Colorado, or more Denver, Vail, Aspen, Snowmass Village, Beaver Creek, and Boulder, has now gone a whole year of having the Michelin star rating system in town. Now, we’re getting ready for the second round.
Last year 44 places gained recognition in some form or other. But who will be marked to receive a green star, one star, or Bib Gourmand, the distinction for “good quality, good value cooking” this year? Maybe there be Colorado’s first two-star restaurant, a rating stating the venue stands out enough to make a detour. The only thing we know for sure is what cities have the opportunity receive accolades.
Unfortunately the awards do miss lauded restaurants such as Annette in Aurora and Marigold in Lyons, both outstanding and outside the aforementioned cities. The reason for the discrepancy simply has to do with money. Denver, Vail, Aspen, Snowmass Village, Beaver Creek, and Boulder all paid to have the guide come to town. Not that it’s bad to have Michelin here, simply the balance is skewed in this regard.
Last year’s star of the Colorado Michelin Guide awards was Id Est Hospitality, who swept up four stars total and a Bib Gourmand. The group is run by Kelly and Erika Whitaker, who also took home a James Beard Award this year for Outstanding Restauranteur, and own Okay Yeah! and Hey Kiddo in the Berkeley neighborhood.
But back to the predictions for the 2024 Colorado Michelin Guide award ceremony, taking place on Monday, September 9. We are looking toward three categories, the Bib Gourmand, green star, and regular stars. Read on for our picks, and let us know your’s in the comments.
Growth of Bib Gourmand Winners
Last year nine place scored a Bib Gourmand award including The Ginger Pig, Glo Noodle House, AJ’s Pit Bar-B-Q, Tavernetta, Basta, Mister Oso, La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal, Ash’Kara, and Hop Alley. Overall it was a pretty diverse line up when it comes to cuisine, though all but one of them reside in Denver (Basta is in Boulder).
Any of these could be contenders this year, though we predict AJ’s and Ash’Kara might fall off the list, while Tavernetta could gain a star.
Places we see joining the Bib Gourmand list includes Id Est’s Hey Kiddo!, Lucina Eatery & Bar, Carne in RiNo, Kumoya, The Regular, Spuntino, Sắp Sửa, Safta inside the Source, and A5 Steakhouse. We would really like to see Ultreia on the list too, as well as MAKfam, Fruition, Barolo Grill, and Kawa Ni. In Boulder it feels like Oak at Fourteenth should gain a Bib Gourmand.
Honestly, there are so many great places to dine out at, it’s hard to limit the choices.
Green Stars Stay the Same
To earn a green star a restaurant doesn’t just have to have great food and service, but show a dedication to the environment. This can show up in many ways from sourcing, to waste, to sustainability practices.
Id Est made a splash in this category thanks to its zero-waste model. There is no scrap food, is the motto, it can all be used. That shows up in the various pickles, dessert made from vegetable pieces, and a fermentation program so in depth there’s a chef overseeing it. Taking home the green star last year was Bruto and The Wolf’s Tailor, and we don’t doubt the award will be given again.
The other two spots to earn a green star were Bramble & Hare and Blackbelly, both in Boulder. It would surprise us if they didn’t maintain this distinction as both have maintained a strong commitment to farms, ethically-raised proteins, and waste. Bramble & Hare even has its own farm, which provides a majority of the meat and produce served. As for new green stars, we don’t see any additions.
One Star Fandom Expands Slightly
Five restaurants in Colorado earned the coveted one-star award. In Boulder Frasca Food and Wine received one, not surprising given Bobby Stuckey’s push to get the Michelin Guide to the state. Based on the consistency of service, food, and drink, we expect it to maintain the star.
In Denver Id Est’s Bruto and The Wolf’s Tailor also took home stars. But in RiNo, chef Duncan Holmes’ Beckon also snatched one up. Beckon is a tasting menu only eatery, with a horseshoe-shaped chef’s counter surrounding the chefs as they bring out each perfectly put together plate. All these are expected to maintain the same status.
Bosq in Aspen also got a star, wowing inspectors with New American cuisine in a fine-dining atmosphere. This year we expect Element 47, the high-end eatery in The Little Nell to receive recognition, if not its first star.
Back in Denver, Alma Fond Fina has been on a Michelin star trajectory since opening last year. Chef Johnny Curiel has put a lot of work into the elevated Mexico City fare, and matches the menu with quality service.
Another place skipped over last year was Restaurant Olivia. Hospitality veterans Heather Morrison, Austin Carter, and chef Ty Leon have created a special place to showcase handmade pasta, fine wine, and impeccable service. Leon also shows a commitment to sustainable fare, using perennial grains and Maui Nui venison, a lean, nutrient-rich meat coming from an invasive deer species in Hawaii.
Little Hope For Michelin Two and Three Stars
A Michelin two-star restaurant roughly means it’s worth a detour or short trip to experience. For a three-star eatery, it’s a place so good, you go out of your way to go. While we can think of plenty of places these distinctions describe, most aren’t the usual award winners.
That said, right now the only place that may earn a two stars is Frasca. It’s hands down the fanciest fine dining establishment in the state, with service that takes a cue from European icons.
Thought on the upcoming awards? Let us know, and we will all find out the winners come Monday evening.
