Mother's Day

Mother's Day is the third most popular date for dining out, right after New Year's Eve and Valentine's Day. If you plan to treat Mom to a day off from the stove, check out some of these options.

Wave, 640 N. Lake Shore Dr. in the W Hotel, is offering a brunch buffet that includes carving stations and omelets station, smoked salmon and a chef's selection of mini pastries. It is $35 for adults and $18 for children. Call ahead for reservations, (312) 255-4460.

The Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva hosts a fabulous spread at The Geneva ChopHouse. Cinnamon roll French toast, carving stations, made-to-order omelets, and an elaborate dessert display featuring spring fruit strudels, cookies, and other sweet treats. The buffet is $42; $21 for children ages 6-12, $6 for children 2-5. Call (262) 249-4788 for reservations.

Hash House A-Go-Go, 1212 N. State, specializes in over-the-top comfort foods, with menu items such as roast chicken Betsy, a take on eggs Benedict with spinach, mushrooms, roast chicken, scrambled eggs and basil pesto cream. If Mom likes to knock back a few, the BLT Bloody Mary and the ruby grapefruit mimosa, are certain to please. Brunch is served from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and reservations are suggested, call (312) 202-0994.

For sheer elegance, you can't beat Lockwood in the Palmer House, 17 E. Monroe. The brunch buffet menu includes shrimp with homemade cocktail sauce; beef tenderloin, pan seared duck breast, marinated artichokes, heirloom tomatoes and olives Provencal, or roasted tomato orecchiette. Complimentary four-hour parking is available at 55 E. Monroe. The buffet is $68 ($55 for seniors), $35 for children (6-12), free for children less than six. Reservations are recommended; call (312) 917-3404.

A reservation at Mercat a la Planxa, 638 S. Michigan Ave., is one of the toughest to score. Oddly enough, on Mother's Day, your chances are better at the Catalan-inspired restaurant. A special three-course menu begins with compressed melon salad, for the second course, Mercat eggs Benedict with grilled chorizo, garlic shrimp and bacon-wrapped dates with Marcona almonds. The third course features chicken and chorizo paella with artichoke and tomato salad and jumbo prawns. Kids will enjoy the build-your-own pancake station. Not bad for $35 per person, call (312) 477-0234

Treat Mom to a Japanese-inspired brunch or a special tasting menu dinner at Roka Akor, 456 N. Clark. Choose from either the Chef's Brunch or a four-course tasting menu and Mom gets a $25 Roka Akor gift certificate for her return visit. Call (312) 477-7652 for reservations.

The InterContinental Hotel, 505 N. Michigan Ave., has whipped up a brunch buffet offering an endless array of gourmet specialties. Set inside the hotel's gorgeous fifth floor Renaissance Ballroom, Mother's Day brunch will offer two seatings at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. A jazz trio will provide live music for the afternoon. To capture memories of the occasion, Rick Aguilar Photography will be available to take family portraits as a unique memento for mom to take home. Call (312) 944-4100 for reservations.

Take Mom to Maxwell's at the Club in the East Bank Club, 500 N Kingsbury, for some celebrity spotting along with the buffet brunch. Everything from breakfast pastries and appetizers to salads and dessert are offered for $45 for adults and $15 for children. Call (312) 527-5800 for reservations.

Sixteen, 401 N. Wabash, offers up an elaborate brunch, featuring a raw bar with Alaskan king crab, snow crab claws, and oysters on the half shell. The buffet will also feature chef stations featuring hand-carved prime rib of beef as well as made-to-order pancakes and risotto. Mothers will also be presented with a take home pastry treat. The brunch is $145 per person, $40 for children. Reservations are recommended; call (312) 588-8030.

If Mom's a sports fan, what better place than Michael Jordan's Steak House, 505 N. Michigan Ave.? Executive chef James O'Donnell is serving up a special for moms who love steak with his Wagyu rib-eye with ramp hollandaise, blue crab and haricot vert. Finish the meal with the 23 layer chocolate cake to give Mom the ultimate experience. Call (312) 321-8738 for reservations.

Horizon Café, 3805 N. Broadway, is proof that you don't have to spend a fortune to show Mom some love. On Mother's Day, they're offering a Canadian bacon and cheddar omelet, triple cheese Florentine quiche and crème de menthe brioche French toast all for only $ 8.99 each. Stop in say hello to Nick and his Mom. Call (773) 883-1565 for more information.

Mom's a rock and roll queen? Take her to City Winery, 1200 W Randolph, where Aerin Tedesco and Andrea Bunch team up to create Little Queens, a passionate tribute to the magical music of Heart. It's $10 music only or $25 with a pairing of five wines. Call (312)-733-WINE for more information. Dinner service is available.

(Mother's Day is Sunday, May 12, 2013)