2008 Artists in Newspapers: Kate Ladoulis

Kate Ladoulis, originally from Virginia, has made Colorado her home since 1993. Her husband Chris brought her to Crested Butte in August 2002, where they now reside and have just launched Django's (pronounced "Jangos") Restaurant and Wine Bar.

Kate is the chef of the "internationally-inspired, small-plate" bistro, while Chris manages the front of the house, as well as employs his experience as a commercial and catalog photographer to the advertising of the restaurant.

Opening and running a restaurant has been a dream of Kate's for years, and now the couple is experiencing its reality.

Although Kate grew up in the restaurant business, she never thought it was the life for her. She "rebelled" by pursuing an art history degree, and thereafter worked at a technology startup company for 13 years.

When the time came, the "light switched" and Kate began pursuing and getting excited about culinary practices.

"It's a fantabulous time to be in food right now -- there's fun stuff going on with food chemistry, new techniques, exploring new flavors in new textures and formats ... it's really fun," she said.

In 2007, Kate attended the French Culinary Institute in New York. And now, as head chef of her own restaurant, she has finally found an outlet for her creativity.

"The plates are palettes," she said. "Presentation (of food) is as important as taste."

Kate and Chris are dedicated to keeping their food fresh, their menu evolving and their dining adventurous.

"Our philosophy is 'share the food, the wine, the beauty of the atmosphere, and good times with friends'," said Kate. Django's, located in Mountaineer Square in Mt. Crested Butte, is open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday, 5-10 p.m.