May 2009 dealt a huge blow to those who loved the Paradise Valley landmark, El Chorro Lodge. After being built in 1934 as the Judson School for Girls and then serving as one of the most beloved Valley restaurants for many, many years after that, the restaurant closed its doors last year. In February, El Chorro Lodge reopened, under new owner Jacquie Dorrance, with a fresh look, courtesy of Vallone Design, and a fresh menu that features a mix of old and new from Chef Charles Kassels.

Before they even get to the menu, longtime El Chorro fans will notice a few changes at the iconic dining spot. The outdoor dining space has nearly tripled in size, and now features a bocce ball court and an organic garden. Plus, eco-friendly aspects can be found throughout the property. However, time-honored favorites like the Classroom Bar and many of the original furnishings are still in place.

Also still in place are the finger-licking (literally) sticky buns—some crisped around the edges, others ooey gooey. (This is El Chorro’s version of a bread basket.) After making our way through a basket of buns, we gobbled up a trio of delicious lunchtime starters: the heirloom garden beet salad, the tomato and burrata salad, and the jumbo shrimp cocktail. The beet salad was a favorite, featuring a rainbow of gold and crimson beets sandwiched with goat cheese. The perfect complement to this was the blissful Bloody Mary which was topped with enough veggies and shrimp to be an appetizer itself.

Next up, the eggs Benedict is not to be missed. El Chorro’s hollandaise sauce was divine, and we suggest pairing it with the smoked salmon, which finds a very happy home alongside the Canadian bacon, tomato and hashbrowns. The turkey Reuben, rounded out with sauerkraut and Swiss cheese, is another midday favorite—and we could taste why. The sandwich’s sweet Russian dressing was addictive.

Though we don’t need to convince you to linger a bit longer on El Chorro’s patio, definitely order the sticky bun bread pudding. The dessert was as tasty as the pre-meal sticky buns but made even better with ice cream and Woodford Reserve bourbon sauce.

El Chorro Lodge 5550 E. Lincoln Dr., Paradise Valley. 480.948.5170, www.elchorrolodge.com.