You might as well be in Paris, because the French bistro atmosphere at Gertrude's is genuine, and intense.
We were seated outdoors on their charming terrace, facing the street, which is jammed with fun street-side restaurants. Plenty of people watching! We were having a great time and it was clear that the rest of the guests were, too. It felt like a chic and delightful party.
The absolute highlight of our meal was the fresh French artichoke, which was nearly as big as my head. That I could have one served to me this minute! It was the BEST I have ever had, and I'm crazy about artichokes. Lamentably, it was served with a bland mayonnaise (or was it a bland Hollandaise?), while it was begging for something acidic (artichokes are alkaline in flavor), so I asked for a vinaigrette. They brought me the mignonette sauce for oysters, instead. Better, but not much.
Everything else I sampled was good, but I would go back many times over and simply gorge on artichokes. So would everybody else, from what I could see. Every single table ordered one or more.
Gertrude's encourages family-style sharing, and the focus is on dishes that showcase the flavors of a few simple ingredients. There is room for improvement. With just a few tweaks, this place might deserve a Michelin star. read more