It will require some creativity to celebrate Mother’s Day in Orlando 2020. VisitOrlando compiled a guide with ideas across the destination to connect virtually, via special delivery or through social distancing – all of which support local businesses in the process. Plus, I’ve added some ideas of my own including some of my favorite restaurants offering special Mother’s Day brunch and dinner. Make this weekend a special one for mom!
1. Mother’s Day Brunch To Go
Some restaurants have followed Governor DeSantis new guidelines and opened their dining rooms to 25% capacity and outdoor seating, others are only offering take out and delivery. Search over 500 open restaurants on the Orlando To Go website.
Here’s a few favorite restaurants worth checking out for Mother’s Day brunch:
Bulla Gastrobar – Winter Park
This Mother’s Day Weekend make it a special one with brunch from Bulla! Dine in option is now available May 9th – May 10th or get brunch at home. Indulge in Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes, Nutella Waffles and much more! Make a reservation or place your order for pickup here.
Canvas – Lake Nona
Give mom breakfast in bed and treat her like the queen she is! All orders must be placed by Thursday, May 7th at 5 p.m. All family meals come with a box of chocolate covered strawberries. Call 407.313.7800 (between Noon – 5 p.m.) The Breakfast in Bed Family Meal includes:
- Spinach and goat cheese eggs strata, sausage, bacon, breakfast potatoes, kids pancakes and syrup. $25 for 2 | $50 for 4. Plus you can add the following:
- Breakfast Pastry Box $10
- MOMosa kit $18
- Bottle of Bloody Mary’s $16
- Kid’s Strawberry Milk or Blueberry Lemonade $3.50
DoveCote – Downtown Orlando
The French bistro will be reopening with seating in their beautiful courtyard with six feet of space between tables and indoor seating at 25% capacity. Enjoy 3 course Mother’s Day Feast for $37.49 per person. Reservation required. They are also offering a TO GO Mother’s Day Meal option for $149.95 to feed 4.
Dexter’s New Standard – Winter Park
The New Standard will offer Brunch and Dinner options. Entrees include Quiche (choice of two types, each feed 4-6 people), Pancakes, Crab Cakes, Game Hen, Rack of Lamb or Florida Grouper. The restaurant will also offer side dish packages, including Asparagus, Macaroni ‘n Cheese, Roasted Rosemary Potatoes, Compressed Watermelon Salad and Semolina-Orange-Coconut Cake. Additionally, The New Standard has partnered with Tiny Orchid Co. to make the meal pickup a one-stop-shop by adding orchid arrangements to their Mother’s Day offerings. Customers can choose from three options for orchid arrangements, ranging from $25 to $75. The New Standard will also include a special Mother’s Day craft for each child in the family. Just let the staff know how many children need a craft and they will include it with the order. Pre-orders are available until 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 7. Call 407-316-2278 to pre-order. Full Mother’s Day menu is available HERE.
Farm & Haus – East End Market
After the birth of their new baby, Brittany and Patrick will officially “re-open” on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10th with a special Mother’s Day Brunch menu, limited A La Carte menu, all available for takeout.
Luke’s American Kitchen – Maitland
Brunch family meal serves 4 – 6 for $150. Pre-order at 407-674-2400 for pickup on Saturday May 9th.
Luma on Park – Winter Park
The Winter Park favorite is offering brunch to go for $155 for family of 4-6. Call 407-599-4111 to pre order by Thursday May 7th, pick up on Saturday May 9th.
The Ravenous Pig – Winter Park
Treat mom to Brunch or Dinner to go from Ravenous Pig. Order at scott@theravenouspig.com and pick up on Saturday May 9th. Add a Mimosa kit for that extra special touch!
Reyes Mezcaleria – North Quarter & The Osprey Tavern – Baldwin Park
Order brunch by Friday May 8th for pick up or delivery Sunday May 10th.
A la carte menu for day-of orders available as well. At this time, they will continue to offer only take-out menu, but patio is available for open seating if guests wish to enjoy their take-out meal. Pre-Order at reyesmex.com or (407) 868 – 9007 ospreytavern.com or (407) 960-7700
The Sanctum – Mills 50 / Proper & Wild – Winter Park
Chef Chelsie Savage comes to the rescue of fathers trying to figure out what to do for mother’s day this year. Her “Real, Damn Good Food” Virtual Farmers Market has all the goodies you need. She advises to “let mom get some well overdue zzzzz’s”, clean the house and get some Sunflowers and Mimosas . Her kits made with cold-pressed juice can be upgraded to a Chelsie Cocktail Kit complete with kombucha, signature turmeric-ginger elixir & bubbles to “Retox while you detox.” Make a reservation at Proper & Wild, snag your favorite patio brunch at The Sanctum or pre-order all the essentials for a DIY brunch at home from the Virtual Farmers Market. Order by 12pm Thursday May 7th for pickup Saturday May 9th.
