Desert Botanical Garden Welcomes Award-Winning Chef Mark Tarbell to Lead Culinary Vision at the Garden
August 21, 2025Desert Botanical Garden is proud to unveil a bold new chapter in its culinary evolution. Renowned chef and restaurateur Mark Tarbell, a James Beard Award nominee, Iron Chef America winner and one of Arizona’s most celebrated culinary innovators, will join the Garden as the new culinary lead for Gertrude’s Restaurant and Patio Café.
With a legacy of excellence spanning nearly four decades, Tarbell is beloved for his vibrant, ingredient-driven cooking, his approachable hospitality and his commitment to seasonally inspired menus that celebrate local farmers, ranchers and winemakers. His flagship restaurant, Tarbell’s, was named one of Food & Wine magazine’s “Best Restaurants,” and he is a two-time inductee into the Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame. As the owner of acclaimed establishments including Tarbell’s, The Tavern, Tarbell’s Wine Store and Cultivate by Tarbell’s, he has built a reputation for bringing joy, warmth and world-class technique to every dining experience.
“I’m over the moon about this partnership with Tarbell’s — it’s the right partner at the right time in the Garden’s history,” says Garden Board Chair Scott Burdick. “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 collaboration begins with a complete reimagining of Gertrude’s, blending the beauty of the Garden with Tarbell’s signature culinary artistry. Guests can look forward to:
- A seasonally evolving menu highlighting Arizona-grown ingredients and inspiration.
- Like Crispy Duck Confit Tacos with toasted pumpkin seed salsa and pickled shallot
- Wine and cocktail programming featuring boutique selections from Tarbell’s award-winning cellar, plus Garden-inspired craft cocktails.
- Elevated guest experience and design that honors the Sonoran Desert while offering warm, modern hospitality.
- Expanded catering and private event offerings that bring the Garden’s spirit to unforgettable celebrations.
“The Garden is a global icon, and Gertrude’s is nestled in its heart,” says Tarbell. “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 newly envisioned Gertrude’s will debut in Fall 2025, followed by a refreshed Patio Café experience launching shortly thereafter — designed with casual elegance and botanical inspiration for locals and visitors alike.
Chef Tarbell brings not only his personal accolades — from his Iron Chef America victory, to five Emmy Awards for his culinary television work, to his James Beard Award nomination — but also a deeply talented team of chefs, sommeliers and hospitality leaders who share his philosophy of love, joy and connection through food. Together, they will make Gertrude’s a must-visit culinary landmark in the Southwest.
Stay tuned for menu reveals, design previews and opening celebrations that will mark this exciting new era at Desert Botanical Garden.
