Feature

Mother's Day Events

Mom deserves more than a card and a five-minute phone call. This year, how about doing something really special for her?

By Matt Gross

1. Great Egyptian Mother Goddesses
The pharaohs were considered the offspring of divine nurturers Isis or Hathor. Learn about motherly love in Egyptian art at the Met's gallery talk, then pop in to the Museum Café. (Or check out our brunch round-up, page 124.) (Metropolitan Museum of Art; lecture at 11 a.m. in the Great Hall; brunch from 11:30.)

2. Springfest 2002
Sometimes a bouquet just isn't enough. So head for the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, where you can relax in the Cherry Esplanade and listen to live jazz. (Brooklyn Botanic Garden; performances at 2:30 and 3:30 p.m.)

3. L'École des Chefs
Don't tell her she needs a refresher course; just send her to cooking school -- and have it seem like vacation. L'École des Chefs sneaks Maman into the restaurant kitchens of superchefs like Daniel Boulud and Michel Troisgros. (877-334-646 or www.leschefs.com.)

4. Marathon Makeover
If Mom's the active type, register her for the 5K or half-marathon in Central Park. If she's not, there's a "health-and-beauty zone" -- with massage, makeovers, and reflexology -- at the nearby Mineral Springs. (Races start at 8 a.m. at East Drive and 70th Street; visit www.nyrrc.org for info.)

5. Etiquette for Kids
How better to thank Mom than learning how to say thank you? Saturday at the Plaza, kids 6 to 12 (joined by moms) can bone up on manners at an Eloise-themed tea party -- just in time for brunch the next morning. (The Plaza, Fifth Avenue at 59th Street; $50; call 212-546-5377 for info.)