Braly: Make plans now for Mother's Day dining

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

It has become a tradition in this space before the second Sunday in May to let readers know what restaurants are doing to celebrate mothers.

My precious Momma has been gone for 18 months, but I'll always remember taking her out to lunch to let her know how very much she was appreciated and loved.

According to the National Restaurant Association, Mother's Day is the No. 1 day for eating out, so it's important to get your reservations in right now if you haven't already. Here's a list of what some of the area eateries are offering. If you don't see your favorite listed, give them a call. I'm sure there's something special going on in most every restaurant in town.

  • Broad Street Grille - 1201 Broad St. at The Chattanoogan. A Mediterranean-style Mother's Day champagne brunch will be served 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Menu includes: Mediterranean salads; Caesar salad; smoked fish and other chilled food offerings; chef's carving station with roast beef and pork; made-to-order omelet station; hot food selections including Spanish smoked paprika-crusted rotisserie chicken, red-wine braised pork shoulder with creamy mascarpone polenta and mushroom ragout; a complete breakfast bar (eggs, frittatas, bacon and Southern buttermilk biscuits with country gravy. Finish the feast with an incredible dessert bar crowned with a dark-chocolate waterfall for dipping cookies, cake and fresh fruit. Price: $32.95 adults, $16.95 children (free for ages 6 and younger). Reservations: 424-3700.

  • Back Inn Cafe - 411 E. Second St. in Bluff View Art District. Celebrate Mom in one of the city's most elegant restaurants with the best view of the Tennessee River. The menu will include such a la carte specials as shrimp and grits; seafood gratin; sesame-crusted ahi tuna; grilled salmon Caesar salad; steak and eggs Benedict; soups and salads. Prices vary. Reservations: 265-5033, ext. 1.

  • Big Table - 118 Cross St. off Mountain Creek Road. Sunday brunch will feature a buffet featuring prime rib with a number of side dishes, salads, pastries, frittatas and other specialties made for Mom, as well as an a la carte menu for those not wanting buffet. Buffet price: $14.95 adults, $7.95 children 9 and younger. Reservations not necessary.

  • Blue Plate Diner - 191 Chestnut St. Made-from-scratch Southern specialties served breakfast through dinner from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Menu items will include such dishes as Aretha Frankensteins pancakes, buttermilk fried chicken, meatloaf, fish tacos. Eggs Benedict also will be served through lunch. Reservations: 648-6767.

  • Melting Pot - 2553 Lifestyle Way. What fun to share a table with mom to dip into the only fondue eatery in town. For its first Mother's Day menu, The Melting Pot will serve a special creme brulee chocolate fondue. Each mother will receive a gift to take home and enjoy. Hours: Noon-10 p.m. Reservations: 893-5237.

  • Niko's Southside Grill - 1400 Cowart St. A special brunch for Mom, served 11 a.m.- 4 p.m., will feature everything from breakfast quiches to prime rib, as well as cured salmon, numerous side dishes, made-from-scratch pastries and desserts that will run the gamut from strawberry cake to lemon squares to chocolate truffles. Price: $25 adults $15 ages 4-10. Reservations: 266-6511.

  • Stone Fort Inn - 120 East 10th St. This may be the coolest brunch in town, as the inn has reopened under new ownership with a new focus on food. Celebrate your mom in the beautiful historic setting with a brunch that includes salad; herb-crusted beef tenderloin with wine reduction; honey-glazed ham with apple-raisin maple sauce; assorted side dishes; quiches; French toast with creme Anglaise and berry compote; crepes; made-from-scratch desserts and mimosas. Brunch is served 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Price: $25 adults, $12.50 children. Reservations only: 267-7866.

Wherever you go, have a great day celebrating the No. 1 woman in your life. I'll be celebrating mine, too. And I know she's joining us in her own way. Knowing my momma, she wouldn't miss it.