Q: How will the desert and the Garden as a whole influence the restaurant offerings and theme?
A: When I first arrived in Arizona after finishing culinary studies in Paris, I knew almost nothing about the indigenous foods of the Southwest and Mexico. Then I tasted my first chile—it was love at first bite. The cuisine of the desert is, in my view, one of the most exciting and diverse in the world today. At Gertrude’s, we’ll celebrate those flavors while also weaving in some of the comforting dishes people know us for.
Q: What are some of the dishes that will be featured on the menu?
A: Our menu highlights the bounty and bold flavors of the Southwest. A few favorites include:
- Charred Street Corn Esquites – Mexican street corn off the cob with cotija, cilantro and chile-lime crema.
- Crispy Corn Polenta Cake – Made with Ramona Farms organic polenta and served with bright tomatillo salsa.
- Al Pastor Mushroom Sope – A house-made sope topped with marinated mushrooms, avocado, pineapple and pickled onion.
- Arizona Honey-Lime Salmon – Pan-roasted with a crisp potato cake and local garden greens.
- 12-Hour Short Rib & Avocado Risotto – Barbacoa-style short rib over creamy avocado risotto.
- Taco Trio – Choose from Crispy Duck Confit, Fresh Fish or Barbacoa Short Rib, all paired with smoky black bean purée and jicama-citrus slaw.
- Arizona Date Bread Pudding – Served with Tucson’s Del Bac whiskey glaze.
Q: What excites you most about this new partnership with the Garden?
A: I’ve long admired and supported the Garden through fundraising and community events, so this partnership feels like a dream realized. Our goal is to create an experience that elevates and excites visitors from near and far—sharing not just food, but joy, beauty and connection.
Q: Is there a signature Tarbell’s dish or cocktail you’ll be bringing to the Garden?
A: Absolutely—the Cactus Bird. It’s a refreshing blend of locally owned Roxx Organic Vodka, Aperol, lime and a splash of fresh pineapple, topped with our Tarbell’s Sprinkle Joy Sparkling Wine.
Q: Will there be a kid-friendly menu?
A: Yes! We’ve created a fun and approachable kids’ menu ($12), which includes fries or fresh fruit on the side and a choice of juice or milk:
- Noodles with butter or marinara.
- Classic Burger Slider with American cheese.
- All-Beef Hot Dog on a toasted roll.
- Grilled Cheese on Noble Bread with melted cheddar and jack cheese.
- Sweet Treat – a mini Häagen-Dazs ice cream pop.
Q: As a Garden member, what is your favorite experience or event?
A: Las Noches de las Luminarias. There’s something magical about the Garden illuminated at night—it’s one of the most breathtaking experiences Arizona has to offer.
