World’s Best Cinnamon Roll Found at Lon’s at the Hermosa Brunch

Week #8, of our Top Ten Sunday Brunches of Scottsdale & Phoenix series, found us at Lon’s at the Hermosa.

Lon’s restaurant, named after cowboy artist Alonzo “Lon” Megargee, resides inside the Hermosa Inn.

Megargee, a native of Philadelphia, came West at the turn of the century, earning his way as a cowboy, bronco buster, stud poker dealer, commercial artist, and home builder, among his many occupations.

He spent time chasing an idealized notion of the American Dream of rancher, Indians, and settlers that was fading fast even during his time.

Along the way, his raw-boned charm snared several wives and earned him a well-deserved reputation as a ladies’ man. But it was his adobe studio, set amidst the creosote, that perhaps was the closest to his heart.

Over the years, to supplement his income, Megargee turned his  ”Casa Hermosa” (beautiful house) into a guest ranch.  In 1941, saddled with debt and a pending divorce, Megargee sold the property, and in 1992, after a string of owners, the property was purchased by a local resident and became The Hermosa Inn.

Today, the property is a member of the prestigious Historic Hotels of America, and is frequently visited by those who would prefer to keep away from the prying eyes of the paparazzi.

Week #8 – Sunday Brunch at Lon’s at the Hermosa

It is in this colorful backdrop that we find ourselves today enjoying the wonderful cuisine of Executive Chef Jeremy Pacheco for our Sunday Brunch.

Note:  Click photographs for large view and available slide show.

It’s the Sunday after Thanksgiving, and eight of us descended upon Lon’s at the Hermosa after church.  As it was a beautiful, sunny 70-degrees, we decided to enjoy our culinary experience on the stunningly beautiful patio.

The smell of a mesquite-burning fireplace combined with the aromas coming from meats barbecuing on the nearby grill, and the soothing live guitar stylings immediately quickened our mind’s attention to the task at hand.

As the food began its way to our two tables, there was a somewhat entertaining flurry of hands and plates as we began our cacophony of breakfast delights.

First, and perhaps most unforgettable, was the pipping-hot, Fresh-baked Brioche “Monkey Bread” (caramel, pecan, cinnamon).  As this sweet manna from heaven made its way around the table, everyone’s response was the same: head tilted back, eyes softly closing, and a guttural hmmmm deep from within our very souls.

Seriously, Lon’s “Monkey Bread” has made all previously enjoyed piping-hot cinnamon rolls subservient, and complete star-struck wanna-bes.  It was that good!

Lon’s “Monkey Bread” has made all previously enjoyed piping-hot cinnamon rolls subservient, and complete star-struck wanna-bes.  It was that good!

As you can see from our photographs above, there was no shortage of wondrous things to enjoy.  The Short Rib Hash and Eggs ( poached eggs, grilled tomato, grilled country-bread) was unbelievable, while the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes (huckleberry compote, meyer lemon whipped cream) was certainly divinely inspired.

In fact, every single dish, as our sharing extravaganza continued, brought cheerfully raised eyebrows and a continued upward raising of our internal enjoyment meters.

As there were eight of us present, we give our Lon’s at the Hermosa Sunday Brunch experience 16 thumbs-up!  We highly recommend it, and strongly urge that you sample the “Monkey Bread”.

You should also know that you can avoid the Sunday Brunch crowds by enjoying the very same menu on Saturday mornings.

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