Photo Credit: Mark Tarbell
Is there anything that Scottsdale doesn’t thrive at? We all know about the world class golf courses, clubs, hotels, and nearly everything you want. And in case you figured that dining wasn’t included, a new development in the culinary scene is demonstrating that you can’t sleep on Scottsdale as a culinary destination either.
In a major upgrade to the local foodie scene, celebrity chef Mark Tarbell is taking over as the culinary leader of Gertrude’s Restaurant and Patio Café at the Desert Botanical Garden, promising a “complete reimagining” that will blend “the beauty of the garden with Tarbell’s signature culinary artistry.” While the Garden is technically in Phoenix, it is a stone’s throw from the border and a frequent destination for so many Scottsdalians.
For Valley food enthusiasts, this announcement represents the return of a true culinary icon. The James Beard Foundation nominated Tarbell for “Best Chef – Southwest,” and he’s a two-time inductee to The Arizona Hall of Culinary Fame, with his restaurants earning more than 50 “Best Of” city and industry awards, including recognition from Food and Wine magazine. His namesake restaurant Tarbell’s, opened in 1994, remains “one of the city’s hottest reservations” nearly three decades later.
Tarbell’s credentials extend far beyond the kitchen. He’s won on Food Network’s “Iron Chef America” and serves as host of PBS’s Emmy award-winning shows “Plate and Pour” and “Check Please Arizona.” He’s cooked for star athletes and A-list celebrities including Muhammad Ali, establishing himself as Arizona’s go-to chef for high-profile events.
For Scottsdale, Tarbell’s leadership of Gertrude’s means more than just exceptional dining—it signals our city’s continued evolution as a premier culinary destination. The refreshed restaurant will feature “casual elegance and botanical inspiration for locals and visitors alike,” perfectly embodying Scottsdale’s sophisticated yet approachable dining culture.
This partnership represents a meeting of two Arizona treasures: our world-renowned Desert Botanical Garden and one of our most celebrated chefs. With Tarbell’s track record of creating memorable culinary experiences and his deep understanding of Arizona’s ingredients and flavors, Gertrude’s is positioned to become a must-visit destination that showcases the best of Scottsdale hospitality and innovation.