After this past year, everyone, especially moms, deserve all the sweets and pampering they can get. Whether they have a sweet tooth, indulge in a glass of wine or simply love to be in the company of loved ones, Alexandria restaurants are offering an experience that will make any mother, or motherly figure, feel special on Mother's Day. Here are a few options around town:
Ada’s On the River, 3 Pioneer Mill Way
In addition to Ada’s a la carte menu items, Mother’s Day specials will also be offered. For brunch, patrons can enjoy a Steak Omelette ($19) that features Charred Steak Ends, Havarti Cheese, Horseradish Crème Fraîche, Pickled & Grilled Scallions, and Hash Brown Pave. For dinner, Executive Chef Randall Matthews is offering an enticing entrée, Saffron & Lobster Risotto ($32) with Spring Peas, Patty Pan Squash, and Parmesan.
BARCA Pier & Wine Bar, 2 Pioneer Mill Way
Executive Chef Bryant Haren is inviting diners to the riverside hot spot to sample various menu items, perfect for sharing with loved ones as well as specialty cocktails for mom to enjoy. Specials for the day include: Razor Clams ($18) – Aleppo Pepper Xo Sauce, Fennel Mostarda, and Fennel Tops; and Bay Scallops ($16) – Butter Poached, Mushroom Conserva, Salsa Blanco, and Herbs.
Bastille Brassiere & Bar, 606 N. Fayette St.
Experience the cuisine of France without having to go through customs with Bastille’s Mother’s Day brunch, which will include Poulet Paillard – Amish Chicken Breast, Spring Mushroom Sauce, Pommes “Persillade,” Broccolini, Carrots and Mushrooms; Risotto de Saison — spring pea and Mint Risotto, Preserved Lemon Sauce. Wash it down with a Bloody Mary or Mimosa. The brunch is $49 per person for a three-course meal including one appetizer or one salad or soup, one entrée, and one dessert.
Cedar Knoll, 9030 Lucia Lane
With warm weather fast approaching, it’s best to enjoy the splendid views of the Potomac River from Cedar Knoll. Their family-style brunch and dinner options are $60 a person and $25 for kids ages 5-10. The brunch option includes items like Banana Spice Smoothies, Strawberry Scones, Crab Cakes with Bearnaise Sauce and French Toast with Chantilly Cream. If brunch doesn’t suit your fancy, the dinner features options such as Homemade Focaccia, Carrot Ginger Bisque and Honey Lavender Pana Cotta.
Clyde’s, 1700 North Beauregard St.
Enjoy Mother’s Day from the comfort of your home with a choice of five entrees that serves two or four guests. Guests can choose one entrée– Glazed Spiral Hama, Roast Sea Bass, Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, Roast Beef Tenderloin, or Surf & Turf; one sauce– Rum Raisin, Whole Grain Mustard Cream, Scallion Caper Vinaigrette, Tartar Sauce or Bordelaise; and two sides. Place your order before 5 p.m. May 5; reheating instructions will be included.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, 102 S. Patrick St.; online
Maybe your mom’s favorite food group is ice cream, so they deserve a gourmet brand of ice cream to compensate for hours of "mom overtime." The Mother’s Day Collection has an option for either six or nine pints in a variety of flavors, including Brambleberry Crisp, Frose Sorbet, Gooey Butter Cake, Milkiest Chocolate, Raspberry Rose Jelly Donut, Wild Lavender; for the nine pin collection, the previous six flavors are included alongside Cookies in Cream, Goat Cheese with Red Cherries, and Honey Vanilla Bean. Individual pints can be purchased online or in store.
The Majestic, 911 King St.
The iconic Old Town bistro-style concept has takeout as well as dine-in options available for Mother’s Day. All-day specials include: Braised Prime Short Rib ($34) – Crispy Smashed Fingerlings, Grilled Asparagus, and Roasted Tomato Béarnaise; and Pan Seared Salmon ($29) Parmesan Risotto, Spring Vegetables, Herbs and Lemon. Majestic Takeaway will be available for pre-order online (two people $79; four people $139.)
Mia’s Italian Kitchen,100 King St.
The Old Town Italian favorite has takeout and dine-in options for Mother’s Day. All day specials include: Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass ($31) – Horseradish Cream, Basil & Watercress Butter, Grilled White Asparagus, and Pickled Pearl Onions; and Shrimp Pesto ($24) – House-Made Spinach Infused Spaghetti, Roasted Cherry Tomatoes, Shaved Pecorino Cheese, and Basil.
Take & Bake at Mia's will be available for pre-order (2 people $69; 4 people $99; meals are served cold with baking instructions included.)
Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway
The restaurant located in Mount Vernon, rich in history, is offering Mother’s Day to-go dinner with pricing and menu option available for two, four, and six guests. Meals will include – Green Bean Cranberry Salad with Toasted Almonds, Roasted Red Bliss Potatoes, Mixed Vegetable Medley (Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower), Roasted Corn Salad (Arugula, Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onions, Bell peppers, and Feta Cheese), one loaf of bread for four. Guest can choose a protein – Brown Sugar Glazed Pork Loin or Roasted Beef Brisket; one dessert – Flourless Chocolate Cake or Pineapple Upside Down Cake; and other add-ons or drink options. Orders must be placed by May 6 and pickup May 8.
Theismann’s Restaurant and Bar,1800A Diagonal Road
This neighborhood favorite is offering their a la carte menu and specials available for Mother’s Day include: Steamed Pei Mussels ($19) with Chorizo, White Wine, Garlic, Butter, Herbs and Lemongrass, served with Grilled Bread; and Grilled Bone-In Pork Chop ($29) with Crispy Smashed Garlic-Parmesan Potatoes, Braised Tuscan Kale, Roasted Peanuts and Apple Gastrique.
Trademark Drink and Eat, 2080 Jamieson Ave.
Guests can eat and drink the day away at this trademark Alexandria restaurant. Start with a sweet and savory treat like Bacon Candy ($7) – smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy – and complimentary pastries, juices and granola. Brunch options, like the Cranberry Raisin French Toast, topped with fresh berries and whipped cream or savory options like the Springtime Ravioli – Ricotta, Sweet Pea and Mint Ravioli, Lobster Cream – will ensure a full and happy Mother’s Day and post-brunch nap.
Union Street Public House,121 S. Union St.
This Mother’s Day dinner is available for in-house dining, carryout and local delivery (order must be placed by May 7.) It offers a choice of starters – Lobster Bisque with tarragon and chives or Grilled Peach Salad with frisee, lolla rosa, quinoa and lemon basil dressing – and a choice of entrees – Chicken breast with crab and smoked gouda, Atlantic Salmon with grilled herb lemon butter, Lobster Tail or an eight-ounce Filet Mignon with chimichurri. All entrees are served with grilled asparagus, fingerling potatoes, and strawberry shortcake.
Vola’s Dockside Grill,101 N. Union St.
The waterside eatery will be offering their a la carte menu alongside two Mother’s Day specials: Maine Lobster Quiche ($18) – Cheddar Cheese, Herbs, and Mixed Green Salad; and Pan Seared Scallops ($29) – Creole Sauce, Toasted Pearl Pasta, Cherry Tomatoes, Broccolini, Corn and Bacon.
Is your restaurant offering Mother's Day specials? Email: Rachel@alexandrialivingmagazine.com.