by erin thursby scopes1925@msn.com
Looking for a place to take mom for Mother’s Day? Here are just a few suggestions for brunch and beyond, from buffet brunches to sit-down dinners. You’re sure to find something near your neighborhood to make mom feel special.
If you’re in the Arlington neighborhood and your mom likes Italian in an upscale atmosphere, try Angelo’s ( 2111 University Blvd N, (904) 743-3400). The menu’s got the usual Italian standards as well as subs and pizza for the kids. They’ll be open from 11 am - 9 pm and every mom will get a flower.
On the Southbank Downtown, there are plenty of places to take mom for a nice Mom’s Day nosh. There’s the Charthouse (1501 River Place Blvd (904) 398-3353 ), known for their seafood and river view; they’ll be having a buffet featuring Virgina ham, dynamite salmon and basil chicken at $24.99 for adults and $12.99 for kids. Also known for a river view is the Sunday buffet favorite River City Brewing Company (835 Museum Circle (904) 398-2299). They serve snow crab legs, have carving stations and a made-to-order omelet station. There’s just nothing like putting a freshly made waffle on a plate next to crab legs and shrimp, if only for the novelty of the thing. In San Marco, BB’s (1019 Hendricks Ave (904) 306-0100) will be open, serving up a bananas foster French toast, walnut crusted halibut, herb-seared scallops and a delish Mediterranean omelet.
In the Mandarin neighborhood, try GiGi’s in the Ramada Inn (I-295 and San Jose Blvd (904) 268-8080). Their buffet, which includes roast beef with horseradish, honey-cured pineapple ham with cherry sauce and a turkey breast carving station, will be $25.99 for adults and just $9.99 for kids.
Just past Mandarin, in the Julington Creek area, you might want to take mom to Cobblestone’s at the Creek (108 Julington Plaza Dr., Julington Creek (904) 230-6744) for the brunch buffet. Moms can enjoy prime rib, shrimp, an omelet station, spinach artichoke fondue and much more for $27.95. Children under 12 eat for $14.95.
For some upscale, but reasonably priced and delicious fusion-style cooking, take mom to Blue Bamboo (3820 Southside Blvd., (904) 646-1478) on Southside. They’ll be serving brunch and dinner. On the brunch menu they’ll be serving a tempting caramel French toast, wanton scrambles and a shrimp & grits special.
If your mom is a bit more laid back, take her to the classic Cliff’s (3033 Monument Rd (904) 645-5162) where she can order specials from the menu like tri-colored tortellini shrimp alfredo served with salad or backed jerk chicken with garlic mashed potatoes, a veggie medley and a salad. Prices for these items range from just $9.95 - $11.95.
St. Augustine has plenty to choose from. Those who haven’t tried Cortesses (172 San Marco Ave, St Augustine (904) 825-6775) can go on Sunday for the 11 am - 4 pm brunch. Expect delectable seafood crepes, stuffed flounder and live music. The Reef (4100 Coastal Hwy, St Augustine (904) 824-8008) will be presenting a prime rib and glazed honey ham carving station along with other buffet favorites like crab legs (hot and cold), pepper cheese grits, turkey and a variety of desserts. The dessert station will include Key lime pie, triple chocolate cake, cheese cake and a variety of other pies.
Out at Jacksonville Beach, Roy’s (2400-101 S. 3rd St. Jacksonville Beach (904) 241-7697) will be open for brunch on Sunday from 10 am - 2 pm. This Hawaiian fusion dining experience offers some of the best in upscale dining to be found in Jacksonville Beach. The three-course brunch is $30, and judging from my past experiences there, it will be worth every penny.
My top pick this Mother’s Day is Mackenzies (100 Sawgrass Village Dr, Ponte Vedra (904)568-6349) out in Ponte Vedra Beach. They serve the best filet mignon I have had in the area. With a full menu of surf and turf, plenty of adjacent upscale shopping and a pond side view, it’s a lovely place to dine. This weekend will be chock full of entertainment and the restaurant should be very busy because of TPC. Management plans to set up an outdoor tent as well.
Whereever you choose to take mom, here’s hoping you make her Mother’s Day a great and memorable experience!
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