The first time I visited Desert Botanical Garden was during a life-changing Visit Phoenixpress trip that inspired me to move to Arizona. When I mentioned this magical place to my mother that showcases the Sonoran Desert and its botanical gardens, she had no clue it existed as she lived here before I was a glint in anyone’s eye and I’m assuming somewhere that was all desert straight out of Looney Tunes. However unlike the cartoons, the Sonoran Desert is home to about 100 species of reptiles, 20 amphibians, over 350 types of birds and 60 mammals.
Fast forward to modern day and welcome to the fine dining experience with gorgeous sunset views located right inside the entrance gate, Gertrude’s restaurant named after Mrs. Gertrude Divine Webster, an environmentalist ahead of her time founded the Desert Botanical Garden in 1939. Seasonally inspired cuisine celebrates Arizona’s growers and farmers in an upscale setting and shines a spotlight on the fact that you can grow sustainable farm fresh food even in the sizzling sun.
We popped in on a brisk desert night right before sunset and were pleasantly surprised with the quality and presentation of the food. Follow along as we delve into ambiance and food porn face first (if there’s another way… that’s another blogger).
Welcome to the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona near Papago Park.Glass art imitating cactus life at Desert Botanical Garden.The electric desert was on the menu for the night until that sun dropped and we were freezing! Darn, we’ll have to come back some other time but certainly worth a visit in the pitch black of the night at Desert Botanical Garden.Welcome to Gertrude’s at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, AZ.A sneak peak into the patio space from outside Gertrude’s at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, AZ.This is the more casual outdoor beer garden located in front of Gertrude’s at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, AZ.The hostess station getting busy around sunset time at Gertrude’s at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, AZ. To the left is a gift shop with many fun, artsy things for purchase.Walking in to your right is the full bar at Gertrude’s at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, AZ.The bartender starts whipping up cocktails for dinner service at Gertrude’s at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, AZ.Looking back into the dining room, some colder people opted for the indoor seats at Gertrude’s at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, AZ.The back patio is where we were placed to enjoy dinner at Gertrude’s at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, AZ.Flowers, succulents and aloe vera rolling plant wall at Gertrude’s at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, AZ.A lovely fountain outside on the back patio at Gertrude’s at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, AZ.On a kick to taste Arizona food and wine, we enjoyed the Willcox Basin rose very much. Our guest ordered a sidecar which the bartender had to Google… we would recommend sticking with the AZ wines, where you can’t go wrong at Gertrude’s inside Desert Botanical Garden. They also provide a wine flight which is 3 award winning Arizona wines both red and white with tasting notes.The claw meat crab dip at Gertrude’s was so tempting our guest couldn’t wait to eat it! Infused with Old Bay, mozzarella, cream cheese, kale and crostinis, it was gobbled down quickly.Elote fritters at Gertrude’s is an Arizona/Mexican twist on a classic staple. Elotes, or Mexican street corn, is traditionally grilled corn on the cob but these were little fried corn balls covered with cojita cheese, chili powder, lime juice and cilantro.Did we mention how much we loved Willcox Basin wine? Our lovely server becomes a hand model at Gertrude’s for the second rose pour of the night.The outstanding roasted half duck with sweet potato gnocchi at Gertrude’s blew us away with each bite. Moist, tasteful with an Asian flair dipping sauce, it’s not wonder it is a fan fave.Braised beef that melts in your mouth with every bite, Gertrude’s has these hearty stick to your ribs meals down pat and mmmmm’s were had with every bite.Throwing some seasonal veggies for good health, they were perfectly crunchy and delightful at Gertrude’s.We saw a plate of risotto walk by and had to try it as well at Gertrude’s. The lightness of the fresh shrimp combined with the heavy pasta in creamed red chili sauce was a splendid tastebud experience.The final wine tasting of the night was the Willcox Basin white, also a keeper in its simple, clean flavor.Not usually a fan of cheesecake, this one was made with two things I love: goat cheese and red beets so I had to try it out. I was delighted it was earthy yet mildly sweet and one of my favorite new desserts at Gertrude’s.And last but certainly not least, the ricotta donut holes with fudge, caramel and prickly pear jam (the classic Arizona flavor) at Gertrude’s. Warm, gooey balls of yum, we were in love with the flavor and pop in your mouth portion size.
Overall it was a wonderful fine dining experience and with a stroll around the Desert Botanical Garden after a few glasses of wine, incredibly romantic too. Somehow we missed wild boar on the menu (!!!) but it changes seasonally so check it out to see what other Sonoran treats they have in store! It’s also nice to note Gertrude’s embraces a sustainable, eco-friendly approach as a true farm to table restaurant.
