For the third installment of our Top 10 Sunday Brunches in Scottsdale and Phoenix, we chose to take a step back in time with a visit to the historic Wrigley Mansion in Phoenix.

Built between 1929 and 1931 by chewing gum magnate, William Wrigley, Jr., as a 50th wedding anniversary gift for his beloved wife, Ada, the mansion was one of five Wrigley homes. The mansion, which cost $250,000 – $300,000 to build, remained the largest private residence in the state until the early 1960s. It was appropriately named “La Colina Solana” – the sunny hill. It affords dramatic views of the Valley of the Sun, downtown Phoenix, and nearby Camelback mountain.

The mansion was only used by the couple as a “winter cottage”. With 16,850 square feet, 24 rooms, and 12 bathrooms, it was the smallest of the Wrigley houses and was used only four to eight weeks out of the year. Eleven fireplaces, each of them unique in their own right, attest to the mansion’s individual character and special charm.

Week #3 ~ Sunday Champagne Brunch at the Wrigley Mansion, Phoenix

William died at age 70 in 1932 and Ada died in 1958. In the 1960’s the mansion was re-zoned as part of the family-owned Arizona Biltmore hotel.

The mansion went through a few more owners until it was purchased in 1992 by George Hormel, one of the heirs to the Hormel meat packing family.  His main purpose for purchasing the property was to preserve this unique landmark. Under Hormel’s direction, the mansion, grounds and gardens have been restored to their 1930’s splendor.  (via Wrigley Mansion website)

One of the most elegant and magical places to enjoy a Sunday brunch, in all of the Valley of the Sun, is at the Sunday Champagne Brunch at the Wrigley Mansion sitting atop a bluff overlooking downtown Phoenix and the surrounding mountains.

It seemed that when we announced to friends that we were planning to experience Sunday brunch at the Wrigley Mansion there was fairly quickly a small group who were quite excited to join us.  Joining us again were Don & Jody Sullins (bottom left), Jeff & Lisa Mangels (right, seated and standing), along with Carol each sporting a chilled mimosa.

As usual, I’m behind the camera shooting the photograph.  We’ve tried having restaurant staff shoot the photograph so that I can get in the picture.  But, invariably the photograph is out of focus, or half of someone’s head is cut off.  Therefore, I remain somewhat of a mystery always behind the camera.   🙂

Generally speaking, we are not big fans of buffet-only-style Sunday brunches.  However, this was the exception as the staff was near fanatical about making absolutely certain that every item remained fresh, hot, cold, or otherwise in its perfect serving state.

Note:  click photographs for large view

Furthermore, it was as if every single item on the buffet table was prepared as if it alone was competing in a national contest.  For example, the candied-carrots were piping hot and absolutely out of this world.

It would probably take me over 500 words to describe the variety of items on this fabulous buffet.  I’ll spare you the details, but just know that we enjoyed items like lamb chops, lamb stew, prime rib, a chef-prepared custom taco bar, dazzling salads, vegetables, cheeses, meats, crackers, honey-in-the-comb, pastas, made-to-order eggs benedict, breads that were seemingly manna from heaven, and a dessert table that made everyone ooh and aah.

Prince, our waiter from India, was very attentive to our needs, always had a huge smile, and made absolutely certain that our champagne glasses were filled.

Topping all of this off, there were incredible views in every direction, and we all enjoyed a self-guided tour of the mansion after brunch.

All in all, this was a fabulous experience and one that we would highly recommend.  As there were six of us present, the Sunday Champagne Brunch at the Wrigley Mansion gets 12 thumbs up!

:Approve:

Disclosure:  our wonderful Sunday Brunch was provided by the kind folks at the Wrigley Mansion.  Thanks!

Note: don’t forget to check back next week when we’ll whisk you off to another exciting and mouthwatering Sunday Brunch experience.