Colorado Chefs and Eateries Selected as James Beard Semifinalist Nominees
The James Beard Award is recognized as one of the most prestigious on the national food scene
The Wolf’s Tailor | Photo by Jeff Fierberg
Colorado makes an impressive mark in 2023 with 13 semifinalist nominations by the James Beard Foundation. The semifinalists await the chance to advance to the final round of nominees in March before the annual James Beard Awards Gala, held in Chicago in June. Last year’s Best Chef in the Mountain Region award went to Caroline Glover, co-owner of Annette in Aurora, CO.
Established in 1990 and first awarded in 1991, the James Beard Foundation’s Restaurant and Chef Awards are one of five separate recognition programs of the Awards. The 2023 Restaurant and Chef semifinalists are recognized across 23 categories, including a new award for outstanding bakery.
The 2023 list of semifinalists from Colorado includes:
Outstanding Restaurateur
The Wolf’s Tailor | Photo by Jeff Fierberg
Kelly Whitaker in Boulder, CO.
Id Est Hospitality Group – Basta, The Wolf’s Tailor, BRUTØ
Basta, the Italian word meaning enough, opened its doors in 2010 and serves wood-fired, old-world Italian fare in Boulder. The Wolf’s Tailor in Denver celebrates Colorado’s wild and foraged, the sea and preservation with its inventive cuisine. BRUTØ creates a cutting-edge menu while inviting diners to participate and ask questions throughout the entire culinary process.
Outstanding Chef
Bin 707 Foodbar | Photo by Kaylan Robinson Photography
Josh Niernberg in Grand Junction, CO.
Bin 707 Foodbar serves delicious, seasonal Colorado cuisine sourced from local Colorado and domestic sources.
Dana Rodriguez in Denver, CO.
Super Mega Bien offers small plate and family style entrees celebrating Latin American cuisine.
Emerging Chef
Bo Porytko in Denver, CO.
Misfit Snack Bar serves up unique and creative takes on traditional bar food.
Best New Restaurant
The Friar’s Fork in Alamosa, CO creates dishes to savor with classic menu items made with the freshest ingredients and served a new way.
Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker
Ismael de Sousa in Denver, CO.
Located in RINO, Reunion Bread Co. serves seasonal specials alongside a variety of traditional breads, pies and tarts and specialty coffees.
Outstanding Hospitality
At Pêche in Palisade, CO, enjoy beautifully prepared and plated meals with seasonal ingredients and rotating menus.
Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program
Sunday Vinyl in Denver, CO guests indulge in delicious appetizers, meals and desserts in the style of the European wine bar.
Best Chef: Mountain (CO, ID, MT, UT, WY)
Jose Avila – La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal, Denver, CO
Michael Diaz de Leon – BRUTØ, Denver, CO
Barclay Dodge – Bosq, Aspen, CO
Cindhura Reddy – Spuntino, Denver, CO
Penelope Wong – Yuan Wonton, Denver CO
