Welcome to the Vegetarian and Vegan Guide to Baltimore!

January's Feature of the Month

The painting Pink Tulip by Georgia O’Keeffe. A Baga dance headdress from Guinea. Avant-garde photography by Man Ray. Vegan “crab cakes.” They’re all found at the Baltimore Museum of Art. For the crab cakes, you’ll need to stop at Gertrude’s: John Shield’s restaurant on the first floor.

The dinner menu shines with numerous vegan options. Entrees include the aforementioned “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Crab” cakes made with grated zucchini, Old Bay seasoning and traditional spices. Served with orange-chipotle sauce, chilled spicy udon noodles (a type of thick wheat-flour noodle) and garlic spinach, the cakes are savory and delicious. Rounding out the big plate options are Moroccan chickpea couscous with local asparagus, roasted tomatoes, zucchini, and more and a Southeast Asian vegetable curry made with seasonal vegetables in a mild yellow curry. The curry is also gluten free.

Have a smaller appetite? There are plenty of options to choose from! Try the house-made black bean burger, the vegetable pot pie with the sweet potato biscuit topping, or the zuchettes, which are mini versions of the crab cakes. Vegan items are clearly labeled on the menu.

The restaurant features daytime views of the museum's sculpture gardens. During warmer months, outdoor seating is available surrounded by a fountain and reflecting pool.

Gertrude's closes occasionally for private functions. Check the main page of their web site or call ahead. And when you go, make sure to tell them that VegBaltimore.com sent you!