A Mess-Free Mother’s Day Meal

It’s almost Mother’s Day. You say there’s nothing you wouldn’t do for dear old mom. Except make her breakfast. Fortunately, we found several restaurants willing to provide a memorable repast.

For the more adventurous, a stop at a bakery or gourmet takeout will yield a yummy picnic or the makings of a breakfast in bed. Whether you surprise her with fresh fruit and quiche from the bakery or champagne brunch from the bistro, Mom will thank you: for sparing her the Spam omelet, and not messing up the kitchen.

The Black Sheep Bistro in Tustin will celebrate its 10th year of charity Mother’s Day meals this Sunday. The lunch--$25 for adults and $12.50 for children--features lamb with honey lavender sauce, linguini marinara, chicken with cilantro sauce and other Provencal specialties. Seventy percent of the proceeds will benefit City of Hope Hospital in Duarte. Hours are 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Mom can be queen for a day at the Disneyland Hotel’s Royal Buffet for Mother’s Day, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The all-you-can-eat champagne buffet, in a castle setting with Disney characters, includes prime rib, grilled fish, ham, shrimp, omelets, breakfast meats, breakfast pastries and waffle stations. Cost is $42 for adults, $13.50 for a children’s buffet.

Royal treatment also is offered at Corona del Mar’s Five Crowns restaurant, which will serve a special Mother’s Day brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The traditional two-course offerings include prime rib, rack of lamb, poached salmon with basil cream sauce, grilled swordfish and eggs Benedict. Meals range from $13.95 to $30.95. Children’s meals also are available. Champagne is not included.

Diva in Costa Mesa has a brunch for $29.95 (prix fixe; half price for children; $5 more for unlimited champagne) from noon to 4 p.m. Offerings include lobster Benedict, Alaska crab and wild mushroom crepes, salmon and hash, and steak and eggs with assorted salads, starters and desserts. Children can order Belgian waffles and egg dishes.

Chanteclair in Irvine will serve a buffet brunch from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for $24.95 for adults ($21.95 without champagne) and $12.95 for children. The brunch--decorated with ice carvings--includes champagne and features shrimp and oysters, cheeses, a pasta station, an omelet station, leg of lamb, tenderloin of beef, lemon sole wrapped with asparagus with lobster butter sauce, herbed-stuffed chicken in a caper butter sauce, cheese blintzes and eggs Benedict.

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Brunch with a French accent is offered at Pinot Provence from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The three-course meals (starter, entree and dessert; $32.50 for adults, $41 for unlimited champagne) include omelet of sauteed morels with field greens and pommes frites, Mijote (layered dish) of braised veal cheeks with root vegetables, spring peas and white truffle oil jus, crispy duck confit with roasted peanut potatoes, vine-ripened tomatoes, haricot vert and walnut vinaigrette.

The Golden Truffle in Newport Beach, where you can also order meals to go, has a three-course meal for $38 for adults and $20 for children (includes beverages, tax and gratuity). Entrees include breast of chicken with artichokes and truffles; barbecued lamb loin and goat cheese chile relleno; and Alaskan halibut with lemongrass broth. Mother’s Day meals are served from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Corner Bakery in Costa Mesa is a good place to pick up a picnic. Stuff a basket with Italian egg strata made with applewood smoked bacon, red onions and green peppers ($3.95); or egg pie with potato crust and poblano peppers ($3.75). Other popular items are the chicken pesto sandwich on freshly baked bread ($5.75) or the roasted vegetable salad ($3.85).

Zov’s Bakery in Tustin is closed Sundays but has countless takeout items that can be picked up Saturday for a surprise breakfast in bed. Some of the items include frittata with roasted red peppers, fresh basil, tomatoes and fresh mozzarella ($6.95); salmon salad with Moroccan spices on goat cheese and baby lettuces ($10.75) and grilled tuna salad with asparagus, roasted red peppers, tomatoes and vinaigrette dressing ($10.75).

Claro’s Italian Market in Tustin has fresh meats and cheese and an assortment of salads and pastas that are perfect for alfresco dining. Also good are the freshly baked stratas, breads, cookies and pastries. For those of you who don’t get along with your mother, call Domino’s.

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Where to Treat Mom

Hours listed are for Sunday.

* Black Sheep Bistro, 303 El Camino Real, Tustin. (714) 544-6060. Hours: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

* Disneyland Hotel, 1150 W. Cerritos Ave., Anaheim. (714) 956-6425. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

* Five Crowns, 3801 E. Coast Highway, Corona del Mar. (949) 760-0331. Hours: 10:30 to 3 p.m.

* Diva restaurant, 600 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa. (714) 754-0600. Hours: Noon to 4 p.m.

* Chanteclair, 18912 MacArthur Blvd., Irvine. (949) 752-8001. Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

* Pinot Provence, 686 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa. (714) 444-5900. Hours: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

* The Golden Truffle, 1767 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach. (949) 645-9858. Hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

* Corner Bakery, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. (714) 546-1555. Hours: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

* Zov’s Bakery, 17440 17th St., Tustin. (714) 838-9495. Closed Sundays.

* Claro’s Italian Market, 1095 E. Main St., Tustin. (714) 832-3081. Hours: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.