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03/22/2018 12:00 AMWhile antiquing with my parents at the infamous Brimfield Flea Markets in Massachusetts last year I realized Mother's Day was just a few short days away. Typically, I'm not one to go all in for traditions but this was a "stop everything" moment. I stopped browsing, picked up my cell phone, found the number I needed, and dialed.
"Will you have shad and roe on Mother's Day?" I asked after the short greeting from the hostess. I was assured that yes, shad and roe would once again be on the menu. Having heard all I needed to hear, I made reservations for Mother's Day.
Aside from my mother's (and admittedly, my own) love of Connecticut River shad and roe, there is a very short window of opportunity to enjoy these delicacies so we go where the roe is. We've been lucky to find Westbrook Lobster serving the combination each Mother's Day, and we've made a tradition out of it.
As I talked with friends about our little tradition, I was met with strange looks. Not because of our shad and roe obsession but that we had a Mother's Day tradition at all.
"Sometimes we go to brunch or dinner," said one friend, whose name has been withheld to protect the guilty. "But if we're busy or something, it's not a big deal. I'll maybe send flowers."
No Mother's Day traditions? Really? I was shocked.
If you find yourself without a tradition, may I suggest that it's never too late to start one? A good place to start could be a brunch. The shoreline is flush with wonderful restaurants, many of which offer brunch options designed specifically for treating mom. And it's okay if dad tags along too.
Amarante's Sea Cliff
62 Cove Street
New Haven
203-467-2351
www.amarantes.com
If mom is a fan of mimosas and spectacular views of Long Island Sound, the brunch at Amarante's Sea Cliff may be the perfect spot to show her you care. With seatings throughout the day, Amarante's offers traditional breakfast items like waffles and omelets all the way through smoked salmon and prime rib. Year-to-year the menu may change, but the water view remains the same.
Fresh Salt
Saybrook Point Inn
2 Bridge Street
Old Saybrook
860-399-1318
www.saybrook.com/restaurant/fresh-salt
Fresh Salt has made a commitment to working with local farmers and artisans to ensure quality locally grown ingredients, and that commitment carries into its Mother's Day brunch. Featuring a variety of farm fresh salads, seafood, pasta, carving stations, waffles, and made-to-order omelets and a Bloody Mary bar, Fresh Salt gives moms something to savor. Reservations are recommended.
Griswold Inn
36 Main Street
Essex
860-767-1776
www.griswoldinn.com
One of the oldest continuously operated inns in the country, the Griswold Inn in Essex Village is as well known for its days gone by charm as it is for its Mother's Day buffet. Featuring two different buffets, one focused on brunch and the other focused on lunch and dinner, the Griswold Inn's brunch buffet pampers mom with a variety of hot breakfast items, fresh fruits and vegetables, breakfast breads, and, of course, a carving station featuring prime rib and roasted turkey. Reservations are strongly recommended.
Madison Beach Hotel
94 West Wharf Road
Madison
203-245-1404
www.madisonbeachhotel.curiocollection.com
Brunch at the beach always sounds like a lovely idea and that's what the Madison Beach Hotel calls their Mother's Day brunch. Seatings start as early as 10:30 a.m. for the menu that has previously included imported and domestic cheeses, fresh fruits, salmon, cocktail shrimp, salads, an assortment of breads and pastries, as well as carving and omelet station featuring flank steak and roasted turkey breast. Reservations are requested.
Water's Edge Resort and Spa
1525 Boston Post Road
Westbrook
860-399-5901
www.watersedgeresortandspa.com
Water's Edge is well-known for its Sunday buffets but the Mother's Day brunch is perhaps their best brunch of the year. With views of Long Island Sound, the brunch features the traditional breakfast buffet items as well as a seafood bar, Belgian waffle and French crêpe bar, and incredible hand-made pastries. Mother's Day brunch frequently sells out here so reservations are required.
The Woodwinds
29 Schoolground Road
Branford
203-481-6577
www.thewoodwinds.com
Unlike many shoreline restaurants, The Woodwinds doesn't boast a Long Island Sound view to draw you in. What is does have, however, is a beautifully intimate location and a buffet that even dad will love. From breakfast items like scrambled eggs and Belgian waffles to pastas, prime rib, honey baked hams, and entrees featuring lobster cream sauce, brunch at The Woodwinds is sure to please. Mom will surely appreciate the unlimited red and white wine as well. Reservations are required.