Jacque’ Rudman is Chef and co-owner with her husband Norman of The Cottage Cafe’ at 232 West Main Street in Fredericksburg. The Cottage Cafe’ is described as “a casually elegant style restaurant” that is “anything but typical--Hill Country Fine Dining.”  Chef Jacque’ was born in Germany.

Although not formally certified, she has a God-given talent honed by years of experience. Her dad, Kurt Otto Beilharz, was an avid connoisseur of fine food and wine. As a young lady, Jacque’ would pick mushrooms in the Black Forest with her grandfather (“Opa”) Heinz Fritz. She would come home and prepare the savory dishes with the pheasants her father had hunted and dressed. Grandmother (“Oma”) Hildebackh ran a bakery in Germany, and taught Jacque’ the fine art of confectionary. Grandfather Beilharz educated and coached Jacque’ through the years in fine dining establishments, and informal home entertainment. At age 17, Jacque’ managed her first restaurant. It was a New York franchise with epicurean gift shop, delicatessen, and catering service, all under her care. This is the European flair that Chef Jacque’ brings to the Cottage Cafe’.

Chef Jacque’ is becoming well known for her Chef’s Tastings... petite portions of a variety of dishes artfully prepared for each client’s taste. The Cottage Cafe’ is not just a place to eat, but it is a dining experience.

Some clients come to celebrate special events, such as anniversaries, and others are regular customers. The Cottage Cafe’ also specializes in private parties and functions. Menu items include a $10 Steak Salad, a $12 Brie Cheese Board, and 3, 5, and 7 Course Chef ‘s Tastings.None of the food used by Chef Jacque’ is shipped in from some central warehouse--all of it is locally produced. Chef Jacque grows many of her own herbs, and the majority of her produce is hand picked at Wild Boar Farm.

Chef Jacque says if she wanted to make a lot of money, she would work for a major franchise or corporation in a big city. Instead, she prefers to spend her years making memories for people,spending time with families, and enjoying what a small-town restaurant offers.

The Cottage Cafe’ had its start two years ago. Initially, in 1994, husband Norman and Jacque’ had leased the building for a retail clothing and accessory boutique, and attached to it was a commercial kitchen. Jacque’ thought she would support the retail establishment with her culinary talents, having considered herself retired from the food industry. However, the restaurant portion of the business superseded the retail establishment, and 2 years ago Labor Day, Norman and Jacque’ switched the retail establishment to a restaurant. Chef Jacque’ says she plans to stay at the present location on 232 West Main Street

In their two brief years, Cottage cafe’ has earned awards, including Flavors of Fredericksburg two years in a row. Printed accolades have been lavished by Gourmet Magazine, Texas, and the New York Times. The front floor staff, all of whom make the restaurant a success. The Cottage Cafe’ is a team effort on all accounts. 

Recalling events of the past 2 years, Chef Jacque’ says probably the most exciting occurrence for her was when a couple that had been engaged in The Cottage Cafe’ returned to celebrate their 1 year anniversary. Customers develop traditions at the restaurant, and these traditions create a special accountability. Chef Jacque’ believes she has a responsibility to help people share in the memory being created, and to maintain her business, to keep those memories alive. Encouragement from customers and friends has greatly contributed to Chef Jacque’s success. She would also like to give credit to her culinary team and her husband Norman Rudman.

Fredericksburg Conservative

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