By Noah Yeboah, Matheus Faria, and Yoan Rakotoarimanana
A Culinary Experience at Bergen Bistro
If you’re looking for a dining experience that’s as educational as it is delicious, check out Bergen Bistro. Run by Bergen Community College’s Culinary Arts Program, the Bistro allows talented students to showcase the knowledge they’ve gained in the classroom in a real-world setting. Luckily for us, that means top-tier dishes served at an unbeatable price.
Located in Room C-210, this student-run gem is open on Wednesdays and Thursdays at noon, offering an impressive four-course meal for just $12. Yes, you read that right — a full dining experience for less than what you’d pay for a typical lunch in the city. But what makes it special isn’t just the price. It’s the passion, effort, and dedication these future chefs pour into each plate.
What’s on the Table?
You never really know what’s on the menu until you sit down. That’s part of the charm. The students prepare a constantly changing selection of dishes based on what they’re learning that week — from soups and salads to main courses and desserts, each meal is a showcase of their growing skill sets.
Grand Opening Review
After a summer hiatus, Bergen Bistro reopened with a bang. The menu for opening day included an assortment of delightful options: a vegan tomato soup, Caesar salad, a choice of herb-roasted chicken thighs, oven-fried sole, or a vegan stuffed pepper for the entrée, all rounded out with a cookie tray for dessert and a strawberry lemonade mocktail.
As we stepped into the room, we couldn’t help but notice the intricate details that had transformed this once-conference room into a fine dining establishment. The elegant table settings, paired with soothing piano and saxophone music playing in the background, immediately set the tone for the professionalism you can expect from the students behind the Bistro.
The vegan tomato soup set the tone with its rich, flavorful base, blending tomatoes, a vegan cream substitute, and various spices to create a hearty, comforting dish. This was followed by a beautifully plated Caesar salad, featuring traditional dressing, crunchy breadcrumbs, and roasted cherry tomatoes that paired perfectly with the crisp romaine lettuce.
More Than Just a Meal
Dining at Bergen Bistro is more than just grabbing lunch — it’s a way to support local students as they prepare for their future careers. These students aren’t just cooking in the kitchen; they’re also responsible for everything you experience during your meal, from greeting you at the door to ensuring your food arrives looking as good as it tastes.
The main course took things to the next level. The oven-fried sole was perfectly seasoned, tender, and rich with flavor — enhanced even further with a squeeze of lemon. Accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, and Brussels sprouts, this dish was the total package. The strawberry lemonade mocktail brought it all together, blending sweetness and acidity to refresh and complement every dish served.
Why You Should Go
There’s nothing quite like being part of someone’s journey, and that’s exactly what you get when you dine at Bergen Bistro. You’re not just enjoying a great meal — you’re investing in the future of culinary arts. Plus, at $12 for four courses, you’re getting an absolute steal.
Make your reservation by reaching out to Rebekah de Jesus at rdejesus@bergen.edu, or swing by Room C-210 to see what these students are cooking up. Whether you’re a foodie, a fan of supporting local talent, or just someone who loves a great deal, Bergen Bistro is the place to be for lunch this week.