4 slices bacon, diced 1 medium onion, diced 1 stalk celery, ends trimmed and diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 (8 ounce) bottle clam juice 4 cups plain milk (I use 2% milk) 1 1/2 pounds Yukon gold or red potatoes, diced 1 bay leaf 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning 1/2…