Easter Brunch Roundup

MyRecipes.com

​Whether or not you celebrate Easter, it's definitely one of the best Sundays of the year to indulge in a lavish brunch. The holiday falls on April 8 this year, and while you might be thinking that gives you plenty of time to make plans, it's never too early to book a table and secure your very own round of mimosas.

Don't expect us to help hide eggs, fill baskets, and stock up on chocolate (we will, however, help you eat it). But, we can at least help simplify your holiday plans by pointing you to the restaurants that will fulfill your Easter wishes - if, like us, you dream about French toast, smoked salmon, baked ham, and eggs benedict. For those of you with little ones, we've also listed family-friendly brunches that offer activities for all ages, including meeting the Easter Bunny himself.

Cibo -- This downtown pizza spot recently began serving weekend brunch, and we can't say enough good things about it. The restaurant will be open for brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Easter Sunday. Menu favorites include the Fritatta Melfitana with Shreiner's sausage and bacon and the Contadino sandwich with scrambled eggs, spinach, and ricotta and mozzarella cheeses. 602-441-2697

El Chorro Lodge -- Menu highlights of this Easter brunch include honey-baked ham with dried cherry glaze, green chile chicken enchiladas, slow-roasted turkey with cranberry mayo, and New York strip steak with horseradish cream. There will also be a dessert station with seven options, including lavender chocolate-dipped strawberries and Easter cupcakes. Served from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. brunch is $49 for adults and $16 for children ages 4-12. 480-948-5170

The Farm at South Mountain -- An extensive buffet will be served from 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. with freshly baked pastries, fresh salads, farm-style scrambled eggs, pecan honey glazed French toast, country potatoes, and more. Baked goods and candy round out the offering, including carrot cupcakes, pecan diamonds, and chocolate-dipped strawberries. Brunch is $45.95 for adults, $16.95 for children 8-12, and $8 for children 3-7. Reservations are required. 480-471-5224

Frank & Albert's at The Biltmore -- Priced at $19 for adults and $10 for children, a breakfast buffet is available from 7 to 11 a.m. featuring Arizona comfort foods and American classics prepared with local ingredients. A three-course, pre-fixe Easter menu is also available for lunch and dinner at $55 for adults and $29 for children; the full menu is here. 602-381-7632