Forgot about Mother’s Day? We’ve Got You Covered
Last night I found myself elbow deep in the macaroni-filled vomit of a terrified 21-month-old, cleaning floors and doing laundry – her having six outfit changes and me having two- all while my six-year-old cried in the corner because Sissy was getting all my attention. Just one of the infinite joys of motherhood.
So, even though moms should be celebrated way more than just one day a year, those of you who may have been taking the maternal figures in your life for granted better take my advice and do a little spoiling this Sunday.
Mother’s Day is now less than a week away and, if you haven’t put any thought into the occasion, What’s Up? Temecula has a few ideas and suggestions that are much better than running to Albertson’s early Sunday morning and grabbing one of those pre-made bouquets (although they are better than nothing.)
Good Food and Even Better Drinks
Brunch has been a Mother’s Day staple since caveman kids served up pterodactyl eggs to cavemoms in their rock beds (yes, I know people didn’t live at the same time as dinosaurs so don’t leave me a comment.) Keep in mind that Mother’s Day brunches, especially in wine country, sell out very fast so, at this point, your options are a bit limited. However, we found a few great brunches around Temecula that still (at the time I’m writing this) have availability. Reservations are a must at all locations for brunch or dinner and event times vary so make sure you give your location of choice a call right after you finish reading this story (but please finish the whole thing because I took the time to write it. It’s not like anyone paid me.)
Falkner Winery
40620 Calle Contento, Wine Country Temecula, (951) 676-8231
Falkner’s Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch includes what I think is the ultimate in brunch buffet styles, which is food stations. Some of Falkner’s station categories include pancakes / omelets, a raw bar with selections like oysters, crab claws and shrimp and a carving station with prime rib and bone-in ham. Additional decadent selections include lobster mac and cheese, Hawaiian ahi poke and even a dessert station, with something called a “candy store” for moms and kids. Cost is $69.95 per person ($59.95 wine club) for adults and $29.50 ($24.50 wine club) for kids. Price includes one glass of champagne or mimosa. I think finding out what a buffet “candy store” is might be worth the visit.
Wilson Creek Winery and Vineyards
35960 Rancho California Road, Temecula, (951) 699-9463
The Mother’s Day edition of Wilson Creek’s popular champagne “Bubble Brunch” gives moms the chance to sip sparkling wine, eat their hearts out at the buffet, and enjoy live music provided by Billy Watson; all while the kids play at the petting zoo. All mothers in attendance will receive a special gift, you know, besides the petting zoo that keeps your kids away from you for a little while. Price is $49.95 general ($44.95 wine club) and you can add unlimited champagne for $10 per person. Kids are only $14.95 and they get to pet farm animals while the bubbly flows at your table. It’s a win-win.
Pechanga Resort & Casino
45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula, Reservation Line (888) Pechanga
The army of awesome dining locations at Pechanga are all taking part in Mother’s Day, including brunch buffets at both Journey’s End on the golf course and the Pechanga Buffet. Other restaurants will get in on the mom madness by offering food and drink specials so make sure you call their helpful reservations agents for recommendations on what best fits your mom’s palette. Plus, she can spend a whopping $20 on nickel slots, so that’s always good. (Wait. That might just be MY mom.)
Mom not a morning person? Several of Temecula’s finest restaurants and wineries have lunch and dinner choices as well, with special menus to please even the crankiest moms, aunts and grandmas. Don’t forget that the same goes for dinner as for the brunches; there are reservations available currently, but better call as soon as you can to ensure yourself a seat.
Luke’s on Front
28693 Old Town Front Street #402 in Old Town Temecula, (951) 699-9900
The room with the view, Luke’s On Front, is offering a four-course menu with a choice of three entrees: airline chicken napoleon (I hope that’s not like the chicken you get in those boxes on a domestic flight), caper-crusted white sea bass, and a stuffed Portobello mushroom with whipped brie cheese mousse. All meals come with a choice of appetizer (bacon-wrapped scallops!), soup or salad and dessert. Two of the stand outs I saw on the menu were Jamaican rum white cheesecake and lobster bisque. Price per person is based on the entrée selection. Just a side note: If I were to go to this one, I’d request the bisque for all four of my courses…but that’s just me. (Love me some lobster bisque.)
Europa Village Winery
33478 La Serena Boulevard, Wine Country Temecula, (888) 383-8767
Our friends at Europa Village will be offering a Mother’s Day three-course lunch, prepared by Executive Chef Dean Thomas. The menu includes champagne asparagus soup, chicken marsala and cider sauce with apple risotto and the chef’s special shortbread for dessert. From what I’ve heard about Chef Thomas’ famous breakfasts at the Inn at Europa, anyone attending this lunch is in for a creative and tasty treat. In addition to the great food, live entertainment will be provided by Jimmy Patton. Space is extremely limited but, as of this moment, there are enough seats available to warrant my including it in this article.
