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Side Dish: Beyond Breakfast

by Allie Harcharek

Mother’s Day is one of the most popular days to brunch, so we took the guesswork out of finding the perfect spot. Check out these 10 offerings sure to bring a smile to mom’s face.

Our own heartfelt breakfast-in-bed attempts as children didn’t always go as planned (burnt toast, anyone?). But lucky for us, South Jersey restaurants take the act of treating Mom very seriously. This May 13, make sure you’ve got a spot at one of these over-the-top Mother’s Day brunch spreads, with everything from decadent chocolate fountains to berry-topped Grand Marnier French toast. Known to industry folks as the busiest dining day of the year, reservations are highly recommended—if not required—for these special seatings, so don’t delay. Unless you like cleaning crumbs from your sheets.

1. Capital Grille
This Cherry Hill steakhouse only serves brunch the first Sunday of the month, but their Mother’s Day special, served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., looks good enough for every weekend. Your meal (priced at $39 for adults and $15 for children ages 3 to 11) includes a breakfast buffet, carving station, raw seafood bar, mixed salads and dessert. Breakfast fare includes items like the lobster eggs Benedict (served with two poached eggs and a buttery hollandaise) and French toast with fresh berries. Or veer into heartier territory with the Kona tenderloin, citrus glazed salmon or fresh oysters on the half shell. Kids have their own table of mac and cheese, mini burgers and fresh fruit. 2000 Route 38, Cherry Hill, (856) 665-5252, TheCapitalGrille.com

2. Robin’s Nest Restaurant
Four intimate sittings (9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon and 1:30 p.m.) at this quaint corner restaurant ensure you won’t have to talk over the dining room din. A buffet featuring sourdough French toast, fluffy pancakes, eggs and bacon is balanced with penne Florentine, barbecue beef brisket, roasted potatoes, salmon, corned beef hash and baked ham. Coffee, tea, juices and sodas are included, as well as a full spread of tasty desserts, at $24.95 for adults and $12.95 for children. 2 Washington St., Mount Holly, (609) 261-6149, RobinsNestMountHolly.com

3. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
A striking three-course menu is sure to impress: Start with fresh fruit or a classic wedge salad; then choose between eggs Benny with filet mignon, Grand Marnier-battered brioche French toast, or a stuffed shrimp or steak frittata with all the trimmings. Finish with one of the decadent desserts or imbibe with the day’s special cocktail, mixed with Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur and Stoli vodka. Available from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $34.95 a person (a separate children’s menu is available for $16.95). 500 Route 73 N., Marlton, (856) 988-1351, FlemingsSteakHouse.com

4. The Mansion
This elegant spot always turns it up a notch for Sunday brunch, and this holiday is no exception. A buffet, $29.95 for adults and $9.95 for children, features multiple “action stations,” including waffles, omelets and carving stations, a selection of cheeses and fruits, a dessert presentation, and other gourmet options like lobster cannelloni, roasted pheasant breast over lentils, Jamaican lamb loin with coffee sauce, and seasonal offerings. Includes a complementary mimosa or glass of champagne and there will be live entertainment. 3000 Main Street, Voorhees, (856) 751-1717, MansionOnMainStreet.com

5. Casona
Turn to the Cuban-inspired Collingswood café for brunch options like a Belgian waffle served with wild berry and guava syrup and Canadian bacon, huevos rancheros with black beans, cheddar cheese and avocado, and an eggs Benedict with chorizo and sautéed spinach. Served a la carte from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the menu will also include some chef specials and can accommodate those with gluten allergies. 563 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, (856) 854-5555, MyCasona.com

6. Cafe Madison
Kicking off at 11 a.m., a fully loaded brunch buffet at the swanky Riverside dining destination will feature classic breakfast dishes including eggs several ways, crisp bacon and juicy breakfast sausage, pancakes, waffles, fresh fruit selections, and more of the chef’s savory items, for $34.95 per adult and $14.95 for children. 33 Lafayette Street, Riverside, (856) 764-4444, CafeMadison.com

7. Adelphia
This Gloucester County mainstay typically goes all out for Sunday brunch. The Mom’s Day buffet, $19.95 for adults and $15.95 for children, includes everything to satisfy whatever you’re craving, from an exotic fruit display and chocolate fountain, to specialty mini desserts and pastries, bagels and lox, pancakes, waffles, omelets, breakfast meats, select hot entrees and multiple carving stations for beef, turkey and ham. 1750 Clements Bridge Road, Deptford, (856) 845-8200, AdelphiaRestaurant.com

8. Braddocks
Choose from a buffet brunch or a three-course menu for $22.95 (or a four course dinner in the evening, if you’re the type to sleep in). The spread offers choices like a simple starter of fresh fruit parfait drizzled with honey, traditional house-made Caesar salad, savory turkey and veggie-filled shepherd’s pie topped with yams, omelets or quiches, and salmon filet topped with crispy pork belly. Complete the meal by dipping forks into apple caramel bread pudding. 39 S. Main St., Medford, (609) 654-1604, Braddocks.com

9. Telford Inn
For $12.95 ($8.95 for children), this historical tavern will host a buffet from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., to include fresh omelets, eggs and breakfast meats, Belgian waffles topped with fruit, pancakes and French toast, as well as cream chipped beef with biscuits or toast, various house-baked pastries and apple fritters, plus some chef specials just for the occasion. Don’t miss the bananas foster station. 145 Bridgeton Pike, Mantua, (856) 468-0535

10. Library IV
Take your favorite bibliophile to eat at this cozy dining room, where the walls are lined with books and the food is something to write home about. A brunch buffet from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. is $19.95 a person, and will include various cereals, cut fruit, fresh breads and pastries, and hot entrees like French toast, roast beef, stuffed shells and more. Don’t forget the mimosa and Bloody Mary specials. 1030 N. Black Horse Pike, Williamstown, (856) 728-8064, LibraryIV.com

Published (and copyrighted) in South Jersey Magazine, Volume 9, Issue 2 (May, 2012).
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