Nevada City’s Stonehouse to become culinary arts destination under new owner

Jonathan Rowe, founder and CEO of event venue The Village and video production company Madrone Studios in San Francisco, has bought the historic Stonehouse building in Nevada City, he told our magazine. Rowe plans to revitalize the Stonehouse as a destination for culinary artistry, a tapas bar, visiting chefs, weddings and events.

We spoke with Rowe on the phone about his plans for Stonehouse at yearend. “Some of his thoughts: Go slow. Perhaps start with tapas/drinks before expanding to a restaurant. Would consider a small brewhouse later. Invite guest chefs, make it an approachable ‘food’ destination, etc. He said he is related to the author of ‘Diet for a Small Planet,’ a favorite book of ours. Not a big focus on events. A nice, thoughtful man, and we think he would be a good steward. He loves the town. His son was born here.” Rowe now holds California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control licenses for “on sale general eating place” and “caterer permit,” according to the ABC website.

On the 7X7 website, Rowe lists the Sierra foothills as a “go-to local getaway,” “for a long hike and some wake surfing.” His Madrone Studio’s clients includes a “who’s who” in Silicon Valley, including Google, Facebook, Twitter and Microsoft, as well as the champion Golden State Warriors.

The revitalization of the Stonehouse is the latest example of new vibrance in Nevada City. Some new businesses recently have been springing up, including the Golden Era lounge, with mixologists from some of San Francisco’s hottest bars; Los Mineros taqueria, with acclaimed Bay Area chef Jason Moniz and former city mayor and community leader Reinette Senum; and Wheyward Girl Creamery, Nevada County’s first creamery. Expert cheese maker Barbara Jenness is Jason’s mom, a culinary “small world.”

(Credit: SVNHighland.com)

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