OT-Restaurant Recommendation

[GiftPantry]

This Mother's Day looking for a restaurant in the San Jose-Monterey-Santa Cruz,
California area that has good food plus something unique about it that would
make for an enjoyable evening for a lady who has become a Second Mother to me.
I know these areas are loaded with restaurants, but along with the good food, I
wanted a view, a uniqueness (gimmick), or etc. that would make the place
special for her. She is a very simple woman but gets a true kick out of
different surroundings, offerings, etc.

I would appreciate any suggestions. Thank you.

Patti

[Ellen]

Wow, this is cool. Your asking about something I actually know a little
about...lol. I'm 4th generation Santa Cruz and have spent many many
mother's days in various restaurants round those parts.

1) The Sun Room (with full retractable glass ceiling and view of the
bay) at the Cocoanut Grove down at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk does a
wonderful champagne brunch. They have an omelette station as well as all
you can eat shrimp, lots of fresh fruit and pastries, quite a few
excellent hot dishes, sliced to order ham or beef...free pour champagne.
May be difficult getting prime time seating this late, but it's really
very nice. Take a walk on the beach or out on the wharf afterwards. And
if you're really daring, go on the Ferris Wheel and enjoy the fabulous
view of the Santa Cruz hills, the San Lorenzo River and the Monterey
Bay. 831.423.5590

2) Seascape Golf Resort - Aptos
Stunning view of the bay, with as cute little shuttle that will take you
down to an absolutely magnificent stretch of beach. This is a fairly new
resort with lots of patio dining. I don't know much about the food, but
the potato pancakes with smoked salmon that I had there once was very
very good. Very beautiful way to celebrate Mother Earth. 831.688.6800

3) Shadowbrook - Capitola
This old lodge features one of those neat elevator type trams, painted
bright red, to carry you down the slope to the riverfront lodge.
Recently remodeled (the most spectacular job of remodeling I've ever
seen and you have to see it to believe it) this place has been a special
occasion restaurant for years and years. Same owners as the Crow's Nest
down at the Santa Cruz Harbor, the food is quite good, the atmosphere is
charming and it's wonderful to go down to the village and stroll the
promenade, check out the little galleries and shops and again...it's
right on the beach. 831.475.1511

These three are my favorites for Brunch. Please avoid Chaminade &
Peachwoods.

Ellen

[Ellen]

oops...I didn't catch that it was an evening. That does make it a bit
more difficult as most of restaurants put on a big show brunch and close
for dinner. can you make it for a late brunch, say 2:00 or so? Then
enjoy a wonderful drive around the coastline. Don't miss Natural Bridges
Park up West Cliff Drive, Sea Lion Rock and Lighthouse Point. You may
even want to grab some fresh seafood off the wharf to take home. Ellen