Jonathan and I won't see each other for a couple of days, so we decided it was a good night to go out to dinner. We chose a very special place in our hearts. A place we have loved for over a year and a half now. A place we had not actually eaten at until tonight, however. Bernie's Restaurant. Our love for Bernie's began in February of 2004 when we spotted it on Beach Blvd. in Buena Park. It looked cute and small, and claimed to be "Family Owned for (I-don't-remember-how-many) years." We thought, "that would be a great place to eat sometime. It sounds fun." So, a couple of weeks later, on a Sunday, we tried to give it a shot. But they closed early on Sundays and we were too late. Ok, another time, then. We actually tried two other times last year in the Spring and early Summer. Every time we went there, it was closed. Then one day last summer, as I was on my way to work, I passed it like I did everyday, and this time I noticed something very sad. Bernie's was closed. CLOSED. Not for the day, but forever. There were boards on the windows. I almost wept. We had tried three times and been unsucessful. Now we would not have another chance. EVER!!!!

Or, so we thought.

You see, a few months later we noticed a sign on that old Bernie's building, saying they were moving and would have a new location opening up on Harbor and Imperial in La Habra. Our hope was restored. One day, we would eat at Bernie's Restaurant. It has recently opened, and today was our chance to experience the joy of actually eating at Bernie's instead of always just talking about it. We took it.

Bernie's claims to offer "homestyle cooking." It delivers. A dinner there very much has the feel of a big midwest meal. Lots of food. Meat, mashed potatoes, veggies, rolls, salad. The main course had rather a lot of grease included, but that doesn't conflict with my idea of "homestyle cooking" in the midwest, so I wasn't too surprised at that. We'll probably go again and try their hamburgers or sandwiches and see what those are like.

It feels quaint and has nice, warm decorations. I felt happy there. It wasn't noisy or too busy. Just right.

And the people! Very friendly.

Give it a try! Bernie's Restaurant on Imperial and Harbor in La Habra. It's right next to Mongolian BBQ.