Mother’s Day outings can be a win win. For those lucky enough to have Mum in their lives, the contractual obligation to spoil her in one way or another is an opportunity for all involved to indulge in some delicious food. Here are five places to do just that …
For the five-star fanatic: Seasons Restaurant at The Intercontinental, Dublin 4
Seasons Restaurant at The Intercontinental in Ballsbridge will throw open its door this March 10th for a five-star Mother’s Day brunch that is guaranteed to impress. The three-course menu costs €68 per person to include a complimentary glass of Champagne and a sweet treat to enjoy at home when the festivities have ended. The menu has options to suit everyone include vegetarian options and two roasts to choose from. Decisions, decisions. www.intercontinentaldublin.ie
For the savvy shopper (an overnight trip): The Club at Goff’s, Co Kildare
There are many reasons to pay a visit to Derry Clarke’s recently opened Club at Goff’s in the heart of Thoroughbred Country in Co Kildare. There is the Mother’s Day offer which includes dinner (or Afternoon Tea) and an overnight stay in a deluxe room with complimentary breakfast in bed. Then there is the proximity to Kildare Village, plus the added bonus of a ten per cent discounts for guests who make the trip. For the time poor, Mother’s Day lunch in the restaurant priced at €52 for three courses would make many mums very happy indeed. www.clubhotel.ie
For the non-conformist wine enthusiast: Bar Pez, Dublin 8
With a pedigree that includes the brains behind Fish Shop and Beach House, Bar Pez is a great spot for a low key, casual afternoon of grazing with the added benefit of enjoying some great wines. Primarily considering itself a bar, rather than a restaurant, Bar Pez is open from 3pm on Sundays, and you can book a table of up to four people. The food menu runs the wine bar gamut (and a delicious gamut I hasten to add) of olives, Gilda, smoked almonds and ricotta toast to slightly more substantial plates like the excellent crab sandwiches, fried fish, mussels, and fried prawns. If you have ever dined in Fish Shop, you will know that the quality is top notch and as for the wine list, prepare to be flooded with indecision. It’s not cheap, but hello, Mother’s Day… www.barpez.ie
For the socialite: Peploe’s, Dublin 2
Open for Mother’s Day lunch from 12pm – 3.30pm, Peploe’s on St Stephens Green is a great spot for a spirited Sunday lunch. The menu is a please-all with a selection of hot and cold starters that include a cheesy French onion soup and Peploe’s famous Dublin bay prawns which never disappoint. The set menu is €59.50 per person but a full a la carte is always available too. Now in its 21st year, Peploe’s has built a reputation for being a buzzy restaurant, full of ambiance and an afternoon spent there is an afternoon well spent. The wine list is as impressive as you would expect, considering they import all their own wines, but start with a Champagne cocktail, because you can. www.peploes.com
For the Spice Girl: Andhra Bhavan, Dublin 1
For spice lovers, there is nothing more exciting about finding out about a new place that serves great, authentic Indian food and if the rumours are true, then Andhra Bhavan on Marlborough Street is one to put on the list. In this instance, I am choosing to believe the critics and the chat around it as securing a reservation over the past few weeks has been virtually impossible. Not one that people would automatically think of for Mother’s Day, Andhra Bhavan, appears to be wide open – for now. Open from 11am – 11pm, it specialises in South Indian cuisine and the menu is vast. You will find some old favourites on the menu but a visit here is the ideal opportunity to step up your South Indian food game. www.andhrabhavan.ie