About Café Gutenberg
Café Gutenberg is a restaurant located in historic Shockoe Bottom, next to the Farmer's Market and just steps away from Main Street Station. We offer lunch, and dinner seven days a week as well as brunch, every weekend. We also schedule an interesting and diverse calendar of events, most of which take place upstairs.
The Ones Behind The Curtains
Jen Mindell, General Manager/Executive Chef
Born in Queens and raised in Vermont, Jen is a classically trained chef with a love for the culinary traditions of both the city and the country. At age 15, she started cooking at the best and only restaurant in her hometown. Once her desire to cook (and travel) took off, Jen found herself in kitchen after kitchen, cooking in five different states before attending the New England Culinary Institute in 2001. As a graduate, she sealed the deal with an apprenticeship under Chef Louise Duhand, a woman that Jen claims is always perched on one shoulder making sure the vegetables are cooked "just until perfectly done."
For Jen, the opportunity to run the Gutenberg kitchen was a lucky accident. Here, she hopes to excite you with the celebration of honest food, local ingredients, and chefs who honor such passions with expert care. She also tips her hat to rock and roll Chef Keith Shroeder and Virginia tomatoes.
Garrett Berry, Executive Sous Chef
Growing up in a family from three generations of peach farmers in western New York, Garrett took an unexpected turn in the food industry at age 14. After 8 years in the kitchen in a variety of positions, it was during his three years of working under Chef Monte Staples of Ruby's Cafe and Grill that Garrett realized his culinary calling. Soon there after, he attended Western Culinary Institute in Portland, Oregon, graduated with an associates degree, and continued his classical training under Chef Marcus and Chef Michael Klaus at the New England Culinary Institute.
Garrett brings to Cafe Gutenberg a passion for creating and maintaining relationships between local farmers and chefs as well as a keen eye for details. He also loves fresh seafood and deep, dark braises.
Some History
After working, traveling, and playing together around the world for nearly ten years, three engineers Thy, Steve, and Reuben decided to settle down in Richmond, Virginia to work for a local high-tech facility. They adored Richmond's southern charm, but during off hours, they searched and searched in vain for a cultural and social hangout where they could enjoy a few of their favorite things. So, they created a home away from home of their own called Café Gutenberg, Restaurant and Lounge in historic Shockoe Bottom, next to the Farmer's Market.
The unique "Slow Life" concept of a quaint and cozy getaway that brings together new, used and rare books with an international newsstand, literary and cultural magazines and high-speed internet access, along with gourmet coffee, wine, beer and gourmet foods existed nowhere in Richmond. But, boy, was Richmond ready for it! After months of endless planning and rigorous renovation of the former Main Street Grill, Café Gutenberg finally opened its doors in November 2003. And, beyond all expectations, local Richmonders and visitors alike enthusiastically opened their arms to embraced The Gute with the most heartwarming welcome. Within days, Gutenberg regulars kept coming back for more.
Café Gutenberg
1700 East Main St.
Richmond, Va. 23223
804.497.5000
© 2003-2008 Café Gutenberg
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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