Michelle Talsma EversonEaster is in 24 hours and—let’s admit it—like many holidays, sometimes the thought of cooking and hosting can be daunting. Lucky for us, Easter is a popular time for brunch and buffets. If dining out on Easter is perfect for you, read on for some egg-cellent dining deals going on across the Valley. Happy Easter and bon appetite!
Insider tip: Be sure to call each restaurant ASAP to make a reservation.
Okra Cookhouse & Cocktails
This Easter Sunday at Okra Cookhouse & Cocktails, 5813 N. 7th Street in Phoenix, enjoy your choice of traditional favorites, such as Collard Sandwiches, Mac n Cheese Pancakes with Fried Chicken Skins & Syrup, and of course the classic “Meat & 3” plate.
Okra Cookhouse & Cocktails, located at 5813 N. 7th Street, Phoenix, AZ. Photo courtesy Jill Richards Photography
Did we mention that Okra’s not just serving any old favorites, but a “Southern Favorites” Easter Brunch? Yes, swing by anytime between 10 am and 3 pm to savor a hearty brunch menu brimming with Southern-fried, Italian-accented eats, such as Grits & Eggs with Sugo, Spoonbread & Sunny Egg, and Bone Marrow. Not to mention, true tastes of Tennessee such as Gus’s-style Fried Chicken and the famed “Meat & 3,” a Soul Food version of the Blue Plate Special featuring a savory meat and three sides. Plus, enjoy Okra’s award-winning selection of handcrafted cocktails, such as our five seasonal Juleps, plus the cooling, citrusy Julius Freezer (vodka, ancho reyes, orange & vanilla cream, blended with ice). Brunch is served 10 am to 3 pm and reservations are recommended.
Luci’s Healthy Marketplace
Located on the corner of Bethany and 16th Street in Central Phoenix, Luci’s Healthy Marketplace is a great meet up place for a casual Easter morning breakfast.
Corned Beef Eggs Benedict at Luci’s Healthy Marketplace. Photo courtesy Luci’s Healthy Marketplace
“Enjoy Corned Beef Eggs Benedict on Easter Sunday at Luci’s Healthy Marketplace. Eggs and corned beef are served on top of an English muffin and topped with paprika, cilantro, tomato and hollandaise sauce. Available all day for just $12.99—don’t miss out on this special meal!”
Topgolf
Arizona has two Topgolf locations, 1689 S. SanTan Village Pkwy. in Gilbert and 9500 E. Indian Bend Road in Scottsdale. “Enjoy Easter Brunch on Sunday, March 27 at Topgolf from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.!
Topgolf has two Arizona locations – in Gilbert and Scottsdale. Photo courtesy Topgolf
The Easter Bunny will be in attendance to get free photos with the kids and there will be a FREE Easter-themed gift and cotton candy for the first 200 kids playing Topgolf. No registration is required. Free gift is for kids 12 and under.” Their brunch menu is yummy and reasonably priced, too.
Talavera Restaurant
Located in North Scottsdale, locals swear by Talavera Restaurant at Four Seasons Scottsdale Troon North. “Talavera’s holiday events have become a local ‘must-do’ over the years—and one of the main draws is the extensive and elegant dual-level buffet offered in Talavera & Onyx.
Talavera at Four Seasons Scottsdale. Photo courtesy Four Seasons Scottsdale
The Easter brunch runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and offers a seafood bar, omelet station, carving stations and multiple action stations for every type of palate.” In addition, Proof Canteen offers a fun, casual spot for the early risers with a breakfast buffet starting at 7 a.m.
Proof, An American Canteen. Photo courtesy Four Seasons
Taggia
Taggia Patio. Photo courtesy FireSky Resort & Spa
The Melting Pot
The Melting Pot is a gourmet fondue restaurant with locations in Glendale, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tucson. This is one where reservations are definitely required, so we recommend calling ASAP to reserve a spot.
Family dining at The Melting Pot. Photo courtesy The Melting Pot
“The Melting Pot is offering a three course brunch this Easter, including cheese fondue, an entrée and chocolate fondue. For children the brunch is $17.95 and the entrée features Breast of Chicken, Teriyaki-Marinated Sirloin, White Shrimp, and Spinach and Artichoke Ravioli. Adults get the choice of Angus Sirloin, Breast of Chicken, White Shrimp, and Spinach and Artichoke Ravioli for $29.95.” There is also an Egg Hunt and photos with the Easter Bunny! Call for specific times and reservations.
SOL Cocina
Located at Scottsdale Quarter, on Easter Sunday SOL Mexican Cocina will be offering brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations are recommended and there will be live music from noon to 3 p.m.
Try the Crab & Shrimp Benedicto at SOL Mexican Cocina. Photo courtesy SOL Mexican Cocina
“Sink your teeth into the Chorizo & Potato Scramble—diced red potatoes, onions, garlic, chorizo, fresh spinach, tomatoes and eggs scrambled and topped with queso fresco and smoky crema. Try their Crab & Shrimp Benedicto—crisp-fried crab and shrimp cakes topped with poached eggs and chipotle-orange hollandaise sauce, double smoked bacon, avocado and refried black beans.”
