From rum cakes to complimentary flowers and live music, unique, curated surprises for mom can be had
There are no shortage of special experiences to be had in the DMV area during Mother’s Day 2023. From a special brunch at dLeña, to a time-honored rum cake from a maternal family recipe, the holiday can be unique and special this year.
dLeña
On Sunday, May 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., dLeña will give out complimentary flowers to every mom dining during Mother’s Day brunch. Guests who join the restaurant for Mother’s Day dinner on May 14 can enjoy live music of Trio Candela by Eli Staples. This will take place downstairs in dLeña ROJA from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
dLeña, 476 K Street Northwest, Suite D, Washington, DC 20001
Buffalo & Bergen
DC household-name mixologist Gina Chersevani anointed her lead bartender (and former actor) “Frankie” M. Jones at Buffalo & Bergen to roll out a tongue ‘n’ cheek series of cocktails. The $12 concoctions are said to be inspired by a Motherload of “favorite Pop Culture mom-ents on screen or stage!” according to Chersevani.
The “Word To Your Mother” menu will present playful pours, such as Mommie Dearest. The bitter, spicy cocktail, with a reference to the iconic 1981 psycho-thriller is one to savor. It combines gin, lemon and housemade Freshno hot honey, adorned with a miniature Wire Hanger and a Lemon Peel “artfully draped over it.”
On a bright and botanical note, the Dear Mama drink is inspired by Tupac Shakur’s heartfelt lyrical tribute to his mother. This libation blends Remy Martin E&J XO Brandy, Jameson Orange, lemon juice, and a housemade Rooibos Syrup.
Buffalo & Bergen at Union Market, 1309 5th Street Northeast, Washington, DC 20002
1310 Kitchen & Bar
Regulars already know chef Jenn Crovato to use recipes from her maternal mentors at 1310 Kitchen & Bar in Georgetown. After all, Terri, her mother, ran a respected custom catering company from her home kitchen. Customers gravitated toward the nostalgic signature of her grandmother, Nonna’s Rum Cake. The delightful treat is prepared with a yellow cake drenched in rum, finished with a sugary rum glaze, fluffy whipped cream, and crunchy Walnuts. This $8 sweet treat cake is on the menu at 1310 for Mother’s Day.
1310 Kitchen & Bar, 1310 Wisconsin Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20007
Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery
At Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery, chef and proprietor David Guas is readying a nostalgic dessert, inspired by his childhood. The Brown Butter Strawberry Shortcake— a favorite of his mom—comes with macerated, local Strawberries and Chantilly Cream. It was just named by the New York Times as a favorite recipe for Spring 2023.
“My grandmother, who was from rural Amite, LA, annually brought me berry pickin’, then to purée and stew them to top a home-style baked shortcake,” said Guas.
Individual Strawberry Brown Butter Shortcakes go for $8 and are available during Mother’s Day weekend. The recipe first appeared in “DamGoodSweet,” Guas’s James Beard Award finalist cookbook and one of Food & Wine’s “Best New Dessert Cookbooks.”
Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery, 1515 North Courthouse Road, Arlington, VA 22201
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