History & Philosophy

Community Through Food

We believe that gathering around the table and sharing good food and drink is what connects us as family, friends and a community.

More than just a philosophy; it’s also the story of how The Kitchen began.

In 2002, Kimbal Musk and Jen Lewin had just moved to Boulder, CO with the intention of opening a restaurant when, while walking along Pearl Street, their black Lab jumped into the lap of Hugo Matheson, who was enjoying a cup of tea outside a popular cafe. In the exchange of apologies Kimbal and Hugo recognized each other’s foreign accents – Kimbal Musk is a native of Pretoria, South Africa and Hugo Matheson is a native of Newmarket, England – which led to the type of small talk one might expect, ‘Where are you from?’, ‘Do you live here?’, etc.

What one may not have expected is that this casual chitchat led to a spontaneous dinner invitation – an unforgettable meal, prepared by Hugo Matheson, that years later would be remembered by Kimbal Musk as “one of the best-tasting and most relaxing meals of my life.”

It was during this dinner that Hugo, Kimbal and Jen first conceived of the idea to create a ‘world-class neighborhood restaurant’ that would eventually be called The Kitchen.  The name ‘The Kitchen’ was chosen for it was their desire to create a restaurant that would act much like the kitchen in one’s home – a center of conversation and connection – the place everyone likes to hang out.

Eighteen months later, on April 15, 2004, The Kitchen opened as Boulder’s Community Bistro – a restaurant built by a community of craftsman, serving food & drink from a community of like-minded farmers, ranchers and purveyors for the sustainable enjoyment of the whole community – including staff.  Being a Community Bistro also includes our commitment to environmentally-friendly practices, including composting, wind power, eco-friendly packaging and recycling used cooking oil to power Steve’s car (Steve is a Server at The Kitchen Boulder).

In 2005, The Kitchen opened [Upstairs] as Boulder’s Community Wine, Beer & Cocktail Lounge, and in 2011, The Kitchen [Next Door] opened as Boulder’s Community Pub.

To this day, we believe in the power of good food and good drink to connect people as family, friends & a community, and The Kitchen remains committed to our mission of creating community through food.

In Spring 2012, The Kitchen opened The Kitchen Denver as Denver’s Community Bistro.

Cheers!
Hugo, Kimbal & Jen