It seems Barbara Helmer has always been baking or cooking or creating. 

Barbara Helmer and Miguel Camillo

With a culinary career spanning over 30 years, Barb Helmer has excited palates from Colorado to California.  The residents of Durango, CO. are fortunate to claim her as a member of their community since 1978.  Barbara is self-taught and it is her curiosity and love of food that has led her to explore different avenues in which to practice her art.

She embarked on this life-long career in her early 20's.  She ran her own baking business in California, providing her delicious delicacies to local restaurants.  After California, she headed to the Colorado mountains and raised 2 children.

In 1981 she opened her own restaurant on Durango's Main Street called The Upper Crust.  She sold that business after 3 years but maintained her catering clients.  She then "freelanced," baking for various fine restaurants in Durango, Co..  One of these establishments hired her for its own and she was employed at The Palace restaurant for 6 years (1985-1991) as its pastry chef and head chef for its busy lunch business.  During this time Barb continued to serve her loyal catering clientele.  After taking a year off in 1991, Barb determined to open her new business, Anything Goes Cuisine.  In order to finance her venture, she baked breads and desserts at Seasons, as upscale restaurant in Durango, Co..

1993 was the turning point.  Having built her catering client base, Barb was able to dedicate herself full-time to Anything Goes Cuisine.  She is still President of Anything Goes Cuisine.  After 7 successful years Barb opened The Kennebec Cafe and Bakery in March, 2000.  She continues to cater to her ever-increasing clientele in the Four Corners area but now her clients can enjoy her delicious food every night!