The landscaped space between Bardea Steak and Bardea Food & Drink features 60 traditional seats and 20 cushy lounging ones.
The coronavirus pandemic created an increased demand for outdoor dining, which continued after the restriction eased. Today, many Delawareans seek out an alfresco experience.
The new lounge and eatery had a soft opening Thursday, and a launch party is scheduled for Thursday, May 11.
The attractive landscaped area has been in place since Bardea Steak opened last year. Customers could relax near the foundations and fire features while waiting for a table inside the restaurants.
However, staffing issues made it difficult for the partners to fully execute the concept.
“Last summer, we just played around,” said Scott Stein, co-owner of Bardea Restaurant Group. “This is what we always envisioned. We are putting all of our energies into this.”
Bardea Chef Antimo DiMeo crafted a casual menu that showcases the talents of the hospitality group’s kitchens yet is unique to The Garden,.
The Garden links brand
Stein’s partner, Antimo DiMeo, crafted a casual menu that showcases the talents of the hospitality group’s kitchens yet is unique to The Garden.
(Bardea Restaurant Group also owns Pizzeria Bardea and Taqueria El Chingon in DE.CO, a downtown food hall.
The Garden’s pizzas are $18 to $20, and snacks include a trendy breadboard with cultured butter and extra-virgin olive oil ($6), a corn dog with mortadella wagyu ($15) and bao bun with beef cheek ($16).
The Garden also offers raw bar selections, including oysters on the half shell and tuna sashimi, and salads.
The star, however, is The Crossbreed, a dry-aged smash patty made with wagyu, Angus and Piedmontese beef, served on a bun baked in-house.
Servers will take food and drink orders at Bardea’s The Garden, and At present, servers take the guests’ food orders, and runners bring the food from Bardea or Bardea Steak.
Easy & Breezy
At present, servers take the guests’ food orders, and runners bring the food from Bardea or Bardea Steak, depending on the item.
The servers also take beverage orders, but guests can get a libation from an opening into Bardea Steak’s side bar, next to The Garden.
Seats are first come, first served — there are no reservations.
“We want to keep things super casual,” Stein said. “Show up, grab a table and order some drinks.”
The new eatery fills the niche for a place to go either before or after visiting another restaurant or entertainment venue, he said.
As a result, The Garden will feature DJs and live bands.
The Bardea team isn’t about to rest on its James Beard nominations. Next up is a wine bar and pasta restaurant across Market Street.
If all goes as planned, the yet-to-be-named project will open late this year.
There are plans for an oyster bar and traditional bar/lounge in the future. That’s not surprising, considering Stein comes from a long line of Philly bar owners.
But for now, the group is focused on The Garden, whose opening was delayed due to rain. With clear weather this weekend, everything is coming up roses.
Follow The Garden on Instagram, @thegardenwilm. The website, www.thegardenwilm.com, is coming soon.
Hours are 5 p.m.-9 p.m., Tuesday-Wednesday; 5 p.m.-11 p.m., Thursday-Saturday.
