FOOD PROFILE New Tapas Bar Years in the Making

The work we produce in college is rarely enduring. For example, art from my college years isn't on my walls; it's in a closet somewhere. For many of us, the remnants from college are more likely to be some too-tight jeans and a handful of friendships. &emsp;&emsp;But not so for Adam Berube, co-owner of Muse and Fireworks restaurants; the work he produced in college has finally become a reality. &emsp;&emsp;Berube carried around the plans for his new tapas bar, Muse, that he drafted for an introductory business class at Keene State College in his digital back pocket for years, just waiting for the right time. &emsp;&emsp;After completing his B.A. and a short two-year stint in California, Berube started work as a manager at Fireworks restaurant in Keene in 2011. Meanwhile, the idea of Muse continued to poke at him, as a good muse does, the unanswered call of a good idea. After work, Berube would sit at the bar of Nicolas, now Granitas. He would volley ideas with the bartender and "work on perfecting his business plan." &emsp;&emsp;Berube left Fireworks in 2018 to recalibrate. Eight years of long nights had taken a toll on his health. While working on improving his mental health and his relationship to drinking, he took a job coordinating events at Stonewall Farm. For the first time in nearly a decade, he was at home to share dinner with his husband. &emsp;&emsp;In the summer of 2022, Fireworks restaurant went up for sale. Berube was able to secure financing and purchase the restaurant. Finally, Berube had creative control of a restaurant, but the focus was on making Fireworks the best possible version of itself, not on reinventing it. &emsp;&emsp;Shortly after, Berube was speaking at a friend's business class at Franklin Pierce University when a student asked if he had any ideas for other restaurants he wanted to open. Again, Berube's own muse gave him that predictable nudge, and he shared his vision for the tapas bar. After class, Berube's friend asked him if he was serious about opening another restaurant because his friend had inside information about a spot opening up. Berube had finally found a home for his vision in the former Odelay location, a short skip down the sidewalk from Fireworks restaurant. Muse opened its doors on June 8, 2023. &emsp;&emsp;Tapas are still relatively new to the area, and sometimes when Berube tells people he runs a tapas restaurant, they are confused. Some people think he is talking about a topless bar. Sorry to disappoint, but Muse is decidedly a keep-your-top-on restaurant. &emsp;&emsp;The word "tapas" traditionally refers to small plates of Spanish origin. Muse's menu, however, is global and takes its inspiration from finger food from classic American flavors, Asia, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. Some menu favorites include falafel, bulgogi steak tips, Mexican street corn, and handmade tamales. Berube calls it a harmony of "deliciousness." &emsp;&emsp;Dessert is also in the works as Berube recently added a pastry chef to his team of Executive Chef Matt Smith, Line Cook Reed Wilbur, and Kitchen Manager Harry Chambers. &emsp;&emsp;The cocktail menu is equally inspired, drawing its preparations not from traditional cuisine but from artists and their inspiration. For instance, two of the drinks are named in honor of Martha Graham, the pioneer of modern dance: The first, "Lamentation," after one of her most famous choreographed works, includes Empress Gin, cava and citrus bitters. The other, named "Pioneer," after her seminal work, Appalachian Spring, includes bourbon, wild strawberry and local honey. Whether or not you are privy to the artistic inferences, just like any good art, the drinks will be equally enjoyable. &emsp;&emsp;Berube's personal relationship with work-life balance and addiction subtly influences the restaurant in almost imperceptible but important ways. The dining experience is especially inclusive to those not imbibing alcohol or refraining from gluten. The bar has a lovingly crafted selection of spirit-free cocktails. The restaurant is also entirely gluten-free. &emsp;&emsp;At both Muse and Fireworks, Berube tries to create a work culture that maintains a healthy end-of-shift routine that includes a free meal, one drink and home to bed. &emsp;&emsp;Berube also works with local farms to procure produce. These days he finds himself putting edible flowers from Nye Hill Farm (Roxbury, New Hampshire) on everything. This playful attention to detail makes Muse a good celebratory destination to come together for life's significant events over small plates. &emsp;&emsp;Muse's kitchen is open later than most spots on Main Street in Keene. This gives diners a rare opportunity to grab dinner after a show -- and go from one place of art to another. On weekends, the restaurant is also open for lunch. Berube plans to add brunch in the fall and breakfast tapas with an international affair. With small plates, you no longer have to choose between sweet and savory; you get to have it all. BOX: Muse Restaurant 44 Main Street Keene, NH 03431 Web: musekeene.com Tel: 603-903-003