Sixty Vines – Winter Park
Sixty Vines is open for dine in service as well as offering brunch and dinner packages to go. They also have floral arrangements! Call or DM to pre-order your Mother’s Day Kit at 407.410.8005
Tapa Toro / Taverna Opa – International Drive
Taverna Opa/Tapa Toro are working out of the same kitchen at 8441 International Drive, so the offering is the same for both concepts. Pickup or Delivery Windows: Saturday May 9th 4-7pm and Sunday May 10th 8-10am. Order here and contact megan@opatoro.com to coordinate your pickup or delivery!
- Waffle Board- $69 plus tax | Serves 4-6 People: Waffles / Nutella / Chocolate Chips / Walnuts / Peanut Butter / Honey / Maple Syrup / Strawberry Jam / Vanilla Yogurt / Granola / Fresh Fruit
- Bagel Board – $69 plus tax | Serves 4-6 People: Assorted Bagels / Bacon / Boiled Eggs / Smoked Salmon / Cream Cheese / Capers & Spices / Strawberry Jam / Peanut Butter / Nutella / Fresh Fruit
- DIY MIMOSAS- $15 plus tax | Makes 4-6 Mimosas – Fresh Orange Juice / Champagne *ID will be checked upon pickup or delivery
2. An Exquisite Dinner For Mom
Mom deserves a break from all the cooking that she’s likely been doing while we’ve all been following stay at home orders. If a fancy dinner is what she craves, here are some local favorites ready to make mom’s day:
Canvas – Lake Nona
In addition to breakfast in bed, Canvas will also offer a Lobster Stuffed Haddock Family Meal. Call by Thursday 5/7, 407.313.7800 (between Noon – 5 p.m.) to order.
- Meal Served with herbed fingerling potatoes, Mick Farms green beans sautéed in brown butter, red peppers and onions, cucumber fennel salad with dill yogurt dressing. $35 for 2 | $70 for 4
- Add strawberry shortcake $10
- Add a bottle of red or white wine $20
- KIDS MEAL ADD-ONS: 5 oz Steak, French fries, steamed broccoli $14, Chicken Fingers, Grilled Cheese or Hamburger, served with French fries or carrots $7
Charley’s Steakhouse – International Drive
This option allows you to pick up the provisions and make a steakhouse dinner at home. For $120, get five uncooked filet mignons, one bottle of red wine and one sweet butter cake. The package also includes a $25 gift card for Mom to use when they reopen their restaurants. Email Amy Hernandez at amy@tottrg.com by Thursday May 7th to reserve a Mother’s Day Dinner Package from Talk of The Town to pick up at Charley’s Steak House on Saturday May 9th.
Del Frisco’s – International Drive
Order the Mother’s Day Family Package and treat mom at home with this to go option available for pick up only. Crab Cakes with Cajun Lobster Sauce, choice of salad, choice of Beef Tenderloin or Salmon, two sides and a Butter Cake with Caramel and Sweet Vanilla Whipped Cream. The Orlando location is also open to 25% capacity and following all mandated guidelines. Call 407-351-5074 to make a reservation.
Cafe Tu Tu Tango & Mia’s Italian Kitchen – International Drive
Café Tu Tu Tango and Mia’s Italian Kitchen Mother’s Day specials are available for pre-order by calling 786-374-8176 or e-mailing hilary@alexrestpart.com.
Café Tu Tu Tango: will be reopening Mother’s Day weekend . The restaurant will offer options for two people ($59) or four people ($89). The package includes one item from each of the main categories on Café Tu Tu Tango’s regular menu, plus choose from either Carne Asada Sirloin or Lomo Al Mojo. Both entrees are served with Corn Salsa, Platanos Maduros, Yucca Escabeche and Tortillas, along with dessert for either two or four guests.
