6 Colorado restaurants receive Michelin awards

DENVER (KDVR) — Michelin Guide Colorado is back for a second year, with six new restaurants across the Front Range claiming a few coveted awards.

The Michelin Guide is a series of guidebooks that gives out prestigious awards recognizing outstanding cooking.

9 Colorado restaurants win Michelin award

In 2023, the guide debuted in Colorado, giving five restaurants a Michelin star, along with other awards and recommendations. Beckon, Bosq, BRUT?, Frasca Food and Wine and The Wolf’s Tailor were the first restaurants to receive Michelin stars in 2023.

Now, the 2024 restaurants were announced on Monday.

Colorado restaurants win Michelin awards

Two restaurants received overall awards in 2024.

Alma Fonda Fina

Alma Fonda Fina in Denver was the only restaurant to claim a Michelin star, which is the premier award that looks at the quality of ingredients, the cohesiveness of flavors, cooking techniques, the chef’s style and the entire menu over time before deciding on the winners.

According to the guide, Alma Fonda Fina’s chef started in his family’s restaurant in Guadalajara, Mexico, and the Denver restaurant revisits those flavors.

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The inspector praised the crisped pork belly carnitas, the agave-roasted sweet potato and the sliced Maine diver scallop.

MAKfam

The Bib Gourmand is another Michelin award that features restaurants with high-class food at lower prices. This year, MAKfam in Denver claimed the award.

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The inspector said the restaurant has Chinese American roots inspired by Chinatown favorites and takeout staples. The inspector specifically pointed out the fried crab and cheese wontons, chicken wings, corned beef fried rice and the spicy garlic butter rice cakes.

Special awards

The guide also gave out four special awards, which went to people at four different Colorado establishments.

• Michelin Exceptional Cocktails Award – Jessenia Sanabria with Sweet Basil

• Michelin Sommelier Award – Chris Dunaway with Element 47

• Michelin Outstanding Service Award – Allison Anderson with Beckon

• Michelin Young Chef/Culinary Professional Award – Johnny Curiel with Alma Fonda Fina

The Michelin Guide also added Brasserie Brixton and Kawa Ni to its many recommended restaurants in 2024.

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