Much for Mother's Day

Kids can make mom breakfast, yet not have to clean up (and get the assistance of a chef) at the Renaissance SouthPark: As part of a Mother's Day package, a hotel chef will help them at a station devoted to hands-on breakfast making. And they can keep the chef's hat and apron they put on to cook. This is offered two ways: The breakfast -- you can either have pancakes or a buffet -- is $25 per person, or you can get this as part of a Mother's Day package for $149. That includes overnight accommodations for up to four; buffet or pancakes Sunday for everyone registered to the room, and a manicure or pedicure for Mom at Vivace Spa. The package is offered Thursday through Sunday (meaning you have to stay over Friday or Saturday night) through May 9, based on availability; 1-800-228-9290.

Ratcliffe on the Green offers a three-course brunch, with choices including crabcake Benedict, grilled salmon and bananas Foster French toast, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. $29.95 -- but each diner receives a $25 gift card for use at a future visit to the restaurant. 435 S. Tryon St.; 704-358-9898.

Maddi's Bistro offers brunch 10 a.m.-3 p.m. for $24.95 ($9.95 for 12 and younger), with dinner from 5-9 p.m. Each mom gets $10 in "Maddi's Loves Mom Money" to use in the next-door gallery at Birkdale Village. 704-987-7762.

GadoGado will be open 11:30 a.m. -3 p.m. with a limited menu of dinner entrees and specials 157 N. Trade St., Matthews; 704-844-8686.

McCormick & Schmick's has brunch 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., plus its regular menu, and gives each mother a free dessert. 4335 Barclay Downs Drive; 704-442-5522.

Both Red Rocks Cafes host brunch 10 a.m.-3 p.m. for $24.95 for adults, $10.95 for those 12 and younger. Birkdale: 704-892-9999; Strawberry Hill: 704-364-0402.

Brunch will be 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge for $55, $28 for ages 5-12, and free for 4 and younger. Reservations are required; 10000 Ballantyne Commons Parkway; 704-248-4100.

BrickTop's offers its full lunch, brunch and daily features menu on Mother's Day, plus patio seating and a Bloody Mary bar beginning at noon. 6401 Morrison Blvd.; 704-364-6255.

Lava Bistro and Bar will serve a buffet 10 a.m.-3 p.m. for $28 for adults, $12 for 4-12 and free for 3 and younger. Dinner will be 5-9 p.m.; 8708 J.W. Clay Blvd.; 704-549-0050.

Mama Ricotta's offers a special brunch menu 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. before beginning serving the regular menu. $18.95 ($10.95 for kids); 601 S. Kings Drive; 704-343-0148.

Blue offers a carving station of Kobe top round and leg of lamb at its brunch, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., plus Moroccan chicken salad, paella and more. $34.95 ($12.95 6-12, free for younger than 6); corner of 5th and College streets; 704-927-2583.

P.J. O'Reilly's serves an Irish brunch beginning at 9:30 a.m., plus its complete menu, and will give eath mother a gift card with purchase of a meal that day. At the corner of Ardrey Kell and Johnston roads; 704-341-2247.

Positano hosts a three-course meal for $19.95 ($7.95 for children), with choices ranging from scallop and asparagus risotto to chicken breast stuffed with pine nuts and goat cheese. Birkdale Village; 704-896-2979.

LaVecchia's will be open noon-9 p.m., with the dinner menu offered all day (and a kids' menu for $4.95), and a special brunch for $19.95. 225 E. 6th St.; 704-370-6776.

Dilworth Neighborhood Grille plans a buffet 10 a.m.-3 p.m. with live jazz 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The buffet will include a carving station as well as breakfast dishes and desserts; cost is $16.95 ($6.95 for children). 911 E. Morehead St.; 704-377-3808.

Dandelion Market will offer brunch 11 a.m.-3 p.m. for Mother's Day. 118 W. 5th St.; 704-333-7989.

Rooster's serves brunch buffet 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; the regular menu will be offered 5-9 p.m. On the buffet: house-smoked salmon, shrimp and grits, French toast, barbecued pork shoulder, prime rib and more. $30 ($10 for children); 6601 Morrison Blvd.; 704-366-8688.

Sibling Noble's will do brunch 11 a.m.-2 p.m. with dishes such as house bacon and smoked cheddar quiche, shrimp and grits, veal schnitzel and more. 6801 Morrison Blvd.; 704-367-9463.

Global will be open 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. with a three-course menu; among the choices are Western omelets, prime rib au jus and shrimp with lobster grits. $35 (plus a complimentary welcome basket of Viennoisserie (baked goods); two-course kids' meal is $12. 3520 Toringdon Way; 704-248-0866.