Día de las Madres: The Best Valley Food Offers to Celebrate Mom
By: Brian Garrido
In 1905, American social activist Anna Marie Jarvis invented Mother’s Day as a celebration honoring her mother’s legacy, Ann Jarvis, who cared for wounded soldiers on both sides of the American Civil War. Interestingly, a few years after the holiday’s founding, the originator became famously resentful at the increased commercialization of the day – even boycotting several companies, including Hallmark. To Jarvis, Mother’s Day was about sentiment and she preferred advocating handwritten letters and time spent together, rather than gifts and purchases.
Throughout Latin America, mothers are held in high regard. It’s not enough to just take nuestras madres out for dinner or brunch. It’s a celebration of the bond between a mother and child, the maternal influence in our lives. Annually, on May 10th, the governments of Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador shut down in observance of mamas. Other countries practice it on different days of the week, like Spain on the first Sunday in May – whereas Paraguay (May 15th), Bolivia (May 27th) and the Dominican Republic (May 30th) observe on individual dates regardless of the day it falls. In the United States, Mother’s Day is celebrated yearly as Anne Jarvis intended on the second Sunday in May.
Regardless of the day, mothers are honored in over forty countries around the world. In the Valley of the Sun, a variety of establishments are adding something special to our mothers’ meals, as Ms. Jarvis wanted. It’s not about the money, but the love that was given freely.
Miracle Mile Deli: Pie Loving Moms
With sixty years in the Valley of the Sun, Latin-owned Miracle Mile Deli dishes out a slice of complimentary pie to every mother with the purchase of an entrée. Moms can select from homemade Cherry, Apple, Pecan, Lemon Meringue and other delicious selections.
Hours: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
Address: 4445 N. 16th Street, Phoenix
Website: www.miraclemiledeli.com
Inde Fusion: Sophisticated Food Moms
At the recently opened Inde Fusion, epicurean-loving mothers eat free with the purchase of another entrée. Owner Rupesh Shetty, influenced by his global hotel career before becoming a Scottsdale –based independent restauranteur, pairs daring Asian and Latin flavors for exceptional tastes. Highlights include the Pumpkin and Cashew Ravioli, the Masala-rubbed Shrimp & Grits with a lobster reduction, and the Kofta Wontons.
Hours: Mom eats free after 5:00pm
Address: 7704 E. Doubletree Road, Scottsdale
Website: www.indefusion.com
Lone Spur Café: American Moms who love a Rose
An American brunch filled with Chicken Fried Steak, Eggs and Omelets. Every mom who eats at on Mother’s Day will receive a rose.
Hours: 6:30 am – 2:30pm
Address: 9744 N. Northern Ave, Peoria
Website: www.lonespurcafe.com
Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers: Beer-Loving Moms
If mom loves a cold brew on a warm Sunday teamed with award-winning burgers, she will eat for free – provided you’re buying yourself one. Mothers will get to choose any burger or customize her own. There is even a gluten-free menu if she’s of that variety. Even better, the savings allows you to buy her another round of suds while you are both watching the game.
Hours: Open daily, 11:00 am to 10:00 pm
Address: 4222 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
Website: http://www.coldbeers.com/
True Food Kitchen: Garden Loving Moms
Every mom who noshes at True Food Kitchen on Mother’s Day will receive a mint seed packet and a cocktail recipe for the Sparkling Honey-do libation. It consists of the fresh herb, fruit, St. Germaine and Veev. Although the drink is $10, and the packet of seeds is nominal, the idea that it’s a gift that keeps on giving long after the day is over is priceless, and is truly in the spirit of a mother’s love.
Hours: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Location: Biltmore Fashion Park
Website: www.truefoodkitchen.com