Mother’s Day in South Beach
We’d like to help you plan a perfect Mother’s Day on South Beach, so here is our 2008 Brunch and Pampering Guide. To be certain your Mom is not left standing on some sunny sidewalk, make a reservation NOW!
Joley Restaurant and Lounge at the Hotel Astor (956 Washington Avenue) relaunched the popular Gospel Brunch recently and we have picked this as our Mother’s Day Inspirational Idea. Food, a pleasant atmosphere and someone with a real gusto for singing keeps the mood light and the spirit soaring. Acclaimed singer, songwriter and actress Maryel Epps has toured the world spreading the gospel and returns to town for a limited engagement at Joley.
The prix-fixe brunch features a three-course menu with a selection of appetizers, a main course, dessert and a champagne mimosa. We are partial to the creamy cheddar cheese grits and the bananas foster topped pancakes but Mom should enjoy the jumbo lump crab filled omelets. Service begins at 11am and the singing starts at 12:30. Hotel Astor, 956 Washington Avenue, 305-534-3343
If Mom appreciates haute interior design and a hipster vibe, take her to lunch at the Blue Door at the Delano Hotel (1685 Collins Avenue) where sheer gauzy curtains line the vestibule and almost everyone is so good looking it’s difficult to know where to focus. The main dining area sits in the back of the majestic lobby and you can dine inside or out on a shaded terrace overlooking the Alice Through the Looking Glass Garden.
Brunch entrees are served starting at 10:30 and, under the direction of Claude Troisgros, the menu takes a decidedly modern French twist. Like most South Beach hot spots, service includes a bit of sushi and our favorite “Blue Door Benedict” topped with shaved truffles. After a morning of “Mom and me” time, you can treat yourselves to a day of pampering upstairs at the Agua Spa which features an enormous private rooftop sun deck and 360-degree views of the city. Delano Hotel and Spa, 1685 Collins Avenue, 305-672-2000
Does Mom like things that go BAM!? Chef Emeril Lagasse brings his enthusiastic presentations to the Loews Hotel (1601 Collins Avenue) and serves a Mother’s Day Brunch she’ll never forget. With service starting at 11am, treat mom to a “new” New Orleans style Brunch including home made praline cinnamon buns with caramel and fresh whipped cream!
The St. Moritz building at the Loews is an Art Deco landmark that provides Mom with great views of an open expo kitchen, the twin vault-sized wine towers and luxe Deco beaded chandeliers. Start out with a soothing brandy milk punch or the New Orleans classic Sazerac and then try the smoked Gulf shrimp cakes with sweet corn-flecked tartar sauce. If you have any energy left, take Mom over to the $12 million dollar Elemis Spa and treat her to a pampering manicure and a spa facial or simply show her around and gift her with a certificate so she can return for a full day of beauty. Emeril’s at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel, 1601 Collins Avenue, 305-695-4550 and Elemis Spa 305-604-1601
If Mom longs for more exotic tastes, Vix at the Hotel Victor (1144 Ocean Drive) is just her style. Start out with a white peach bellini or an elderflower champagne cocktail and choose from the chilled fresh seafood display, the hand rolled sushi or the house made salads. Entrees include tandoor-roasted rack of lamb, a tasting of three aromatic curries or a prime New York steak and eggs. Classic dishes are also available but you’ll want to save room for the wine, cheese and dessert selections as well.
Jacques Garcia’s innovative interior design makes this one of the most attractive dining spots on the Beach. After lunch, take mom down to the 6,000 square foot Spa V to check out the classic Turkish Hammam co-ed steam room and see if she’d like to stay for a soothing soak, a relaxing rub or a bronze body exfoliation and application of tanning gel to leave her with a special glow that lasts all week. Vix at the Hotel Victor, 1144 Ocean Drive, 305-428-1234 and Spa V 305-725-6500
A jazz trio serenades Mom at 11am at the Americana Restaurant at the Ritz Carlton South Beach (1 Lincoln Road) where the Decadent Delights menu features traditional brunch entrees plus a fresh seafood buffet, a carving station, risottos and soufflés made-to-order and a complimentary glass of Dom Perignon champagne. You can choose indoor or patio seating and bask in the radiance of one of the loveliest views in town.
The Ritz Carlton Spa offers a number of “Just for Mom” Packages to share on her special day or to reserve sometime soon when Mom needs a lavish pick-me-up. For just $50 each, you and Mom can return on a Thursday night to enjoy a glass of champagne, a sampling of fruit and cheese and a wash and blow dry by a Paris-trained stylist who will ready you both for a weekend of fun. Americana at the Ritz Carlton, 1 Lincoln Road, 786-276-4033 and Spa Carita 786-276-4090 (open 7 days from 9am-8pm)
Happy Mother’s Day to All and to All a Good Bite!
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