The Baker’s Table
Newport, Kentucky
Photography by Mike Tittel
Perhaps it’s small consolation, but you weren’t the only one tinkering with sourdough recipes to combat pandemic stress last year. “I was anxious and I knew I had to stay busy,” says chef-owner David Willocks of The Baker’s Table. “While we closed for a short time, I went to the restaurant every day and just kept baking and trying different combinations and creations. It was honestly therapeutic.”
When other restaurants pivoted to carryout, Willocks was hesitant, since ambiance and freshness are a big part of his vision for the café in Newport, KY. He ultimately conceded, and much to fans’ delight, began offering a multicourse prix fixe menu for curbside pickup.
“We weren’t sure how it would go, but we realized people still wanted a beautiful meal and an experience, even if picking it up and taking it home was their only option,” Willocks says.
The Baker’s Table is no stranger to that kind of innovation. In 2020, it landed the No. 4 spot on USA Today’s 2020 list of “Top 16 New Restaurants in America.” The publication praised Willocks’ “seasonal and sustainable cuisine through dishes like roasted broccoli soup with white cheddar and house-made crackers, Catalan seafood stew, (a) fried chicken sandwich on a buttermilk biscuit with spicy slaw and hot sauce, or pumpkin French toast with apple cider caramel and Chantilly cream.”
Willocks attributes his success to thinking outside the box and finding new ways to live out his team’s mantra: Feed people with love.
Local ingredients are prominent in the vision; the menu includes produce and protein from Ohio and Kentucky farmers, plus lots of housemade items. He hopes to maintain that spirit in his latest venture. Baker’s Table Bakery, located directly across Monmouth Street from the restaurant, features café-style seating where customers can watch chefs prepare fresh pastries and espresso in the morning, with focaccia pizza and wine bar service for dinner.
The Baker’s Table
1004 Monmouth St. Newport, KY
859.261.1941
Hannah is a graduate of NKU's political science program and a freelance creative who writes extensively about development in Greater Cincinnati. She doesn't like to fly, but she loves to travel. Her favorite books are A Tree Grows in Brooklyn and Love in the Time of Cholera.
