Celebrating Mother's Day in Scotch Plains and Fanwood

How does a free mimosa sound? Maybe you prefer a Bloody Mary, or a slice of cheesecake? For Scotch Plains and Fanwood moms, these are just a few of the complimentary gifts that local restaurants are offering on Sunday.

Mother's Day is a day to show your mom just how much you appreciate all that she does. There are plenty of ways to celebrate: You could stop by her house and make her lunch or dinner, but that would probably mean she would be busy cleaning the house for company. Who wants to do that on their special day?

You could invite her over to your house for a party. But if you are a mom yourself you deserve to be waited on just as much as your mom or your mother-in-law. And if you are a married man, chances are your wife does not want to be hosting on Mother's Day.

So what is the perfect way to spend the holiday? Let a professional do the cooking!

Several local restaurants are offering brunch specials on Sunday. Those that aren't open for brunch are offering free drinks or desserts for moms.

"You should always take good care of you mother," Portusa BBQ owner Victor Neno says. His restaurant is offering complimentary coffee and dessert with lunch or dinner. With mouthwatering options such as chocolate mousse and cheesecake up for grabs, Neno says they saw a "great turnout" last year.

Snuffy's Famous Steak House is offering a full brunch spread. For $34.95 ($15.95 for children 8 and under), diners can stack their plates with omelets, prime rib, turkey, ham, french toast, pancakes, hash browns, seafood newburg, oysters, shrimp, clams on the half-shell, pastries and more.

Jackie Johnson, a banquet manager at Snuffy's, says the restaurant usually draws more than 3,000 guests on Mother's Day, as opposed to 500 on a typical Sunday. Johnson recommends making a reservation before Sunday.

The Stage House Restaurant and Bar is offering a three-course special Mother's Day menu, for $39.00. The Tavern menu and children's menu are also available. Event Coordinator Jessica Vasquez says the day is "very popular, very busy. It's what people look forward to." Reservations or calling ahead are recommended.

At the Sun Tavern, moms will be treated to a complimentary mimosa or Bloody Mary with their meal.

Whether residents decide to throw their mom a party or head out for brunch, many will be bringing flowers for their moms. Lori Flowers, of Scotchwood Florists, says Mother's Day, "is huge. It's the biggest holiday we have. We're getting orders over the phone, in the store, online; from every angle.

Lisa Mohn, owner of Apple Blossom Flower Shop, is holding special hours on Sunday for last minute shoppers. The shop is normally closed on Sundays, but will be open from 9:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. this weekend. She says Mother's Day business is not as huge as it once was, because of internet flower shops and arrangements being sold in supermarkets, but business is still steady.

"Tomorrow [Saturday] is our busiest day," Mohn says, "We are making extra arrangements to have ready for walk-in customers. We brought in extra staff and extra drivers, just for the day."