Brunch Options with a Bonus

Looking for brunch opportunities that offer a little extra? Here are three ways to enjoy a pleasant meal along with something uplifting to do before or after dining. P.S.: Reservations are essential – it’s Mother’s Day, after all.• The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden: Wander through the beauty of the gardens – then enjoy brunch on-site at Trellis Cafe, with lovely views of downtown from across the the Des Moines River. Choose from the fresh-focused soups, salads and sandwiches on the May menu. A few brunch selections, such as seafood-oyster Florentine and an egg, spinach, and bechamel dish will also be offered. Served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reservations: 515-323-6288.

• Tangerine at the Art Center: Served from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the $25 prix-fixe menu kicks off with house-made pastries and a small appetite-rouser of either fresh fruit or crostini (gravlax or chicken liver). Then, choose from seven entrees, including shrimp and grits, asparagus-Brie puff pastry, and waffles with roasted strawberry and rhubarb compote. Afterward, stroll through the galleries and enjoy some art, or take a walk through adjacent Greenwood Park. The pond, with its trilling red-winged blackbirds, croaking toads and sunning turtles, is especially lovely this time of year. Reservations: 515-271-0332.

• Harvey’s at the Hotel Pattee: Remember when Sunday drives were a thing? Probably not. Still, you can revive this leisurely custom with a drive up to Perry, and see fields and woodlands at their spring-green best. Served from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the buffet-style brunch costs $25 ($14 for ages 12 and under) and offers both breakfast and lunch items, including smoked salmon, pork roulade, egg dishes, breakfast meats, plus a salad bar, soups, desserts and a chocolate fountain. Get tickets through Eventbrite.

Wini Moranville writes about food, wine and dining for dsm magazine and dsmWeekly. Follow her on Facebook at All Things Food–DSM.