Mia’s Italian Kitchen: Starting Mother’s Day weekend, Mia’s Italian Kitchen will open, temporarily operating out of their sister restaurant’s kitchen at Café Tu Tu Tango. Mia’s Mother’s Day offering comes in options for two people ($59) or four people ($89) and includes choice of either Sunday Salad or Classic Caesar salads, choice of either Steak Pizzaiola, Chicken Parmigiana or Eggplant Parmigiana, choice of two sides from Crispy Garlic Smashed Potatoes, Spicy Broccolini, Viktoria’s Spaghetti Pomodoro or Rigatoni al Funghi, and Tiramisu for dessert. Orders for Mia’s Italian Kitchen will be available for pick-up from Café Tu Tu Tango.
Dexter’s New Standard – Winter Park
In addition to brunch, they will also be offering dinner. See all details above. Pre-orders are available until 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 7. Call 407-316-2278 to pre-order. Full Mother’s Day menu is available HERE.
Elize Restaurant – Downtown Orlando
Acclaimed Dutch chef Leon Mazairac opened Elize, a European gem, right before the start of the pandemic. They’ve been offering fantastic meal kits. Order Box nr.3 Mediterranean Delight at elizefoodwine.com to be picked up or delivered on Friday 8th of May.
Hawkers Asian Street Fare – Mills 50 & Windermere
Order mom’s favorite noms by Thursday, May 7 at 9 p.m. EST. Pick-up Saturday, May 9 between 1-4 p.m. EST at your local Hawkers. Fill out the contact form here to order. A team member will reach out to confirm your order and pre-payment. Mother’s Day Meals Mains & Sides, Feeds 4 – $75, Feeds 8 – $135, Sides Only, feeds 4 – $40. Add-ons available: Sea Salt & Caramel Cheesecake- $45, Murphy Goode Pinot Noir- $16 per bottle, Murphy Goode Sauvignon Blanc – $16 per bottle
- MAINS: Fire Roasted Chicken: Roasted whole & seasoned in-house, Char Siu: Tender pork shoulder, with sweet soy & spring onions and Siu Yoke: Crispy & savory pork belly paired with hoisin dipping sauce
- SIDES: Green Papaya & Shrimp Salad: Carrots, basil, cilantro, mango salsa, fried shallots, and roasted peanuts with homemade Vietnamese vinaigrette on the side. Hawkers’ Delight: Saucy blend of wok-seared tofu, broccoli, carrots, napa cabbage, bell peppers, shiitake and straw mushrooms. Sichuan Green Beans: Pickled vegetables, carrots, and Sichuan sauce. Curry Mashed Potatoes: A homestyle favorite, back for one day only, featuring our signature curry sauce. Basil Fried Rice: An herbal take on a classic fave – eggs, onions, fresh basil and soy sauce
Pig Floyd’s Urban Barbacoa – Mills 50
If mom loves a good Latin BBQ, get Pig Floyd’s Brunch Bundle for $79.99 or order individual family style dishes. It even includes a beautiful floral arrangement and mimosas! Order at 407-725-4202.
Reel Fish Coastal Kitchen – Winter Park
Reel Fish Mother’s Day at Home includes a feast for 4-5 featuring choice of Cioppino, Pecan Crusted Rainbow Trout or Seafood Quiche, side dishes and desserts. Place your order by 3pm on Saturday, May 9th for pickup or delivery on the 10th between noon and 8pm. Call 407-543-3474
Soco – Thornton Park
Soco’s Mother’s Day Take-Home Packages for 2-4 include choice of entree like Lemon Herb Roasted Lake Meadow Naturals Chicken, Garlic Rubbed Prime Rib or Sweet Pea Lemon Ricotta Tart, sides, dessert and even pre-batched cocktails like “Mother’s Little Helper!” Available for curbside takeaway and delivery within a 5-mile radius on Saturday 5/9 and Sunday 5/10 from 10:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Call 407-849-1800 to place your order
3. Buy Local Gifts For Mom
Locally made gifts are always a hit. The online guide includes items such as pretty stationary from Winter Park’s Rifle Paper Co. and foodie items like bourbon blended vanilla barbecue sauce from 4 Rivers Smokehouse, home-made marshmallows from Wondermade or wine from Quantum Leap Winery.
For the fashion-minded, Orlando International Premium Outlets and Orlando Vineland Premium Outletsare offering big savings on top brands via their shared online store.
Visit Southern Hill Farms for beautiful cut flowers, fresh produce, delicious beverages, homemade sweet treats, handcrafted spa items and much more, all made at this local farm. Their blueberry donuts are scrumptious! You can even get a mom a donut ice cream sandwich guaranteed to make her day! Order here and pick up at the farm.
