Each May, for almost two decades, I’ve been bombarded with emails showcasing Mother’s Day menus. Almost all of them talk about quiche, or frittata, which is almost quiche. Now, as a mom myself these past 10 years, I’m here to say don’t buy into it. Moms don’t want eggy pie for brunch today, tomorrow, or on May 12 when the holiday kicks off this year.
After all, there’s nothing about quiche that screams “mommy,” or at least there shouldn’t be. Sure, great quiches exist when served as a creamy, custard-like wedge delicately laced with bacon, cheese, and herbs, a la traditional French recipes. But even Denver French spots like Bistro Vendome and Chez Maggie don’t affect this dish. Instead, most quiches underwhelm, and matriarchs deserve more.
Heck, they might not even want brunch at all, and certainly not in bed. Instead, consider a plate of fried chicken paired with a glass of Champagne. Or how about that barbecue spread often saved for that other, male parental unit holiday. Better yet, send mom off with her other mom friends for a kid-free feast filled with espresso martinis, tacos, fresh pastries, oysters, or anything else her overworked heart desires. With that in mind, here are a handful of Mother’s Day one-ups perfect for celebrating, with not an eggy crust in sight.
Reservations Moms Crave
Don’t make mom manage all the decisions on her special day. Instead, book a double seat at Uchi Denver for the Mother’s Day omakase experience. The price starts at $375 for two people and features plenty of high quality, chef’s choice items including seasonal oysters, Akami crudo, seared maitake, elk loin, and a selection of adorable desserts. 2500 Lawrence St., Denver, uchi.uchirestaurants.com
You won’t see quiche on the Mother’s Day menu at Le Bilboquet. Nope, instead chef Sosthène Kaboré crafted a quiche-free, three-course prix fixe menu for $105 per person. The line up includes choices such as la salade de betterave (beet salad with brown butter crumble), foie gras mousse, eggs benedict, the signature burger, fresh berry tarts, and more. Add on caviar blinis for an extra $55, and of course, sparkling wine. 299 St Paul St., Denver, lebilboquetdenver.com
Steuben’s plans to treat mom with a “tree” of drinks for $45. Choose between Aperol Spritzes or Mimosas or a combo, there’s eight total. Of course eating brunch is also worth the parking conundrum. Pro tip, if you get there at 9 a.m. when it opens there will be more options, and brunch goes until 2 p.m. Add on to the special day with Kara Kara Blooms, who will be selling bouquets of flowers for $25. 523 E. 17th Ave., Denver, steubens.com
Call Me Pearl is already a lovely place to whittle away the time, but did you know the idea behind the concept is all about grandmas and mothers. Enjoy craft cocktails inspired by the women in each bartender’s life, as well as oysters, caviar, and other indulgent delights. 1600 20th St., Denver, callmepearlbar.com
Brunch With an Activity
Add a bit of entertainment with a Mother’s Day meal. For example, head to the newly reopened ELWAY’s downtown. On May 12 the upscale steak house whipped up an over-the-top brunch from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. But that’s not all, the restaurant also hosts several pop-up activations including custom jewelry by Link x Lou, personalized hats by Parker Thomas, and floral arrangements you can do together. 1881 Curtis St., Denver, elways.com
Or, skip going out to a sit down meal and get the picnic box from Leven Deli Co. instead. For this special day the cafe has prepared three levels of packaged treats. For $80 one can get the breakfast box complete with a bottle of bubbles, a bag of Huckleberry Roasters coffee beans, two breakfast sandwiches, and a tahini brownie.
The park spread runs $90 and includes a bottle of Attimo rosé or red wine, choice of either a baguette or a sliced half-loaf of bread, two spreads such as hummus, beet tahini, whippet feta or tomato pesto, bread-and-butter pickles, two cookies, and two brownies. Finally go all out and spend $110 for the ultimate lunch at the park with a bottle of wine, two sandwiches with sides, two kids’ sandwiches, and four canned drinks. To keep the kids entertained while mom relaxes, a coloring sheet and crayons are included in all boxes.
Mother’s Day Feast and a Show
For families with kids and/or grandchildren 18-years-old and up, Champaign Tiger has a drag show treat for you. Join Felony Misdemeanor, Denver’s Diva Awards’ House Mother of the Year 2024, along with Denver Drag House Mothers Jessica L’Whor, Andrea Staxxx and Brittany Blaze-Shearz as they take over Major Tom in RiNo.
Not only do attendees get to revel in the talents of these excellent queens, but chef Duncan Holmes prepares a three-course brunch featuring leek tarts, rhubarb galettes, and egg mimosa, also known as French deviled eggs. The prix fixe with the show run $85 per person, and you can make a reservation here. Choose from two seatings, the first at 11 a.m. then 2 p.m., both with indoor and outdoor accommodations. Major Tom, 2845 Larimer St., Denver, majortomdenver.com
On a totally different level, the sleek RiNo jazz club Nocturne also has a Mother’s Day show featuring acclaimed jazz vocalist Tatiana “LadyMay” Mayfield. Bonus, during this event dinner gets served, so in theory you could do both the drag and jazz performance and spend the day eating and being entertained, which personally sounds lovely to this mom. Seatings are available for both 4 and 6:15 p.m., each with a 75-minute music set. The $98-per-person ticket includes the show and a three-course dinner. 1330 27th St., Denver, nocturnejazz.com
