It’s Mothers Day weekend! If you haven’t made reservations yet, you should start putting together plan B. A late lunch or brunch is a casual and easy way to give mom her day without too much stress. A casual spread with cinnamon rolls and croissants purchased from a local bakery, some fresh fruit cut and displayed nicely, smoked salmon or lox and schmear and maybe bagels. A spiral sliced ham, bacon and/or sausages provide some protein. A nice salad – Classic Cobb is a winner. Add a Quiche or Tart at the center will round out the spread. See my Arugula, Goat Cheese, Sun Dried Tomato and Prosciutto Tart Recipe Below. Oh, and bubbles. You have to have Bubbles! Champagne is always a perfect answer. If you are on a budget there are plenty of excellent options for bubbly out there. A nice Cava, Crémant or domestic Sparklers can be a good gift. But, I will always default to Prosecco for a party or brunch. Prosecco has a softer edge than Champagne, and lends itself to a wide variety of foods quite nicely. Also, you can’t beat the price! You can get 3 or 4 bottles of great Prosecco for the price a bottle of Marque Champagne. The Prosecco house of Ruggeri is an excellent example. The Ruggeri Winery was established in 1950 by Giustino Bisol, whose family boasts a deeply rooted, centuries-old tradition in viticulture in the Valdobbiadene area. The Bisol family has been cultivating vines in the heart of Valdobbiadine for centuries. Today the winery is run by Paolo Bisol, who is assisted by his children Giustino and Isabella. Today, Ruggeri is one of the most respected producers in Valdobbiadene winning the coveted Tre Biccheri from the Italian wine guide of record, The Gambero Rosso. In the prestigious World Encyclopedia of Champagne and Sparkling wine, which is published every ten years by the famous auction house Christie's, Ruggeri has the highest rating of all the producers from the Prosecco D.O.C. “I hold the wines of Ruggeri & C. S.r.l in the highest regard. Paolo Bisol and his team run an immaculate operation that extends from the vineyard to his high tech winery.” Robert Parker Today, we have an unbeatable deal on one of Paolo’s wines.

Ruggeri NV Argeo, Prosecco DOC $13.99

“Brilliant silvery straw color. Delicate aromas of honeycomb, spiced melon and apple, and pink peppercorn with a silky, tangy, finely carbonated, fruity medium body and a tingling, distinctive, long tangerine, delicate herbs, and pickled kumquat finish with fine, fruit tannins. A delicious, mouthwatering Prosecco with a savory twist.” – 92 Points BTI It's absolutely delicious as an aperitif, but like virtually all wines from Italy it is made to go with food. From Venice to Milan you will see Prosecco sipped everywhere from sidewalk cafes to white linen restaurants to garden veranda. So, set out the spread put on your Mom’s favorite record and Pop some Bubbles. Don’t forget to take some pictures and don’t let mom do the dishes! Arugula, Goat Cheese, Sun Dried Tomato and Prosciutto Tart recipe