For many in the food industry, the James Beard Awards are the Oscars of the restaurant and bar world. Winners gain greater prestige, and even getting your name on the semifinalist list shows people are paying attention to what’s going on. Now, the 2025 list is here, with 14 Colorado restaurants, bars, and chefs gracing the roster.
The local line up includes:
- Outstanding Chef: Josh Niernberg, Bin 707 Foodbar, Grand Junction, CO
- Outstanding Restaurant: Frasca Food and Wine, Boulder, CO
- Emerging Chef: Anna Nguyen and Ni Nguyen, Sắp Sửa, Denver, CO
- Best New Restaurant: Alma Fonda Fina, Denver, CO
- Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker: Carolyn Nugent and Alen Ramos, Poulette Bakeshop, Parker, CO
- Outstanding Wine and Other Beverage Programs: Hop Alley, Denver, CO
- Best New Bar: Traveling Mercies, Aurora, CO
- Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service: McLain Hedges and Mary Allison Wright, Yacht Club, Denver, CO
- Best Chef Mountain: Erasmo Casiano and Diego Coconati, Lucina Eatery & Bar, Denver, CO
- Best Chef Mountain: Bo Porytko, Molotov Kitschen + Cocktails, Denver, CO
- Best Chef Mountain: Paul C. Reilly, Coperta, Denver, CO
- Best Chef Mountain: Hosea Rosenberg, Blackbelly, Boulder, CO
- Best Chef Mountain: Kenneth Wan, MAKfam, Denver, CO
- Best Chef Mountain: Penelope Wong, Yuan Wonton, Denver, CO
“For 35 years, the James Beard Awards have stood as a testament to American food culture and its exceptional talent. What began as a celebration of culinary achievement has evolved into a platform leading chefs and the broader culinary industry towards a new standard of excellence,” said Clare Reichenbach, CEO of James Beard Foundation, in a press release. “As we mark this milestone, we are committed to our vision of a vibrant independent restaurant industry that stands as a cornerstone of American culture, community and economy; and drives towards a better food system.”
The James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards was established in 1990, with the first Awards given in
1991. The idea is to “celebrate excellence across all types of dining experiences, from fine dining to casual establishments.”
Through the decades the Awards have shifted with the industry climate. This year three new categories were introduced including Best New Bar, Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, and Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service.
Last year the semifinalist Best Chef Mountain also included Porytko and Wong, with chef Matt Vawter of Rootstalk in Breckenridge taking home the Award. Nugent and Ramos of Poulette Bakeshop also were nominated for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker, though didn’t end up winning.
This year is the first time the lauded Alma Fonda Fina has been eligible for entry. Given the Michelin star and constant best-of awards, we wouldn’t be surprised if chef Johnny Curiel and team took home the prize for the 2025 Best New Restaurant.
But now, we wait until the final list is released on Wednesday, April 2. The final winners will be announced live at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on Monday, June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Congrats to everyone who is nominated!
