5 off-the-beaten path ideas for Mother's Day in Atlantic City

Earlier in the week Breaking AC gave you some Mother’s Day alternatives to taking your mother to brunch. Now we are offering you five alternative brunch ideas. 

Perhaps it’s tradition. Perhaps your mom is insisting. Perhaps she just loves brunch. Of course you can take her to classics like Congress Hall, or country clubs like Harbor Pines Golf Club and have a fabulous time. 

But you could also switch it up and try one of these off-the beaten path, non-traditional ideas that will have your aunt, sister, mother, MIL, wife or grandma saying what a thinker you are! Even if you didn’t think to make reservations until now.

CURRY HER FAVOR

Start a new tradition with the ladies in your life by enjoying an authentic Indian buffet at Nizam’s in Egg Harbo Township. If you have never tried Indian food, catching a buffet is a great way to economically try several dishes. It’s one of my favorite cuisines. But I almost exclusively have it at buffets. 

When you have dinner, the entrees are one-noted. You get a meat dish or a vegetable dish accompanied by rice. You don’t get the protein, starch, and veggie combo that American’s are accustomed to. You would have to order multiple entrees at dinnertime for that. But you can make a plate that looks more like what you are used to eating at an Indian buffet. Plus, if it’s new to you, you can taste everything and find out what you like!

If you go Sunday, it’s from 11:30a.m. to 3:00p.m. and it’s bargain-priced for a holiday at $18.50 per person. Check out the food and venue photos on Nizam’s website: https://thenizams.com/menu/

HAVE A GAELIC OLD TIME

The pipes the pipes are calling out whether your name is Danny Boy or not. Consider taking Mom to Josie Kelly’s Public House for one of two different brunch options. 

Have an early brunch at 10:00a.m. Or sleep in and come in at 1:00p.m. for their Traditional Irish Session. 

Irish musicians playing traditional instruments like fiddles, bodhráns, squeeze boxes, mandolins, harmonicas, basses, tin whistles and of course a guitar or two.

If you or anyone in your party is a musician or singer, be sure to pack your instrument and join in. All are welcome. 

The first thing you need to know about this suggestion is that there are no reservations. It’s first come, first served. The second thing you need to know is this is about as original a brunch as you can find this weekend. Unless you attend the tea JKPH is also hosting Sunday.

Here’s the event page with all the details: https://www.facebook.com/events/1159155845511251/1159155852177917?ref=newsfeed. Don’t fret (See what I did there?) if you can’t make this musical mash up. Because this jam session is each and every Sunday. 

TEA FOR TWO

If your mother prefers tea to Guinness, perhaps the Mother’s Day Brunch & Afternoon Tea at Josie Kelly’s Public House is for you. 

You can make reservations for this unlike the Traditional Irish Session. Seating is limited. However, walk-ins will be seated if available. Please note that tea service is reservation only. 

The regular brunch menu plus a special Mother’s Day menu is available from10:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. Afternoon tea will be served from noon to 4:00p.m. Dinner service, with special additions for Mother’s Day starts at 4:00p.m.

Tea for two is $45. It includes tea sandwiches, scones, jam, clotted cream, desserts and of course tea. 

Entertainment for the afternoon provided by sketch artist Tony troy and the PJK Jazz Band in the Adare Ballroom. 

Head here to get the “tea” on all that’s happening on Sunday here: https://josiekellys.com/event/mothers-day-brunch-afternoon-tea-4/

LET MOTHER’S DAY TAKE FLIGHT

Barista’s Coffee House has cooked up a special holiday menu that includes a mocktail flight and a custom coffee flight. The menu is available Saturday through Monday. 

You even have the option to BYOB and liven up the party. Or, ya know, help each other through the mandatory family fun depending on your family’s dynamic.

You can make a reservation here: www.baristascoffeehouse.com. Reservations are requested as this is a small venue with a lot of take-out service within the Central Square Shopping Center in Linwood. Your reservation provides the baristas with ample time to curate your custom flight with care and assure the bar doesn’t get backed up. 

If you haven’t been here. It’s lovely. You get quality and service with a smile. Plus, unlike Starbuck’s, when you dine in, you get a real cup and saucer. 

TAPAS THE MORNING TO YA

For a high-end choice of traditional brunch coupled with a stunning ocean view and Spanish flare, head to Jose Garces’ Amada for a Mother’s Day you won’t forget. 

Enjoy classic tapas, sangria pancakes, pork roll benedict, paella, and whole roasted suckling pig among other dishes. You can make your brunch cocktails bottomless for $10 per person. An absolute steal inside a casino. All this while enjoying live music by guitarist Vahe Sarkissian.

My favorite brunch in the city used to be the now closed Olón by Garces inside the Tropicana. If you were a fan, you will enjoy the inspired offerings of the chef’s new home at Ocean Casino Resort. 

Be advised that a credit card is required for reservations and a $25 per person deposit is required. It’s the most extravagant offering on this list at $75 a person. But if it gets you out of the doghouse with someone, it’s worth it! Or just over indulge on the bottomless cocktails and you won’t mind as much when the bill comes. 

https://www.theoceanac.com/entertainment/dining-event/mothers-day-brunch-amada. 

Happy Mother’s Day to all the women of the world who inspire and take care of all of us!