Why Denver’s Hottest Chef Walked Away From a Michelin Star
Chef Michael Diaz de Leon had a great 2023. For his work at the buzzy Mexican-inspired fine-downtown dining spot BRUTØ, he was nominated for a James Beard Award. Then one of his dishes appeared on the New York Times’ list of Best American Dishes of 2023. Then, in October, a Michelin star. So why did he quit? Producer Paul Karolyi sits down with Diaz de Leon to talk about why he left a Michelin star behind and what he’s cooking up next. Plus, Michelin wasn’t the only one-star review Diaz de Leon has earned, so Paul asked him to respond to some of BRUTØ’s one-star reviews on Yelp.
Diaz de Leon’s “taco omakase” pop-up at Hop Alley this month is sold out, unfortunately, but you can be first to know about his next project by following him on Instagram @michaeldleon.
While you’re waiting for his next pop-up, here are the spots where Chef Michael says he likes to eat:
- Hop Alley (RiNo)
- sắp sửa (East Colfax)
- Alma Fonda Fina (Highlands)
- Somebody People (South Broadway)
For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.
Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver
Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver
What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418
Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:
Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Stay connected to City Cast Denver and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Unsheltered Homelessness Drops, Denver Wildfire Concerns, and Was Casa Bonita a $50M Mistake?
Are wildfires a threat Denverites should be worried about? After the urban devastation the Front Range experienced with the Marshall Fire...
Who Wins Summer in the USA? Denver Makes Its Case
City Cast Twin Cities host Sean McPherson hosts this showdown where 12 City Cast reps, including City Cast Denver host Bree Davies, compe...
Backlash Mounts Against Gov. Polis Over Tina Peters. Plus, Denver Halts Data Centers
Governor Jared Polis’ controversial decision to commute former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters’ prison sentence last week is still reverber...
What’s Tipping the Scale on Colorado’s Population?
After decades of super-charged economic and population growth, Colorado is at a turning point. So, is this state growing or shrinking? An...
Is Mayor Mike Coming for Mutual Aid Mondays? Plus, the Unhoused Woman Dividing Wash Park
Mayor Johnston promised to solve unsheltered homelessness in his first term – nearly three years into it, there are still questions about...
'Your City Could Be Better': Do DC’s Hated Traffic Cameras Really Make the City Safer? — Presented By City Cast Denver
Would Denver be safer if there were more automated traffic cameras? In 2025, Washington, DC, brought in nearly $270 million from more tha...
Was DIA Negligent in Plane Collision? Plus, the Oatmeal Creme Pie Bandit and Are You a Real Denverite?
It’s been exactly one week since a man named Michael Mott jumped over the 8-foot security fence around Denver International Airport and d...
Is Good Food Enough for a Denver Restaurant to Thrive?
Between Michelin stars and James Beard Awards, it’s safe to say that Denver has secured its place in the food world. But, a lot more goes...
Is Denver Constantly Watching You? Plus, Unvaxxed Singles and Bike Riders: Make Your Voices Heard!
Flock cameras have been dominating Denver’s recent conversations about surveillance technology, but since 2008 the city has been watching...
AI Talks End in ‘Near-Total Rewrite,’ Trump vs. Denver’s Assault Weapons Ban, and New Scooter Problems
The 2026 Colorado legislative session is in its final week, so we’re looking into the hot-button issue of AI, which continues to divide D...