Fit for family’s royal mother

Mother’s day is a special day for the Harrington Family. After losing their father in September, the family wanted to take the time to enjoy each other’s company and celebrate their mom, Karen Harrington.

“It’s been a rough year,” Kayley Harrington said. “This is a day we can thank Mom, celebrate Mom and appreciate how strong she is.”

The family decided to enjoy the special day for their mother at the Costa Mesa Hilton, which was hosting its third annual Queen Mothers for a Day event Sunday.

“They really do treat mothers like a queen,” Karen Harrington said. “I think it is absolutely phenomenal.”

A Victorian carriage waits at the entrance while trumpets grab visitors’ attention. Walking across the red carpet, the doors open on command. Awaiting inside is a throne and roses for the queen mothers to pamper themselves with.

“We add the goose bumps and/or the smiles,” trumpeter Owen Kirschner said. Kirschner works for Fanfares D’Elegance, which provides the trumpets, red carpet, carriage and other themed items that help make the event special.

The event at the Costa Mesa Hilton first appeared after general manager Shuan Robinson came from working at a Hilton in Scottsdale, Ariz. The Hilton there was owned by Merv Griffin and they developed the Queen Mother’s Day idea in 2001. When Robinson came to Costa Mesa, he immediately put the event in the works.

“It’s a nice way to celebrate mom,” Robinson said. “It’s also nice for the local community. It brings them in.”

The event hosts about 500 guests who are treated to an elaborate buffet prepared by executive chef Chad Krohling. Eye-catching ice sculptures show off a table flanked by poached salmon and sushi, in the middle are crab legs and shrimp.

Along the sides of the wall are grilled vegetables, roasted pork and chicken. Underneath the flowing chocolate fountain are layers of cakes and deserts, and across from that is the pasta bar. Patrons also have the opportunity to order eggs anyway they like, prime rib or other treats.

The event is $61.95 for adults and $22.95 for kids.

A photograph of Mom on her throne comes with the deal, as well as a performance from the Alice Tatum Duo and an opportunity for children to use icing to decorate cookies for Mom.

“What more could you ask for?” Krohling said.

DANIEL TEDFORD may be reached at (714) 966-4632 or at [email protected].