Chantal and Alan "Skip" Hause of Hause Restaurant Group, who ran both concepts, stepped away to focus on their catering company. So, the restaurant and cafe shuttered for the summer.
But now, the garden team has announced what's next for the large Getrude's space and the Patio Cafe. Top Valley chef and well-known name Mark Tarbell is taking over as the culinary lead, according to the announcement
A "complete reimagining of Gertrude's" is in the works, the announcement says, that will blend "the beauty of the garden with Tarbell's signature culinary artistry."
Tarbell has served Valley diners for decades, with his concepts Tarbell's, The Tavern, Tarbell's Wine store and Cultivate by Tarbell's. He also has locations inside Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and recently joined forces with State Farm Stadium to open an outpost for football fans.
The chef and restaurateur is also a James Beard Award nominee, a winner of "Iron Chef America" and a two-time inductee to the Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame.
“The Garden is a global icon, and Gertrude’s is nestled in its heart,” Tarbell said in a 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.”
At the new and improved Gertrude's, customers can expect garden-inspired cocktails and wine from Tarbell's cellar, an updated desert-inspired design and expanded catering and private event offerings. The restaurant's menu will rotate seasonally and feature Arizona-grown ingredients. Expect dishes like crispy duck tacos with toasted pumpkin seed salsa and pickled shallot.
“I’m over the moon about this partnership with Tarbell’s," Garden Board Chair Scott Burdick said in the release. "It’s the right partner at the right time in the Garden’s history. With Mark’s vision, creativity and award-winning team, we are on the pathway to creating a significantly enhanced food and beverage experience for our visitors.”
The reimagined Gertrude's will reopen this fall, with the refreshed Patio Cafe reopening shortly thereafter. No solid dates have yet been set.
Gertrude's and Patio Cafe at the Desert Botanical Garden
Reopening this fall1201 N. Galvin Pkwy.
