Where to eat: Mother’s Day brunch 2009

Mother’s Day is that one special Sunday when sons and daughters take their beloved parent to a lovely restaurant in the hope that she’ll feel loved, absorb their appreciation, and maybe forgive them for any childhood misdeeds. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best places in Toronto to treat a matriarch, organized by the severity of offences committed.

Mistook lipstick for crayon
Arcadian Court, 401 Bay St., 8th flr., 416-861-6611, arcadiancourt.ca
Treat her to brunch at this historic yet little-known venue inside the Hudson’s Bay building in the heart of downtown. Aside from traditional breakfast items, there will also be a roasted red pepper, tomato and gin soup, plus the restaurant’s famous homemade chicken pot pies, along with French pastries and tarts. 11–3. $25.95 per person.

Used wedding dress as a cape
The Knit Café, 1050 Queen St. W., 416-533-5648, theknitcafetoronto.com
This quaint Queen West hot spot is a fun alternative to bustling restaurants. This weekend’s brunch, prepared by Jamie Kennedy Kitchens, includes a mushroom and wild leek quiche; sweet milk cake with rhubarb, Ontario and Quebec artisanal cheeses; and apple cider. Although it’s not included, stay afterwards for knitting tips from the knowledgeable staff—or, better yet, Mom herself. Registration required. Noon. $36 per person.

Brought home a stray dog
Azure, 225 Front St. W., 416-597-8142, azurerestaurant.ca
This sleek, modern restaurant in the InterContinental hotel—perfect for the mother who is visiting from out of town—has a combination of breakfast and lunch items. Omelette and carving stations, made-to-order waffles, roasted vegetables and a seafood platter are all available. Finicky tykes will love the kids’ station, with mac-and-cheese, chicken fingers and ants on a log. 11:30–3. $55 per person, children six to 12 $27, children under six free.

Brought home a stray dog with rabies
Nella Cucina, 876 Bathurst St., 416-922-9055, nellacucina.ca
Switch things up by taking a cooking class led by the school’s director and resident chef, Joanne Lusted (and her mom, of course). The menu is described as “east meets west,” with such dishes as siu mai, pot stickers, cheddar cheese biscuits and coconut cupcakes. And what mom wouldn’t appreciate her offspring preparing lunch, for once? Registration is required; space is limited. 10:30–1. $75 per person; moms half price with the purchase of a regular ticket.

Flushed wedding ring down the toilet
Epic, 100 Front St. W., 416-860-5050, epicrestaurant.ca
Dine in the same restaurant as other, more famous mothers (the Queen Mum, Erin Brockovich, Joan Rivers, etc.). The large menu includes smoked fish, crab cakes, pâté, a huge cheese smorgasbord and a fondue station. Seatings at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. $70 per person, children five to 12 $35, children under five free.