A fresh dining experience has arrived in Scotch Plains, NJ with the opening of bernadette, a French Mediterranean restaurant that offers a taste of city sophistication right in the suburbs. With a chef-driven menu that blends the flavors of French and Spanish cuisine, bernadette specializes in tapas-style shareable plates that encourage communal dining. From innovative small bites to bold, seasonal dishes, nearly half the menu rotates with the seasons, ensuring that each visit brings something new and exciting to explore. Complementing the food is an expertly curated drink selection, featuring craft cocktails, a diverse range of beers, and an eclectic wine list that pairs beautifully with the menu's ever-evolving offerings.
“Sharing food fosters connection and conversation,” says owner Melody DeGaetano. “We provide a space where diners can explore and savor cuisine and cocktails together.”
PHOTO: bernadette, Scotch Plains, NJ
The Origins of Tapas: A Culinary Tradition Born in Spain
The word "tapas" traces its roots to the Spanish verb “tapar,” meaning “to cover.” While there are several theories about how these small, flavorful bites got their name, one popular legend takes us to the taverns of Andalusia. In these bars, patrons would enjoy sherry alongside thin slices of bread topped with a variety of delicious ingredients. To keep pesky fruit flies out of their glasses, diners would place the bread over the rim—effectively "covering" their drink. What started as a practical solution soon evolved into a beloved tradition, where sampling different bites became a hallmark of the local bar scene. As patrons shouted "tapas!" while indulging, the name stuck, and the practice grew into the vibrant culinary experience we know today.
bernadette is Scotch Plains' Newest Culinary Destination
Tucked in the vibrant heart of Scotch Plains, bernadette offers an elevated "going-out" experience that sets a new standard for local dining. Breaking away from traditional concepts, Bernadette serves up a dynamic mix of small plates, hand-crafted cocktails, and a chic, lounge-like atmosphere that's perfect for a night out. You can feel the passion in each plate and drink, from the carefully sourced ingredients to the handcrafted cocktails made with spirits from independent distilleries.
Unique and Modern Menu Offerings
The menu at bernadette's features a range of modern and unique items that excite the palate. Some highlights include nduja-stuffed bacon-wrapped dates with diablo sauce, duck confit with apple butter and five-spice smoked olive oil, and tarte flambée topped with fontina, gruyere, and jamon. Other intriguing options include melted leeks with raclette and tarragon aioli, octopus with marcona almonds and garlic, and fried olives with bayley hazen blue cheese and calabrian chili sauce.
Another unique detail about bernadette's is its drink menu, which is carefully crafted to complement the food offerings. “We create cocktails based on flavor profiles, balancing acids and sweetness for a well-rounded experience,” the representative notes. An example is the brown butter-washed Old Fashioned infused with black walnut—an ideal pairing for the tapas experience.
