If you're interested in doing more than just going out at the last minute and buying a card, consider a celebratory meal. It's fitting after all, Mom is the one who kept you well fed and nourished all those years. Here's a selection of eateries around town, with a variety of moms in mind.

The mom who's seen it all: She's the mother of all mothers, the woman who's always on call. Whether she's currently enlisted or now in maternal retirement, she generally takes on more tasks than one sane human should.This woman deserves the ultimate in luxury, the superlative experience. Forget the new suit you're about to buy; you've got La Mama to pamper.The Washington Post reports that Clifton: The Country Inn in Charlottesville has put together a sumptuous package justfor the ole gal, and better yet, it's a treat she can indulge in with dear old Dad (or her current beau, if she and Dad have parted company).

In addition to a five-course classic French dinner for the lucky couple, they get champagne and roses in their room and afternoon tea on the verandah, all for an eyeball-popping price (starting at $350). But hey, her day only happens once a year and she'll be raving about your generosity for weeks.

The mom-to-be: If you've got a Madonna-in-waiting in your life, why not give her a good dose of what awaits her at the end of those long nine months?You're sure to find lots of screaming, food-tossing children at a kid-friendly place such as Generous George's Positive Pizza and Pasta Place in Alexandria, in addition to some killer pie. Or go to the opposite extreme with the meditative atmosphere at Ching Ching Cha, the wonderfully serene Chinese tea house in Georgetown. Her meal here may be the last place where she gets a bit of peace and quiet for the next 18years.

The new mom: If you're taking out a new mom and she has other kids, it seems a bit mean-spirited to leave the rest of the cherubs behind, on Mother's Day of all days. Why not pile everybody into the car and try a place like Maggiano's Little Italy, where from noon to 6 p.m. all can enjoy a big buffet spread, with everything from an antipasto bar to made-to-order omelettes. It's $24.95 for big people, half-price for the little guys under 12.

The stepmom: This is a tough one. Do you take her out on the same day as your real mom? Spend in the same price range? You could make a day of it and take in one of the exhibitions at the National Gallery of Art (the Sargent show doesn't close till the end of May), followed by a nosh at the gallery's newly spruced up Cascades Cafi. The cafi boasts paninis, salads, homemade gelato, desserts and espresso drinks. Or try a cozy in-between meal get-together at Senses in Georgetown, where the classic French pastries by James Beard winner Bruno Felheisen are reasonenough to go. Your guest's palate undoubtedly will be tickled. You're in her good graces now, kiddo.The single mom: Do you take her somewhere where she can meet other eligible singles or do you offer an unusual, horizon-opening experience that married souls only dream about? If you're not up to being a dating service, we suggest the latter, such as the Thai dim sum brunch at Rabieng in Falls Church. From 11 to 3 you and the woman of the hour can fill yourselves to the gills, choosing from among 30 appetiser-size dishes. If brunch is too early to be her cup of tea, take her out for a dinner of Caribbean treats at the funky Hibiscus Cafi in Georgetown, where she can try some of chef Sharon Banks's shark and bake or whatever's jerked on the menu that night.

The grandmom: She's a mom times two, so she should get double the honour and attention on this day. Think special. Think atmosphere. Think diet restrictions. For starters, how about afternoon tea at Lespinasse at the Sheraton-Carlton hotel? From 3 to 5:30,high tea is served in the hotel lobby, complete with finger sandwiches, homemade scones and a harpist only a grandmom would love. There's limited seating, so scoot, scoot to a telephone and call for reservations.