Desert Botanical Garden sets date for restaurant reopening

Gertrude’s Restaurant, a staple at the Desert Botanical Garden, closed in May after 13 years of serving visitors to one of the Valley’s top tourist destinations. But now, with a new chef at the helm, the restaurant is gearing up to reopen.

The Desert Botanical Garden team announced that Gertrude’s is accepting reservations starting on Oct. 6.

Chantal and Alan “Skip” Hause of Hause Restaurant Group previously ran the restaurant, along with the Garden’s casual counterpart, Patio Cafe. Following the closure, the Garden announced that local acclaimed chef and restaurateur Mark Tarbell would take the reins, leading a “complete reimagining” of the restaurant and its menu.

Tarbell is a James Beard Award-nominated chef and winner of “Iron Chef America.” In the Valley, he’s known for his concepts Tarbell’s, The Tavern, Tarbell’s Wine Store and Cultivate by Tarbell’s. The chef also has outposts inside Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and State Farm Stadium.

What’s on the menu at the new Gertrude’s?

“The Garden is a global icon, and Gertrude’s is nestled in its heart,” Tarbell said in an August news release. “I’m honored to bring a fresh, elevated culinary experience that reflects the spirit of the Sonoran Desert and the vibrancy of our local community.”

The new chef has created a new menu for the iconic space, filled with Southwestern and Mexican flavors.

Appetizers include an al pastor mushroom sope, crispy nopales from the garden with mole and charred sweet corn esquites. Entrees options feature green chile pork with polenta cakes, 12-hour short rib with avocado risotto and a cheeseburger topped with roasted green chiles and honey-cured bacon. Salads and tacos are also available, along with decadent, seasonal desserts and a kids’ menu.

On the drinks menu, there will be a variety of local beers on tap, wines by the glass or bottle and cocktails with and without alcohol. Tipples to try include the Botanical Bee, made with vodka, ginger, thyme and local honey; the Brush Fire Old Fashioned with bourbon, black tea syrup, mesquite bitters and burnt orange peel; and a selection of customizable gin and tonics.

The restaurant will reopen on Oct. 6. Reservations are currently available nightly from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Gertrude’s Restaurant

Reopening on Oct. 6
1201 N. Galvin Pkwy.