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Join Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in North Scottsdale for an Easter Brunch extravaganza! The brunch will be served in the Palomino Ballroom where guests enjoy selections from the resort’s four signature restaurants: Bourbon Steak, La Hacienda, Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar and Ironwood American Kitchen and end on a sweet note with decadent desserts from the pastry team. Click here for the complete scrumptious menu.
Enjoy an elegant Easter Brunch and the hop over to the Bunnypalooza at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. Photo courtesy Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
The Easter Brunch is from 9 am to 3 pm. The cost is $95 for adults; $40 kids 6 to 12 years. After brunch, hop over to the BunnyPalooza, open to all Easter Brunch and resort guests from 10 am to 4 pm. The Easter playground features concerts by Grammy-nominated children’s artist Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, performances by high-energy entertainers Something Ridiculous, ferris wheel bounce slide, petting zoo, pony rides, rock climbing wall, arts and crafts, hourly Easter egg hunts and appearances by Princess Lily and the Easter Bunny. Call 480.585.4848 for reservations or visit online at www.scottsdaleprincess.com.
The Hash Kitchen
The Hash Kitchen, Scottsdale’s most creative breakfast and bar destination will be offering specialty themed entrees to give us all something to “hop” about. Menu items include:
- Easter Doughnuts ($10)– Fried to order Italian sweet dough, sweet Ricotta and chocolate chip cream
- Pastel Buttermilk Pancakes ($9) -Sweet Mascarpone cream drizzled with warm maple reduction
- Carrot Cake Pancakes ($10)- Fresh baked-in carrots, Sweet Mascarpone cream with hot maple reduction
- Glazed Ham Hash ($15)-Hash potatoes paired with brown sugar- glazed ham, poached eggs, fried onions and brushed with a pan dripping demi-glace
- Prime Rib Plate ($20) -Herb- encrusted smoked prime rib, smashed potatoes with heirloom carrots and topped with a pan demi- glace
- Zucchini Blossom & Ricotta Frittata ($14)-Baby zucchini blossoms with scallop potatoes, red onions and topped with an herb ricotta cheese and bread crumbs
Carrot Cake Pancakes at The Hash Kitchen. Photo courtesy The Hash Kitchen
Indulge in a fresh fruit craft mimosa for $6 to pair with your Easter brunch. Live weekend entertainment will include a DJ and The Hash Kitchen will be open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The restaurant and bar is located at 8777 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale at The Shops at Gainey Village and can be reached at (480) 947-3214 for reservations.
Vivo! Ristorante
Since 1977, Executive Chef Tomaso Maggiore has been a culinary legend with his Italian restaurant concepts. His latest culinary endeavor, Vivo! Ristorante provides a refreshing modern take on traditional Sicilian cuisine. Vivo! is celebrating Easter weekend with just a few of the following menu items:
- The Wedge Salad ($9)- Butter lettuce, cherry tomatoes, crispy peppery pancetta and drizzled with Point Reyes blue cheese dressing
- Cavatelli with Spring Lamb & Pea Ragu ($24)- Handmade pasta served with Tomaso’s original lamb meatballs and topped with freshly- sourced peas
- Seared Sea Scallops and Penne with Lump Crab ($29)- Seared sea scallops drizzled with aged -balsamic, agave and spicy EVOO and served with penne pasta with crab and vine-ripened tomatoes in vodka sauce
- Sicilian Grilled Filet Mignon ($35)- Lightly pounded filet mignon encrusted with EVOO , fresh herbs & pecorino cheese, served with strawberries, spring salad greens, fennel & tomato salad, in a white balsamic vinaigrette
Vivo! Ristorante dining room. Photo courtesy Vivo! Ristorante
Happy hour is from 4:00 to 6:30 pm and dinner hours are from 5 to 10 p.m., Vivo! Ristorante is located at The Marketplace on 6560 North Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale and can be reached at (480) 699-9081 for reservations.
Tomaso’s Italian Restaurant
Executive Chef Tomaso Maggiore of Tomaso’s Italian Restaurant in the Biltmore Neighborhood is celebrating the most beautiful time of year in Italy, Springtime, with farm-to-table handcrafted Sicilian dishes. Just a few of the Easter and month of March menu items are listed below:
- The Best Ever Spaghetti & Meatballs ($22)- Veal & beef meatballs simmered in a tomato-marsala sauce
- Lasagna with Meatballs & Organic Ricotta ($25)- Three meat Bolognese (beef, pork, lamb) with veal and beef meatballs
Tomaso’s Spaghetti & Meatballs in a tomato-marsala sauce. Photo courtesy Tomaso’s Italian Restaurant
- Citrus-Brined Double Pork Chop ($34)- Served with peach-mustard, cauliflower fritters and asparagus
- Lamb Chops With A Pistachio Crust ($35)- Served with rosemary roasted potatoes, asparagus and fresh mint EVOO emulsion
Lamb Chops with a Pistachio Crust with asparagus. Photo courtesy Tomaso’s Italian Restaurant
Tomaso’s is hosting Easter brunch from 12 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Tomaso’s Italian Restaurant is located at 3225 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix and can be reached at (602) 956-0836 for reservations.
