Sunday Brunch at El Chorro Lodge

Photos by Lisa E White

Photo by New Times

Nestled between Camelback and Mummy Mountains, El Chorro Lodge has been a unique choice for dining in Scottsdale since 1937.  Begun as Judson School for Girls in 1934 by John C. Lincoln for his daughter, El Chorro was converted to a restaurant and lodge in 1937, and hosted such celebrities as Clark Gable, Milton Berle and David Wright, son of Frank.  The restaurant was expanded by Joe and Evie Miller in 1973, and stayed open year round beginning in 1990.  My husband and I have celebrated many life events at El Chorro after our very first date there in May of 1985.  We celebrated a couple of graduations including the ASU graduation of our nephew and more recently our Belgian exchange son in May of 2009 which turned out to be the closing night.  Bob and I were crushed . . . no more sticky buns?  But new owners Jacquie Dorrance and Kristy and Tim Moore bought the property, renovated it, and reopened it in time for us to celebrate my husband's 60th birthday there in May of 2010.  May seems to be our month of choice for El Chorro Lodge, when the evenings on the patio are the perfect temperature.  The new El Chorro has won green awards with new solar power and use of recycled materials such as blue jeans in their revamped insulation.  They even have three plugs for electric cars. Try their brunch today, or wait for the "Chateaubriand for Two" for dinner.  Enjoy the heaters on the patio for a lovely evening in January watching the sunset over Camelback and Praying Monk.