Whether you’re looking forward to elbowing your way through an all-you-can eat buffet (hey, it’s your day after all), or long to explore healthier options, make the most of May 11 by reading up on the following Mom’s Day outings. We divided our picks (many of which came from RT readers) into easy-to-use categories (Chic Chow, Active Endeavors, Spa Ahh and Retail Therapy). Naturally, our favorite is the spa section, because nothing can top some well-deserved down time. Relish it while you can.

Chic Chow
Mother’s Day Brunch at Café Flora
You’d never guess the food was vegetarian at this gastronomic gem. Mother’s Day is a treat in airy Madison Valley restaurant, with a three course meal for both kiddos and adults. Grown-ups can choose from Potato Crusted Quiche Timbale and Grilled Blue Masa Cakes. Kiddos will dig the French Toast stratta and cheesy scrambled eggs. (Gluten-free available). http://cafeflora.com/eventsmothersday.htm
When: Sunday, May 11, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Location: the 2901 E. Madison St.
Cost: $25 adults, $12.50 kids

Mother’s Day Brunch at Campagne / Bonne Fête des Mères
Say bon appetit with a luxurious French inspired brunch featuring French French Toast - brioche fried in bourbon egg batter - Dungeness crab and leek quiche, and wild morel mushroom scrambled eggs served in puff pastry with herb cream. If your schedule’s already packed on Mom’s Day, you might want to hint to hubby that you’d love to be gifted with Campagne’s three-part wine series ($100) to learn the ins and outs of French grapes from Seattle magazine’s 2007 Best Sommelier. Ooo-la-la. http://www.campagnerestaurant.com/camp_events.html
When: Sunday, May 11, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Location: Courtyard at the Inn at the Market
Cost: a la carte menu, demi baguette, $3; French Toast, $11; morel eggs, $23
Info.: 206.728.2800

Mother’s Day Brunch at the Georgian
This is definitely the crème de la crème of the brunch scene. You’ll drool over chef Gavin Stephenson’s appetizer buffet and entree choices (lobster benedict with poached eggs, white asparagus and truffle hollandaise sauce, to name one). The dessert buffet is to-die-for, too. We’ll be taking seconds of strawberry jaconde and putting in some quality time at the chocolate fountains. www.fairmont.com/seattle
When: Sunday, May 11, from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Location: The Fairmont Olympic Hotel, 411 University St., downtown
Cost: $125, adults; $55, kids 6 to 12 years old; free, kids under 4 (note: cost includes valet parking)
Info.: 206.287.4849 to make a reservation

Kaspar’s Mother’s Day Brunch
Though Kaspar’s restaurant is now strictly an events and catering facility, the special dinners and brunches offered here are as celebrated as ever. Carved roasted meats, made-to-order omelettes, traditional breakfast fare and a signature dessert buffet, too. You must have reservations to attend–this event will fill up. www.kaspars.com
Location: 19 W Harrison St. in Lower Queen Anne
When: Sunday, May 11, 9:00 am to 2:30 pm
Cost: $40, adults; $15, kids 7 to 12 years old; free, kids 6 and under
Info.: 206.298.0123

Active Endeavors

Kirkland Half Marathon
Get out your running shoes and head to Kirkland for the annual 5k walk/run. The proceeds from the race go to the Hope Heart Institute, to benefit research for a cure for heart disease. Register online by May 9th or in person before May 7th. PCC Natural Markets will be there with tasty treats to sample and a kids race as well and all little runners get ribbons! http://www.promotionevents.com/events/events-08/khm/index2.htm
Location: Juanita Beach Park, Kirkland
When: Sunday May 11 6:00 am check in; 8:00 am walk/run begins, 9:15 am kids race
Cost: $60 through May 10, $65 day of

Mother’s Day Walk the Talk!
If you’re mad about global warming and simply don’t know what to do about it, get out and walk the talk with a group of similarly-minded mamas. http://www.projecthotseat.org/mothersday
When: May 11, 9:00 AM
Where: Seward Park
Cost: Free please RSVP here: http://members.greenpeace.org/event/view/1206/

