Mother's Day Brunch in Sacramento

There's something about Mother's Day that turns us all into brunch lovers. People (including mothers) who don't have brunch the whole year long, will have it on Mother's Day. Why we don't have lunch or dinner, or heck, even breakfast, on Mother's Day is beyond me, but brunch it is. Since Mother's Day brunch is the thing, I've put together some of the best spots in Sacramento to take dear old Mum.

Fair warning: since everyone on Earth goes to brunch on Mother's Day, be sure to plan in advance and make reservations as far ahead as you can. Some places do not take reservations, but many do...and some places won't let you in at all without one.

Basil's by the Lake
Radisson Hotel, Sacramento
Adults $36.95, Children 3-12 $18.50, Seniors (65+) $31.95
Basil's presents a classic Mothers' Day brunch buffet, with an omelet station, waffle station, mouth-watering carved prime rib, and numerous other hot and cold choices. Don't forget dessert! Enjoy a panoramic view of the lake while you eat. Keep in mind: Mothers' Day is the biggest brunch buffet day of the year, and this place is not exactly a secret, so be prepared for lots of people. If you don't have reservations, don't bother showing up.
http://www.radisson.com/hotels/sacramen/dinings
500 Leisure Lane
Sacramento, California
(800) 333-3333
(916) 922-2020

Brew It Up - upscale brew pub
Adults: $23.99/person, Children 12 & under: $11.99, 5 & under free
Buffet Brunch 9am - 3pm (last seating at 2pm)
What says, "I love you, Mom!" like hoisting a couple of frosty pints with the one who loves you the most? Very classy place, and a fun and different Mothers' Day option! They offer a wide array of choices, from fruit to smoked salmon to prime rib-and who could forget the yummy desserts?
http://www.brewitup.com/mothers_day2008.htm
801 14th Street
Sacramento, California
(916) 441-3000

Chanterelle - Sterling Hotel
$39.95/person
Chef Jim Turknett presents Sacramento's premier Mother's Day brunch buffet, with an omelet station, crepe station, and countless other delightful choices. This place not only tells Mom that you love and appreciate her, but it tells her with style. Chanterelle is in a very classy downtown location with a gorgeous patio for a peaceful dining experience.
http://www.sterlinghotel.com/restaurant.htm
1300 H Street
Sacramento, California
(916) 442-0451

The Firehouse
$44.95/person
Mother's Day brunch 10:00am to 2:00pm
The Firehouse is the Sacramento landmark. Since Aldo's closed its doors a few years ago (yes, we all miss Aldo's), The Firehouse, led by executive chef Deneb Williams, is the torch bearer for the old school, upscale restaurants in Sacramento. A very elegant brunch option for Mother's Day! Start with an appetizer buffet, and then choose your entrée from a menu including filet mignon, Southwest Eggs Benedict, and more. Finish the meal with your choice of dessert.
http://www.firehouseoldsac.com/
1112 Second Street
Sacramento, California
(916) 442-4772

Latitudes Restaurant, Gallery and Bar-Café
$25/person
Although in Auburn, Latitudes is not far from Sacramento and well worth the trip. Pat and Pete Enochs present a prix fixe menu starting with champagne, mimosas, coffee & tea, then pastries and fruit, and then a selection of one of 8 - 10 entrees including (but not limited to) Salmon en Croute, crab & avocado omelet, pancakes and their famous Cajun French Toast. Latitudes is located in a beautiful historic house and their menu is vegetarian friendly.
http://www.latitudesrestaurant.com/index.htm
130 Maple St
Auburn, California
(530) 885-9535

Slocum House
$30/person
Maybe Dad should take Mom to this one alone. This is a very romantic setting with a string quartet and excellent food, ordered off a menu. Sit inside by the fireplace or outside in the courtyard. Spring for a bottle of bubbly while you're there!
http://www.slocum-house.com/
7992 California Avenue
Fair Oaks, California
(916) 961-7211

Tower Café
$9.95 to $11.95 (normal menu)
8:00am - 2:00pm, soups, salads and sandwiches served from 10:00am-4:00pm
Great, healthy food offerings in an eclectic "world traveler" setting! The brunch menu includes omelets, French toast and crepes, or salads and burgers if you hold off until 10:00. They don't take reservations, so be prepared to wait.
http://www.towercafe.com/TowerBrunch.htm
1518 Broadway
Sacramento, California
(916) 441-0222

Happy Mother's Day!