The Colorado restaurant industry was well represented this year during the 2025 James Beard Awards, but after last night’s ceremony, only one remained. With that, we send out a huge congratulations to The Frasca Food and Wine team in Boulder Colorado, who took home the award for Outstanding Restaurant.
Not that we’re surprised. Owned by master sommelier Bobby Stuckey and chef Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson, Colorado’s most prestigious fine dining restaurant opened over 20 years ago. Previously the restaurant won two James Beard Awards, one for Outstanding Service in 2019 and the other for Outstanding Wine Program in 2013. Chef Mackinnon-Patterson also received the award for Best Chefs in America Southwest in 2008 (today the award is called Best Chef Mountain).
“On behalf of our team, we are so humbled and honored to have won the James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant,” said Stuckey, who added that this August, Frasca turns 21 and the award isn’t just for them, but the local communities who have supported the restaurant. “We are so grateful for our staff and our guests that started with us more than 20 years ago. I can’t wait to be back at Frasca Tuesday night bussing tables.”
Unfortunately the other five restaurants didn’t win an award, but we are just as proud to have them in our community.
Aside from Frasca, the finalist included: Outstanding Chef, Josh Niernberg of Bin 707 in Grand Junction; Best New Restaurant, Alma Fonda Fina in Denver; Outstanding Pastry Chef or Bakers, Carolyn Nugent and Alen Ramos of Poulette Bakeshop in Parker; the new award for Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service, McLain Hedges and Mary Allison Wright of Yacht Club in Denver; and Best Chef Mountain, Penelope Wong of Yuan Wonton in Denver, who was a finalist for the second time in a row. Last year, chef Matt Vawter of Rootstalk in Breckenridge took home the Best Chef Mountain award.
Congratulations to all of Colorado’s talent, award or not. The restaurant, bar, and hospitality industry wouldn’t be the same without you.
