Here is a handy local guide that is reasonable, geared towards what Moms* want, and some ideas to make the moms or mother-figure in your life have a great day.
Hand-made love notes/cards. Dig out the art supplies. Have the kids spend some time making art, a card, a top 10 list of why mom/grandma is the best. This is the day to drown mom with love! If you get stuck, there is a Hallmark on Laurel. Just don’t be left without at LEAST a card of some sort. (Ask my husband how that went over…)
Spend time together or leave her alone! Maybe both!? Sort out what she prefers and make a plan. Have the plan in place PRIOR to Sunday. Here are some ideas you can do WITH her, or gets you out of the house.
Lunch and drinks Devils Canyon
Hike and bring a picnic at Eaton Trail
The Cask Wine Bar- The bubbly flight is perfect for Sunday lunch outside and kid friendly if you need it to be.
Does she like the spa? Find out which is her favorite and buy a gift card or send her there. It will likely be quite busy on Mother’s day, so plan ahead. If you buy a gift card and make sure she uses it! If you need recommendations check Avant Gard or for nails, First Impressions.
There are PLENTY of amazing shops on Laurel/San Carlos Avenue. Pop in and ask for advice. Take a photo of a tag of her clothing or bring in something she loves, and ask the person behind the counter for help. THEY EVEN WRAP IT UP NICE AND CUTE! A whole newsletter will soon be devoted on downtown shops. But if you need help NOW, type into your waze one of these shops: Poppy, Urbanization, Prairie, or Joey Rae and have some fun.
Make dinner! Chef Teena Arora @currysutra has put together a recipe (see below) with mom in mind and you can pick up many of the ingredients from the Farmers Market. Follow her for more recipes, cooking classes, meals, etc! Don’t want to cook? She loves to!
If you end up not wanting to cook, take her out! See past recommendations here at glld.substack.com!
*While I am a mom, I cannot speak for ALL moms. Make sure you share this with fellow friends who may need advice and guidance on mother’s day!
SPRING PASTA WITH PEAS & ASPARAGUS & BROCCOLI
BY Chef Teena Arora @currysutra
INGREDIENTS
3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (adjust as needed)
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
4-6 cloves garlic, finely chopped or sliced
1 large shallot, finely sliced
1 ½ cups snap peas, cut into small pieces (slightly larger than a pea) 1 cup fresh English peas
1 bundle asparagus, trimmed of tough ends and sliced on bias, ¼ inch pieces 1 ½ cups broccoli florets; cut into small pieces
¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil (optional)
a little white wine and/or just some pasta water (¼ cup)
1 pound linguine dry pasta (you can use fusilli, penne, or cavatappi too) ¼ cup mascarpone cheese and ¼ cup fresh ricotta (both optional) OR ½ cup heavy cream
½ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (adjust to taste), plus some for garnish
½ to 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
2 Tbsp fresh basil, chiffande (garnish)
Salt and pepper, adjust to taste
METHOD
Prep veggies, garlic and shallot. Set aside.
Heat a large pot of water to boil for pasta. Salt water and cook pasta to 1 minute shy of al dente. Remove ½ cup boiling starchy water just before draining pasta, and reserve for possible later use.
While pasta cooks:
1) combine cheeses in large mixing bowl and season with salt, pepper and red chili flakes. Set aside for later use.
2) In a large skillet, add olive oil and butter, on medium-high heat. Add shallots and sauté for 1 minute. Then, add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, followed by white wine, let evaporate. Now, add peas (snap and English), asparagus and broccoli. Cook for 5-7 minutes to tender crisp. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
Add hot cooking water OR heavy cream from pasta to cheese bowl. Combine and add to pasta.
Now, add linguine pasta. Mix well. Taste to adjust seasonings and garnish with fresh basil and more Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.