I’m pretty disciplined on the weekends. I have a workout schedule that I stick to and Sundays are critical to the success of my week with both interval training and yoga. But . . . a couple weeks ago I had brunch on the mind. The Wrigley Mansion is known for it’s extravagant brunch that also includes bottomless mimosas! We were all in!
The mansion is about 15 minutes from my house, perched on hill with big windows providing sweeping 360-degree views of the mountains, including Camelback Mountain and the city landscape.
With views or live music there is really no bad seat in the house. The mansion is open, airy and authentic.
The mansion was built in 1932 by chewing gum personality William Wrigley Jr. He designed the home for a 50th anniversary gift to his wife. Its architecture includes curated elements of Spanish, California Monterey and Mediterranean styles. I’m going to show you around later in the post.
It was sold by the Wrigley family in 1973 and changed hands many times but in 1992, as the city of Phoenix was planning to tear it down to make room for condos, the late Geordie Hormel and his wife Jamie fell in love with the property and purchased it. The Hormel family (think Spam) lives in close by in Paradise Valley. I’ve actually been to their estate for a fund raiser. Today Wrigley Mansion is a Phoenix “Point of Pride” and a top destination for weddings and special events. There is also Geordie’s Steak restaurant and lounge offering lunch, dinner, and happy hour. In November 2016 Jamie’s Wine Bar opened in the completely re-designed library, offering a wide variety of wines by the glass, 850 bottles and very sultry atmosphere.
Let’s walk through the brunch buffet. It really is ridiculous and you need to bring your best appetite because not only is the food never-ending but it’s delicious. Below is the the buffet with veggies and grain based salads, fruit and breads and pastries. There are at least a dozen tables in three rooms of food.
When you turn around you see a salad bar, cheese station and more bread. Moving into the next room you can ask for a freshly made omelette, fresh waffles done to your liking (Jersey got one made with chocolate chips) and some fresh fish. One of the tables in this room had some Gruyere mashed potatoes that melted in my mouth. The staff is impeccable and ready to do what it takes to make you happy. Including keeping that mimosa glass full!
There is one room dedicated to desserts. The modern 70s flare is everywhere in the house and the dessert room was a favorite of mine. Those blue corner chairs are fabulous!
Jersey brought us this beautiful plate of various desserts. And no it was not the end of the meal . . . that’s the beauty of the buffet . . . eat what you want when you want!
When we were stuffed with a nice champagne buzz we headed upstairs to see the mansion. The stairwell is a magnificent statement, just as one would expect. The spiral staircase is dressed in art and Spanish type architecture.
Each room has a theme and there was not one I didn’t fall in love with. These rooms are used for private parties or weddings or whatever. The best part of this room was the chandelier treatment!
This room was my favorite. The dark walls were complimented by the light blue chairs and chandeliers. The antique bar cart caught my eye right away along with the vintage plates showing off various women’s fashion from around the world. I was so inspired . . . what room in my house can I have dark blue walls?
The powder room is was perfectly pink. Check out that wallpaper. I love wallpaper and have it in most of the rooms in my house. It was definitely the draw for me. The vintage bathroom and its shower curtain added the final touch for a perfect room to freshen up.
It does the mind and body some good to mix things up, break up the routine and go explore something new. Oh and enjoying a good meal and cocktails with your lover is always a plus. Then I got back to the gym on Monday. Easy peasy.
Weekly Inspiration
Brunch without champagne is just breakfast.
