Sometimes it is the little things that finally throw you over the edge. I have been back to Gertrude's a few times since my first review--I got a membership because I knew I would have lots of opportunities to take folks to the Chuhily exhibit. As a result because Gertrude's is there I have ended up eating there. Each time the experience has been impacted either by food that is bland to terrible to service that is so off and on.
Today however has given me the resolve to not go back. Had breakfast there with a friend--ordered hot tea--they had no honey--for me not having honey is like for some folks not being able to drink black coffee. Okay I get it sometimes you run out of things. breakfast was two eggs, bacon, one slice of toast and six or seven fingerling potatoes--price point $12--not exactly inexpensive, but i get that the setting is gorgeous--food was okay--neither the best or worst eggs I have ever had
but here comes the little thing----they charge for jam for your one piece of toast. they brought two tablespoons in a little bowl and for the privilege of having a little something sweet on your toast, you are charged a $1.50--but it's homemade they said--
In theory--I would hope that a restaurant at the level Gertrude's is attempting to be--that everything is homemade. This charge offended my sensibilities of fairness and reasonableness--it can only be a slippery slope down to charging if you want silverware to eat with.
That's it--I won't be back--for a $12 breakfast, a tablespoon of jam (which is what was used) should not have a surcharge--
I am not sure what the Gertrude's business model is, but I hope there is some planning ahead when there are no longer stunning works of art to lure people in--I can't imagines locals coming to this restaurant--just because---there are so many other choices--some also with views, who have the sense that good business model for exceptional dining experiences is not to nickle and dime people.