Friday, May 8, 2015

Flowers, Chocolates, Brunch:It's Time for Mother's Day Weekend

Mother's Day is this weekend, and if you happen to be celebrating with a long weekend in or around Mission Bay, then we have some tips to make it even more memorable.  True, it doesn't get better than celebrating on the beach, but just in case, we have some more suggestions from gifts to activities to food.   Even if you're not with mom this weekend, you'll enjoy exploring some of our favorite spots for flowers, chocolate and fun.



First thing's first, if you need to find the perfect gift, then the San Diego Bay Flower Company is going to be your best bet.  This local shop not only offers inventive and lovely bouquets, but also has a charming boutique filled with cards, candles, beauty products, and jewelry.  In fact, this small shop is a great place to pick up a gift not just for mom, but also for a hostess, birthday girl or friend.  Their bouquets are well known for being jam packed with beautiful blooms and not just full of leaves and fillers.  Anything you take away from here is bound to put a smile on someone's face.



If mom has a sweet tooth, then look no further than The Elegant Truffle.  In fact, this spot is a must-visit for anyone who's a fan of chocolate, baked goods and coffee.  The Elegant Truffle was opened by a former finance executive who wanted a different pace of life, and she found it with creating traditional Belgium truffles, as well as other sweets.   There is a rotating menu, but you'll always be able to find "candy bar cookies" (giant, freshly made cookies dipped in chocolate) and the "diet cakes" (fat free angel food cakes made with little sugar and flour).  Samples are given out freely so each customer can decide on exactly the perfect treat.  




For an enjoyable, free activity that's heavy on the fun (and one that mom doesn't have to plan) check out the 67th Annual OB Kite Festival.  Located in Ocean Beach at Dusty Rhodes Park, from 10am to 4pm, this is the perfect spot to spend some quality family time.  There will be amazing kite demonstrations from professionals, carnival rides and a craft fair.  The festival will also provide free materials for the littles ones to make their own kites, and there will even be a contest for the best decorated one.  Food trucks will be parked there for breakfast and lunch breaks.  




When it comes to Mother's Day activities, how can you go wrong with one entitled the "Garden Party of the Century?"   Leave it to historic Balboa Park to create a perfect Saturday (May 9th to be exact).  The Garden Party commemorates the city's centennial celebration of the Panama- California exhibition of 1915, which at the time celebrated the newly opened Panama Canal.  Not only is the event free, but they have a full day's schedule with master gardener demonstrations, flower show, guided garden tours and horticulture lectures.  For those who want to soak it in with less structure, there will also be a wide variety of music to enjoy, art to take in and kid-friendly activities.  Check out their Website for more details.  



With a name like World Famous, you better delivery, and fortunately, this beach-side restaurant does!  Situated on the boardwalk in Pacific Beach, you can gaze at the Pacific Ocean and people watch at the same time.   World Famous has a casual beach-vibe, which makes it great for large groups and kids.  They also have a killer brunch menu, and this Mother's Day they have crafted a very special menu.  Their Maine Lobster Benedict and Epic Berry French Toast are not to be missed.  They are also known for their signature Bloody Mary, for those who need an extra little kick during brunch.  



For a second Mother's Day brunch option, The Patio on Lamont Street is also a favorite.  They are known for being super dog friendly, and pooches make themselves right at home in their spacious outdoor eating area.  The restaurant has a modern feel with super friendly service.  But the true star of the Patio is their menu.  Massive gooey cinnamon rolls are a must order to start.  Their greek yogurt parfait is lovely to look at and the perfect option for a light eater.  For those with a voracious appetite,  try the smoked pork belly burrito or Bourbon Dutch pancake.  Ideally, you'll go with a group and share different plates, because it's hard to decide on just one option here.




 Looks like we've got mom, and everyone else in the family covered this weekend.  San Diego actually makes it really easy to celebrate anytime of the year.  And, like most things in the city, all the action is just a hop, skip and a jump from Mission Bay.