Bernie’s Lunch & Supper is located in the hip River North neighborhood. Chef Zack Sklar’s first venture in Chicago is part of the Michigan based-restaurant group, Peas & Carrot Hospitality. The restaurant is named after Sklar’s grandfather and the menu is focused on pan-Mediterranean flavors. Yeah, pan-Mediterranean is a thing.
A few girlfriends (Brett, Erica, Erin, and Sherrie) and I got together for lunch since we haven’t seen each other in sooooo long and Brett had just finished a 21-day detox (no, but seriously. how did she do it?). There’s nothing better than breaking a cleanse with a burger, fried potatoes, and falafel. Am I right?
{Ambiance}
The casual, hip space at Bernie’s Lunch & Supper is inviting and offers family-style seating with large turquoise-colored booths. It has an old school supper club vibe (sunken ceiling panels) but with modern brass fixtures and accents. The mis-matched chairs and tables give the space a lot of character. During the warmer months, the roof-deck and bar are available.
Fab Review: Bernie’s Lunch & Supper // Photo: @fabsoopark
A beautiful mural overlays an entire wall, which is dedicated to Sklar’s grandfather, the restaurant’s inspiration.
Fab Review: Bernie’s Lunch & Supper // Photo: @fabsoopark
The open kitchen concept gives a nice vibrancy, with the staff hustling, pots boiling, and flames burning…it really adds a nice energy to the whole dining experience.
Fab Review: Bernie’s Lunch & Supper // Photo: @fabsoopark
{Food}
OK. So, what did we try? Or should I say, what didn’t we try? Even though the lunch menu was small, we still found plenty to eat. The lunch menu is divided into the following selections: small plates, salads, sandwiches, and desserts.
FAB TIP: They have build-your-own salads with a variety of fresh veggies, grains, nuts, cheeses, and more.
Lamb Hashwi
Hashwi is a Lebanese dish and traditionally made with rice. Bernie’s version comes with minced za’atar (traditional eastern Mediterranean spice) spiced lamb, creamy hummus, pine nuts, and pomegranate seeds. The combination is savory and sweet but nutty and tangy. Don’t forget to spread all the goodness on a piece of warm pita bread! It’s kind of a mix between a traditional pita and Indian fried bread…slightly crispy on the outside with a doughy inside.
Patatas Bravas
Whether you call them potatoes or patatas, the thick-cut, fried potato wedges with garlic aioli and zesty bravas sauce are highly-addictive. Bet you can’t just eat one!
Patatas Bravas at Bernie’s Lunch & Supper // Photo: @fabsoopark
Oysters
Next, we had the roasted oysters, which were drenched in a luscious chorizo butter and topped with crispy potato shoestrings. The oysters were plump in texture and meaty in flavor from the chorizo butter. The potato shoestrings added a nice saltiness and brought a delightful contrasting texture to the whole dish.
Oysters at Bernie’s Lunch & Supper // Photo: @fabsoopark
FAB TIP: The menu items under the small plates are not small at all. They are generously portioned and great for sharing!
Falafel
Although the falafel is under the sandwich section on the lunch menu, it didn’t technically come out like a sandwich, which was actually preferred. It was served with a side of warm tahini pita so you could create a sandwich, but it was almost too pretty to even touch. The dish was beautifully plated with five pieces of falafel, pickled eggplant, and colorful veggies, then dressed with smoked feta yogurt.
Falafel at Bernie’s Lunch & Supper // Photo: @fabsoopark
Croque Madame
Instagrammers love their egg dishes (#putaneggonit) so we were all excited to try the Croque Madame. Well, except for Erica, since it comes with a sunny-side up egg. She is pregnant (yay!) so she can’t eat anything raw (boo!). The combination of the Coppa ham and gruyere had a nice balance of sweet and salty. The gorgeous egg on top had our eyes popping out and phones eating first.
Exhibit A
A photo posted by Chicago Food 🍴 (@312food) on
Exhibit B
A photo posted by Her Tasty Life | Brett Firdman (@hertastylife) on
Bernie’s Cheeseburger
We saw “cheeseburger” on the menu, and naturally, we HAD to order it. Obvi! The burger is basic but simply delicious. The dill pickles, aioli, and onion red cabbage slaw creates a hot mess on your hands but worth every napkin.
A photo posted by Chicago Blogger & Future Mommy (@everythingerica) on
{Experience}
It was a fun lunch date with the ladies and the perfect way for Brett to #breakthecleanse. The chef’s creations are unique with globally influenced ingredients and flavors.
The scene is casual but hip. I loved the big windows, which made the lighting ideal for photos. The welcoming space is great for a drink at the bar, laid-back lunch or supper, and weekend brunch.
FAB DEAL: Mention Fab Food Chicago and get 10% off your whole check. Valid from 3/1/16 through 3/31/16. Dine-in only. Excludes happy hour. What are you waiting for? Make your reservations now!
Oh, one more thing! We didn’t get to try the Paella with prawns, chorizo, and saffron rice, since it is on the supper menu, but I will definitely be back to try it!
A photo posted by Bernie’s Lunch & Supper (@bernies_chicago) on
{Location}
Bernie’s Lunch & Supper
River North || 660 N Orleans St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 624-9892
{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)
{Fab Ratings: 4 Fabs}
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Live the Fab Food Life,
Soo
Note: This meal was complimentary. However, the views and opinions expressed herein are those of the writer.
