Several Denver chefs and restaurants have been named semifinalists in the 2024 James Beard Foundation Awards, one of the culinary industry's highest achievements.
The James Beard Foundation, named in honor of legendary American chef, author and television personality James Beard, recognizes outstanding culinary talent in the United States during its annual awards. Members of the public and people in the industry were able to submit recommendations during an open call in October and November. The awards process is overseen by a revolving committee of expert peers.
This year, the foundation is giving out 10 national awards highlighting the best restaurants, bakeries and bars the country has to offer, as well 12 regional awards that recognize the best chef in a particular region.
Denver's semifinalists and the category they're competing in are listed below:
- Beckon (2843 Larimer St.) - Outstanding Restaurant
- Kenneth Wan, MAKfam (39 W 1st Ave.) - Emerging Chef
- Sắp Sửa (2550 E Colfax Ave.) - Best New Restaurant
- Sunday Vinyl (1803 16th St. Mall) - Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program
Several Denver chefs were also nominated for Best Chef in the mountain region, which includes Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Utah and Wyoming.
- Erasmo Casiano and Diego Coconati, Lucina Eatery & Bar (2245 Kearney St #101)
- Aminata "Ami" Dia and Rougui Dia, Le French (846 Albion St.)
- Bo Porytko, Molotov Kitschen + Cocktails (3333 E Colfax Ave.)
- Penelope Wong, Yuan Wonton (2878 Fairfax St.)
Restaurants and chefs outside Denver that were nominated include:
- Kelly Whitaker, Id Est Hospitality Group (The Wolf's Tailor, BRUTØ, Basta, and others), Boulder - Outstanding Restaurateur
- Barclay Dodge, Bosq, Aspen - Outstanding Chef
- Carolyn Nugent and Alen Ramos, Poulette Bakeshop, Parker - Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker
- Theo Adley, Marigold, Lyons - Best Chef: Mountain Region
- Matt Vawter, Rootstalk, Breckenridge - Best Chef: Mountain Region
The winners will be announced in early June during a ceremony in Chicago.
Last year was a historic one for Denver's restaurant industry. For the first time ever, French travel company Michelin brought its famous Michelin Guide to Colorado. Five Colorado restaurants, three of which are in Denver, were awarded a Michelin star, one of the culinary world's greatest achievements. Several of those restaurants are now recognized as 2024 James Beard semifinalists.
Michelin also awarded 8 Denver restaurants with a "Bib Gourmand" designation for offering high-quality meals at relatively low costs.
