Bar Loretta: A Modern-Day Homage to Texas Cuisine
December 5, 2020 - Downtown San Antonio
Bar Loretta is located at 320 Beauregard Street in the King William Historic District and is scheduled to open in early 2021. Courtesy Images.
By: Valeria Torrealba - Staff Intern, San Antonio Sentinel
Roger Herr, an experienced restaurateur, has settled in the City of San Antonio in order to celebrate modern Texas cuisine with the inauguration of Bar Loretta, located in the King William Historic District.
Set to open in February 2021, the culinary endeavor will serve a myriad of delicate and intricate plates, showering the palate of many with exquisite entrées such as sage sausage risotto with Chardonnay raisins and chile-glazed Texas quail with roasted pear salad and hot honeyed onions.
Accompanied by his wife, Sarah, Herr saw fruition from his trendy pubs in Lower Manhattan. Missing family and their hometown, however, the couple packed their bags and moved back to Texas, embracing the cuisine and culture with their newest project.
Bar Loretta plans to host Chef Paul Petersen whom also plans to build upon the culinary endeavor within the King William district.
“This neighborhood spot boasts a mélange of curated sandwiches such as prosciutto arugula baguette with Pecorino Romano and house dijonnaise and Italian grilled vegetable baguette with Texas goat cheese and herbed olive oil; assorted cheese boards; fresh baked baguettes and focaccia alongside an assortment of specialty crackers; and a beautiful selection of sweets: and to-go family dinners.” - Bar Lorreta
The venue, two 100-year-old structures joined by a walkway, has been a residence, a grocery store, and a bar, throughout its long-storied life. Courtesy Images.
Petersen, a longtime friend of Herr and his wife, seeks to bring that same vision of modern Texan cuisine and passion to the kitchen of Bar Loretta, where the seasonal menu features offerings such as prosciutto-crusted Morbier cheese with red wine stewed figs and grilled bread; pepper-crusted elk medallion with potato gratin and red wine demi-glace; and spice grilled Gulf shrimp with a fried-corn-green-chile grit cake and fire-roasted tomatillo butter. Diners can expect a nod to vegetarian entrees as well.
Bar Loretta is all about celebrating the Texas experience, from the exceptional-yet-approachable food and the bar that features seasonal drinks and local craft beers curated by Herr and cocktail guru Michael Neff, to the top-notch service that specializes in making every patron feel welcome.
The venue, two 100-year-old structures joined by a walkway, has been a residence, a grocery store, and a bar, among other things, throughout its long-storied life. The new business venture replaces Madhatters Tea House, a long time staple of the King William area.
Design Coop, a design firm that renovates many properties in the King William Historic District, recognized the importance of the building’s history and modernized the space while leaving its original integrity. The result is an eclectic mix of raw, chic, vintage, and hip. Outdoor gardens provide intimate spaces for dining.
The feel is energized, inviting, and relaxed. For more information about Bar Loretta, visit https://www.barloretta.com.
Valeria Torrealba is an opinions columnist and public relations assistant at the University Star, a student publication of Texas State University. Email her at reporter@sasentinel.com