Chef Conversations

In the kitchen with Samantha King of Wrigley Mansion

By Alison Bailin Batz / Photo by Debby Wolvos

Samantha King is the executive pastry chef of Wrigley Mansion, overseeing all baked goods and sweet treats for Geordie’s and Christopher’s as well as weekend brunch, chef’s table service and events.

Tell us about your brunch spread.

Every weekend, we transform Jamie’s Wine Bar at Wrigley into a sweets room, arranging it so the space feels like something out of Alice in Wonderland. We put out hundreds of scratch-made treats, including chocolate mousse cups, cheesecake bites, cream puffs, mini assorted tarts, brownies, petit fours, and massive cakes. Brunch service also includes a breadbasket on each table with freshly made scones, muffins, Danish, and more.

What are some after-dinner desserts for which you are especially proud?

I have been doing a series focusing on a singular fruit, using it as the inspiration for a seasonal dessert. For example, this summer guests will be served what looks like a large mandarin orange. When cut, however, the “orange” is citrus-infused cake, fruit compote, silky mousse, and other flavors and textures to surprise and delight the palate.

What inspired you to bake?

My grandma and I were always in the kitchen, so I fell in love with baking at a young age. Then my mom is an accountant, and my dad is a graphic novel designer. I firmly believe baking is equal parts art and science, and between the two of them, they passed on the best of their logical and creative sides to me, so it was natural.

Tell us about your professional journey.

I graduated from Arizona State University in 2014 – the first in my family to graduate college – and started down the road to become a vet, but the kitchen always called me back. By 2015, I graduated from Le Cordon-Bleu and was working as a chocolatier at Julia Baker Confections.

What would readers be surprised to know about you?

I am both a black belt in karate and played on the drumline in high school.

Wrigley Mansion, 2501 E. Telawa Trail, Phoenix; www.wrigleymansion.com; 602.955.4079.