Urban Spelunker: Mother's Day dining in the South Sound

Brunch with a twist

By Jackie Fender on May 1, 2014

Mother, Mum, Mom, Mama, Mamacita, whatever you call your mommy dearest, one thing is certain: she's done a lot for you in life. Like what? Well, for starters giving you life, and putting up with you in general, guiding you through life's tough lessons and probably loving you more than any person thought possible. It's easy to take this for granted given the fact that she just keeps hanging around, but let's not define motherhood as a thankless task. Let us honor our mothers if only for one day of the year, Mother's Day. It's right around the corner, so get on the phone and make that reservation. If you love your mother, you won't be left dining at some fast-food joint because you procrastinated. For this week's spelunking journey, we cover a few Mother's Day dining options. Let's go!

[ART AND BRUNCH]
Celebrate Mother's Day with a little bit of local culture and brunch at the Tacoma Art Museum. The menu includes French toast dusted with a lavender-powdred sugar, an omelette bar, fresh-made muffins, fresh fruit, eggs and breakfast meats. The $30 ticket also includes a tour of the art exhibits and an opportunity to purchase artsy gifts onsite at the Museum gift shop. Your Mum will appreciate the mimosa for her, included with brunch. 1701 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.4258

[GOING BIG]
Gallucci's Catering presents Mother's Day Brunch at Liberty Theater in Puyallup. With two seatings available, at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., families can enjoy five stations of brunch staples including an omelette bar, pastries, eggs and breakfast meats, made-to-order pancakes, a variety of salads, penne pasta, a smoked salmon display and other seafood items like peel and eat shrimp. Price is $23.95 for adults, $12.95 for children 6 to 12 and free for 5 years and under. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 253.845.5105 or emailing polly@galluccis.com. 116 West Main St., Puyallup, 253.845.5105

[FINE FRENCH DINING]
La Petite Maison in Olympia is a lovely, intimate fine-dining space highlighting French countryside cuisine paired with a divine wine selection. Though brunch is often the chosen motherly meal to celebrate your mama, La Petite Maison will celebrate with a dinner service on Sunday. From 4:30 to 9 p.m., families can enjoy a 4-course, prix-fixe menu in addition to the usual seasonal menu. Make a reservation (required) by calling 360.754.9623. 101 Division St. NW, Olympia, 360.754.9623

[TAKE MOM FOR TEA]
Treat your mother to a little something different with high noon tea festivities at the Hawthorne Tea Room in Old Towne. This is a lovely option for those looking to beat the Sunday rush as it falls on Saturday, May 10. There are two seatings, occurring at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., for Mother’s Day tea at $35 per person. Price includes tax and gratuity and a lovely menu featuring a flute of rose lemonade, scones, fresh fruit skewer, crab and artichoke quiche, tea sandwiches and a lovely assortment of teas and sweets. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 253.238.9021. 2208 North 30th St., Tacoma, 253.238.9021

Honorable Mentions:
Gig Harbor: Brix 25
Tacoma: Bite in Hotel Murano, CI Shenanigans, Lobster Shop, Pacific Grill, Stanley and Seaforts, Maxwell's Speakeasy.