What was once a triangular patio that jutted out from the historic Wrigley Mansion—the home perched atop a hill and built in 1932 by chewing gum personality William Wrigley Jr.—is now the exquisite setting of the newest restaurant at the location: Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion.
The renovated and reimagined space includes floor-to-ceiling windows—showcasing what may arguably be some of the best views in the Valley—as well as a glass roof that opens to reveal the twinkling stars overhead.
There’s a custom-built wood fire oven and grill where chefs can cook in front of guests, and Arcosanti artisan-created Soleri Bells fashioned to be domes that will cover plates. Local artist Christiane Barbato from Blue Door Ceramics created custom plates and chargers that feature Chef Christopher Gross’s custom artwork, and a version of Blue Galaxy by Rotraut Klein-Moquay hangs in the restaurant (another version of it the painting is currently featured at Phoenix Art Museum). One of Chef’s favorite images, Leap Into the Void by Yves Klein, also hangs from a wall.
“I joke that I’m trying to put everything in here that I think the guests would want to see. We have the best of everything that would give our guests a wonderful experience, and they won’t even need me now,” says the James Beard Award-winning Chef Christopher, an American-born, Parisian-trained chef who has won numerous awards, cooked for numerous U.S. presidents, and worked with famed chef Julia Child.
Of course, though guests may come for the location, they will also most certainly be coming to taste the renowned chef’s creations.
Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion boasts three concepts in one. The first, which will be available five nights a week, features an eight-course tasting menu. While creating an online reservation, guests are taken through a process where they can indicate allergies or items they prefer not be included in their meal. Two nights a week showcase Christopher’s Classics. Those nights have a limited, a la carte menu with four appetizers, four main courses, and two desserts only. Each item featured will be one of Chef Christopher’s iconic creations, and will be presented with a brief history of the dish. Last is the bistro, open for lunch, which features dishes created on the wood fire oven and grill.
Opening this month, Christopher’s will first feature the tasting menu, with the other two concepts to open shortly thereafter.
“I’m always looking for the best ingredients, respecting the product and the balance of flavors, and the presentation,” Chef Christopher says. “It’s all about the food, properly preparing it, and supporting local purveyors whenever possible.”
As always, his menus will feature the French-influenced dishes for which he’s known.
"There's a dish we're doing with a little inspiration from the Southern Rhone area of France. We will serve you thinly sliced wagyu beef that you cook on a hot stone plucked from the vineyards of Chateauneuf de pape. You dip the sizzling meat into a sauce made from fresh Paradise Valley Farm egg yolks, mixed with locally grown herbs.
"Another dish is a fresh farm egg that will be scrambled and put back into the shell, and served with caviar and a quail egg under a custom created dome.
"The Paolo Soleri bell might cover a cheese course, which will be a salad with little thin, savory wafers and blue cheese," he explains.
And yes, guests at times might find his famous Chocolate Tower offered, as well.
Of course, an incredible wine list is also a given.
Another unique aspect at Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion? Chefs themselves serve the meals, so your dishes may be presented by the same person who cooked them.
The space at Christopher’s is intimate. The 1,500-square-foot space—of which just 1,000 is the dining room itself—seats just 26-32 guests, depending on the concept open at the time.
“I’m super excited about everything,” Chef Christopher says. “We’ll be bringing all the elements in—you’ll smell the wood-burning fire, the tastes will be incredible, and the views are incredible, too. We’re just concerned with doing everything as perfectly as possible, and making it a great experience.” WrigleyMansion.com