Nectar juices up Lewes

When she discovered life as a Philadelphia attorney wasn't living up to her expectations, Lewes native Sarah McKeown wanted a change.

While she was working as a lawyer, McKeown said, she tried juicing and became interested in her own health and wellness. She soon realized the negative atmosphere that came with her career was too much.

Near the end of 2012, she traded her briefcase for a beach bag and returned to Lewes with the inspiration for Nectar, her new juice bar on Neil's Alley.

She now greets customers with a freshly-squeezed juice for every color of the rainbow and a stockpile of fresh fruits and vegetables for new creations.

"I couldn't find a lot of value in what I was doing and I started to care a lot about my health," McKeown said. "It all came together in this perfect storm."

Nectar's entryway is lined with vintage-inspired aprons hanging on hooks and a display case filled with salmon orzo and colorful beet and quinoa salads.

A handful of barstools along the juice bar provide front-row seats for the mixing and blending of juices while patrons peruse the menu, filled with breakfast options such as pancakes; green eggs and ham, courtesy of pesto; omelets; and other light fare such as salads.

Making menu items vegan or vegetarian isn't a problem, said Nectar employee Courtney Spieker, adding the kitchen is very accommodating.

"We suggest things, but people can create anything they want," she said.

Couches in a lounge area are centered on a fireplace and bookshelves are stocked with everything from French plays to classics by Charlotte Bronte and Robert Downing, inviting visitors to relax while soft jazz plays in the background.

So far, Spieker said, Nectar's had a warm reception downtown.

"People are really enthusiastic about it, and people are really happy there's a new place in town," she said. "There's not many places like this in Lewes."

Lewes resident Beth Yngve said she was pleased when she stopped in for a juice called The Cure, made from grapes, blackberries, plums and pears.

"I'm treating myself," Yngve said. "I got my hair done today, and I'm eating healthy food."

With Nectar now open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, serving breakfast, lunch and an early dinner, the former attorney thinks this may be the change of pace she needed.

"This has more value than being an attorney," McKeown said. "I like to make people happy."

For more information, call Nectar at 302-645-JUICE.