Our first Easter Brunch Roundup was posted with plenty of time for those of you who enjoy (or can at least manage) scheduling everything with time to spare. For the rest of you, who like the pressure of waiting up until the last second, now's your time. There's less than a week left until the holiday, and we've listed the rest of the Valley's best brunch selections (plus one dinner) to help you find your ideal spread. Better start calling around to book your table, and don't blame us if you have to call three or four places before you find an opening. (And if you keep putting it off, we hear that you can order Schwan's "traditional Easter fare" like green peas to be delivered to your doorstep.)
Arrowhead Grill -- This Elegant Easter Brunch by Chef Charles Wade Schwerd will be served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The holiday menu includes New Zealand rack of lamb, Atlantic swordfish, filet mignon wrapped in applewood bacon, and Eggs Benedict. Each meal is paired with a starter and side, such as sautéed asparagus and maple mashed sweet potatoes, to enhance the selected entrée. For an additional charge, desserts like butter cake,crème brûlée, and strawberries and chocolate fondue are available. Brunch is $42.99 per person, and reservations are required. 623-566-2224
The Capital Grille -- The Camelback location will be serving Easter brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The selection includes breakfast classics like Lobster Eggs Benedict and made-to-order omelets, a carving station featuring roasted Kona-crusted tenderloin, a raw seafood bar, seven varieties of salads, a dessert table, and children's options like mac n' cheese and mini burgers. The cost is $46 for adults and $18 for children. 602-952-8900
SWB at Hyatt Regency Gainey Ranch -- This Scottsdale resort has planned an egg-ceptional Easter celebration for families, including visits with Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny and an Easter egg home built for a real live bunny. The brunch buffet served at SWB will have Alaskan king crab legs, smoked Scottish salmon, Eggs Benedict, made-to-order omelets, rosemary roasted leg of lamb, gourmet pastas, a Viennese dessert table, and much more. Brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and costs $68 for adults and $34 for children 6-12. The event and brunch are complimentary for children under five. 480-444-1234, ext. 79
J&G Steakhouse at The Phoenician -- If you can't make it to brunch, or want to go all-out with a decadent afternoon and evening meal, J&G Steakhouse has planned a special holiday dinner menu. Aside from the à la carte menu, Chef de Cuisine Jacques Qualin has also prepared a special three-course prix fixe dinner menu for $58 per person, served from 4 to 10 p.m. The menu offers three options per course and includes asparagus risotto with lemon and Parmesan, grilled lamb porterhouse with caramelized Brussels sprouts and pistachio pesto, and raspberry soup with fromage blanc sorbet. 602-264-2655
Petite Maison -- Dine outside on the patio with the hummingbirds or inside under the chandeliers and skylights at this three-course Easter champagne brunch, served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The menu includes caviar and bellinis, chestnut and Tahitian vanilla brioche French toast, jumbo lump crab crepes with creamy mushrooms, and beignets. The $49 per adult includes bottomless champagne and mimosas, and a special children's menu (12 and under) is available for $19. 480-991-6887
Elements at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain -- At this brunch buffet, guests can dine in elements or in Praying Monk, an extension that features floor-to-ceiling glass walls, large skylights, and two private patios. The buffet includes seafood, artisan breads, imported cheese, fresh fruits and salads, and dessert pastries. Diners can also choose from entrées like banana pancakes with salted caramel and peanut brittle, citrus-grilled swordfish with bulgar wheat risotto, and butternut squash goat cheese ravioli with braised chard. Brunch is $65 per adult, or $75 including sparkling wine, and is $18 for children 5-12. There will also be an Easter egg hunt at 8 a.m. 480-948-2100
TEXAZ Grill -- Celebrate Easter with a Texas-style brunch at TEXAZ from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Menu items are priced at $6 - $9.75 and include Eggs Bubba (two sunny-side up eggs atop biscuits, chicken-fried steak, and gravy), Chicken Fried Goodness, biscuits and gravy, steak and eggs, and chopped BBQ brisket on a bun. Specialty cocktails will also be served, including Cowboy Coffee, Bourbon Milk Punch (made with vanilla ice cream), and Bloody Caesar with pickled okra. No reservations required.
The Wigwam -- This two-day holiday festival includes breakfast with the Easter Bunny, the Governor's Annual Easter Egg Roll, an all-ages egg hunt, and live music. Most of the family-focused events take place on Saturday, including Breakfast with E.B. and Friends from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., priced at $15 for adults and $7 for children ages 4-12. Sunday features champagne brunch from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at both of the Wigwam's restaurants. The brunch buffet is $38 for adults and $20 for children ages 4-12, and guests with children can enjoy balloon artistry, face painting, and photos with E.B. 623-935-3811
ZuZu at Hotel Valley Ho -- ZuZu is serving their regular brunch menu starting at 6 a.m., the perfect time for early birds. Anyone seeking holiday specials and/or recovering from their Saturday night out can get their brunch on from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Specials include a lobster and crab salad sandwich ($16) and smoked salmon quiche ($14). Diners can also make their own cocktail at the Bloody Mary Bar from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Hotel Valley Ho is also hosting its annual Easter Egg Hunt on ZuZu's patio at 9 a.m. For restaurant reservations, call 480-421-7997. To RSVP for the egg hunt, call 480-421-7710.
