This list is slated to run in Sunday's Press Democrat, but since that's cutting it a bit close, here are my suggestions for great places to go for cocktails - and of course food - this Mother's Day.

Barndiva

The brainchild of mother Jil Hale (son is Lukka Feldman), Barndiva is among our favorite places any day or time of the week, but seems especially right on Mother's Day. Its commitment to sustainably farmed food is one part of the equation, but more on point is the cocktail menu, seasonal favorites of which include the Arletty (housemade vanilla-infused vodka, Roederer sparkling wine and brown sugar cube doused with Marie Brizard liqueur) and Steamy Windows (cilantro and ginger muddled and shaken with Level Vodka and pineapple juice). The outdoor dining area makes it possible for those who consider their dogs to be children also to enjoy. Open Sunday at 11 a.m.

231 Center St., Healdsburg, 431-0100.

Boon Fly Café

An open, sun-lit dining room halfway between Napa and Sonoma, the Boon Fly has such deliciously fun items as Green Eggs and Ham on the menu (an herbed lemon-leek cream making it green); moms too will love the Brunch Martini (Absolut Vanilla, Lillet with fresh orange juice), Elderflower Sweet Tea (St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur and Mighty Leaf California Fields iced tea) or POM Cooler (Domaine Carneros Brut Rose, fresh pomegranate juice and Madhava agave nectar). It also features "Zero Proof" drinks (the Pom Cooler without the champagne) for those moms without the time or spousal support to snooze things off in the afternoon.

At the Carneros Inn, 4048 Sonoma Highway, Napa, 299-4870.

Estate

Sondra Bernstein's latest gem, in the former General's Daughter mansion, has just recently opened its spacious, stately doors and outdoor deck for Sunday brunch. The menu is one part Italian, more parts sustainable Sonoma: much of the salumi is housemade and other starters include roasted red and yellow peppers, asparagus and other options from the Estate gardens. Leave room for the Chocolate Budino if you dare. Drinks wise, if a Bellini (Prosecco and white peach puree) doesn't do it for you, have a Limoncello Drop (vodka, Limoncello and fresh lemon juice) or Italian 75 (gin, Limoncello, Prosecco and fresh lemon).

400 West Spain St., Sonoma, 933-3663.

GG's Earth and Surf

With a bar menu of inspired organic vegetarian fare, GG's has an equally vibrant menu of cocktails, from a Tangerine Mojito to Cucumber Martini to GG's Margarita (fresh squeezed lime, Milagro Silver Tequila, agave nectar, splash of water, lime wheel garnish and half salt rim), enough to do your body good. GG's is named for owner Suzan Fleissner's mom, Grandma Gudran, as Fleissner's kids called her, and Great Grandmothers everywhere. Brunch is served 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

630 Third St., Santa Rosa, 528-1445.

Healdsburg Bar & Grill

The deal-sealer here, in addition to the great burgers, seared tuna, truffle-oil/parmigiano-reggiano fries and chopped salad, not to mention resuscitative Bloody Marys and more, is the sizable, enclosed, grassy run-around area adjacent to the outdoor tables around the patio, leaving just a sliver of a chance a mom might get the time to enjoy her meal. Open Sunday at 11:30 a.m.

245 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 433-3333.

Jack and Tony's Restaurant and Whisky Bar

Sazerac Old-Fashioned or Maker's Mark Manhattan - why not both? Grab some brunch and enlighten your whisky-attuned taste buds at Jack and Tony's, a recent addition to Santa Rosa open since February with an extensive wall of whiskies and single-malt scotch and eclectic, comforting menu - the mussels with chorizo shouldn't be missed. Open Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Railroad Square, 115 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 526-4347.

Rocker Oysterfeller's

Nothing says Mother's Day more than the words "saloon" and "outdoor patio," a worthy combination able to accommodate the dual sides of most of our personalities. The food at Rocker's is exquisite, tinged with the usual Northern California/West County sensibilities (local yogurt and Bloomfield Bees wildflower honey), whacked with plenty of Louisiana hot (Creole Caesar salad, braised chard, black-eyed peas). Cocktails are matronly though naughty - think Ramos Gin Fizz and Brandy Milk Punch. Sunday brunch (plus live blues today) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Valley Ford Hotel, 14415 Coast Highway 1, Valley Ford, 876-1983.