Approachable French-American fare in a trendy modern bistro setting is what the Main Line dining crowd can anticipate once The Bercy in Ardmore opens its doors. We originally heard that this hot spot would open last fall, but a number of factors have pushed that date back again and again. However, it’s now official: The Bercy is set to open on Friday, April 27!
The restaurant will initially offer dinner service, with lunch, weekday breakfast and weekend brunch to be added in the spring. The ultimate goal for the restaurant is to provide all-day dining and café options, seven days a week.
Owners Justin Weathers and Joe Monnich are veterans of the local culinary scene, as former Stephen Starr alums and current partners in Stove & Tap in Lansdale and Al Pastor in Exton. Their latest endeavor will be located at 7 East Lancaster Avenue in Ardmore in the former Haverford Trust building from the 1920’s where Primavera Pizza Kitchen was located. The Bercy will present a modern take on the classic French brasserie, and is named after a neighborhood in the 12th arrondissement of Paris.
Monnich is the former executive chef of Parc and The Dandelion and previously held positions with Jean-Georges, Lacroix and Susanna Foo. Weathers held various roles within the Starr Restaurant Group, working at Parc, The Dandelion, and Continental Mid-town. The two met as the opening team at Parc. Austin Schafer, a Garces alum, most recently at Amada, will serve as chef de cuisine.
The Bercy will feature approachable, classically inspired brasserie cuisine. Monnich’s culinary direction is rooted in simple cooking techniques which allow great ingredients to speak for themselves. Some of the items set to be included on The Bercy menu include a selection of wood-fired rotisserie, freshly extruded pastas, and an array of steakhouse-style cuts. Additionally, the bar area will extend into an open raw bar, showcasing daily selections of fresh oysters and seafood. For those with dietary restrictions, rest assured that gluten-free and vegan options will be plentiful.
The Bercy’s wine program is aggressive and value-driven, including a curated list of quality wines and well-known classics. The opening wines-by-the-glass menu will include eight reds and eight whites, as well as several sparkling and rosé options on tap. The cocktail program is a modern take on classic French cocktails and includes several iterations with a sparkling base. An eclectic beer draft and bottle program includes international beers on tap and by the bottle and features an assortment of French ciders.
The Bercy interior will offer 240 seats to choose from throughout the 10,000-square foot restaurant. There will be three unique spaces for private dining and parties, and ample room for large group gatherings. A lit 60-foot U-shaped bar with 40 seats will provide the center focal point of the restaurant. The open mezzanine is flanked by windows 20 feet tall to create an open and airy feel bathed in natural light. The floor plan is wheelchair- and stroller-friendly for ease of access for all, and once the weather turns warm, outdoor seating will be available for al fresco dining.
Balongue Design of Villanova is handling the interior décor, with the overall inspiration of the feel of a stunning grand hotel to fuel their creativity. The space will be comfortable and elegant, with color tones of bright white, navy blue and gold, exuding a modern, yet nostalgic, ambiance.
The Bercy is intended to be a family friendly community gathering spot — exciting and chic — as a place for date nights, large birthday dinners and dressed-up Saturday nights, yet still appropriate for a quick afternoon bite.
Be sure to follow The Bercy on Facebook for additional information!
Once open, find The Bercy at 7 East Lancaster Ave. in Ardmore.
- Photos: The Bercy
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