Althea Grey Potter has opened Bar Nouveau in St. Johns, which aims to be a reflection of her passion for cooking and vibrant ingredients.
The restaurant’s soft opening has showcased dishes featuring farm-fresh vegetables, highlighting Potter’s upbringing in rural Massachusetts with parents who cultivated an impressive vegetable garden.
During previews, a standout dish was the Savoy cabbage from Sauvie Island Growers, which was prepared with a sweet pepper gastrique and paired with charred aubergine, feta cheese, pickled habanada peppers, crunchy granola, and abundant dill.
Bar Nouveau’s location is significant for local patrons, nestled close to popular spots like Starter Bread and Gracie’s Apizza, where Potter and her collaborator Elizabeth Singer successfully hosted a pop-up earlier this year.
Potter’s journey back into the culinary world comes after she thought she was moving away from the restaurant life following the closure of her previous establishment, Oui Wine Bar, in 2020.
She initially thought her time as a chef had ended, even cashing in her winnings from a Food Network cooking competition to start a chile crisp business instead.
However, the call to return to cooking for people proved irresistible, leading her to respond quickly when Gracie’s owner, Craig Melillo, offered her a chance for a pop-up over a couple of days in February.
That conversation sparked the beginning of Bar Nouveau’s journey, with Potter inviting Singer, who brings a wealth of experience in beverage creation, to join her.
As they began to form their culinary concept, Potter shared her initial reluctance about owning a restaurant, indicating a preference to stay out of the industry.
“I was burnt out, I had really bad carpal tunnel,” Potter explained.
Yet, the support and encouragement from Melillo, along with the inspiration she felt when visiting potential spaces, reignited her determination.
Singer described a moment of realization when Potter suggested a field trip to view a potential venue, saying, “I saw the light in her eyes, and I knew in that moment, well, there we go…”
Once they secured a space, they extended their collaboration to include Heather Wallberg, a former co-owner from Gabbiano’s and Take Two bar.
Wallberg, after tasting the food during the final pop-up, was motivated to join, stating that they could craft a “love letter back to the industry.”
The trio set out to create a restaurant respecting quality, fresh ingredients rather than complicated techniques, which Wallberg emphasized by saying, “It’s not molecular gastronomy… It’s just really well-sourced local ingredients.”
Together, they designed Bar Nouveau, sourcing decor from Facebook Marketplace and using created elements that reflected their vision.
Potter highlighted her hands-on approach during the build, recalling times when she would work on menus as ingredients were harvested or prepared, like when she blanched peaches on her kitchen floor.
The restaurant emphasizes a unique dining experience by choosing to take reservations solely by text rather than relying on standard online platforms, a choice made to enhance personal connections.
“Heather and Elizabeth and I share a passion for food and wine, but I want Bar Nouveau to be a place where people can have fun, too,” Potter said.
Aiming to create a space that provides respite from daily challenges, Potter envisions Bar Nouveau as a spot where guests can enjoy delightful and unexpected meals, if only for a brief moment.
With an innovative food menu that celebrates local produce and thoughtful beverage selections designed to pair well with the dishes, Bar Nouveau is positioned to become a community favorite.
Singer’s beverage offerings showcase lesser-known varietals and old-world wines that enhance the dining experience without overpowering the dishes.
She explained her philosophy: “I want people to think about the varietal, what it means, where it’s coming from, and how it makes sense with Althea’s food.”
As the restaurant progresses, the mission remains clear: to provide a welcoming place combining the best of food, wine, and a sense of community in St. Johns.
Bar Nouveau reflects not only the talents of its founders but also a dedication to fostering an enjoyable dining experience amidst the complexities of modern life.
image source from：oregonlive
