Mother’s Day Elegance in Central Florida

My first Mother’s Day was memorable to say the least. We wanted to go out for brunch, but since my little man was such a little baby, I thought “casual” would be the best plan of attack. Good thing, as we got more than we bargained for (and D got a full-bath experience, LOL). Long story short (you can read the long story here if you’d like). While it was somewhat lacking in elegance, it made up for it in humorous stories! Now that he’s older, my dream brunch involves being pampered, having sumptuous food (of course I love that every day!) and, if at all possible—champagne. (And if Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy!)

As I’ve looked through the options by hotels and my favorite restaurants, I find they’re not lacking in variety. From Winter Park and a once-a-year special coffee at Barnie’s Coffee Kitchen (recipe at end of post) to Orlando and some of the finest hotels, it seems that mama can be very happy. The only downside: Deciding where to go!

Fiorenzo Italian Steakhouse at the Hyatt Regency Orlando offers a full spread of all mom’s favorites, including sparkling wine, juice and tea. Of note to this foodie: Wild Atlantic Stripped Bass Barigoule. One: it’s seafood (that I adore), and two: there’s artichokes. What’s not to love? If seafood’s not your thing there are tons of carved meats, and some chef’s creations made to order including Eggs Benedict and Eggs Victor (a version of Eggs Benedict using ham, Swiss cheese and a Mornay sauce. I had to ask. Don’t judge.). They will also be whipping up pasta and risotto, too. And I have to say house-made vanilla and espresso chocolate gelato sound mighty nice….

Speaking of coffee, if you enjoy a quality cup now and again as I do, head over to Barnie’s Coffee Kitchen in Winter Park. Their Mother’s Day offering includes a special cuppa brewed and prepared exclusively on mom’s big day… The Vanilla Rose Latte! Those foam-swirled drinks always look too good to drink (but somehow I manage… and I think you might, as well).

Rosen Shingle Creek is putting on their usual decadent spread! It’s taken me about 5 minutes to browse the entire menu. Pan Seared Veal with Wild Mushrooms, Red Watercress and Champagne Foam sounds mouth-watering, as does the seafood Station. Oh, and the Asian Soup and Peking Duck Crepes Station, and the French Style Flat Bread Station. And the Dim Sum and Sushi Station. Seriously. Mama might need a cart! Side note: How cute does a Brie Cheese Profiterole with Honey and Pistachio sound? I know. Brie…. (*Squeals with delight!*)

I’ve always enjoyed the buffet at Tradewinds at the Renaissance Hotel by SeaWorld. I’ve piled many a plate high with their made-to-order omelets and my son really “digs” the pancake station. (Chocolate chips IN the pancakes? Yes, please!) The Carving station (from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) includes Winter Park Honey Glazed Ham and Prime Rib.

A few things stand out for me browsing the Rosen Centre menu: Artichoke & Mushroom Salad with Lemon & Basil (again: LOVE artichokes), and a Banshoo Sushi station featuring Chef Yoshi’s Signature Rolls, California Rolls and Spicy Tuna Rolls. Is it just me or is sushi just FUN to eat?! Also on the menu is Pinot Noir Braised Short Ribs with Julienne Vegetables (which makes me thirsty AND hungry at the same time). They’re also serving a specialty of Harry’s Poolside Bar & Grill: Chimichurri Crusted Flank Steak. So many options, so little time.

Hemingway’s champagne brunch at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress features Hemingway’s signature island-inspired selections like Maryland Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, Chilled Kobe Tenderloin, and Hibachi Style Sea Bass sound tempting, and “free-flowing champagne.” (I know… that got me, too!)

For a more laid-back Mother’s Day, visit Marlow’s Tavern in Winter Park. They’re known for their Sunday Brunch. On Mother’s Day they will have their regular menu items, plus a la carte brunch entrees. I’m kind of partial to the Bloody Mary bar they do so well, but on Mother’s Day perhaps one of their other specialty cocktails are worth a try while sitting out on their patio. Nah. Who am I kidding?! I love the Bloody Mary Bar! Oh, and did I mention Crab Cake Benedict?!

Another hotel option, is at Rosen Plaza. A hot buffet has a Mojo Spiked Pork Loin and Cornish Game Hen with Wild Rice and Forest Mushrooms to name a couple. Also available: an Antipasto and chilled salad bar, omelet station, and carving station with prime rib and glazed ham. All these options are making me hungry!

I don’t know about you, but I’m going to have a tough time deciding on where to go this Mother’s Day. Will it be a favorite? Or should we try something new? Or will my husband and wonderful son make me breakfast in bed (including a special Vanilla Rose Late and champagne)?