If Mom loves wine country but isn’t looking for a big meal, here are a few ways to make her happy…
Lorimar Winery
39990 Anza Road, Wine Country Temecula, (951) 694-6699
I don’t know about you, but I think Mother’s Day just screams out for a mimosa. There’s just something about day drinking that makes the holiday special. Plus, by adding a little splash of juice to your bubbly, you add beneficial vitamins and minerals and stuff. At least that’s what I tell myself. So, if your mom, wife, or other random matriarch in your life feel the same way I do about the miraculous mimosa, Lorimar has exactly what they need! For $25, moms (and their companions) receive a special mimosa tasting flight and a sweet treat from Pairings, which is Lorimar’s own mobile kitchen (read: food truck.) It’s the perfect way to enjoy Mother’s Day in wine country, even if the kids have already brought you breakfast in bed.
Robert Renzoni Vineyards
37350 De Portola Road, Wine Country Temecula
Robert Renzoni is hosting a Mother-Daughter Artists Show, featuring Lisa Owen-Lynch and her daughter Juliet and Colleen Baker-Huber and her daughter Melody Brunsting. Bring mom down to watch the artists create masterpieces on the patio while sipping their favorite Robert Renzoni vino. Artists will be painting from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm so stop by after brunch or before dinner for wine and to watch the (art) show.
Can’t make it to see Mom on Sunday? On Saturday, you can bring her (and grandma and Aunt Bea) to the…
City of Temecula Mother’s Day Tea Party
Mary Phillips Senior Center 41845 6th Street in Old Town
This multi-generational annual event, which is on on SATURDAY; is $10 per person and includes a light lunch, a selection of teas and dessert. It’s the perfect event to bring all the moms in your life. Space is limited so you will need to register online at www.cityoftemecula.org, Activity #9030.101. You must register for each attendee individually. Space is limited. So raise those pinky fingers in honor of your mom!
A Few Gift Ideas
Yes, you’re taking Mom to a beautiful brunch in wine country, but you still have to get a gift. It’s just what you do. Sure, flowers are nice and jewelry is always is winner, but why not try one of these ideas?
Beauty and Health Treatments
Pow Medical, 32827 Temecula Parkway, Temecula
Every mom can appreciate a little pampering for Mother’s Day and Pow Medical takes it one step further, offering services for not only beauty but total health. All this week you can purchase mom any number of treatments including Venus Freeze, Hydra-facials, massages and chiropractic; all for discounted prices. Pick up a gift certificate at the special low prices and Mom can schedule the service whenever convenient for her. For a full list of services and Mother’s Day pricing, give the staff at Pow Medical a call at (951) 302-2000. (Incidentally, Pow Medical is adjacent to 79 South Crossfit, where I work out nightly, hence the reason I found out about these awesome deals. If you want to know more about 79 South CrossFit, check out my story here).
Art Class at Paint and Sip Studio
27625 Jefferson Ave #106A, Temecula
Everyone seems to be jumping on the bandwagon of these painting with wine places and Mom shouldn’t be left out of the fun! At Paint and Sip Studio Temecula, Mom can paint her own work of art while sipping on her favorite wine; possibly a wine she picked up when you took her to one of the places mentioned in the food and drink section (hint-hint.) For more information or to buy Mom a gift certificate, go to www.paintandsipstudiotemecula.com. What’s Up? Temecula readers get $5 off with the coupon code WUT2015, so save some money while letting Mom channel her inner Picasso.
Sleep
And finally, the gift that I personally want to get this Sunday, to which I’m sure many moms of young ones can relate, is a morning off. When the baby wakes up at 6:15 am, I want my husband to hear the very first small noises she makes and jump out of bed to retrieve her; shutting our bedroom door and leaving me in peace; not putting his pillow over his head and going right back to sleep. (He does this every morning. I have photos.)
I want to wake up whenever my body decides to wake up. I want to have my morning coffee without sticky little hands dropping Mickey Mouse figurines into it and I want my coffee-induced bowel movement to be done with the door CLOSED. I just want to sleep. This is all I ask for Mother’s Day. But if there is a bottle of champagne and some orange juice in the fridge when I get up about 10:00 am, all the better.
So there you have it…
There’s nobody like Mom and whether you decide to take her to a great meal at one of the excellent choices listed in this story, buy her an afternoon of pampering, or are just thoughtful enough to close her bedroom door and let her sleep, hopefully you make it a day she will remember.
Everyone here at What’s Up? Temecula appreciates all the hard working, loving moms out there and we hope you have a very Happy Mother’s Day!
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