Stylish New Restaurant and Bar Opens on Route 101

New Hampshire's newest dining destination is here, and has brought a bit of the ocean floor with it. 

bluAqua Restaurant and Bar recently opened its doors at Salzburg Square in Amherst with a creative menu of New American cuisine, upscale bar atmosphere and a whole new look.

Owner Scott Forrester said that he focused on creating comfortable, stylish atmosphere that offers a casual fine dining experience. 

“We wanted to bring a good quality atmosphere. drinks, food and company,” said Forrester. “A neighborhood type of environment because that is what this place is.”

He also wanted to build it around an aquatic theme. First time visitors will surely notice the 300 gallon fish tank that serves as the centerpiece for bluAqua’s bar area. Tropical fish and other sea life greet customers as they walk into an experience that seems to be a cross between restaurant and aquarium.

Forrester put much effort into the design and feel of bluAqua, and it shows. The dominant blue lighting theme is complemented with a simple black and white color scheme in everything from the tablecloths to the white leather bar stools. Even the walls have waves this overlook the cozy dining space.

Of course, Forrester is extremely proud of his menu backed up by talented chefs, including his partner who inspired the underwater theme of the restaurant. Their menu offers unique spins from both surf and turf, including customer favorites Scallop Risotto and Braised Short Ribs “Shepard’s Pie.” The latter selection is a must-try and “the best you’ll ever have,” according to the owner.

He also recommends his tuna dishes, Tuna Tar Tare “Nacho” and the Tuna Mignon, which are made with sushi-grade tuna. Burger-lovers have no fear because they can find one on his menu with bacon, balsamic onions and cheese fondu. 

The bluAqua menu is filled with variety in both ingredients and pricing in order to make bluAqua diners repeat visitors for any occasion. Their fridge, which is smaller than most, is stocked at least three times a week to ensure fresher quality food.

What is big is the bluAqua kitchen, which the owner has no problem showing off to curious customers and dining connoisseurs. 

“I wanted to create an atmosphere where we are proud to bring people back here,” he said. “My father-in-law, who passed away a couple years ago, was the inspiration for this. He was the kind of guy, when we went out to dinner, we walked through the front door and he went back into the kitchen to talk to the chef and find out what they are cooking, what they are cooking and what he was going to order before he decided if he was going to sit down or not. If he was still around, I'd love for him to walk through that door.”

His bar is stocked with high end liquors that are combined into over twenty martinis, including the "Cocunutini": Malibu rum, vanilla vodka, coconut milk and toasted coconut on top. The wine list is also expanding each day based on customer feedback.

Forrester quietly opened bluAqua three weeks ago in the space formerly occupied by Eden Restaurant & Lounge. Many businesses have had trouble attracting customers to Salzburg Square, but this business owner, who has years of experience, is confident his will become a neighborhood destination. He also has blue lights all along his building to make sure Route 101 commuters know that too.

bluAqua’s kitchen is in gear, the staff is ready and customers are already coming in. They are currently preparing to introduce themselves officially to the community, and there is more to come. The lunch menu is on its way and his outdoor dining space will be ready later this year. 

“I think we have found a place that will be good, and this size enables us to create the best food, the best service and the best atmosphere that we can,” said Forrester. “I am looking for relationships and people who love coming in. We are on the right path.”

Learn more about bluAqua Restaurant and Bar on their website and Facebook page. Find them in Salzburg Square at 292 NH Route 101, Amherst.