He’s prepared dinner for Martha Stewart, cooked alongside Julia Child in his kitchen, topped countless best-of lists and garnered numerous awards throughout his career, including the prestigious James Beard Award. Now, Christopher Gross is bringing his acclaimed French American cuisine to Christopher’s at the Wrigley Mansion, a 30-seat restaurant launching next year. The faceted glass venue will feature panoramic views of the city and will be located inside the historic residence-turned-landmark, once belonging to chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr.
One of several successful ventures conceived by Gross, the restaurant will feature a hearth-driven tasting menu with elegant yet whimsical dishes and an exclusive wine list curated by wine director Paola Embry. “Every dish on this menu will explore new ingredients and techniques, and we’ll source the highest quality seasonal produce whenever possible,” says Gross, who draws culinary inspiration from his travels to Paris, Copenhagen and other international locales. “The chefs will serve the dishes. A lot of our items will be cooked over various types of woods.” Gross, who is known for his duck confit and ABC foie gras, also notes, “if we’re not excited about it, then it won’t be on the menu.”
Of the unique wine selection, Embry says it will not disappoint. “We’ll provide opportunities for guests to sample world-renowned wines like Krug and Vega Sicilia, or try new and unexpected gems from lesser-known regions,” she says.
Architecturally, the space—which features a retractable ceiling—is designed to create an extraordinary experience for guests, with unencumbered views of Camelback Mountain and glass walls cantilevered above Camelview Terrace. “The idea is a transparent pavilion that floats within a garden, with interior finishes that merge within the night sky,” says architect Wendell Burnette. “It will be a unique work of art.”