Thank Mom for all of those smiley-face pancakes she made (or, yes, even the Pop-Tarts she burned) by treating her to brunch at one of New York's top spots.
Peels: With Taavo Somer and William Tigertt (Freemans, anyone?) at the helm, there was no doubt this fresh, roomy restaurant -- which opened on the Bowery in August 2010 -- would succeed. And it has, mostly thanks to its brunch service. The good-sized menu skews a bit to the lunch side (with soups, sandwiches and salads), but the "build-a-biscuit" screams brunch. A classic buttermilk biscuit comes stuffed with your choice of eggs, meat (try the fried chicken), cheese, avocado and red-eye gravy. It's worth the food coma that follows.325 Bowery; 646-602-7015
Prune: This beloved East Village eatery is so charming, you may be inspired to order something sweet to match (off of a pink menu, of course). The fresh ricotta with raspberries, figs, toasted pine nuts and honey or Dutch-style pancake cooked in the oven with pears (served with Canadian bacon and maple syrup) definitely do the trick. (Note: The restaurant currently has Mother's Day brunch reservations available for parties of 2.)54 E. 1st St.; 212-677-6221
The Breslin: Ditch the diet and go whole hog when brunching at this pub-like, Michelin-starred spot inside the oh-so-hip Ace Hotel. Chef April Bloomfield is known for her perfect porcine preparations, after all. For the full experience, dig into the English breakfast with house-made sausage and house-cured bacon, plus fried eggs, tomato and mushrooms. If you want something lighter (or, gasp, you're a vegetarian), try the poached eggs with curried lentils, yogurt and cilantro.16 W. 29th St.; 212-679-1939
Stone Park Café: Talk about fierce: Tyra Banks has been spotted at this cozy Park Slope restaurant, owned by two childhood buddies (both named Josh) from the neighborhood. The brunch menu is a bit more original than most in the area, with mightier meaty items like short rib hash and eggs and a BLT with pork belly. (The "Hangtown Fry" with eggs, oysters, bacon and Vermont cheddar is also a favorite.) Add a perfectly spicy Bloody Mary and an outdoor patio, and this makes for one model brunch spot.324 5th Ave.; 718-369-0082
Friend of a Farmer: The line outside moves relatively fast at this rustic, bi-level Union Square favorite, which transports diners to a country farmhouse complete with floral wallpaper-covered walls and fresh fruit (for sale!) stacked in baskets. Dine on pillowy egg dishes made with fresh veggies and served in skillets (try the salmon scrambled eggs), and wash it all down with French-press coffee. Make sure to request the complimentary corn bread (they usually won't bring it if you don't); it's grainy, not too sweet and comes with chunky apple butter.77 Irving Place; 212-477-2188