Who doesn't love getting chocolate rabbits for Easter? It's naughty yet socially acceptable fun to cannibalize your bunny -- first nibbling on the ears, then biting off the fluffy chocolate tail.
Chocolate is one thing; actual bunnies is another. I blanched a little when Chef Payton Curry first advertised his Easter dining specials at Caffe Boa in Tempe and Boa Bistro in Mesa: a six-course rabbit feast with an Alice in Wonderland theme. Between the Easter Bunny and Alice's watch-holding White Rabbit, Chef Payton is trampling on a few beloved children's icons. Then again, this dinner's not aimed at the kiddies.
From the press release: "What did Alice do once she found The White Rabbit? Why, she ate him of course. And you can too this Easter at Caffe Boa." [insert evil laughter]
From 11am to close, the two Boas are offering a prix-fixe meal with six courses including rabbit-stuffed ravioli and prosciutto-wrapped roasted rabbit leg. Finish up with tea and a slice of "Unbirthday" cake.
If that's too weird, we've got a few more choice Easter dining ideas.
- The Wigwam Resort & Spa at 300 Wigwam Boulevard in Litchfield Park will host a Champagne Brunch from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 4 with a buffet of favorites including herb-crusted beef ribs, Virginia pit ham and Grilled Lamb Chops with Apple-Mint Cream Sauce. Cost is $45 for adults; $20 kids 6-12. Reservations recommended.
- Enjoy an international buffet cooked by the chefs at La Hacienda, The Grill at TPC Scottsdale, Bourbon Steak and LV Bistro at the Scottsdale Fairmont Princess, 7575 East Princess Dr. from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sunday. Cost is $55 for adults; $18 for children ages 6-12.
- Have a serious sweet tooth? Try the Easter brunch at The Farm at South Mountain, 6106 S. 32nd St. in Phoenix, where you'll find pastries, pecan honey-glazed french toast, carrot cupcakes, chocolate dipped strawberries and linzer cookies. Oh, and they have eggs and chicken too. Cost is $39.95 adults, $16.95 kids 8-18, $8 kids 3-7. Reservations required; call 480-471-5223.
- The Latilla Restaurant at the Boulders Resort, 34631 N. Tom Darlington Dr. is hosting a Champagne Brunch featuring butternut squash salad, Dill Honey Mustard glazed Salmon in Champagne Sauce, leg of lamb and a dessert buffet. $75 adults, $28 children 6-12.
- Executive Chef Bryan Hulihee is whipping up a rustic ala carte Easter Brunch with everything from cinnamon rolls and breakfast pizza to wood-grilled ham and roasted prime rib from 10:30a.m. to 2:30p.m. at Roaring Fork, 4800 N. Scottsdale Rd. in Scottsdale. Call 480-947-0795 for reservations.
- The cozy atmosphere and handpainted china are worth the trek out to Tonto Bar & Grill at 5736 E. Rancho Manana Blvd. in Cave Creek. Their 4-course plated meal includes a trio of salads, shrimp and king crab with Arizona Citrus Salad, quiche, lamb chops, ribeye or pan-roasted Alaskan halibut and choice of dessert. Cost is $42; $14 for kids.
- The Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa is offering a handful of brunches and dinners on Easter Sunday, plus an egg hunt beginning at 9:30 a.m. Look for a reasonably priced $19 breakfast buffet at Frank & Albert's, followed by a prix fixe menu of corn chowder or salad, brown sugar pork and apple pie. $36 for adults, $19 children under 12. In the Frank Lloyd Wright Ballroom, Executive Chef Todd Sicolo will prepare a feast of omelets, antipasti, grilled meats, "Mac and All That Cheese" and other kid-friendly foods. Cost is $74 for
adults, $38 for children 12 and under.