She brought you into this world and has always loved you, so show mom your appreciation on Mother’s Day this Sunday, May 12th. Edible Monterey Bay has lots of suggestions for gifts and elegant Mother’s Day brunches that are sure to put a smile on her face on this special day.
As a token of your affection, olive oils top our list of fave gifts. How about a sampler six-pack of olive oils paired with balsamic vinegars from Trió Carmel, which also carries Olivella olive oil skin care products. The Quail and Olive in Carmel Valley Village stocks a good choice of fresh milled California EVOO along with balsamic and deliciously flavored vinegars. In downtown Santa Cruz, the True Olive Connection is the best place to go for six-pack samplers and a great selection of olive oils and vinegars. Or stop by Stone Creek Kitchen in Monterey for that gourmet cooking utensil, imported EVOO or spice that she’s been thinking about trying.
Bee, Bark and Moss of Carmel has adorable polka dot or striped market totes made locally with organic cotton, hemp and recycled materials—sure to make your Mom’s next trip to the farmers market a fashionable one. Find them at the Old Monterey Marketplace on Alvarado St. between Del Monte and Pearl, Tuesdays from 4–7pm or you can order online. EMB readers get 20% off their online order by using the code 2222.
If none of those suggestions suit you, take a stroll through around Custom House Plaza in Monterey on Saturday or Sunday for the annual Springfest Arts and Crafts Faire. It’s open from 9am-5pm and has hundreds of handcrafted items perfect for gift giving.
Del Monte Center is hosting its Everything MOM! Day on Saturday, May 11 from 11am-3pm. Everyone gets a free photo with their mother and most businesses offer a free gift with purchase.
If wine tasting is something she enjoys, Cima Collina’s tasting room in Carmel Valley Village is serving free strawberries and mini desserts and giving a rose to every mom who comes in on Mother’s Day.
For those in San Benito County, your best bet for a lovely and local Mother’s Day gift is at San Benito Bene, which is stocked full of handcrafted jams, spices, scented soaps and body products.
Brunches for Mother’s Day
While some moms get breakfast in bed, the very lucky ones are taken out to a Mother’s Day brunch and there are many options to choose from around the Monterey Bay.
Bernardus Lodge kicks the celebration off early with an Afternoon Tea in the herb garden on Saturday featuring live classical guitar and Carmel Valley sunshine. Mother’s Day Brunch at Bernardus will include naturally raised meats and local organic vegetables.
Point Pinos Grill in Pacific Grove is another scenic place to take mom; their buffet features sustainable seafood, free-range eggs omelet bar and salmon benedict.
The Hyatt Regency Monterey’s TusCA Restaurant has a Jazz brunch with live music from the David Morwood Jazz Band and a free glass of champagne for all the mothers. Their buffet features dishes like Central Valley Benedict, with scrambled eggs, artichokes, asparagus and spinach. The carving station has pink peppercorn and peppermint leg of lamb. Meanwhile at Hyatt Carmel Highlands, Pacific’s Edge has a luxurious Mother’s Day buffet with lobster benedict, fresh seafood, prime rib and leg of lamb, along with spectacular views of the Carmel coast.
Jack’s Restaurant at the Portola Hotel in Monterey invites you to celebrate Mother’s Day with their brunch buffet, offering a salad station, carving station and a dessert buffet.
For great cocktails and special brunch dishes try Rio Grill in Carmel, which suggests entrées like Spring veggie frittata, Eggs Benedicts with Dungeness Crab Cakes and the chef’s favorite Sea Bass Veracruzana.
Out in Pebble Beach, Stillwater Creek Bar and Grill also has a traditional Mother’s Day buffet with views over the 18th hole. And Mission Ranch Carmel is promising especially delicious brunch items in addition to their brunch buffet that includes items like baked salmon, baked ham and prime rib au jus.
Carmel’s Aubergine restaurant will have beautifully presented dishes and desserts, promising the variety of a buffet served at your table to ensure that Mom is pampered and indulged.
The “mother of all brunches” is promised by Restaurant 1833 in Monterey, with a menu that includes dishes like huevos rancheros, asparagus frittata and whole roasted pork belly hash with poached eggs.
A trip to the Sardine Factory in Monterey is always a treat. They are serving a three-course brunch with entrées like Dungeness Crab Omelet Florentine and are also offering a special three-course Mother’s Day dinner from 4:30-8pm.
In Pacific Grove, Fandango features a three-course brunch menu with lots of choices and a berry shortcake finale. While Tarpy’s Roadhouse celebrates moms with some special brunch items like Grilled Garden Vegetable Quiche and Blueberry-Strawberry Pancakes.
On the other side of the bay, try Sanderlings at Seascape Resort in Aptos, which offers a Champagne Mother’s Day buffet that includes a seafood bar, dessert table and special children’s selections. Gabriella Café in downtown Santa Cruz would be charming place to take mom and they offer interesting dishes like Chicken Gabriella, with apricots, bay leaves, olives and white wine.
Chaminade Resort in Santa Cruz is another great Mother’s Day option, their bountiful buffet features poached salmon, Dungeness Crab Legs, Bourbon Glazed Honey Ham and much more—all with lovely views over the city. Bargetto’s Winery is also popping the corks for their popular Mother’s Day brunch alongside Soquel Creek. However you celebrate, hats off to all the mothers out there, we hope you enjoy your special day.
About the author
Deborah Luhrman is publisher and editor of Edible Monterey Bay. A lifelong journalist, she has reported from around the globe, but now prefers covering our flourishing local food scene and growing her own vegetables in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
