Was back in Tampa this past weekend, and Bern’s was in good form all around. My summary from last visit a couple years ago holds true - “I would very happily go back with a crew of wine geeks and continue to explore the old stuff. Bern’s is what it has always been but also not what it used to be… and I’m ok with that.” Had a 1983 Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt Waldracher Heiligenhäuschen Riesling Spätlese and a 1982 Domaine Billard-Gonnet Pommard. Both in stunning shape. Neither of these are what I would call “great” wines, but still thrilling to experience what time (in good conditions) can do. Chose these based on somm suggestions in advance by email - they are on the latest list (from mid 2025).
The relatively new (edit: apparently not new at all!) “chips and dip” appetizer is a fun way to kick off the meal - homemade potato chips with black truffle crème fraîche.
Maybe it’s a comeback but I’ve had that chips and dip app a few times years ago when I was going pretty regularly. Erik would give us that to munch on while he blinded us on some crazy wine.
Imagine having that sommelier position for the last 30 years. I’m not sure I could think of a better job than that one. There are still probably undiscovered bottles in that cellar.
Did he leave? I haven’t been in 20 years. Nice to hear Brad had a good recent visit though.
My thoughtwas I think it would be a lot more fun than running a modern sterile has it all Michelin star list. Like a treasure hunt everyday. That said there’s always inside politics at every job we aren’t privy to of course.
Eric left a few years ago after being there 26 years. I don’t remember the details but I know he wasn’t happy with the new management. I wasn’t either after I saw the price increases not that there’s much I would want to drink there these days.
Paul, what do you want to drink these days?! Strikes me as akin to looking at Spotify and saying there’s not much I wanna listen to there. (That said, I totally get that it’s a shadow of its former self - I personally still think it’s a damn cool and impressive shadow!)
I guess. But if you can’t find something there, maybe you don’t like wine? They kind of have something for everyone unless what you seek is blue chip cherries at pennies on the dollar. That they are mostly sold out of.
Brad, same thing I always want to drink…mature burgs, bordeaux, rioja…. The great stuff is gone, prices are up, and food has never been an attraction. For me, it’s just not worth the airfare and hotel to eat at Bern’s any longer. And a lot of people apparently think like me because I don’t hear of anyone who used to go there on a regular basis still going.
Different strokes for different folks. I have gone to Bern’s at least 4 times in the last two years and yes there may be less wine but I have been able to enjoy amazing older Rioja’s older Italian wines and even some pretty cool older Rhone’s!!! I love Bern’s and am already planning to go again soon. Is it what it used to be??? Who knows but it is still pretty awesome to me. Cheers!!
I went to Berns for the first time in Jan 2024 and then again in Jan 2025 while visiting friends in Tampa. This year we nix’d the trip but will likely go back next winter. Would I fly from NJ down there JUST for Berns - no. When visiting friends, yes we will go each time.
Was the printed wine list (didnt ask for what wasnt on the list) deep enough to satisfy 99% of the drinking population, yes. Pricing wise - anything is cheaper than NYC so I thought the pricing was fine. The other husband does not drink and his wife only drinks white, so both times I was ordering a bottle of Chablis with 10+ years of age on it for basically retail pricing of the latest vintages. With 5 glasses the ladies each had 2 glasses and I had 1 with apps - For the steak I just went red BTG and enjoyed some 40-50 year old Zins and Cab by the glass. I cannot replicate that experience in NYC.
The main dining room food - meh. The dessert room is really great though - my wife loves dessert like I love wine - so we both have our win’s when we go to Berns.