Newberry's to expand in Newport, add pastry chef

Amy Guterba is a pastry chef who's worked for the Jeff Ruby restaurants and the Boca group here in Cincinnati. But she's also worked for high-profile chefs like Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Todd English. She was executive pastry chef at Olives and at Prime in the Bellagio in Las Vegas for nine years.

Now she is teaming up with Kim and Peter Newberry to help them take their namesake Newport coffee shop/bistro/bourbon bar/bakery to the next level.

It's a lot different than making pastries at Jean-Georges' place, but Guterba likes the idea of getting down to a more grass-roots level. "It's a big change from the corporate world, but that suits me just fine," she said. "I want to be more accessible to people, help create something, be creative in the kitchen. I really like what the Newberrys are doing."

Newberry Bros. Coffee is closed until Feb. 12 to make some changes. It is expanding by converting the garage next door, adding 30 more seats.

Over the next few months, Guterba will add breakfast items, a lunch menu, and then a bistro dinner menu, with a short list of "really great, special things," according to Guterba.

"We are so excited to have Amy and all her talent," said Peter Newberry. "It's been great having her insight."

They already have what Newberry says is the largest bourbon collection in Kentucky, with about 500 kinds of bourbon, in addition to house-roasted coffee, wines by the glass and bottle, and 50 craft beers. With the bistro open, customers can sample bourbons with small plates, dinner or dessert. There will also be twice monthly wine and bourbon dinners.

530 Washington Ave., Newport, 859-261-9463, newberrybroscoffee.com