Sara Waxman, OOnt, is an award-winning restaurant critic, best-selling cookbook…
Every day is Mother’s Day… Still, it is lovely to be recognized by the kids, no matter their age and distance from home. For the mom who doesn’t want anything. For the mom who wouldn’t mind a little something. And even for the mom who already has everything, here are some new-on-the-market surprises.
For the mom who appreciates lovely jewelry
Maadrn Fine Jewels
Jewelry is more than something you just wear. Mairi Shewfelt is the Founder & Designer of a company founded in 2021 by two women on a mission to redefine beauty and sustainability. They work with expert goldsmiths in Toronto who use recycled gold, silver, and precious stones to create pieces as beautiful and unique as the women who wear them. Designed to be cherished forever, I can put these pieces on in the a.m. and I’m dressed for the day, every day—in good taste. www.Maadrnfj.com
For the mom who loves a luxurious afternoon nap
Manta Silk Sleep Mask
“To sleep, perchance to dream,” wrote Shakespeare. Think of the luxury of an afternoon nap x 10. Crafted of 100% silk, this mask is gentle on the skin while giving total blackout. Woven for flexibility and a seamless fit, it can also be worn all night, and there is no pressure on the eyes. And then—you wake up beautifully refreshed. Trust me, a deep, afternoon nap is the best beauty trick you will ever use. www.mantasleep.com
For the mom who enjoys a cocktail or refreshing beverage
Bottega Lemon Spritz Veneto
Sitting in the garden or on the balcony, watching the flowers grow, thinking that it would be so nice to have a drink in your hand as lovely as the day. Lemon Spritz (limited edition) is made-to-order for the mood. This contemporary twist on a classic Italian aperitivo is a unique and refreshing ready-to-drink cocktail made with Bottega Sparkling Wine, the infusion of lemons organically-grown in Sicily and mint leaves. Simply fill a long stem glass with ice cubes and pour Lemon Spritz over the ice. Garnish with a half slice of lemon and fresh mint. Salute! www.lcbo.com
Gibson’s Finest Whisky Rare 12 years old
For me, a Caesar is the most successful opening to a Lunch or Brunch, whether at home or dining out. But frankly speaking, unless one adds a ton of spice, it lacks backbone, and has begun to taste bland. Always open to new ideas, I made a Gibson’s Finest Whisky Rare Caesar for my brunch guests instead of the usual spirit, and the reaction was unanimous: “Hail Caesar!!” A Caesar with all the character of its name. www.instagram.com/gibsonswhisky/?hl=en
Recipe
- Celery salt, Lemon or lime wedge, a few dashes each of hot sauce and Worcestershire
- 1+34 oz. Gibsons Finest*Rare
- 5 oz Clamato Juice
- Rim glass with citrus wedge, dip rim into celery salt. Fill glass ¾ full with ice. Add juice of citrus wedge, pour in whisky and sauces. Top-up with Clamato juice. Stir to mix, and add a celery stick.
Peroni Nastro Azzurro Stile Capri
Would it be possible to make this superior quality Italian beer brand any better? The answer is “No,” but they did give it some added va-va-voom for summer. This new Mediterranean-inspired lager, Peroni Nastro Azzurro Stile Capri, captures the essence of the Italian coast and brings out the taste of Capri, one of the world’s most beautiful islands. This new variety features Sicilian lemon which gives a delicate taste with a balance of low bitterness and citrus notes. It’s a beach holiday in a bottle. www.peroniitalia.com/StileCapri
Sara Waxman, OOnt, is an award-winning restaurant critic, best-selling cookbook author, food and travel journalist and has eaten her way through much of the free world for four decades, while writing about it in books, newspapers and magazines. She is the Editor in Chief of DINE magazine.