Libertad

7931 Lincoln Ave  Skokie IL 60077

If your mom has an appetite for the spicier things in life, bring her in to Libertad in Skokie.  Libertad stands on a tired and dreary street in Skokie.  Yet the flavor experience inside this first and only Latin dining spot in the city is quite the opposite. 

Chef Armando Gonzalez, Chef Marcos Rivera and co-owner and designer J. Omar Magana have created a Latin restaurant experience that leaves the diner with full bellies and happy chorizo filled thoughts. 

Chef Armando Gonzalez has honed his skills while working in many of the top restaurants throughout the city and developed his true Latin flavors by peeling potatoes by his mother’s side as a child while growing up in Mexico.  The restaurant experience is typically known for their small plates, however their brunches prove to be anything but small. 

One of the favorite dishes is a simple breakfast burrito that puts all other burritos to shame – filled with avocado, crème fraiche and bacon it will have your taste buds doing summersaults.  If you get blessed with a warm May day, couple your plate with a warm mug of coffee or a signature drink and enjoy the fiesta on their quant outside patio.

Nellĉote

833 W. Randolph St. Chicago, IL 60607

Some moms may prefer something that oozes sexiness and luxury.  If you have a swanky mom who likes to rub elbows with some chic hipsters then bring her to one of the country’s most popular restaurants.  Nellĉote offers a standout menu coupled with elaborate and luxurious décor. 

Prepare to be greeted by Rustic wrought iron gates, glistening chandeliers and a grande staircase made out of the finest Italian marble.  This Parisian style restaurant, located on the happening Randolph street, features some of the most lavish décor elements to be found in the city. 

Modeled after the Villa Nellcote where the Rolling Stones dined and partied in the 1970’s, this eatery has all of the elegance that its original counterpart had with a slightly different guest list.  While the décor is beautiful the menu at Nellĉote boasts an incredible array of small plates featuring a brunch complete with tantalizing treats. 

A personal favorite of mine is their take on French toast: A decadent plate of sweet and sticky French toast accompanied by tangy apples and a decadent Chantilly cream.  Moms will awe in wonder at the stunning décor as they sip their handmade bellinis in fine champagne flutes.

Pinstripes 

1150 Willow Rd Northbrook IL 60062

100 W. Higgins Rd South Barrington IL 60010

7 Oakbrook Center Mall Oakbrook IL 60523

For those moms who come toting toddlers and kiddies, a more child friendly atmosphere equipped with entertainment for the kiddies and much needed alcohol for the adults. Pinstripes is the answer to just that request.  Located in Barrington, Oakbrook and Glenview their multiple locations feature shiny bowling alleys and the rare but ever so fun bocce ball plus a great menu selection. 

While the kids play and nosh, the adults can spend some much needed time toasting and celebrating mom over mimosas and bloody marys.  Their brunch menu features a prime rib carving station, fresh seafood buffet and a made to order omelet station.  And to boost the kids never-ending energy they have supplied some “waffleicious waffles”.

Davanti Enoteca

30 E. Hubbard St. Chicago IL. 60611

1359 W. Taylor St. Chicago IL, 60611

If rustic coziness is what mama craves then head on over to Davanti Enoteca in Little Italy or in the new River North location.  Davanti Enoteca literally translates to “in front of a wine bar” which it is.  A cozy Italian eatery with authentic food and spunky waiters.

The restaurant boasts a wine list of with a plethora of affordable and unique wines from all over the world.  But the food tells its own story.  Delicate mascarpone polenta oozes out on a cheeseboard and a savory ragu of the day lightly blankets it.

Their thin crust pizzas are quickly baked in a brick oven which leaves the crust almost paper thin and heavenly sweet.  In fact, their menu serves up some of my favorite all time dishes in the city.  And this mama was very happy with her foamy double cappucino and decadent hazelnut gelato as a perfect note to a perfect meal.

Botanic Gardens

1000 Lake Cook Rd  Glencoe, IL 60022

Moms that prefer a simpler way to spend the day, a picnic may be the route to take.  The Botanic Gardens offer some of the most beautiful landscapes in the suburbs.  Throw in some English rose gardens, fanciful lily pads and colorful apple orchards and a beautiful spring day turns into a whimsical day dream. 

Lay out a picnic blanket on the lush grass and add some homemade salads, pretty tea sandwiches and crisp wine, and your mom may think she has drifted away to a faraway land where everything smells of lavender, spice and everything nice.  If homemade food is not your forte, fill your picnic basket at any of the restaurants with crusty sandwiches, cool ice cream and fizzy sodas.  Whatever the route, remember it’s Mother’s Day, don’t make her cook.