Flipping through Real Simple last night, I caught a glimpse of what could be the most insulting ad ever.
Sure, the visuals were mouthwatering–an enticing asparagus frittata, cooked to perfection and waiting for a fork to sink into it–but it was the text that nearly made me choke:
“Mom deserves the best… Surprise her with our revolutionary new nonstick frittata pan”.
A black mark against Williams-Sonoma for running this sexist, throwback ad. Seriously, have we not moved on from the 1950s?
I say stick your pan where the sun doesn't shine, Williams-Sonoma.
Instead, here are our tips for the most interesting and indulgent Ma's Day meals around Orange County.
It's not too late to get booked up, if you act quickly.
Oh, and if you have bought mom a kitchen gadget and are now worried at the thought of it being thrown at you with full force when she opens it, go get a refund, and put the money towards a meal.
Do it for your own wellbeing, not just hers.
Unless otherwise stated, all deals run on Sunday, May 10, and prices exclude drinks, taxes and tip.
For full menu details, check the websites.
Brunch buffets are expected to be popular, as always.
If your family likes fish, there's Scott's Seafood (10:30am to 2:30pm). The spread includes a hot buffet, a cold buffet, a raw seafood bar and a selection of desserts.
Price: $36.95 per adult, $12 for children under 12. Bottomless sparking wine $10 per adult.
Scott's Seafood, 3300 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, (714) 979-2400.
For something spicier, try Royal Khyber (11:00am to 3:00pm), where the buffet covers a variety of appetizers, four vegetarian and three non-vegetarian entrNes and a choice of four traditional Indian desserts.
Price: $19.95 per adult, $12.50 for children under 10. Bottomless sparkling wine $4.95 per adult.
Royal Khyber, 1621 West Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana, (714) 436-1010.
Lucca CafN is offering a unique twist for youngsters partaking of its brunch buffet (9:30am to 2:30pm), which includes omelet and carving stations. Children under 12 are charged according to their age (adults, thank god, are not–it's $29.95, or $24.95 without champagne).
The restaurant is also running a special wine-pairing dinner on both days of the weekend, costing $65 per person ($45 without wine).
Lucca CafN, 6507 Quail Hill Pkwy., Irvine, (949) 725-1773.
The Melting Pot is also thinking of the children: it's offering a four-course menu all day, including a specialty margarita or bellini (such as the Wild Child, featuring an edible wild hibiscus flower) for adults, and a glass of sparkling cider for teens and kids. We'll drink to that!
Price: $43.50/$51.50 per adult (depending on selection), $34 for children aged 12 to 17, $16 for children aged 5 to 11.
For addresses and opening times of Melting Pot locations–including Brea, Irvine and San Clemente–check the website.
If your mom is picky, take her to MarchN Moderne (11:00am to 3:00pm), where she can select from nine first courses, seven entrNes and four desserts. Gourmet choices include oysters, sea bass with truffle butter and duck leg confit and breast. Yum!
Price: $39 per adult.
MarchN Moderne, South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Suite 3001 (The Penthouse, by Nordstrom), Costa Mesa, (714) 434-7900.
Talking of booze, Zov's Bistro's brunch (10:00am to 2:00pm) includes a glass of champagne. As for food, perhaps mom would like the bananas foster french toast, followed by the white chocolate peanut butter crunch dessert, presumably followed by a 36-hour coma?
Incidentally, on Saturday, Zov's is also running a “Mother's Day Cooking Class” ($75 each)… No comment!
Price: $39.95 per adult.
Zov's Bistro, 17440 E. 17th St., Tustin, (714) 838-8855.
At Charlie Palmer, the prix fixe menu (served all day, from 11:45am) is more limited, but it does include the likes of homemade ricotta ravioli, seared Maine scallops and white peach cobbler with ginger ice cream. In addition, mama gets a “special gift” from upmarket perfumerie Jo Malone.
Price: $40 per adult.
Charlie Palmer, Bloomingdale's, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, (714) 352-2525.
Wherever you take her, or even if you cook her a meal at home, take note: on both Saturday and Sunday–the whole weekend, goddamn it!–mom gets exactly what she wants. Period.
