I got to decide where I wanted to go for Mother's Day Brunch this year. Last year, we all trooped over to the La Costa Resort's Ballroom for their annual Mother's Day Brunch-to-beat-all-brunches. The problem with those enormous brunches is I never know where to start--or when to finish.

This year, I opted for reasonable servings of fine food, no champagne, a killer Bloody Mary and Pacific beach views that remind me why we chose to live in San Diego. 

Jake's Del Mar is an old favorite, and we have enoyed their Sunday beach brunches for years. The atmosphere is casual and the service friendly.  Entrees range from about $11.00 to $18.00 and include orange juice and plates of fresh-baked pastries. Champagne is available at an extra cost.

Sitting on the sand, this restaurant is also a great choice for seaside lunches and sunset dinners. It's woodsy interior, floor-to-ceiling windows and original beach artwork combine to make for a memorable dining experience.