Oh, Mama! Mother's Day Treats and Fine Cuisine

Mother's Day 2010 is this Sunday, May 9. We repeat: this Sunday, May 9 is Mother's Day.

Chances are, there's at least one mother you need to plan for, and that can be tricky enough, especially if factoring in brothers and sisters. Then, what if you, as the planner, are a father? That means there's another mother to celebrate. Don't forget the grandmothers, either.

Don't let it boggle the mind, plan ahead, and prepare well with our guide to some local Mother's Day celebration solutions. 

Say It With Flowers

Follow the crowd over to Caldwell Flowerland (329 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell) and get some fresh flowers for your matriarch(s).

Employee Gary Condit confirmed that Mother's Day is a huge holiday for the botanical business. "There's Christmas, Valentine's Day—not everyone has a girlfriend, but everyone has a mother," he said.

Many popular arrangements are available, and of course, you can come up with your own creations. For more information, call the store at 973-226-7805.

Be Sweet

How about something not only pretty, but tasty? Edible Arrangements (359 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell) is the ticket for fun gifts that look and taste good.

When asked if mom's day is a biggie for the Caldwell location of the popular franchise, owner Carole Cirillo answered with a resounding "Yes, absolutely!"

To place an order, call 973-226-2662 or visit its Web site.

Caldwells Patch tip: The "Mother's Little Helper" is a good arrangement (and yes, edible) for younger moms complete with various fruits, including chocolate-dipped strawberries and even a little bear (non-edible); for someone like your mom, the "Simply Dipped Daisies" are the ticket—the "daisies" are chocolate-dipped pineapple and the whole thing is presented in a watering can.

Culinary Delights

Recently opened P.F. Seafood (1090 Bloomfield Ave., West Caldwell) will be open, and will offer its usual array of specials. Reservations are recommended by calling 973-227-1007.

How about something more casual, with variety? The Cloverleaf Tavern (395 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell) will offer a special brunch from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Included in the all-you-can-eat price of $24.99 per person (kids under 10 are half price) are made-to-order omelets, chicken marsala, a carving station with prime rib, leg of lamb and Virginia ham. Coffee, tea and juice are included, as well as one complimentary mimosa, bloody mary or screwdriver.

This brunch is offered with reserve-seating only. For more information, call 973-226-9812.

Speaking of eggs and the like, maybe the moms would prefer The Original Pancake House (817 Bloomfield Ave., West Caldwell) where they can have a breakfast fit for a queen. Check out its lineup of unique dishes and versions on the classics by visiting its Web site.

Tip: Order up some fresh-squeezed orange juice and a bowl of strawberries to graze on while browsing the menu.

Likewise, the Caldwell Diner (332 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell) might be the place to go if mom is breakfast-minded. Its menu can also be found on its Web site.

Warning: Both The Original Pancake House and The Caldwell Diner are first-come, first serve.

Il Vecchio at Calandra's Italian Village (234 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell) will have a "Mother's Day Price-Fixed Dinner Menu."

The package includes a choice of appetizer (shrimp cocktail, fried ravioli, salad or pasta) and an entree (stuffed rigatoni, pork osso bucco or sole dimare).

Of course, Calandra's couldn't forget dessert—diners will have their choice of fine offerings, which will be served with coffee and/or tea. The per-person price is $37.99. A separate children's menu will also be available at $12.95 per little one (under 3 is free). To make a reservation, call 973-226-8889.

If you can't make it to Calandra's with mom, how about getting her a gift certificate? They're available at the restaurant, bakery and on its Web site.

The crowd-pleasing Luce (348 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell) will be open for fine "Eclectic Italian" dining. The restaurant will have three separate seatings at 1:30, 4 and 6:30 p.m. To make a reservation, call 973-707-7012.

"Stephanie" may not be her daughter, but mom will love her all the same:  Stephanie's Italian Restaurant (283 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell) will welcome mama's day revelers at 2, 4:15, and 6:30 p.m. An a la carte menu will be offered. To make a reservation, call 973-226-2142.

The "fancier side" of Forte (182 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell) will offer a nice setting to salute the one who changed your diapers or changes your kids' while you're watching the ball game.

Seating is limited and will be offered at 1, 3, 5 and 7 p.m. The 3 p.m. slot was "filling up fast." For more information, call 973-403-9411 or visit its Web site.

Finally, the authentic Greek cuisine of Taverna Taximi (348 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell) would make for a nice Mother's Day meal. Call ahead for a table at 973-287-6803.

Make It A Walk in The Park

After you've given the flowers and eaten, why not capture the day with a walk and some photos at Grover Cleveland Park?

Have fun and make the mothers in your family proud!