Humanitarian
Chef Christopher Gross: Giving back Nationally and Locally
New Petits Plates
Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion now serves small plates and drinks at chef’s counter or on the patio, weather permitting, Tuesday – Saturday from 5-8 pm. Enjoy stunning views of Camelback Mountain and the Phoenix skyline along with our à la carte petits plates and our full beverage menu. Reservations are not required, but may be made by calling the restaurant. Seats at chef’s counter are available on a first come basis and yours to enjoy for up to 90 minutes. We look forward to welcoming you soon! Petits Plate Menu.
About Us: The Passion Behind Christopher’s
Christopher Gross, Chef/Director
Christopher Gross: Chef/Director at Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion
Gayot Guide 18/20 | Society of Fellows at The Culinary Institute of America | Best Chef SW JBF | 5 Stars AZ Republic | New Times 10/10
Gayot Highlights:
National lists
- Best French Restaurants in the U.S.
- Best 10 Restaurant Wine Lists in the U.S.
- Best 10 Restaurants with a View in the U.S.
- Best Romantic Restaurants in the U.S.
Local lists
- Phoenix/Scottsdale Best Restaurants
- Best Phoenix/Scottsdale French Restaurants
- Best Phoenix/Scottsdale Outdoor Dining Restaurants
- Best Phoenix/Scottsdale Romantic Restaurants
- Best Phoenix/Scottsdale Special Occasion Restaurants
- Best Phoenix/Scottsdale Wine List Restaurants.
Chef Christopher’s newest restaurant is a compilation of his global culinary experiences, his commitment to furthering the careers of upcoming culinarians, and his support of local artisans and businesses. In Oct, 2022 Gayot Guide called Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion one of the best restaurants in the U.S., rating it 18/20.
Christopher is a James Beard award winner of Best Chef of the Southwest, a 2022 James Beard Award nominee for Outstanding Chef. He was the 2016 Scottsdale Culinary Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, was named one of Food & Wine Magazine’s America’s 10 Best New Chefs, and was the first chef in Arizona to be honored with the Robert Mondavi Culinary Award of Excellence. His philanthropic endeavors include his membership with the Society of Fellows at The Culinary Institute of America which is dedicated to creating CIA programs and scholarships. He was the creator of the Flavors Event fundraiser for the American Liver Association, and event that spread to more than 20 US cities. Christopher helped found the Arizona chapter of the American Institute of Wine and Food (AIWF), and advises for both the James Beard Foundation and the Art Institute of Phoenix.
Chef Christopher is best known for the modern twist he puts on French fare. His talents and passion have found him cooking for an array of audiences – from Presidents Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, and George Bush to Julia Child’s PBS show viewership. Christopher’s skills are of the caliber to find him in kitchens with Jacques Pepin, Julia Child and Martha Stewart. Cooking in the Valley for more than 40 years, Christopher was already a name synonymous with fine dining in Phoenix before opening Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion. In the decades prior to beginning this project, he owned Christopher’s Fermier and Christopher’s and Crush Lounge in the Biltmore Fashion Park.
Christopher is involved in the philanthropic efforts of the culinary community. Along with chairing various local events over the years, he helped found the Arizona chapter of the American Institute of Wine and Food (AIWF), was a member of the American Liver Foundation and advises for both the James Beard Foundation and the Art Institute of Phoenix.
Media Coverage on Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion
“Christopher’s at The Wrigley Mansion had to live up to a lot of hype. Instead, it exceeded even the loftiest expectations with its eight-course tasting menu boasting whimsical plates featuring Wagyu beef, caviar, truffles, and foie gras.” – Alison Bailin Batz, So Scottsdale! Magazine
Mark Stock of The Manual included Christopher’s on the 25 nationwide restaurants that readers needed to visit. Among the taste compliments, Stock stated that the food was “served with a presentation caliber not often seen—anywhere.”
Locally acclaimed dining critic for AZ Central, Andi Berlin gave Christopher’s a five-star review following her visit.
Many dishes at the newly opened restaurant are garnering media attention from people like Phoenix Magazine writer Nikki Buchanan. Notable mentions include the crispy potato croquette that is served in a mold of the Wrigley Mansion owner Jamie Hormel’s palm, “egg in an egg in an egg,” and pancetta cured D’Artagnan lamb.
A standout component of the experience at Christopher’s is that the staff members who prepare your food also serve it to you. Christopher pioneered a training concept for his staff where they not only learn how to prepare the dishes but also demonstrate the people skills necessary to complete the experience. A more detailed recount of this is featured in Dena Roche’s piece in Iconic Life: “Christopher Gross Returns with His Best New Restaurant Yet.”