Mother’s Day Family Weekend at IslandWood
Enjoy a Mother’s Day weekend full of fun, art, nature and relaxation on Bainbridge Island. Bring the family and friends and prepare yourself for a real adventure! Enjoy art and music activities. Try your hand at making a sustainable meal with IslandWood chefs. Take a breather and enjoy some yoga or walk around the 255-acre campus, and save room for s’mores in the evening by a campfire. There’s fun for all, mom, dad and kiddos! www.islandwood.org
When: May 9 - 11 4-6:30 PM – Sunday 1-3 pm.
Location: Island Wood, 4450 Blakely Avenue NE, Bainbridge Island
Cost: $575/family of three, $50/additional child, $75/additional adult.
Info: Please register in advance by web (www.islandwood.org) or phone (206-855-4307).

More active options:

Alki Beach Park, www.seattle.gov/parks, type ‘alki beach’ into the search function
Walk or ride along the 2.5-mile paved trail with its incredible Sound and city views.

Discovery Park, www.seattle.gov/parks, type ‘discovery park’ into the search function
Explore beaches, plains or woodlands.

Bellevue Botanical Gardens
www.bellevuebotanical.org

Spa Aaah

Salish Lodge & Spa
Located at the well-known Salish Lodge, the spa calls itself a “silent Northwest-inspired Asian retreat.” This minimalist, calm setting is a perfect backdrop for the signature heated river rock massage. Lounge around in one of the spa’s thick robes afterward. Or, sign up to be covered in mineral-rich mud during an Earth Cocoon body treatment. Reservations required. www.salishlodge.com
When: Open from roughly 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Location: 6501 Railroad Ave. SE, in Snoqualmie (30 minutes east of Seattle)
Cost: $125 for a 50-minute river rock massage; $115 - $225 for body treatments
Info.: 800.272.5474

Spa Scotta
This is a popular pampering spa decked out in warm, soothing colors. It offers plenty o’ services targeted toward moms and moms-to-be (and, yes, there’s a pregnancy massage table). Sign up for skincare, massage, waxing, nail services or body treatments such as the one using detoxifying black Baltic mud. See site for Mom’s Day packages. www.spascotta.com
When: Hours can vary with appointments, but typically the spa is open Mon-Fri from 9:30 am – 9:00 pm, Sat 9:30 am – 7:00 pm, Sun 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Location: 4915 25th Ave NE , Suite 103 West
Cost: Facials start at $95; an hour massage is $90; a Brazilian wax is $75
Info.:206.522.5800

Woodmark Spa
Mommy & Me Manicure, or Just for Mom
Enjoy some mother/daughter bonding with a side-by-side pampering treatment (12 and under). Just for Mom is a pedicure treatment sure to please all of your toesies. Woodmark uses organic products so you can feel even better about enjoying your refreshing treatments. www.thewoodmarkspa.com
When: May 11 from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Location: The Spa at the Woodmark 1200 Carillon Point, Kirkland
Cost: Just for Mom $70 (usually $85), Mommy & Me $55 each
Info: (425) 739-6301

Other spa options:
Olympus Spa, Lynnwood
www.olympusspa.com
Body wraps, nail care, facials, massage and tea ceremonies.

Julep Nail Salon
The modern nail spa uses organic products – go alone or with a gaggle of girlfriends.
www.myjulep.com

Retail Therapy

BUMP Urban Maternity Sale and Event
Celebrated maternity photographer Elisha Rain will exhibiting her recent and discussing her upcoming book at BUMP Urban Maternity. Joint kids shop Pop Tots will have an arts and crafts station for little ones to make mom’s days cards. Lots of sale items in both stores, new product demos, and maternity bra fittings. Refreshments and other goodies. bumptobaby.net
Location: 920 NE 64th St at Roosevelt
Info: 206-522-2867

Village Maternity
Pop into Village Maternity Saturday or Sunday for a little Mother’s Day treat and you’ll be doubly rewarded: there are tons of goodies to be had, including the earth-friendly nail polish from butter LONDON and yummy skin treats from Belli Skin Care. Spend a few dollars and you could snag a special gift. A butter LONDON representative will be on hand doing nail and colour consultations from 12 noon to 2pm, on Saturday, May 10. www.villagematernity.com
Location: University Village
Info: 206-523-5167

May 6th, 2008 Other Comments (none)