South County Profile: Nanette Berning-Pate

Nanette Berning-Pate is no stranger to Cottonwood. The Southern California native “used to come up here for vacations.”

“I would drive by (the Old Town Eatery),” she said, “and I told people I would love to buy it.”

In 2009, she did exactly that.

“I ran the Hilton Garden Inn for four years,” Berning-Pate said, stating that the transition to owning a restaurant was made easy based on her previous experience.

“I feel like this restaurant belongs to the community,” said Berning-Pate, who lived in La Cañada prior to coming to Cottonwood.

Initially, she said the most difficult thing about opening “The Eatery” — as it’s known to locals — was putting in all the hours.

“I am here a lot,” Berning-Pate said, stating later that she frequently works 10 hour days. “But I’m starting to get two days (off),” she said with a wide smile.

Those smiles are one of the things that the Cottonwood Eatery is famous for – that and the food. Featuring “home style” cooking, their menu reflects the western ambiance of the restaurant. Residents will find offerings such as the “Ranch Burger” and the “Silver Spur Salad.” The later, by the way, is one of Berning-Pate’s favorite. She invented the yummy mix of mixed greens, grilled chicken, red onion, gorgonzola cheese, and dried cranberries tossed in a raspberry vinaigrette.

“We kept some of the favorites (from the old restaurant),” said Berning-Pate, so residents will still find favorites such as Chicken Jerusalem and the Trail Boss.

“My husband and I do all the menus,” Berning-Pate said. That husband, Jim, has worked for Sysco Corp., a supply company that provides food to the restaurant and grocery industry.

“That’s how we (Jim and I) met,” she admits candidly.

Away from the restaurant she enjoys riding the trails on one of her four horses, spending time with her dog, and reading magazines. Lots and lots of magazines.

“I read cook books and cooking magazines,” she said. “I’ve always been a cook.”

New to the Cottonwood Eatery these days are the nightly specials. Tuesday is home style turkey dinner night. Wednesday, steak night (New York or top sirloin), Thursday is Memphis or Baby Back ribs and Friday and Saturday are devoted purely to prime rib.

“Business is getting busier and busier,” said Berning-Pate.

That’s no doubt due, in large part, to Berning-Pate’s appreciation of her customers.

“I would like to thank the community for coming back and supporting us,” said Berning-Pate who also admits, “Our customers become family and friends.”

It’s easy to see why.

Name: Nanette Berning-Pate

Family: Husband, Jim

In my spare time I... Read cook books, ride horses.

My favorite movie: “French Kiss.”

My favorite recording artist: Alan Jackson

My dream car: I’m driving it. (Mercedes.)

If stranded on a deserted island, I would want: To go scuba diving.

The one thing in life I’ve learned is: My dog is nice.