Christopher Gross, Chef/DirectorTaylor Sorenson
Born and raised in a city where chain restaurants rule, somehow Taylor Sorenson’s love for food led him to the world of fine food. Now as Chef de Cuisine of Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion, Taylor looks back gratefully at the turns his career took.
“Food brings friends and family together, and those are two things I value most,” says Taylor. “I grew up in Sioux Falls, a place known for its cold winters and the three-tiered waterfall that inspired its name – not so much for food.”
But eventually, the food scene in Sioux Falls began to change. Thanks to strong local support, well-respected names and talents moved in and thrived. One was French-trained chef, Dominique Fontenille, who gave Taylor his start and changed the direction of his life. “Dominique was a product of France and lover of food,” says Taylor. “He graduated from Ecole Hôteliere de Saint Chamond and helped transcend fine dining and catering to the highest level in the local Sioux Falls and Midwest area.”
Between a desire to branch out and a beautiful young woman with whom he was in a long-distance relationship, Taylor moved to Phoenix – eventually marrying Stephanie on the Garden Terrace at the Wrigley Mansion.
“I was lucky to have dined at Chef Christopher’s restaurants when I’d visit Stephanie,” says Taylor. “When I settled here, I knew that was where I wanted to work and that I wanted to learn from the best. It was obvious Chef Christopher would be the right choice, and guess what? I’m still learning 10 years later!”
Taylor Sorenson, Chef de Cuisine, AGMHussein Martin
Originally from Texas and raised in Taos, New Mexico, Chef Hussein Martin found his calling in the culinary world when he moved to Arizona. He attended Le Cordon Bleu in Scottsdale, Arizona where he obtained a degree in Culinary Arts and Sciences and Restaurant Management. His culinary journey began with the Franklin group where he worked various positions leading to Chef de Cuisine at Zinc Bistro for several years. He also was Chef de Cuisine at The House Brasserie.
Chef Hussein is known in the culinary community as a driven and creative force and has demonstrated masterful dishes at special events such as James Beard dinners, local charity events such as The Liver Alliance, competitions, and private events around the Phoenix metropolitan area.
When Chef Hussein is not in the kitchen experimenting and developing new dishes, he is at home creating special meals that combine his culinary talents with his family’s multicultural flare that combines Mexican and Jewish influences.
Hussein Martin, Chef de Cuisine, AMTara Padilla
Tara Padilla, General Manager, Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion
Native to Arizona, Tara Padilla, has made her way back to the Valley of the Sun after nearly 15 years. She started her career in Tucson as a bartender while going to school. After graduating she and her now-husband started their culinary adventures in Copenhagen and backpacking through Italy and Ireland. Their travels expanded to include Mexico, France, Scandinavia, and Chile, providing them with a host of dining experiences. Back in America, on-the-job training, and submersion into one of the biggest food capitals – San Francisco – was really the deep dive Tara needed to set her off on a path across the country working in restaurants. Her diverse experience jumping around the country gave her opportunities to work with cuisines like Nobu Matsuhisa’s Japanese food in Aspen and Rebecca Charles’ upscale casual seafood restaurant, Pearl, in Maine. She was a part of the team that received three Michelin stars at Benu in California, and she and her team earned Forbes 5-Star rating in Texas at the Relais & Châteaux, Inn at Dos Brisas. Her last four years have been in Maine where she most recently helped to reopen Elda with Chef Bowman Brown. Ultimately, Tara’s husband found the right opportunity to get them back to the desert where her in-laws and most of her family live. Tara is excited to put all her experiences to good use, helping to finesse the team and the dining experience as General Manager at Christopher’s at the Wrigley Mansion.
Tara Padilla, GM Christopher’sAlexis Jones
Alexis Jones, Events/Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion
Alexis Jones, Events Coordinator, Christopher’sEnrique Estrada Cruz
Enrique has been working alongside Chef Christopher for more than 30 years. Some of his specialties include Christopher’s iconic Chocolate Tower and baguettes.
Enrique Estrada Cruz
Essential Info
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HOURS/INFORMATION
CLASSICS: Tuesday/Wednesday 5-10 pm: $125 pp + tax & service
TASTING MENU: Thursday-Saturday 5-10 pm
Eight-course Chef’s Tasting Menu: $275/person+tax & service
Optional wine pairings: + $230/person+tax & service
Rated 18/20 by Gayot | Society of Fellows Culinary Institute of America | Best Chef SW JBF
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