Cheap gourmet is at the BMA

A cheap, gourmet Tuesday night dinner, right here on the Homewood campus - no, I haven't been inhaling fumes in Chem lab again. The oh-so-mouthwatering dream of many a Hopkins undergrad is a dream no longer. Right under our ink print-stained noses is one of the best restaurant finds in Baltimore - especially on a Tuesday night.

Many students are familiar with Gertrude's, the upscale dining restaurant and weekend brunch hot spot located in the Baltimore Museum of Art. A true culinary masterpiece, this cozy little eatery is famous for its Chesapeake inspired menus fused with a hint of European flair.

I have eaten at Gertrude's many a time - not only because it is one of my roommate's parents' favorite restaurants, its proximity to campus (in fact, it is on campus!) or the fresh and creative dishes, but also because I think Gertrude's is a great dining value. Not many here at Hopkins are little Mikey Bloombergs-to-be or have rich uncles who love to come whisk us away on fine dining adventures. Most Hopkins students, sadly enough, subsist on Sodexho.

Gertrude's offers even the most penniless Hopkins student the opportunity to taste the good life. Renowned head chef John Shields' menu is full of the most choice offerings from the Chesapeake: a full seafood bar, featuring oysters, clams and shrimp, famous "build your own" crab cakes and a variety of seafood infused dishes (seafood salad, Po'Boy sandwiches and authentic Maryland crab soup, to name a few).

Gertrude's is so much more than a simple seafood joint, though: large, homemade hamburgers, bistro-style sandwiches, and large entrees aim to please the most discriminating palettes.

The restaurant's Saturday and Sunday brunch is famous in the Baltimore metro area. Stuffed French toast, Eggs Benedict, praline waffles and buttermilk pancakes are all tantalizing temptations to wake up to on Sunday morning. Finally, to finish off a decadent weekend brunch of omelets and mimosas, Gertrude's offers a first-rate dessert menu.

Despite the gourmet grub, Gertrude's prices are fairly reasonable. Lunch portions usually range from seven to ten dollars and dinner entrees from nine dollars all the way up to thirty dollars (for when your parents are in town). Unless, of course, you visit on a Tuesday night.

Every Tuesday night, and the first Thursday of every month, Gertrude's offers half priced entrees - that's right, you can get giant, authentic Maryland crab cakes for about the same price as a couple pieces of sushi at Niwana.

I love Gertrude's for many reasons: the food, the friendly service, the reasonable prices, but most of all I love the ambiance of the restaurant. Located in the lobby of the BMA, Gertrude's exudes culture while avoiding a pompous air. Sure, you are surrounded by million dollar works of art, but then again, how pretentious can a place be if they have crayons and paper tablecloths?

The patio at Gertrude's, situated in a portion of the BMA sculpture garden, is one of the most scenic places to pass a beautiful spring or summer morning.

Now that I am effectively off the meal plan, I look for cheap eats wherever I can find them.

I have always loved Gertrude's for multiple reasons. The restaurant is practically on campus, serves some of the best seafood dishes in Baltimore at great prices and practically injects you with culture as you sip your Sunday morning mimosa.

And Gertrude's is also one of the best-kept secrets in Baltimore, offering half priced entrees every Tuesday night.

So next Tuesday night - or even the next time you are heading to Levering for an overpriced Sodexho lunch creation - make a slight detour to Gertrude's in the BMA. Get yourself a little cheap culture, instead of just cheap cheeseburgers.