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| - Many times I preface my comments with a disclaimer that many gastronomes carve out negative reviews when they are dissatisfied in a fit of retribution, and those pleased won't spend the energy writing much, thus making many reviews somewhat slanted! I try to be even-handed, not holding back the negative, but try underscoring the positive - always my 'opinion' and those with me at the time. Gertrude's falls into a peculiar category in my reviewing. A restaurant that has achieved a well above average category in both foodie social media and professional critics alike place the demands of staff, management and chef to be on the ball all the time, and strive for the consistency that is appropriate to its accolades whether a main dish, soup, salad or sandwich. That did not happen during our visit recently. Gertrude's seems to strike me as an eatery that is trying to be a fine dining experience, without the dining experience! Despite a reputation that under Chef Eldridge back in 2013 offered Gertrude a 3.5 of 5 on Howard Seftel's list - leaving aside his mention of and my agreeing with his "you-got-to-be-kidding" comment on his 'bread' issue, I agree across the board. When you consider Yelp's 3.5 of 5, Open Table's 4 of 5, Zomato's 3.8 of 5 and Robrt Pela's tribute to new Chef Matt Taylor, we could not agree with such praises. Upon arriving, you almost immediately are overwhelmed by the 'welcome tourist' mentality. This is not an eatery you approach for both consistency or fine cuisine. Ratings seem to boast extraordinary fare but they do not appear to pride themselves in giving the customer the best possible food experience, you just get the impression that the diner is there to be stiffed with exorbitant prices, for highly boasted dishes that are on par with much lower grade dining establishments - of which we have plenty in the Valley of the Sun. This was a meal that was in no way worth bragging about for its value, originality, excellent taste, presentation or the overall dining experience. As for the prices - you positively do not get what you pay for! Our experience with our high expectations for their Farmer's Soup was far too much cream with extraordinary blandness (salt and pepper please); the French Dip's beef was relatively tasteless, far from being tender with an undecipherable aioli and the au jus dip incredibly frail; and the Chicken Sandwich was nothing to write home about - my wife did not finish it! Our recommendation - have a drink or two, maybe an appetizer. If you're in a rush, they'll help you leave quickly - if you're not in a hurry, there's the Gift Shop, they won't rush you out of there! Bon appétit is not the word for Gertrude's! Happy dining, el Gástro Ecléctico!
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