Best Sunday Brunch '96

Best Sunday Brunch

El Conquistador Resort
10000 N. Resort Drive

READERS' PICK: Bring back the tradition of the Sunday drive, roll into the Caddy and point your hood ornament toward Oracle. There in the basin of the Santa Catalina Mountains lies El Conquistador Resort, a bastion of luxury just out of reach of wailing city limits. Let's face it, brunch is pretty much the same wherever you go in these ritzy resort-type places: Eggs Benedict, cheap champagne, loads of breads and cheeses and more fruit than you've seen in a month of Sundays. What you're after more than the brunch itself is the brunch experience. You can't go wrong at El Conquistador, where the waitstaff exudes calm, the piano burbles pleasantly in the lobby, and those awe-inspiring mountains keep majestic vigil over all. But there must be something more afoot in this nearby refuge, for you readers have, for the first time in the history of our Best of Tucson issue, edged out the venerable Ventana Canyon in favor of El Con.

One final note: While you're there, drive on up the road and visit the Pusch Ridge Chapel, a darling stone edifice that's one of the area's best-kept secrets.

READERS' POLL RUNNER-UP: Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, 7000 N. Resort Drive.

STAFF PICK: So, it's Sunday morning and you're skipping Bible class yet again. This lack of Christian discipline is getting you down; even your coif is a little blue. Where to lift your spirits while brunching with fellow infidels? Why, the Arizona Inn of course! The Big Guy certainly can't frown on such devilish delicacies as Smoked Salmon Benedict, Omelet Oscar, Roast Pork Loin or Babel's own Tower of Grilled Vegetables. The venerable Elm Street institution has been serving up sinfully lazy Sunday fare since granny was a zygote; so they've had plenty of time to raise the level of self-indulgence to an art form. Enjoy the champagne and a leisurely post-prandial stroll around the grounds.

1998 Winner: Doubletree Hotel
1997 Winner: Doubletree Hotel
1995 Winner: Canyon Café