Mother’s Day 2021 in Fresno: Where to eat and why some restaurants won’t do takeout
Mother’s Day is Sunday and celebrating mom with a meal – and maybe a few mimosas – may be just the thing after this past year.
We’ve included some ideas about where to go below. Since reservations will be hard to get this late and some families are still sticking close to home, we’ve included some take-home meals and other creative options too.
But first, since the COVID-19 pandemic is still out there, there are some things to keep in mind while planning a trip to a restaurant.
Restaurants are still operating at 50% capacity indoors. Patios are available too. But it means tons of people will be scrambling for a reservation on what is normally one of the busiest days of the year for restaurants when fewer than normal tables are available.
“Everyone’s just going to make the best of it with the tables they have,” said Chuck Van Fleet, owner of Vino Grille & Spirits and president of the Fresno chapter of the California Restaurant Association.
Adding to the challenges, many restaurants are struggling to find enough workers, which is why Vino is doing brunch until 2 p.m. instead of staying open for dinner, for example.
So, check the hours the restaurant is open before settling on a time for lunch with mom.
And don’t be surprised if the restaurant asked for a deposit to secure a table. No-shows put restaurants in a tough spot when they can accept a limited number of customers, so they’re trying to avoid them, Van Fleet noted.
Some restaurants may also limit the time you can spend at a table.
Another piece of advice? If you’re planning to get takeout, call the restaurant days in advance and make sure it is doing takeout that day.
Since a busy dining room along with takeout and delivery can sometimes be too much for a restaurant, especially one with limited staff, some places are not doing takeout at all, Van Fleet noted.
Here’s a sampling of which restaurants are doing what. This is not a comprehensive list. If you’re wondering about a certain restaurant, give it a call to see if it is open.
Dine-in meals
Tabachines Cocina, a high-end Mexican restaurant, still had a few spots left as of our deadline for its Mother’s Day brunch. The menu is online and includes avocado toast, chilaquiles, chicken and waffles, and cocktails like a margarita and a tomatillo breeze.
Reserve a table online at www.tabachinescocina.com.
Riley’s Brew Pub in Clovis is serving Mother’s Day brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The menu includes tri-tip sandwiches, honey-garlic fried chicken, salads, and eggs Benedict for brunch.
Mother’s Day drink specials include a mimosa flight and Riley’s bloody Mary, piled high with bacon, a chicken wing and other goodies.
Call 559-862-2925 to make a reservation.
Take home brunch, desserts
Benaddiction is selling Mother’s Day brunch boxes that feed four for $55. The boxes come with instructions on how to make the “eggs Benaddict,” caramel French toast or quiche Lorraine so you can serve mom breakfast in bed.
Order online at www.benaddictiondiner.com for Saturday pickup or delivery.
BooBoo Bean Bakery is offering Mother’s Day brunch and desserts.
A $30 pastry box includes cinnamon rolls, blueberry muffins, and banana-walnut bread. A $75, 9-inch quiche is also available with vegetables, bacon or ham and several sides. Breakfast burritos feeding six go for $75.
Several types of pies are available for $16 each, along with strawberry pizza for $30 and four strawberry shortcake cream puffs for $18.
Order by 3 p.m. Friday for pickup between 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday by calling 559-570-8093 or emailing booboobeancafe@yahoo.com.
