One of my favorite comedians, Jim Gaffigan, does this joke about Easter:

“Easter:  the day Jesus rose from the dead, what should we do?”

“How ’bout eggs?”

“Well, what does that have to do with Jesus?”

“Alright, we’ll hide ‘em.”

“I don’t follow your logic.”

“Don’t worry, there’s a bunny.”

Make Easter brunch plans now. Photo credit: thebittenword on flickr.com

But whether you celebrate Easter as a Christian high holy day or a secular sugar festival, it’s simply a perfect time to commemorate spring, the earth’s renewal, friends, family and food.

There’s no better place in Arizona to get up close to the spectacular beauty of Mother Nature in all her primavera glory than Sedona.  Spend your Easter holiday surrounded by gorgeous red rocks, blooming flora and fabulous food.

Check out Los Abrigados Resort & Spa’s two restaurants’ Easter brunch offerings.  Joey Bistro and Stakes & Sticks are collaborating to offer five different seatings with a virtually endless menu created by Chef Mike Kenyon.

A sampling of the bountiful menu will include:
Red Rock Springs Farmers Market Fresh Fruit Palm Tree
Home Style Belgium Waffles with Berries and Whipped Cream
Omelet Station
Maryland Spiced Peel and Eat Shrimp
Seafood Sautee Station
Bourbon Peach Glazed Ham
Lemon Basil Roasted Chicken
Roasted Leg of Lamb & Prime Rib Carving Station
Dessert Station

The annual Easter Brunch Celebration is $38.00 per adult, $15.00 children 5 – 12, and complimentary under five-years old.

Joey Bistro seatings: 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.  followed by a re-opening at 5 p.m. with a regular menu and Easter specials.

Stakes & Sticks seatings:  11 a.m. and 1 p.m. followed by a re-opening at 3:30 p.m. with a regular menu and Easter specials.

For more information or reservations, call 928-282-0189. Located at Los Abrigados Resort & Spa at 160 Portal Lane, adjacent to Tlaquepaque.

Don't miss the 2008 Tlaquepaque Festival of Trees Nov 28 - Dec 6

Over 25 Christmas trees will be elaborately ornamented by some of Sedona’s favorite artists including Andrea Smith, Lisa Danielle, Rod Bearcloud, Chris Navarro, Robert Shields, and John Soderberg and displayed on the upper terrace overlooking Patio del Norte.  Silent bids will be taken on each art inspired tree—some six footers and the smaller tabletop faux trees.  Proceeds will go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Arizona and the Chameleon Project in Sedona.

The “Festival of Trees” will run November 28th, 2008 until December 6th.  During this period, the Christmas trees-turned-art will be on display and can be viewed and bid on.

Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village is located at 336 Highway 179 in Sedona, AZ.  The event will take place on the upper terrace overlooking Patio del Norte.

Final Weekend Schedule, December 5th, 6th & 7th:

• Friday evening, December 5th, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.: “Meet the Artists”, cocktails, hot hors d’oeuvres with full bar. $25.00 per person. Call (928-282-3101) for tickets.
• Saturday, December 6th from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.: Sedona’s Imagine Art, “the Pottery Painting & Gallery”, will be set up, complete with pottery kiln in Patio del Norte. Create seasonal decorations using vibrantly colored paints on a wide variety of bisqueware pottery.
• Santa Claus who is paying a special Tlaquepaque visit for the occasion.
• Sedona’s own Eric Miller, master guitarist, will be performing live from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.
• Sunday, December 7th. 4:15 pm Christmas Tree winners announced based on highest bids.

For additional information please contact Mally Paquette, the event coordinator, at 772-643-2742. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.