​BERNARD DESIGN BUILD

LESLY BERNARD

 

Lesly Bernard is an accomplished contractor, designer, restaurateur and operator in Manhattan, New York.

 

Bernard is a leader in creating innovative dining concepts and designing original spaces. He has received numerous mentions in the press for his ability to produce exceptional atmospheres that bridge the gap between restaurant, bar, and lounge.

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Bernard currently co-owns The Good Good Bistro and Cocktail Bar in East Harlem. Lesly conceived, designed and built The Good Good ands oversees the day to day operations.

 

Bernard graduated from Georgetown University with a BA in Economics. After several years in banking, Bernard pursued a career in public relations and special events in Manhattan. By consistently producing numerous and high profile events, he was soon regarded as one of the premier special event producers in Manhattan.

 

In the early 90’s, Bernard became involved as an owner/operator of several nightclubs and restaurants including Canal Plus and Ten and contributed to the ongoing popularity of such places as Nell’s and Tavern on the Green.

 

In January of 1997, Bernard joined forces with Keith McNally in the opening of Pravda. As a managing partner, Mr. Bernard was instrumental in the development and operation of this highly successful nightspot in downtown Manhattan. Pravda is still in operation today.

 

In 1998 Bernard partnered with accomplished chef, John Schenck, to open Clementine, a bar restaurant. Clementine received rave reviews in all the major publications in Manhattan including: New York Magazine, 2 stars from Ruth Reichl of the New York Times, 3 stars in the New York Observer, voted runner-up as best new restaurant in Manhattan by Timeout NY readers, and voted best new bar in Manhattan by Timeout NY readers. Mr. Bernard sold Clementine after seven successful years.

 

In March of 2003 Bernard teamed with lifelong friend Lesly Zamor to open Taj, an Indian inspired restaurant/bar and lounge. They sold Taj in late 2004.

 

Bernard opened Tillman’s in Chelsea in 2006 for a long 8 year run.

 

Bernard created, designed and built Mr.  Jones.  Mr. Jones was located in the former Trump SOHO hotel and was a signature Lesly Bernard venue offering an international small plates menu of stylized street food paired with expertly crafted  globally inspired cocktails.

 

Bernard has assembled a great team of design and construction experts to form Bernard Design Build.
 

TILLMAN’S

“Suave and sexy, arriving like Harvey Keitel’s Winston Wolfe in Pulp Fiction. A plain grey exterior feints cool, but the interior is warm and welcoming. Leather horseshoe banquettes back up into arched recesses that glow with yellow light. Cedar floors add more warmth, while framed photos of old-time jazz cats provide personality. A triple banquette love seat snakes past candlelit tables in the center of the room. In back, a tiled fireplace provides intimate atmosphere near a Saarinen side table and mod couches. Classic jazz and blues on the speakers complete the mood, augmented by a suited and booted staff. There are even cigarette girls, although of course in today’s NYC, actual cigarettes are an echo of another era, like Tillman’s smooth design.” –Blackbook