According to Tucson Weekly, their readers rated Westin La Paloma #1 for Best Sunday Brunch; with Loews Ventana Canyon Resort as runner up.

The first thing I noticed about both reviews is they have the price wrong. Sunday Brunch at Westin La Paloma and Loews Ventana Canyon Resorts is NOT $24.95, including champagne. Both, as well as Sunday Brunch at Hacienda del Sol, charge 40-bucks, including all the mimosa you can drink.

Having now experienced Sunday Brunch at the Westin, we can say with confidence that it is NOT the best in Tucson. True, the buffet-style spread is impressive. Massive quantities of food, most of which is very good, make for great eye-appeal. As does the view from their Azul Restaurant overlooking the pools with the Santa Catalina Mountains serving as picturesque backdrop.

Fresh fruits and luscious pastries were abundant. As with all our Tucson Sunday Brunch experiences recently, omelets are custom made-to-order from a large variety of fresh ingredients. There was an excellent pasta dish and another for crepes filled with crabmeat. The hot, seasoned veggies were quite tasty.

We passed up the chocolate chip pancakes and omelet table and headed straight for the carving station with its prime rib and honey-glazed pit ham simmering under a heat lamp.

The first hint of trouble came after we three were seated with our plates full of delectable feasts. I noticed father having difficulty with his prime rib. I inquired as to what seemed to be the trouble. “It’s tough. I can’t cut it,” he replied.

So I cut into my slice of prime rib. Same thing. Tough, full of gristle. Inedible. I cut into a slice of my ham. It was as tender and delicious as the prime rib was tough and unappetizing.

We set aside our prime rib and otherwise thoroughly enjoyed our meals. Ms. Karen was particularly pleased with the assortment of desserts. Father and I helped her finish the pumpkin crème brûlée; raspberry mousse; and an apple cobbler baked in a glass. All very good!

Now came the awkward moment. Having set aside our slices of inedible prime rib, we asked our waitress if we could take it home for our two dogs. She hesitated for a moment and said something to the effect that she wasn’t allowed …

I suggested that they were just going to throw it in the garbage. Besides, our dogs are not what one might describe as discriminating diners. She relented and brought us containers for the meat. For that, we thanked her and, later, gave her a big tip.

This was the second time we experienced this particular issue. We had the same problem with the prime rib at Hacienda del Sol. On both occasions, had we foregone the prime rib and instead ordered a custom omelet, we would have judged the entire experience “excellent”. However, I must mention that we also had very fine Sunday Brunches at both Tanque Verde Guest Ranch and Cushing Street Bar & Restaurant and at far less expense. Drinks were NOT included, however. So if you want to save $15 per, order a cup of coffee or tea. Neither Hacienda del Sol, La Paloma, nor Lowes Ventana Canyon give you a choice.

BTW, Buddy & Molly dogs devoured the prime rib without the slightest hesitation. Apparently, we are not the mighty carnivores we thought we were.

Westin La Paloma Resort Sunday Brunch. If you avoid the prime rib, we can give it a 4-saguaro rating. Pleasant ambiance, leisurely setting, high price.