a “scenic waterfront” brunch buffet on the New Haven Harbor.
So is neighboring banquet hall Anthony’s Ocean View, with wine and mimosas included instead of a fully cash bar.
Blackhawk Country Club in Stratford is also hitting the buffet, next to a golf course instead of the sea.
It’s banquet-style buffet brunch option number-four at Hamden’s Cascade Fine Catering, where there’s no mention of the bar situation (unless you count the mashed potato bar).
Gioia, Wooster Street’s latest Italian spot, is offering a two-course prix fixe brunch, though you can order a la carte if Mom doesn’t mind sitting at the bar.
Up the shoreline, Madison Beach Hotel is offering a seaside buffet of its own.
Back in New Haven, Spanish-Mediterranean fine-dining spot Olea is serving a three-course prix fixe menu “designed especially to please Mom and the whole family.”
A block and a half away, Pacifico’s own prix fixe three-courser promises “Latin-inspired flavors she’s sure to love.”
The Reign, an event space in Milford, is hosting a “family-style” brunch with a DJ and photo ops.
Near the point of the City Point neighborhood, oyster bar and grill Shell and Bones has put together a number of wine-paired specials to go with its regular menu.
Surrounded by rows of vines and other agrarian accents, Stappa Vineyard in Orange is offering drink specials, a vendor market and live music.
If that sounds good but Mom prefers beer, Milford’s Tribus Beer Co. is also doing drink specials and a vendor market.
In the heart of New Haven, “French-inspired brasserie” Union League Cafe is offering “a special three-course prix fixe experience designed to honor the most important women in our lives.”
In North Haven, micro-winery Valor Wines is holding a “Mother’s Day Sunday Funday” joined by a food truck, a hand masseuse, a portrait photographer and other vendors.
Italian spot Villa Lulu is promising “the brunch she truly deserves” with a three-course prix fixe menu of its own.
Finally, The Vue in Hamden is bringing things back to the buffet format, just inside “a stunning wrap-around veranda… with breathtaking vistas overlooking our pristine 18-hole championship golf course.”
Good luck choosing, and happy Mother’s Day, everyone.
Written and photographed by Dan Mims. Image features a view of Stappa Vineyard.
