SPRING 2016
Feed the People
The Exchange Cafe at the David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center
In 2014, the Exchange Cafe opened in the
David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center, under the
charge of Craig Hartman, owner of the widely
acclaimed Barbeque Exchange in Gordonsville,
Virginia. It’s been quite a ride for Craig and his
wife, Donna, as they’ve pursued a 37-year culinary
journey that has taken them from the Culinary
Institute of America, all over the U.S., and
eventually to Keswick and Gordonsville.
One of the chefs who helped establish Central
Virginia’s foodie reputation, Craig’s culinary
philosophy is simple: to create menus that reflect the
local culture and reflect themes in history, agriculture
and the arts. A self-proclaimed history buff, Craig
leads his team with a single mantra: capture the soul
of Virginia cuisine and feed the people.
“Throughout the culinary world, museum restaurants
have become as interesting as the venue itself,” said
Hartman. “You cannot downplay the role of food
in places like Montpelier. There is a responsibility
for a museum’s curatorial department to accurately
interpret the history or art of its venue, and the food
should do the same thing. A visitor should walk
away with a feeling that they have experienced some
truly unforgettable moments from the beginning to
the end of their visit.”
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