What do distinctive Chesapeake cuisine, impeccable artwork, and a pristine ambiance have in common? All three can be seen, sampled, and indulged at Gertrude’s in Baltimore, Maryland.
If you don’t live here, you’re probably wondering why you should travel so far, just to experience fine food and art. Well, how many places have you dined in that overlooks a sculpture garden? The Chesapeake Bay inspired interior is wholeheartedly alluring, but at times, the sunshine is equally, if not more inviting. With this in mind, it’s great to bask in the glory of the tantalizing terrace: It seats about 80 people, which means, it isn’t too expansive or cramped. The surrounding fountain and the reflecting pool isn’t so bad either. Just don’t try to jump in, the security are NOT to be taken lightly.
Enough of the atmosphere. This IS a food article right? Let’s get into this Chesapeake Cuisine that I mentioned earlier. Maryland has many delicacies, but it is a seafood state. This is what Gertrude’s specializes in. I’m talking more than Crab Cakes here, The Crab soup, is quite the scoop, The Crab Imperial, is the real deal, and the Rockfish Imperial, simply rocks. The ingredients are an exquisite array of spices that make these dishes shine beyond belief. This is probably why they aren’t available in regular stores.
Now for my two premier dishes: The Salmon B.L.T and Oyster Po Boy. The Salmon B.L.T. Lets just say, that after sampling this one, the original falls off the radar. An impeccable smoked salmon filet, seasoned perfectly, accented with smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, and herbed mayonnaise poised between the freshest Brioche roll on the face of this earth. The beauty of it is that you have a choice of breads, but nothing beats the Brioche!!!
And there is nothing Po about the Oyster Po Boy!!! Pan seared oysters, crusted with the perfect amount of cornmeal, and other delectable seasonings, delicately dressed in remoulade sauce, lettuce, and tomato on a torpedo roll. Amazing is an understatement.
In addition to the ambiance, and cuisine, the location is equally enthralling. It’s located inside the Baltimore Museum of Art!!! Where did you think that the sculpture garden came from? Before or after a great meal, take a tour and experience and array of Modern art from each culture. If you stop by on select Saturdays in July and August, you can enjoy some smooth Jazz in the Sculpture Garden. There is also a semi traditional afternoon tea, which takes place the first weekend of each month. It’s usually between 2 and 3pm, and reservations are necessary.
So what are you waiting for? Race on over to 10 Art Museum Drive in Baltimore, Maryland. If you have any questions or concerns about Gertrude’s, contact them at, 410-889-3399. If you need to reach the Baltimore Museum of Art, it’s at 443-573-1700 or www. artbma.org.
Now hurry, theyre almost out of Salmon B.L.Ts!!! Burp!!!