There’s a new French Mediterranean restaurant in Scotch Plains aiming to bring a city-like dining experience to the suburbs. Bernadette serves a chef-driven menu featuring French and Spanish tapas-style shareables, cocktails, beers, and an eclectic wine list. Nearly half the menu changes seasonally, encouraging experimentation with each visit.
Bernadette is a 2,743-sq ft space that replaces Little Shop of Comics in town. “The vibe is minimal, calm, and soft,” according to Owner Melody DeGaetano. The restaurant can seat 50 guests inside, which gives off an inviting and relaxing vibe. In fact, considerable thought was put into the lighting, design, and seating to make guests want to return. Future plans include a year-round patio to serve additional diners outdoors.
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French & Mediterranean Tapas
Patrons will find French Mediterranean tapas and conscious cuisine at Bernadette. Current offerings include steak, fideua (Spanish seafood), roasted half chicken, croquetas, and pissas. But DeGaetano’s favorite dish is always on the menu. “I personally insisted on the duck fat frites as a mainstay,” she says.
Chef Roxanne Spruance heads the kitchen. She is known for her innovative and seasonal cuisine and maintains a ‘less is more’ philosophy. Her approach of simple and straightforward food aligns with Bernadette’s vision of elevating classics with a new outlook.
The beverage menu at Bernadette contains wine, cocktails, and beer from local New Jersey breweries. Cocktails also use minimal ingredients and a light garnish. They aren’t too sweet or artificial, with everything made fresh. Popular cocktails include the Bernadette 75 (Ford’s gin, grapefruit, bibi graetz, and sparkling bollamatta); College Dropout (Breckenridge vodka with passionfruit, black drop vanilla and brohigas cava); and Angry Beaver (serrano-infused Pueblo Viejo tequila, passionfruit, lime, agave, and salt foam). The espresso martini is a hit, too.
The wine list sources from wineries that use traditional techniques or that have a long history. Bernadette works with independently-owned wineries that focus on the grape and processes rather than the name or label. For instance, their champagnes are fermented with no added sugar, so they’re made of only grapes and yeast.
About The Owner
Melody has been a Scotch Plains resident for 14 years. Her vision for Bernadette is to bring something unique to Scotch Plains that differs from traditional eateries. She also owns Black Drop Coffee in town.
Visit Bernadette at 387 Park Ave in Scotch Plains. Look for them online to learn more.
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Photos #1 & #3: Bridget Quinn (Provided by Bernadette)
Photo #2: © Chelsea Paige Photography