Below a family picture on my grandma’s Facebook page, one of her friends commented.
“What is it with kids and all of their tattoos these days?”
He was clearly referring to me, the tattooiest member of the family. At this point, I just have one big tattoo that I’ve been working on for 15 years.
And the irony is, my grandma started it all. (Although I didn’t inform her buddy of this.)
It was her idea to get matching family tattoos for my mom’s birthday: a fleur de lis, in memory of our family’s Huguenot heritage. Although my first tattoo was unknowingly a “tramp stamp” (on my lower back, which is actually why I ended up getting more tattoos: to build it into a back piece), that day was one of the best memories I have. We went out for French cuisine, then saw a ballet and ended with getting poked.
I’m thinking about re-creating that perfect day for Mother’s Day this year. Except this time, without the needles.
Whether or not you have French blood, Boulder has some amazing French restaurants. My favorites are Brasserie Ten Ten right by the Pearl Street Mall, across from the luxurious St. Julien; the elegant L’Atelier, a few blocks east on Pearl; and Mateo, yet another block east (slightly more casual, although still ideal for a special occasion).
In fact, L’Atelier has a special Mother’s Day menu, with the likes of lobster ravioli and escargot with gorgonzola for appetizers and prime rib, bouillabaisse scallops or pan-seared sea bass for the entrée, just to name a few of the ridiculous options.
To accent the scallops (I always order scallops; it’s a religion) and fine wine, you can then see a special Mother’s Day show at the Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St. “Two Witches and a Prince” is showing at 11 a.m. on Mother’s Day. This production by the Boulder Ballet follows a prince searching for his princess, and he meets characters from all kinds of fairy tales, from Snow White to Sleeping Beauty.
Not craving French food and dance? Here are some other ways to honor yo mama on Sunday:
With wine: BookCliff Vineyards in Boulder is holding a special Mother’s Day dinner Saturday evening. The event includes a five-course dinner carefully paired with local wines, all served next to the barrels in the winery.
With a walk: Sometimes it’s the sweet, simple things that you remember the most. The City of Lafayette (just east of Boulder) is organizing a Mother’s Day outing on Coal Creek 2 p.m. Sunday. This free family-friendly walk is led by a naturalist, who will talk about the area’s nature and history. Meet at the Coal Creek trailhead off South Public Road. RSVP at martin@entrepreneurialearth.com.
With a beer and cupcakes: Maybe your mom is not a wine-sipper. Then take her to Post Brewing Co. in Lafayette on Mother’s Day for a beer and free mini cupcakes for mothers.
Feeling like an overachiever? Do all three: Dinner on Saturday, go for a walk around the creek and then wrap up the day with a brew and celebratory snack.
