{ "Forget Breakfast in Bed" Mother's Day Celebration LIST}
1What it is: Mother's Day at Flavor California-Mex in Canyon Country

Why Mom's going to start telling you uncensored stories about her teen years: Flavor's gifting Mom and her crew with bottomless mimosas at their special Mother's Day brunch. The champagne will flow - and so will the memories.

Why Mom will be impressed with your choice of restaurants: Flavor's sustainably-sourced, all-natural ingredients and creative fusion recipes will please her palate and the casually-alluring ambience, with comfortable booths and generous table seating, will help her relax on her special day.
Flavor California-Mex 252-8074

2What it is: Mother's Day Champagne Brunch at Sabor in Bridgeport

What's special at Sabor Cocina Mexicana's Mother's Day brunch: Everything, of course, because that's just how Sabor does things. Specifically, though? Fresh seafood, assorted entrees and freshly-baked homemade desserts are on the menu for the big day.

What you should make Mom after brunch: A mother cannot exist on brunch alone! Whip her up something delicious and serve a Paloma de Fresa on the side. This recipe comes courtesy of the mixologists at Sabor.
Paloma de Fresa
2 medium strawberries, 1.5 oz tequila, .5 oz simple syrup, .5 oz fresh lime juice, 1 oz pink grapefruit juice, splash soda water
Muddle strawberries, then add the rest of the ingredients except the soda. Shake with ice, serve over ice, add a splash soda and then serve.
Sabor Cocina Mexicana 259-9002

3What it is: Mother's Day Brunch at Vines Restaurant & Bar in the Hyatt Regency Valencia

Why you should fast the day before you experience brunch at Vines: You're going to want to arrive hungry to this all-you-care-to-eat beautiful brunch display; there's a good chance you've never seen this much gourmet goodness in one place in all your life.

What you'll nosh on: From 10am to 2pm, you'll enjoy delicacies like Black Tiger shrimp; chicken feta and cranberry sausages; roasted pepper quinoa spinach and arugula salad; gourmet omelets made to order; lobster mac and cheese; herb-crusted rack of lamb; slow-roasted black angus rib eye; goat-cheese sundried tomato and spinach stuffed pork tenderloin; chocolate-covered strawberries; berry trifle;
red velvet cake and much, much more.

Spring for the bill: Adults are $65; kids ages 5 to 12 are $25.
Vines Restaurant 678-4044


{ "Sweet Tooth" LIST}
1What it is: Nothing Bundt Cakes Giftable Sweets

Why you'd gladly sit on McBean at rush hour for a slice: The moist, rich cake melts slowly on the tongue but the real crowd pleaser is the velvety cream cheese frosting.

Why they're nothing 'bundt" the best: Unlike the other ready-mades filled with words we can't pronounce (and ingredients we can't digest), NBC's treats are made from the real stuff: fresh eggs, butter, cream cheese and awesomeness.

Your excuse to order one for pick up or delivery right now: The buy-one-get-one-free coupon on page 55's pretty fab, but if you need an even better excuse, come up with something to celebrate. We're dying for a reason to order a "Flour Bouquet," "Happy Bundtday," or blue or pink "Baby Cake."
Nothing Bundt Cakes 291-2424

2What it is: Cold Stone Creamery Valencia's New Spring Flavors

What's fresh at Cold Stone: We're not scientists but we're pretty sure you'll burn all the calories you'll consume at Cold Stone just by reading this paragraph. Why? Because if you're like us, your heart's gonna pound triple time in anticipation for these spring flavors: Red Velvet Cheesecake Ice Cream, Tart Cherry Yogurt and non-alcoholic Pink Champagne Sorbet.

How to make a good thing better: The best way to experience these new creamy eats is through a Signature Creation. The Red Velvet Dream combines the Red Velvet Ice Cream with brownies, almonds and whipped cream. Tart Cherries and Chocolate fuses the new yogurt flavor with Oreo cookies, chocolate shavings and fudge. "Cheer to Spring" with strawberries, pineapple and Pink Champagne Sorbet.

Your "sweet" reason for heading to Cold Stone now: Go under the guise of ordering a Kiss of Strawberry cake for Mother's Day so that you can devour the gorgeous ombre treat and your fave Signature Creation.
Cold Stone Creamery Valencia 253-4123


"Enjoying the Company of Others" LIST}
1What it is: Marston's Restaurant's "Cooking with the Chef" Class

Why you should book this date night STAT: There's no need to struggle feigning interest in your dining companion's boring recount of their day when you attend this fun monthly event. You'll learn tips and tricks from Chef Jim while noshing on the night's lesson and sipping on discounted wines, beers and cocktails. June's course is one of the most popular: Barbecue! Publisher Kyle Crawford went last year to up his cooking-outside game; he gave it rave reviews! (And so do we! Kyle's earned the title of Grill Master thanks to Chef Jim's culinary direction!).

And the other reason: These cooking classes fill fast. The next class is on June 1; as of time of print, there's still some openings available... but don't wait to make your reservation.
Marston's Restaurant 253-9910

2What it is: A spectacular breakfast overlooking the valley at Oaks Grille at TPC Valencia

Why it's a spring "must": The views are always stunning on the Oaks expansive outdoor dining area, but you won't get such consistently-perfect weather - or so much "green" - any other time of year.

When to go: Lazy weekend mornings pair fabulously with Chef Daniel Otto's gourmet menu. Oaks opens at 7am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday if you're one of those ambitious early risers. And don't feel like you're crashing a party you weren't invited to; Oaks Grille is open to the public.

What you should order: The Fresh Malted Waffles with berries, whipped cream and Vermont syrup are heavenly in their crisp simplicity, but the Smoked Chicken Hash is our can't-miss pick. The shredded chicken is served atop fingerling potatoes, Andouille sausage, caramelized onions, leeks and fresh herbs, then topped with two poached eggs. We're also big fans of the Breakfast Wrap with scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, jalapenos, onions, breakfast potatoes, salsa and Mexican cheeses.
Oaks Grille 288-1995, extension 109

3What it is: Santa Clarita Ballet Company's "Tea & Toeshoes" Mother/Daughter Event

Mark your calendars for: May 16

Where you're going: The Valencia Country Club for an elegant high tea with whimsical touches and live entertainment.

Why this one is going down in the memory books: Dainty sandwiches, tea and scones will be served by beautiful fully-costumed ballerinas. Everyone should don their prettiest hats for a Best Hat Competition. Children will enjoy a ballet lesson and party favors. Princess Tables are available for those desiring enhanced service, premiere views of the performance stage and a special thank you gift for their generous support. To complete the afternoon, the Company's advanced dancers will dazzle with an exclusive performance.

Your added incentive: The Santa Clarita Ballet Company is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization. Ticket purchases, Princess Table sponsorship and Company donations are fully tax deductible. Plus, you're helping them help others; this year, Santa Clarita Ballet Company is sponsoring Santa Clarita Single Mother's Outreach during their Tea & Toeshoes event and Little Mermaid premier in June.

Make it happen: Adult tickets are $65; children ages 3 through 12 are $55. Contact Santa Clarita Ballet for reservations; this event will sell out!
Santa Clarita Ballet 251-6844 or 251-0366