Speakeasies are all the rage right now, and for good reason. They provide great cocktails, an alluring chance to escape a typical bar or restaurant scene and talented mixologists and bartenders using a high level of creativity to provide guests a unique experience. Wander Speakeasy, hidden inside North Phoenix luxury event venue Chateau Luxe, gives guests a clever slant on the Wonders of the World through its specialty cocktails. It also offers a focus on the flavors of the Southwest with Wander Provisions — a curated collection of small plates and appetizers.
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General Manager of Chateau Luxe, Austin Cahill explains, “We want to capture the beauty, essence and mystery of Chateau Luxe, while telling and expanding that story through a first-class cocktail experience.” A selection of seven highly specialized cocktails, coined “Wonders of the World,” were developed and perfected with the tutelage of Frantz Heitz of Dutch-based company, Cocktail Professor.
Seven Wonders of the World (cocktail edition)
The seven Wonders of the World specialty cocktails take hours, over the course of several days to pre-prepare for its guests, combining unexpected ingredients, infusions, flavors and aromas that provide a reflection of the world wonder each cocktail represents.
A staff favorite cocktail is the Machu Picchu which combines the smooth flavors of Velvet Falernum, pisco and cinnamon, including a surprise tangy zing of key lime Greek yogurt on the end, and visually complemented by a pineapple frond speared with a zesty cob of baby corn. It’s a flavor sensation to be sure. The refreshingly delicious cocktail is then served in an adorably festooned llama vessel that flirtatiously gazes at you while you enjoy your beverage.
Another of Wander’s most popular cocktails is The World. This smoky classic combines French cognac, Barbados aged rum, American bourbon, Canadian rye and bitters with smoke. The international combination of spirits is encased and served in a clear globe on a meridian, complete with a beautiful serving platform that makes The World a truly distinguished cocktail. Finishing out the collection of Wonders of the World are the Colosseum, Chichen Itza, Grand Canyon, Great Wall and Taj Mahal.
House signature cocktails, known as “Wanders,” include a “where’s where” of city-monikered cocktails: Paris, Santiago, Oslo, Casablanca, Manchester, Pompeii, Kyoto and Manchester. Of these, the Mykonos is by far a favorite selection from this group. The beautiful ice blue hued cocktail includes a mild, light and refreshing combination of gin, pineapple, Mastic Tears liqueur, cucumber, mint, spirulina and coconut Greek yogurt. A collection of New Classics cocktails round out the offerings. Guests can also choose from a selection of notable wines from a variety of regions and some beers.
For designated drivers and those that don’t drink, a thoughtfully created selection of mocktails provides the same intriguing style of taste combinations that are reflected in Wander’s cocktail menu. The Wanderer includes flavors of pomegranate, plum, lychee and lime.
Well Traveled features an engaging combination of passionfruit, lime, agave and bitter aperitif with a kiss of syrup. Bon Voyage is a vibrant blend of strawberry, lemon, lavender rose and verjus. Finally, the wanderlust is a savory drink that includes butterfly pea tea, yerba mate, ume plum and black walnut.
Small plates and appetizers
The food menu at Wander was also developed with the same unique mindset as the speakeasy itself. “Our food menu is a tip of the hat to our Arizona roots, consisting of a heavy assortment of small plates and shareable items,” says Cahill. “Our executive chef, Charlie Kenyon, uses fresh local ingredients to capture and match the same bold flavors found on the cocktail menu.”
You could certainly make a meal out of the delicious selections on the Wander Provisions portion of the menu. Each entry on the food menu at Wander boasts at least one flavor or ingredient that speaks to the unique flavor palate of the Sonoran Desert.
For starters, consider The Ocotillo, a generous serving of edamame with smoked sea salt. Or, The Palo Verde is a scrumptious version of chilaquiles that includes house-made corn chips, salsa verde, sweet onion and cilantro with queso fresco, crema and tajin. Make it even more of a meal with the addition of a fried egg on top.
Jacaranda is a beautiful salad that incorporates local greens, seasonal pear, blackberry, gooseberry, goji berry, gorgonzola and candied pecans topped with a tangy apple cider vinaigrette. Add a chicken breast, and you have a hearty salad that works as a meal or a perfect selection for a date night sharable.
The Cardinal is a charcuterie board with a chef’s selection of delicious items ranging from Marcona almonds, fig jam and berries, to fine soppressata, prosciutto, fontina and more, served with warm toast. The Cardinal can be made gluten-free, upon request. Also, try The Wild Flower, a fruit and cheese board served with warm ciabatta bread, or The Mohave, a creative green chili white bean hummus with salted olive oil and pita toasts.
The Javelina is a Sonoran-themed hot dog that is big enough to share and includes maple bourbon bacon, beans, onion, tomato, green chili, Mexican crema, mustard and cilantro all tucked into a melt-in-your-mouth fresh house-baked bun. This fun nosh is easily big enough to share. And because they thought of everything, there is Four Peaks – the ultimate comfort food! It is a local wheatberry toast grilled with sharp cheddar and Swiss cheeses and served with creamy tomato soup for dipping. Four Peaks can also be made vegetarian and gluten-free, for an additional charge.
Flatbreads are plentiful on the Wander menu! The standout in my opinion, is The Sedona. It includes chicken breast, pulled mozzarella, masala marinara, spiced yogurt, red onion, tamarind glaze and coriander chutney. Additional flatbread varieties include The Mesa (margarita style), The Phoenix (sausage and jalapeño) and The Scottsdale (artichoke and pesto chicken). Any flatbreads can be made with a gluten free crust for an additional charge.
A couple of cool desserts round out the menu. The Finale features a signature ube flavor gelato served with Aleppo chili pistachio brittle. Montezuma is a classic sopapilla cinnamon frybread topped with caramel, candied pecans and a sinful scoop of bourbon apple crunch gelato.
Wander on in to Wander
Wander Speakeasy is more than just a bar. It is a food and beverage destination with exceptional guest service and an experience that is head and shoulders above other speakeasies.
Cahill explains, “The ambiance is elegant and upbeat, yet relaxing and calming after a long day. Rounding out the cool vibe at Wander Speakeasy is beautiful mood lighting, jazz music and stylish furnishings with accents of velvet everywhere!”
Live entertainment was recently added at Wander. Local songstress and performer, Pyrrha Sutra and saxophonist, Esteban Camacho dazzle the crowd as they perform jazz standards and beloved classics, with guest vocalist, Sherri Valentine. The live music residency runs 8-10 p.m. every Friday through August. Cahill anticipates adding more live music in the fall.
Speakeasy details
Wander Speakeasy boasts happy hour 4-6 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, with regular hours 4-10 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 6 p.m-12 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 6-10 p.m. on Sundays. It is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Occasionally, Wander is closed for a private event. It is highly suggested to make reservations in advance at wanderspeakeasy.com.
Wander Speakeasy is hidden inside Chateau Luxe Event Venue, at 1175 E. Lone Cactus Drive, Phoenix, 85024. The entrance is on the east side of the building.