Sunday Charm at the Mansion

The Dish:  Sunday Brunch

When: Sundays 10 am -2 pm

The Place: Geordie’s at the Wrigley Mansion, 2501 E. Telawa Trail, Phoenix 602-955-4079

www.wrigleymansion.com

By: Susan L Pricco

Atop a hill surrounded by breathtaking views of Phoenix, the historic Wrigley Mansion houses nearly a century’s worth of history, stories with elements as humble as chewing gum and Spam, some touching family tales, and a peek into the lifestyles of the rich and/or famous.  

Sunday brunch presents fresh, innovative, seasonal cuisine served in a manner befitting the manor.  

Pineapple-shaped butter pats, symbol of hospitality, herald your arrival to the table. Savor house-made jam, fresh baked pastries and fruit suitable for a gallery painting on small or shared plates while your French press coffee is poured.  Perhaps you will be enticed by unlimited mimosas or their extensive wine list.  Pace yourself as table servers offer “roving” delights such as house smoked salmon with blini, poisson cru (coconut milk-marinated raw mahi), and delectable charcuterie nibbles.

As you drink in the awesome view, select one or more of the individually prepared options from the kitchen.  Today, classic Croque Madame – a round of English muffin bread with shaved ham blanketed by silky gruyere cheese sauce and crowned with a perfect sunny side up egg – caught my attention.  Time-honored slow roasted prime rib with horseradish creme on the side was not going to escape me either. An explosion of flavor came with spicy chorizo and shrimp in sherry butter over crostini.   Fanciful Apple Streusel Belgian waffles were indulgent and elegant.  Each item is sized so as not to overwhelm, but still satisfy. Your servers will gladly replenish any item on the menu.

Then there is dessert.  Three-tiered silver trays proffer an assortment of petite 2-bite confections, each one attentively decorated as a work of art worthy of the music, architecture and gallery paintings to be found at the Mansion.

Because the Wrigley Mansion is located in a residential zone, it is a private club.  However, a non-member can purchase a “one-day membership” added to your bill (the cost being less than most festival parking) and valet parking is complimentary.  The well-versed staff invites you to wander the mansion.  Recent renovations respect the history, charm, grace and glamour of the mansion, but also the whimsy and wonder of those who have passed through its doors over the years.  Arrive as a visitor, leave as a friend.