The James Beard Basis launched its listing of 2024 restaurant and chef award semifinalists right now. And like a repeat of final yr, Colorado as soon as once more snagged 13 nominations for what’s extensively considered one of the crucial prestigious honors within the hospitality trade; classes included “excellent restaurateur,” “finest new restaurant,” and “rising chef.”
Denver cooks like Kelly Whitaker and Penelope Wong reappeared on this yr’s listing after being ignored final yr. And new faces and locations, like MAKfam’s Kenneth Wan and the newly opened Sắp Sửa, are getting their first shot at a prize. A couple of of the nominees additionally gained Michelin stars in 2023, together with Whitaker, Bruto, Beckon and Bosq.
Six of the 20 cooks nominated as one of the best within the Mountain Area — which incorporates Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Utah and Wyoming — are from the Centennial State. The finalists might be introduced in April.
Right here’s the listing of the Colorado semifinalists, who’ve an opportunity to make it to the ultimate spherical of nominees earlier than the annual James Beard Awards Gala in June in Chicago:
Excellent Restaurateur
Kelly Whitaker, Id Est Hospitality Group (The Wolf’s Tailor, BRUTØ, Basta, and Hey Kiddo), Boulder
Excellent Chef
Barclay Dodge, Bosq, Aspen
Helen H. Richardson, JHB
Wait employees are inclined to the diners within the rapidly filling eating room at Beckon on Oct. 10, 2019 in Denver. (Photograph by Helen H. Richardson/JHB)
Excellent Restaurant
Beckon, Denver
Rising Chef
Kenneth Wan, MAKfam, Denver
Greatest New Restaurant
Sắp Sửa, Denver
Excellent Pastry Chef or Baker
Carolyn Nugent and Alen Ramos, Poulette Bakeshop, Parker
M.Thurk Pictures, Supplied by Sunday Vinyl
Diners consuming brunch at Sunday Vinyl, situated by the practice platform at Union Station. (M.Thurk Pictures, Supplied by Sunday Vinyl)
Excellent Wine and Different Drinks Program
Sunday Vinyl, Denver
Greatest Chef: Mountain (CO, ID, MT, UT, WY)
Theo Adley, Marigold, Lyons
Diego Coconati, Lucina Eatery & Bar, Denver
Aminata “Ami” Dia and Rougui Dia, Le French, Denver
Bo Porytko, Molotov Kitschen + Cocktails, Denver
Matt Vawter, Rootstalk, Breckenridge
Penelope Wong, Yuan Wonton, Denver
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