Mother’s Day Dining Recommendations 2014 – ARCHIVED
Every year we usually name dozens of restaurants serving Mother’s Day Brunch. This year, as we did at Easter, we’re narrowing the list a bit to focus on some spots that you may not automatically think of, but are well worth the visit. So bring Mom to one of these little gems, and she will undoubtedly be very pleased. And all you Moms out there, wherever you go, please have a great day. You deserve it.
The Oasis
How could you not bring Mom to this restaurant atop Lake Travis with THE most beautiful view in Texas? And chef Gerald has this place humming. Their mother’s day brunch will be something special, and it’s hard to beat the combination of the ramped up cuisine, the stunning architecture, and the lovely view.
Creek Road Café
This little gold mine in Dripping Springs will be serving from the regular menu the entire day. And what a menu it is. I love this place. Chae and Robert are two stellar chefs, and their work is superb.
The District Kitchen + Cocktails
Amir, the owner, got his start working for Freda Cheng at Freda’s. He went to culinary school, worked for Kona Grille, and then began his own place last year at Slaughter and Escarpment. The food is eclectic and good. The Lamb Kabobs are amazing, and the Flatbread with duck and brie really rocks.
Chisos Grill
At the Galleria, this is a neat little southwest style restaurant. It is a terrific place to take Mom because the food’s excellent, and the owner gets hospitality.
The Bonneville
The owners are a very special team making their sparkling cuisine work on Cesar Chavez in a difficult location. The interior is lovely, and the food is terrific. They got a chance to strut their stuff at the recent Austin Food and Wine Festival, and for good reason.
Lenoir
Chef Todd Duplechan got his baptism of fire working under the incomparable Elmar Prambs at Trio. But now he and partner Jessica Maher have their own place on South 1st, and what a place it is! The atmosphere is Austin elegant, and the dishes are really neat.
Mang Dedoy
Not much on atmosphere, but if Mom is an adventurous gal and she like good Filipino food, the Lumpia at this place on Anderson Mill will knock her socks off. Don’t worry: no Balut!
Rio
This lovely little east side joint is hard to find, but worth the effort. The Brazilian food is a blast: everything from the best Yucca fritters in town to their own version of Stroganoff. This is NOT a churrascaria like Fogo de Chao, but the real deal with an emphasis on seafood. Wonderful empanadas.
The Salt and Time Butcher Shop
This little spot on East 7th has a wonderful brunch featuring unusual, but incredibly tasty dishes like Grilled Bologna served with biscuits and onion gravy. Steak and Eggs as well. Owner Josh Jones is a talent!
The Odd Duck
What began as a trailer that drove Austin foodies nuts, and led to the brick and mortar Barley Swine, Bryce Gillmore’s Odd Duck opened last fall as a full-fledged restaurant. Gillmore’s creativity (he’s arguably the man who saved the Brussels Sprout in Austin) can be seen in every dish. Bryce is married to Molly, a local physician, and a lucky girl.
Ranch 616
Kevin Williamson is an amazingly talented chef: a man who serve up legendary Frog’s Legs at Ranch 616, and hosts the kind of restaurant most Moms would adore. He’s a great guy as well and doesn’t miss a thing. This is a sure bet,
The Wildwood Bakehouse
Now what if Mom is gluten-intolerant? Think she’s out of luck? Not at this place just off Guadalupe north of El Patio. Didn’t think a gluten-free chicken fried steak could be delicious? Guess again. I love the Migas, but everything’s good.
The Salty Sow
Contrary to the name this Manor road road newbie is about much more than pork. I love their dishes that frame an homage to all things piggly wiggly, but on my last visit I crafted an entirely vegetarian meal, and it was delicious. Lot of pedigree behind this place!
