KNOW US
GET TO
THE ORIGIN OF
The name Rediviva for the restaurant in Aberdeen, Washington, originates from the historic sailing ship Columbia Rediviva (and its tender Lady Washington), the vessel captained by Robert Gray that famously entered and explored the mouth of the Columbia River in 1792—making it the first American ship to do so and playing a key role in the early European exploration and naming of the region, including nearby Grays Harbor (where Aberdeen is located).
The ship's full name, Columbia Rediviva, with "Rediviva," a Latin word meaning "revived," "reborn," "renewed," or "rebuilt." This suffix was added because the ship had been reconstructed or rebuilt in 1787 after earlier service.
Chef and owner Andy Bickar chose this name when opening the restaurant in 2013, drawing a direct connection to local maritime and exploratory history on the Washington Coast and the Historical Seaport of Grays Harbor. It ties into the area's heritage while evoking themes of revival and renewal—fitting for a fine-dining spot focused on fresh, locally sourced Northwest ingredients and breathing new life into elevated cuisine in a historic downtown Aberdeen building.
From its nautical inspiration of the Columbia Rediviva , and it's secondary connotation of "revival" or "rebirth." The duality of the—historical tribute plus symbolic renewal—perfectly aligns with the restaurant's identity as a revitalizing force in the region's dining scene and Aberdeen itself. Being the first American ship to circumnavigate the globe, reflects the exploration of cuisine, based on local ingredients and traditional foods. Blending the worlds of culinary exploration, 238 years ago.
A Voyage Round the World Onboard the Ship Columbia Rediviva and Sloop Washington
Robert Haswell, September 1787-June 1789
CHEF/OWNER ANDY BICKAR
Chef Andy Bickar first garnered recognition as a chef at the famed Five Rivers Fly Fishing Lodge in Dillon, MT. Moving back to his family roots on the Washington Coast as chef of the Ocean Crest Resort (2010) and finally onto his own ventures Rediviva (2013) Frontager's Pizza Truck (2014) and Frontager's Pizza Co. (2016). He has been featured on PBS TV, Evening, Sunset Magazine, Washington Coast Magazine, as well as countless travel books and articles.
'GROWING UP IN ABERDEEN, I WAS SURROUNDED BY A THRIVING, SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY. MY GRANDPARENTS OPENED RESTAURANTS IN THE 1950'S IN A THRIVING TIMBER TOWN, ONCE PROPOSED TO BE THE CAPITAL OF THE STATE AND A LARGER POPULATION THAN SEATTLE! ALL THAT IS CHANGED. WHEN WEYERHAUSER LEFT IN 2008, IT TOOK 3000 JOBS, INCLUDING MY FATHERS. I MOVED BACK TO GRAYS HARBOR TO HELP CHANGE MY HOMETOWN, EVEN IF IT WAS FROM THE WILD IDEA OF A RESTAURANT. WE BUILT IT WITH A PURPOSE. TO HELP CHANGE THIS PLACE, THE OUTSIDERS VIEW OF IT, AND HAVE A RESTAURANT PEOPLE WOULD BE PROUD TO GO TO AND CALL THEIR OWN."
- CHEF ANDY BICKAR
A RESTAURANT BUILT ON PURPOSE
COME VISIT US
LOCATED IN THE HISTORIC, GRIT OF DOWNTOWN ABERDEEN, WA. WE ARE PROUD TO REPRESENT OUR COMMUNITY, IT'S PRODUCERS AND THE PRODUCTS OF THE COAST.
