Mother's Day Brunch: Top 5

Mother's Day is arriving fast--it's on Sunday, May 9, people! While the multicourse brunch at Nicollet Island Inn has been a Mother's Day standard for years, if you can't get a reservation, here are several other great options I'd recommend if you decide not to schlep your batterie de cuisine over to Mom's and act as her personal chef.

5. The Red Stag
It might seem a little strange to hit up a supper club during daylight hours, but trust me, Red Stag holds up just as well, even when you haven't been hitting the PBR. They've got a great bloody Mary and all the requisite farm-fresh, locally-sourced egg-and-pancake dishes, but I see this visit as really just an excuse to throw back a bunch of those awesome smelt fries--so good!

4. Meritage
Can't afford to whisk mom to Paris? Then take her to...St. Paul. Really, the chic, historic dining room has just the same brasserie charm. If the weather's nice, grab one of the umbrella-topped sidewalk seats and enjoy a Bellini or the lobster omelet. Be sure to make plans for a return visit on a Tuesday or Thursday to check out Meritage's new crepe stand in Hamm Plaza.