Sure you're always nice to your mother. But Mother's Day is the one day of the year when it's good to do a little something extra. St. Louis has plenty of great options if you're looking to take your mom out to brunch or dinner. A few of your best bets are listed below. And, if you're struggling to find the perfect gift, here are some unique ideas sure to make mom happy and instantly win you "favorite child" status!
Taking Mom Out to Eat
Whether it's a Mother's Day brunch or a nice dinner, St. Louis has the spot to suit your mom's tastes and make her day special. Here are five great options:
Brunch at the Missouri Botanical Garden
Treat your mom to lunch among the beautiful flower and exotic landscapes of the Missouri Botanical Garden. The cost is $24.95 for adults, $11.95 for children 6 to 12, and children age 5 and younger eat for free. Seatings are at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Missouri Botanical Garden Brunch
Reservations: (314) 577-9400
The Boathouse in Forest Park
The Boathouse in Forest Park is one of the best places in St. Louis for outdoor dining. The restaurant doesn't often take reservations, but is taking them for brunch, lunch and dinner on Mother's Day. After your meal, you can take a leisurely boat ride on Post-Dispatch Lake or visit any of the other top attractions in Forest Park.
Mother's Day at the Boathouse
Reservations: (314) 961-7588, ext. 251
Mount Pleasant Winery
It's worth the drive to Augusta, in St. Charles County, for Mother's Day brunch at Mount Pleasant Winery. The gourmet buffet features ham, roast beef, pasta and salads. There's also an omlet station and dozens of tempting desserts. After the meal, mom can relax with a glass of wine and enjoy the music of the Ralph Butler Band.
Mount Pleasant Winery
Reservations: 800-467-WINE
Eckert's Orchards
If your mom is more a fan of home cooking, then head to the Country Restaurant at Eckert's Orchards in Belleville. The restaurant has a special Mother's Day menu and free dessert for mom. You can also call ahead and have one of Eckert's flowering plants delivered to your table as a gift.
Eckert's Country Restaurant
Reservations: (618) 233-0513, ext. 139
Del Pietro's Pasta
Del Pietro's has been serving up Italian food in St. Louis for more than 30 years. Plus, it's a great choice for families and can accomodate large groups. The menu features traditional favorites like fettuccini alfredo and chicken spedini. Del Pietro's is located at 5625 Hampton Avenue, in south St. Louis.
Dinner at Del Pietro's
Reservations: (314) 351-1700
Gifts for Mom
Finding the perfect gift for mom can sometimes be a challenge, but it just takes a little creative thinking. Try one of these unique shops or other unique gift ideas:
Girasole Gifts and Imports
Girasole is located on "the Hill," St. Louis' historic Italian neighborhood. Girasole sells a wide variety of Italian products, including ceramics, jewelry, handbags, beauty products and books. One of their most popular products (and a very original gift idea) is Italian Roots, American Flowers, a book on Italian culture and cooking by local author Elenaore Berra Marfisi.
Girasole Gifts and Imports
2103 Marconi Ave.
(314) 773-7700
Washington Avenue Shops
Washington Avenue in downtown St. Louis has unique shops that cater to all tastes. You can find designer clothes at Paperdolls or The Time Boutique, or crafts and artifacts from around the world at Macrosun.
Paperdolls
1021 Washington Ave.
(314) 621-9292
The Time Boutique
922 Washington Ave.
(314) 974-8463
Macrosun
1310 Washington Ave.
1-888-962-6278
Muny Tickets
You could certainly sit in the free seats, but why not treat mom to some Muny Tickets this Mother's Day? Pick from six great shows, including The Producers, Fiddler on the Roof and Miss Saigon.
Muny Box Office
(314) 361-1900
Kitchen Conservatory
If your mom loves to cook, buy her a cooking class at the Kitchen Conservatory. It's like our own local and more intimate version of Emeril Live. She and her guests will watch a top local chef prepare multiple dishes, with more than enough sampling to make a great meal. Plus, it's the gift that keeps on giving, especially for family members, as mom tries out the recipes at home later.
Kitchen Conservatory
8021 Clayton Road
(314) 862-COOK
Beyond Typical Flowers
Sure flowers can be a "garden variety" Mother's Day gift, but if you want to impress mom with a bouquet that is truly spectacular, order one from Botanicals on the Park. Chances are, if you were ever wowed by the flower arrangement your coworker received, it probably came from Botanicals on the Park. Let them put together a unique arrangement or something exotic for your mom.
Botanicals on the Park
3014 S. Grand Ave.
(314) 772-7674