Get the Mother’s Day Gift Set Special featuring goodies from Smiling Goat Goods and Bets Bars. Place your order by Friday May 8th for delivery within the Central Florida area. They are bringing back the best friend deals that are usually only available at markets. Each gift set will include soap, body butter, lip balm, jam, and shrub. Boxes are $40 each, with an overall savings of over $10 per set! Place orders through Smiling Goat or Bet’s Bars
Smiling Goat: Instagram message, email jill@smilinggoatgoods.com or text 407-484-9828. Bet’s Bars: betsbarsoap@gmail.com. Preferred payment is Venmo, but PayPal is available as well.
4. Take A Scenic “Socially Distanced” Walk Outdoors
Local nature parks are open throughout Orange County, including Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando, Kelly Park in Apopka, the West Orange Trail between Winter Garden and Apopka, and many others.
Take scenic walk through the flowers at Harry P. Leu Gardens, where admission is currently free, or pick fresh blueberries at places like Beck Brothers, Bekemeyer Family Farm and Long & Scott Farms.
5. Meet Virtually in Orlando
Make Mother’s Day phone calls memorable with custom Orlando Zoom backgrounds featuring everything from iconic roller coasters to dinosaurs that allow moms (and kids of all ages) to virtually escape to the Theme Park Capital of the World™ or hang out in downtown Orlando at beautiful spots like Lake Eola.
6. Send an Orlando eCard
Visit Orlando has created custom eCards that will be available via Facebook and Twitter with iconic Orlando images and message like “You are a ROAR-some MOM-a-saur” (Universal Orlando Resort’s Jurassic Park).
7. Say It with Fresh-Picked Flowers
Support local florists, who are offering special Mother’s Day bouquets include Bluegrass Chic Floral Design, In Bloom Florist, Orlando Florist and Colonial Florist.
Or, go the fresh-picked route by picking up a bundle of giant sunflowers and zinnias from Southern Hill Farms in west Orange County.
Quantum Leap Winery is offering the “Bottles, Bouquets & Berries” gift bundle with 2 bottles of wine (choice of My Best Friend red, Snowbirds Vintners rose, or Quantum Leap Chardonnay), floral bouquet (med or large) by the talented Kelly Shannon Floral (peonies, roses & hydrangea are featured in the large bouquet) and 3 yummy Peterbrooke Chocolatier of Winter Park chocolate dipped berries! Advanced orders required online at quantumleapwinery.com. Pick up Friday or Saturday, local delivery to select zip codes is available.
8. Get Front-Row Seats to the Orlando Arts (Virtually)
There’s not a bad seat in the house when you arrange a date to enjoy virtual artistic experiences from Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, Orlando Ballet and Cirque du Soleil. Or explore virtual galleries from The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens and Orlando Museum of Art.
9. Take Cooking Lessons from Orlando’s Top Chefs
Make a culinary masterpiece by learning to cook with some of Orlando’s celebrity chefs, including José Andrés of Jaleo, Masaharu Morimoto of Morimoto Asia, Art Smith of Homecomin’ Florida Kitchen, Rick Bayless of Frontera Cocina, and others. Amazon sells cookbooks authored by some of Orlando’s homegrown James Beard honorees, including Norman Van Aken’s Florida Kitchen; James & Julie Petrakis’ The Ravenous Pig: Seasons of Florida; and 9 Courses from Brandon McGlamery of Prato, Luma on Park and Luke’s Kitchen.
10. Learn Something New Together
Bond over learning a new skill or experiencing something new by exploring more than 20 free digital experiences from our local experts, including up-close animal encounters, art instruction, history and even makeup tutorials.
11. Share Virtual Orlando Experiences
Although Orlando’s theme parks and attractions are not currently open, you can still enjoy them virtually on VisitOrlando.com. Including 360-degree online experiences, Facebook Live broadcasts, live streamings of special films, YouTube videos and more. Whether Mom likes riding roller coasters or standing on Main Street in front of Cinderella Castle, there are all kinds of fun ways to both chill and thrill together virtually.
How will you make Mom’s day special this year? I hope you discovered some new ideas and inspiration in this list to help you make mom feel special. The best part is you’ll be supporting our local Orlando business community in the process. Go #MakeSomedayHappen one delicious bite, sip and (virtual) trip at a time.
Cheers!
Go Epicurista
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