Browses through this small sampling of the offerings in and around Central Florida. Where will you go? Please post your ideas! And Mama… wherever you spend your day: Be Happy!

Hotel Brunch Details for Mother’s Day Sunday, May 11, 2014

Barnie’s Coffee Kitchen
118 South Park Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
407.629.0042
Sunday hours 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Spring Brunch Menu: $13.95 – food only – beverages a la carte; $19.95 – with choice of sparkling or still wine

Hyatt Regency Orlando
9801 International Dr., Orlando, FL, 32819
407.345.4570 or email orlando.regency.dining@hyatt.com.
Seating available 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
$64 per person, plus tax and gratuity; $32 children ages 5–12.

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
One Grand Cypress Blvd., Orlando, Florida, 32836
407.239.3854 or make reservations online
Seating available 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
$69 per person, plus tax and gratuity; $34.50 per child ages 4–12.

Marlow’s Tavern
1008 S. Orlando Avenue (17-92); Winter Park, FL 32789
407.960.3670
Open Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Brunch a la carte

Marriott’s Renaissance Hotel by SeaWorld
6677 Sea Harbor Drive  Orlando  Florida  32821
407.351.5555
Brunch from 6:30 a.m.– 2:30 p.m.; Carving station from 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
$22 per person, plus tax and gratuity; $9.95 for children 12 and under

Rosen Centre
9840 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
407.996.8551 or make reservations online
Seating available 11 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
$41.95 per person, plus tax and gratuity; $16.95  per child ages  4–12

Rosen Plaza
407.996.0256 or or make reservations online
Seating available 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
$36.95 per person, plus tax and gratuity; $15.95 per child ages 4–10
(Visit website for a $3 off coupon!)

Rosen Shingle Creek
407.996.3663 or or make reservations online
Seating available 11:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
$65.95 per person, plus tax and gratuity; $29.95 per child ages 4–11

 

 Vanilla Rose Latte
Recipe courtesy
Barnie’s Coffee Kitchen

Delicate Vanilla Rose Essence:
1 Tbsp of rose water for every 1 cup of vanilla simple syrup. Mix with a wooden or plastic spoon not metal. (to be gentle with the flavoring). (Rose water can be found at your local natural food grocer, like Whole Foods, Fresh Market, etc.)

 Drink Recipe: 16oz
1oz vanilla-rose syrup2 shots espresso (or strongly brewed coffee)
Steamed milk of choice
Garnish with a whisper of brown sugar and a rose petal in the cup,
and petals on the place setting.

Being a Mother is OTTER-ly Amazing

I’ll never forget my first Mother’s Day. My husband took me to breakfast with our new bundle of joy. He was so cute, and still at that age where you can strap him in the high chair. I took a bite for me, then cooed in my baby’s direction squeezing a toe or two, then talked with the hubs. Despite severe sleep-deprivation, I was incredibly happy and felt so fortunate to even have a child! (I only had a 30% chance of ever getting pregnant, so he was indeed my miracle.)

Mid-way through the meal, my little guy showed me with action (and lungs) that his diaper needed changing. Although my husband offered, I grabbed a nappy and a wipe from the bag and set off to take care of my “Number One’s” “number two.”

When I got into the bathroom, I discovered that something was rotten in Denmark, and Marcellus ’twas not anywhere to be found (nor any ghost for that matter, although I did lose a bit of color when I saw what was happening!). Not only did my little one do his business… he did it again. And again. This while I had just gotten him out of his old diaper and cleaned off using the one or two wipes I brought with me. (Did I mention I was holding him at arm’s length now, as the diaper changing station was —how shall we say this?!— unusable?)

At long last another guest needed the ladies room. Upon leaving she assured me she’d grab my man who was probably wondering if we had fallen in or something (seeing as we’d been gone a good 15 to 20 minutes by this time).

Long story short, I undressed him and put him in the sink where he began second (or was it third?) bath of the day!

I guess it’s like childbirth where I don’t remember the pain, only the smiles. Eventually my husband knocked on the door then came in to help with the “cleanup on aisle two.” The restaurant provided us with some cleaning rags and towels, and we thankfully had a spare outfit in the car. To this day we still laugh about my first Mother’s Day. It’s the hardest job I’ve ever had. It’s also the one with the most love.

In honor of Mother’s Day, I made an eCard to share. Although my little guy has no siblings to chase like the cute otters in the video, he can still be full of mischief on occasion. As the mommy, though, I just see love, forgive him, and do my best to guide him in right choices. And, yes, I DO think he’s as cute as those little guys!

The river otters were caught on film at a recent visit to
Discovery Cove by SeaWorld,

If you enjoy this video, please consider making a donation to the
SeaWorld Busch Gardens Conservation Fund.