Mother's Day is one of the biggest "dining out" days of the year, as well as one of the biggest days for telephone usage. Children perk up to acknowledge how much they owe to their mothers. "No one will ever love you like your mother," my mother told me often. Whether right or wrong, I always reach out on Mother's Day to thank her.
One of the nicest ways to celebrate the day is to dine together at a memorable, special restaurant. This is a good day to visit your favorite place to dine. These suggested locations may fit the bill. Because of demand, it is recommended that reservations be made as soon as possible.
The Prado (619-557-9441), located in Balboa Park, is elegant and offers outstanding cuisine. It is located in a faux-Moorish setting, with a central courtyard where musicians will perform mid-afternoon. A special brunch menu will offer an amazing array of omelets, seafood, sushi, hot dishes, salads and a carving station for both prime rib and turkey. Decadent desserts will finish off the event. Expensive.
Le Fontainebleau (619-557-3655) at downtown's Westgate Hotel is another setting where elegance and outstanding cuisine combine to create a memorable feast for mother. Dine royally on French fare amidst chandeliers and fine cutlery. Expensive.
Other downtown locations include Napa Valley Grille (619-238-5440) atop Horton Plaza, and Acqual Al 2 (619-230-0382). Napa Valley Grille offers a sumptuous buffet with numerous stations. Moderate.
Acqua Al 2 offers outstanding classic Italian cuisine and gives all mothers free dessert and flowers. Moderate.
For an exotic experience, try Indian cuisine at Monsoon (619-234-5555) or Chinese cuisine at Blue Ginger (619-234-3888). Champagne will flow at both locations. Moderate.
Old Town is a picturesque setting for a memorable meal of "south of the border" cuisine. Strolling musicians will delight diners at Cafe Coyote (619-291-4695), where mothers will receive special Mexican flowers. Inexpensive.
The regular Sunday brunch will be offered at Zocalo Grill (619-298-9840), which is owned by the Brigantine group. The meal will begin with a glass of sparkling wine or mimosa. Moderate.
San Diego has many casinos, offering fine food along with the chance to win big. Pala Casino (877-WIN-PALA) in North County will feature special menus for Mother's Day in all its dining rooms, including an extravaganza buffet. Moderate.
Sycuan Casino (800-2-SYCUAN) offers exceptional dining in El Cajon. Moderate.
Some diners will seek ocean view settings. Dramatic views of the downtown skyline can be enjoyed in Coronado at Peohe's (619-437-4474) or at Il Fornaio (619-437-4911). Peohe's will offer a brunch menu and seafood. Moderate. Il Forniao has outstanding Italian cuisine. Moderate.
Star Of The Sea (619-232-7408) combines an award-winning culinary team and a gorgeous interior right on Harbor Drive in the downtown area. Expensive.
For casual dining, Pizza Nova's new Point Loma location (619-226-026) features excellent Italian cuisine and an ocean view. Inexpensive.
Islandia Coastal Grill on Mission Bay (619-221-4810) combines a beautiful view with an excellent seafood menu, flowers for mother and a balloon artist/face painting program for children. Moderate.
World Famous (858-272-3100) in Pacific Beach is located right on the sand. Its special "California style" buffet includes seafood, prime rib, honey-glazed ham and crab cakes. Moderate.
Harry's Bar & American Grill (858-373-1252), in the UTC area, brings the spirit of Hemingway back to life, with interiors that include a dramatic bar and beautiful fireplace. The Italian cuisine is classic and excellent. Moderate.
Many diners will venture toward La Jolla for view dining. Aurora Trattoria (858-551-8554), with lovely exposure to La Jolla Cove from its second-floor setting, includes a "surf and turf" option to its Italian cuisine. Moderate.
Azul (858-454-9616), another Brigantine-group owned location, has a beautiful fireplace interior with windows to the sea, while enjoying fresh seafood. Expensive.
The Crab Catcher (858-454-9587) is a family-owned seafood restaurant in an "old world" setting and a view of the cove. The cuisine has delighted diners for many years. Mothers will receive flowers from the owners' private gardens. Moderate.
Brockton Villa Restaurant (858-454-7393) features American cuisine in its view location and will offer specials all weekend long. "Forget Mother's Day," its owner, Megan Heine said. "She deserves the whole weekend." Moderate.
Rottenberg is editor of Dining San Diego Magazine and member of the California Restaurant Writers Association.
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