Kelly and Erika Whitaker, co-founders of the Id Est Hospitality Group (you know — BRUTØ, Basta, The Wolf’s Tailor), took the title of Outstanding Restaurateur at the annual James Beard Awards ceremony last week, beating out some of the most impressive chefs and restaurant owners across the country.
It was a big win for the Denver dining scene, but far from the first. Over the last decade, Denverites have been frequent James Beard contenders. Need to taste it to believe it? Here are some of my favorite dishes from Denver’s James Beard-worthy chefs. The proof is in the pudding, as they say.
Kelly & Erika Whitaker, Id Est Hospitality Group
Outstanding Restaurateur, 2024
Order the: Clam Pizza with clam panna, lemon, and pancetta (from Basta)
Caroline Glover, Annette
Best Chef - Mountain, 2022
Order the: Grilled Beef Tongue with marrow toast
Alex Seidel, Mercantile Dining + Provision
Best Chef - Southwest, 2018
Order the: Braised Short Rib Sandwich from the lunch menu
Jen Jasinski, Rioja
Best Chef - Southwest, 2013
Order the: Artichoke Tortelloni with white truffle brodo and aged Manchego
The Miso Black Cod from Sushi Den. (Peyton Garcia / City Cast Denver)
Penelope Wong, Yuan Wonton
Best Chef - Mountain Semi-finalist, 2024
Order the: OG Chile Oil Wontons drenched in Sichuan chile oil
Dana Rodriguez, SuperMegaBien
Outstanding Chef Semi-finalist, 2023
Order the: Roasted Corn Croquettes stuffed with roasted corn, arborio rice, and cheese
Sushi Den
Outstanding Restaurant Semi-finalist, 2020
Order the: Miso Black Cod (or literally anything off the sushi menu)
Frank Bonanno, Bonanno Concepts
Outstanding Restaurateur Semi-finalist, 2016
Order the: Beef Wellington with broccolini and truffle quinoa (from Mizuna)
