If I was a resident of Portland and my mother was in town, no doubt would I take her to Mother’s Bistro & Bar. Cliché, but the homey cafe and bar is reminiscent of an elegant, country styled bistro. White booths with decorative seats, round granite tables with wooden chairs out of a “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” movie. Momma is going to have options, but make sure momma stay focused and doesn’t get too distracted by the chandeliers. Also, their windows give guests roadside views of cars and people that may be walking along outside. Let their motto be the reason you might choose Mother’s, “It’s all about the love in everything we do… from the minute you walk in until you step outside our door, we want you to feel taken care of and loved.” Since 2000, chef Lisa Schroeder has been serving up comfort food from scratch.  - Jordan Dietterich of Surfside, Florida