FOR THE MORNING GLORY
Brunch at Cheesecake Factory
Cheesecake Factory has the ideal kid-friendly ambiance and diverse menu, making it a great place to celebrate with family. Served until 2:00 p.m., the restaurant's Sunday brunch features three variations of classic Eggs Benedict ($10.95), a hearty Steak and Eggs ($14.95) made with certified Angus beef and Crab Hash ($12.95) that's far more sophisticated than the name suggests. This toothsome blend of sautéed crab, colorful bell peppers, onions and potatoes comes topped with poached eggs and Hollandaise sauce.
If Mom answers to a demanding sweet tooth, suggest the Giant Belgian Waffle ($5.95 - $8.50) with either chocolate chips and Chantilly cream or strawberries, pecans and Chantilly cream. The French Toast ($9.95) features grilled brioche bread layered with bacon, grilled ham or Canadian bacon.
For wee appetites, the Kids Brunch ($6.95) includes a small order of French toast, bacon and strawberries. Of course, Cheesecake Factory's full menu is also available, including more than two dozen cheesecakes, such as Godiva® Chocolate Cheesecake, Tiramisu Cheesecake and Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecake.
Cheesecake Factory is open seven days a week at 600 East Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. For information, please call 954.463.1999 or visit www.cheesecakefactory.com.
FOR THE SLEEP-IN VIP
Lunch at Indigo
Located amid the classic elegance of the Riverside Hotel, Indigo turns every meal into an upscale event. So treat Mom to the restaurant's diverse and globetrotting selection with a preference for seafood. Lunch ranges from soups and salads to pasta, wraps and sandwiches and provides a satisfying repast without being heavy, leaving plenty of energy for Mother's Day shopping along Las Olas Boulevard.
You can choose to sit inside the dining room or dine alfresco and take in South Florida's tropical spring splendor. Either way, you'll enjoy efficient, friendly service and a pleasant atmosphere.
Of course, aside from Mom, the real star at Indigo is the food, an array of favorites given a signature Indigo twist. Try the Penne and Shrimp with proscuitto, baby spinach, fresh mozzarella and roasted tomato basil sauce ($13.95) or the Maryland Jumbo Lump Crab Cake sandwich ($14.75), which rivals any you'll find on Chesapeake Bay. Beef, chicken and meatless delights also adorn the menu, including the Tuna salad "Nicoise" with grilled yellow fin ($15.95), Asian salad with peanut soy dressing and grilled shrimp ($14.95) and Char Grilled Skirt Steak salad with fried onion and hearts of palm ($14.95).
Indigo is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. Visit them at 620 East Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. For information and reservations, please call 954.467.0045 or visit www.riversidehotel.com.
FOR THE EVENING STAR
Dinner at Las Olas Café
Often considered a hidden jewel on Las Olas Boulevard, Las Olas Café is a casually elegant restaurant which serves dinner from 5:30 to 10:00 p.m. Make reservations so Mom doesn't have to wait, and don't forget to specify indoor or outdoor seating. Whether you choose the intimate dining room or the garden patio, you'll be met with a charming and genteel setting.
Chef Ernesto Rado's menu is diverse, but not overwhelming, and features an eclectic selection with global influences. Appetizers include Duck Quesadilla ($12) and Blackened Sea Scallops ($12). The salads range from favorites like Caesar ($6) to soon-to-be favorites such as the Granny Smith Apples & Spiced Walnut Salad ($9) with mixed field greens and crumbled gorgonzola topped with a sherry vinaigrette.
Entrees of seafood, duckling, chicken, filet mignon, rack of lamb and pork chop all make appearances on the menu. On special occasions like Mother's Day, it's nice to have a rare treat, such as Roasted Duckling, prepared crispy and served with a marjoram, honey and thyme glaze ($29), or Rack of Lamb ($36), Dijon-crusted with roasted shallot and rosemary demi-glaze. Let Mom splurge a little, it's her day after all.
Las Olas Café is open for dinner seven days a week. Visit them at 922 East Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. For information, please call 954.524.4300 or visit www.lasolascafe.com.
Clearly, Las Olas Boulevard has just what you need to make Mother's Day special. If you're the "Mom," throw a few good hints. Everyone else, take notes.
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