The Way to a Mom’s Heart

Hi, Mom: Mother’s Day is coming up--it’s May 9--so here are a few spots to take Mom.

For a new menu by a new chef at a (relatively) new place, try the Restaurant at L’Ermitage Hotel (9291 Burton Way, Beverly Hills). Chef Joseph Antonishek just landed there, replacing Serge Falesitch and his “cuisine of the sun.” Antonishek, who’s spent most of the ‘90s cooking in New York, most recently swung his spatula in the kitchen of Coco Pazzo (before it left the Mondrian Hotel early this year, not to be heard from since). He has taken the menu in a new direction but says, “We’re having a hard time describing what it is.”

This is what we got out of him: It’s Provencal French with Asian influences and Italian touches. For Mother’s Day, Antonishek offers a seven-course prix-fixe menu for $55. Dishes may include cod consomme with truffled brandade, young chicken stuffed with aromatic herbs accompanied by sweet corn flan or Arctic char (salmon’s more fashionable cousin) with a morel and asparagus risotto. “I’m really trying to elevate to the next step,” says Antonishek, but he’s not talking about putting in more stairs, Mom. For reservations, call (310) 385-5307.

Cienega (730 N. La Cienega Blvd., L.A.) celebrates its first Mother’s Day this year with a free glass of Champagne to all moms and a three-course brunch menu for $27. Choose from courses like Castroville artichoke strudel, eggs Benedict with smoked salmon, lamb Coulard steak with Israeli couscous and Grand Marnier custard egg with strawberry sorbet. Brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Call (310) 358-8585 for reservations.

Also new to the Mother’s Day gig is Boomerock Hot Rocks Grill at 61 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena. If you think your mom would enjoy grilling meats or seafood on a very, very hot slab of rock, take her in for lunch or dinner (from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.). Once there, she can order off the regular menu or choose one of the three-course menus, ranging in price from $22 to $27. Her choices include Katoombo seafood cocktail, BBQ mango shrimp salad, citrus-marinated chicken and upside Down Under apple tart. A soft jazz combo will be playing all day, and all moms get a few Australian flowers to take home. Call (626) 440-0088 for reservations.

Perroche, the slightly English sidewalk cafe at 11929 Ventura Blvd. in Studio City, is serving brunch on May 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The three-course menu costs $32 with one glass of Champagne ($28 without). Some dishes you might choose: the smoked trout appetizer with a potato pancake, beets and creme frai^che; the eggplant, tomato and ricotta ravioli entree; or the filet of beef with eggs. Call (818) 766-1179 for reservations.

Maybe your mom wants something a little Queen Mother-like. The Whale and Ale (327 W. 7th St., San Pedro) is serving up an English buffet brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $18.95 per person. The all-you-can-eat menu includes classic English pub eats like bangers, bubble and squeak, fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, steak and kidney pie and Sherry trifle. Champagne will be served throughout your meal. Call (310) 832-0363 for reservations.

To step off the beaten path, try Trilogy, the contemporary American restaurant at 18201 Von Karman Ave., Irvine. Trilogy will be serving brunch and dinner on Mom’s Day. At brunch, served from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the champagne will be flowing freely. For dinner, you can order off the regular menu. Entrees include a grilled seafood trois rivieres with Creole scallops, mustard salmon and red pepper shrimp; a veal Porterhouse chop; an herb-crusted Colorado lamb loin; and a crisp Muscovy duck breast with tart Michigan cherries. A children’s menu is also available for $8. Call (949) 955-0757 for reservations.

For a lovely garden setting, escort Mom to Michael’s, at 1147 3rd St., Santa Monica. There she’ll find patio seating and a three-course brunch ($40). In addition to complimentary pastries and blood-orange marmalade, the kitchen is whipping up dishes like gravlax-wrapped asparagus with creme frai^che, Maine lobster and egg scramble, blueberry pancakes with Virginia ham and petit fours with chocolate truffles. Seatings are available from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For reservations, which must be guaranteed with a credit card, call (310) 451-0843.

If it’s a very French day you want, Mimosa at 8009 Beverly Blvd. in L.A. obliges with its Bonne Fe^te Maman. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., a three-course brunch is served for $35 per person. On the menu are specials like leek and mushroom quiche, tomato tarte tatin, braised filet of sole and the Maman’s Dessert. Dinner, served from 5 to 11 p.m. is the regular menu. Call (323) 655-8895 for reservations.