National and regional awards are a big deal to chefs and restaurants because, in addition to the honor of recognition, they bring in new customers, kitchen talent, and media attention. The most prestigious of American culinary accolades are the James Beard Foundation Awards, often called “the Oscars of the food world.” The awards were launched in 1990 to honor the legacy of their larger-than-life namesake chef, author, culinary instructor, and TV personality.

It took Colorado 18 years to break into the club of James Beard Award winners, which New York and California restaurants serving primarily European-inspired fare dominated in the early days. But recent years have seen a shift toward international cuisine in every corner of the country—and the Centennial State has seen an increase in both nominations and wins. Here, a complete list of Colorado culinary talent that’s taken home the bacon by year, plus this year’s nominees in five other categories.

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Outstanding Restaurant: Frasca Food and Wine

When Bobby Stuckey, co-founder of Boulder’s Frasca Food and Wine, took the stage to receive the Outstanding Restaurant award at the Lyric Opera in Chicago on June 16, it was the culmination of four decades of dedication to hospitality, wine, and fine dining. Stuckey helped Aspen’s Little Nell earn many wine-based honors in the 1990s and met Frasca co-founder Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson while the two were working at the French Laundry in Yountville, California, in the early 2000s.

But rather than dwell on his own achievements, Stuckey used the moment to welcome people into the industry and thank the James Beard Foundation. “If you are new to this country and you don’t speak the language, the hospitality industry is here for you,” he said. “If you’re a single parent and you need a flexible schedule, we’re here for you. If you need a second chance because maybe you were incarcerated or just made some mistakes, hospitality is here for you, and I love that the James Beard Foundation gives this beautiful industry this night.”

2025 James Beard Award Nominees

Outstanding Restaurateur: Kelly and Erika Whitaker, Id Est Hospitality (Hey Kiddo, the Wolf’s Tailor, Brutø, Dry Storage, Basta)

The Whitakers have been visionaries in the Denver dining scene since launching Boulder’s Basta in 2010, forging trends in local grains, fermentation, and chef’s tasting menus. At Hey Kiddo and the Wolf’s Tailor, especially, the couple even plays with the notion of a standard menu, taking guests on a build-your-own adventure that results in a unique dining experience.

Best Chef Mountain: Matt Vawter, Rootstalk

Matt Vawter helped open Denver’s Mercantile as chef de cuisine before heading back to his hometown of Breckenridge to launch Rootstalk in 2020. Vawter’s blend of Mediterranean elements and Colorado ingredients helped Rootstalk stand out at high altitude, where seasonality can be challenging. In our interview with the chef after his 2024 win, Vawter gave a nod to his staff, saying, “We’ve been able to build really great teams that enjoy where they live and enjoy where they work.”

Best Chef Mountain: Caroline Glover, Annette

Caroline Glover chose Aurora’s Stanley Marketplace to debut her first restaurant, Annette, in 2017, gaining early recognition from local media before attracting national attention with simply presented but slyly creative dishes (we always return for the grilled beef tongue on marrow toast). After weathering the pandemic with greenhouse dining and takeout packages, Glover was rewarded with this deserving honor.

America’s Classics: El Taco De Mexico

Every year, the James Beard Foundation selects a few establishments “beloved in their region for food that reflects the character and cultural traditions of their community.” Lincoln Park’s El Taco De Mexico, founded in 1985 by Maria Luisa Zanabria and now run by her daughter, Sasha Zanabria, earned its award for not only great tacos, burritos, and breakfast plates, but for its all-are-welcome atmosphere and tireless, all-woman kitchen staff.

Outstanding Service: Frasca Food and Wine

Noticing a trend here? James Beard judges seem to focus on Frasca’s excellence every five or six years. Those who frequent the Boulder destination know that every need will be attended to and every element of dinner will be perfect, from the host’s welcome when you arrive to the amaro cart to top off your night.

Best Chef Southwest (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah): Alex Seidel, Mercantile

Alex Seidel was the last chef to win this award before it was reconfigured to Best Chef Mountain (with a shuffling of the states included in the region), and it felt as much a recognition for his years of excellence at the now-closed Fruition as it did for his leadership of the posh and spacious Mercantile, which opened in 2014 as part of a complete overhaul of Union Station.

Best Chef Southwest: Jennifer Jasinski, Rioja

Jennifer Jasinski opened Rioja in 2004, so locals knew how good it was for years before the James Beard judges bestowed their blessing in 2013. Rioja continues to be the crown jewel of Larimer Square after more than twenty years pioneering the local food movement by championing Colorado lamb and farm-grown produce.

Outstanding Wine Program, Frasca Food and Wine

Bobby Stuckey belongs to a rare club: Master Sommelier certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers. Of course, Frasca guests reap the benefits when they enjoy only the best Italian wines selected by Stuckey and his staff, but this certification paid off for the the restaurant, too, in the form of the JBF’s highest wine-based award.

Best Chef Southwest: Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson, Frasca

It makes sense that Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson and Frasca were first to the James Beard table from the Centennial State. The chef’s commitment to the little-known (at least at the time) Italian region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia and his artistic platings, subtle flavor combinations, and stellar ingredients could not be denied recognition beyond Colorado borders.