The French Puffle
Photo by Michael A Caronchi
With Phase 1 of Florida’s COVID-19 recovery in place, nearly all eateries that have stayed open will begin seating guests in time for Mother’s Day. There are many rules in place for dining in a restaurant (most significantly that only 25% of tables can be occupied) and of course, the takeout and curbside menu options are remaining in full force—so treating mom to an indulgent spread at home has never been easier.
Bakery E, Naples: Breakfast in bed can be ordered in a snap with a Mother’s Day tray from Bakery E, the new bakery at Hotel Escalante has a brunch spread with assorted pastries and breakfast quiches.
Aielli Group Restaurants, Naples: The four Aielli Group restaurants—Sea Salt, Barbatella, Dorona and Grappino—have recently reopened, and the three that have hours on Sunday (Grappino is the only one that doesn’t) have released their Mother’s Day specials. At Sea Salt, if you spend more than $80, you’ll get a bottle of house sparkling wine.
The Wisteria Tea Room & Café Fort Myers: Though the tearoomis open, the team won’t host its beloved Mother’s Day Tea this year. Instead, they areoffering a special “Mother’s Day Tea to Go,” which has sandwiches, desserts, scones and a bag of tea, for two people for $50. The café is not open on Sunday, but you can pick up your order on Saturday. Call to order: 239-689-4436.
Angelina's Ristorante, Bonita Springs: The grande dame of special occasion fine dining in Lee County, Angelina’s in Bonita Springs, is normally not open for lunch, yet year in and year out, they’ve hosted a Mother’s Day brunch. For 2020, if you order by May 7, you can pick up dishes from that special menu.
The French, Naples: Another guaranteed-to-please brunch can be found at The French in Naples. Online ordering is a snap, and you can include a $42 mimosa kit along with various entrees like a roasted peach and blueberry salad and quiche.
Crave Culinaire, Naples: Brian Roland’s Crave2Goteam is preparing a full Mother’s Day menu, with a brunch that includes decadent items like Nutella crepes and French toast casserole; family style salads and soups; and entrees, like roasted black cod and butter-poached lobster tail, portioned for four.
Naples Grande Beach Resort, Naples: Moving beyond midday, the Naples Grande has put together a special Mother’s Day four-person feast that can be purchased on Eventbrite. The meal, which you can pick up on Saturday, is centered on braised short ribs with garlic mashed potatoes and apple pie.
Old Captiva House, Captiva: Out on the barrier islands, Old Captiva House has released three take-home Mother’s Day dinner specials available for pickup after 3 p.m. on Sunday; if you order two or more, you’ll get a complimentary sparkling wine.
Bleu Rendez-Vous French Bistro, Sanibel Island: Meanwhile, Bleu Rendezvous on Sanibel is offering $3 off all entrees, plus a menu of $20 bottles of house wine and 20% off of fine wine.
The Wine Store, Naples: While most of the above will gladly sell you wine with your meal, for unique, small-batch pairings to either go with what you’ll order (or to gift to mom), The Wine Store in Naples provides concierge-style service, and it is now delivering bottles directly to your door.