Photograph by George Sakkestad
Montalvo will host a champagne brunch on Mother's Day, May 12. Becky Trigeiro (left), president of the Montalvo Service Group, and Jane Hamel, brunch chairwoman, toast the upcoming event.
Local brunches and lunches planned for Mother's Day
By Suzanne Cristallo
The wearing of a red carnation in some parts of the United States has become a symbol of tribute for mothers on their special day each year.
Mother's Day this year falls on May 12. It will be the 98th Sunday to have been proclaimed officially by the President of the United States as the day for everyone to honor Mom. While some of us might wear a carnation to show our esteem, more of us are likely to eat.
Montalvo brunches
Brunch is the traditional Mother's Day meal, which we accompany with flowers and gifts to show our appreciation. Montalvo, located in Saratoga's wooded hills, will be the site of two champagne brunches on May 12--at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The venerable villa above town will open its doors for what has become an annual event.
Tables for 220 at each seating will be set up on the verandah and the patio, in the Spanish Court and in the solarium. Pat Smith's Extravaganza of Saratoga will be providing the gourmet catering.
Featured at the buffet will be a cutting station with turkey, roast beef and ham. Selections will also include ginger shrimp and scallions over rice; salad stations with several choices; a spring vegetable frittata; bagels with cream cheese and smoked salmon; and, of course, a full array of desserts.
Reservations are going fast, says Diane Sloan, the reservations chairperson for the Montalvo Service Group, which is the sponsor of the event. Tickets are $42 each for adults and $22 for children; kids 3 and younger eat for free.
Sloan suggests that there is an alternative if Mother's Day is filled. "Don't forget that our summer luncheon series begins June 19," she says. Luncheons will be held every Wednesday at the villa for nine weeks, excluding July 3 and Aug. 14. They include a fashion show by Montalvo volunteers along with the luncheons, which are also catered by Pat Smith's Extravaganza.
Mirassou lunches
This year parents may be treated to a luncheon or a barbecue on Mother's Day and Father's Day at Mirassou Cellars in Los Gatos.
"America's oldest winemaking family" will offer a tasting reception at 10:30 a.m., followed by a lunch on the patio that includes special salads and a Coastal Selection wine.
On Mother's Day, lobster ravioli in a pinot blanc reduction sauce is the featured luncheon entree, followed by a lemon tartlet with fresh blackberries and white chocolate.
On Father's Day, June 16, the barbecue entree is a marinated grilled skirt steak with roasted tomato salsa, polenta and stuffed poblano (chili). Dessert is chocolate meringue and chocolate mousse coated in a chocolate ganache icing.
Montalvo is located at 15400 Montalvo Road in Saratoga. For Mother's Day champagne brunch reservations, call 408.961.5823.
Mirassou Cellars is located at 300 College Ave. in Los Gatos. For reservations for the Mother's Day luncheon or Father's Day barbecue, call 408.395.3790.
Saratoga, California Since 1955
