Gertrude’s At The Desert Botanical Garden Opening January 2013

More than 640,000 attendees visit the Desert Botanical Garden each year to experience the sights and sounds of the desert. But beginning January 2013, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy a culinary experience as well — with farm- and pasture-to-table cuisine at Gertrude’s.

Gertrude’s menu, headed by Executive Chef Stephen Eldridge, will boast “Modern Arizona Cuisine,” emphasizing fresh, local ingredients directly from its plot at the Desert Botanical Garden’s Community Garden. Currently, Chef Elridge is cultivating arugula, red sail and butter crunch greens, root vegetables and herbs.

Operated by Skip and Chantal Hause, owners of Fabulous Food Fine Catering and Events, Gertrude’s will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner at affordable prices as well as happy hour items and a Sunday brunch.

Breakfast
Prices: $5 to $12
Menu: Will include a full coffee bar, fresh baked breakfast pastries, and items such as eggs to order, house made granola, lemon-scented griddle cakes and green chili pork over creamy grits.

Lunch
Prices: $8 to $18
Menu: Designed to be served quickly; will consist of lighter salads, vegetarian dishes, hamburgers, pasta dishes and entrees, as well as a children’s menu.

Dinner
Prices: $7 to $32
Menu: Will feature appetizers, fish, pastas, steak and lighter fare.

At the bar:
The full bar menu will offer Arizona craft brews on tap and quality Old and New World wines, most by the glass and of course bottle. Spirits will be highly rated products from acclaimed distillers as well as regional American selections. Gertrude’s will also feature Garden-inspired cocktails made with native Arizona ingredients and Garden-grown herbs.

Gertrude’s menu will change often, based on the availability of local products and Chef Eldridge’s inspiration.
The restaurant will also feature indoor and patio dining, a private chef’s table and bar seating.

“Gertrude’s will be a special place for all,” says Chef Elridge, passionate about local foods, native ingredients and the Sonoran Desert.