Colorado gained just one Michelin-starred restaurant on Monday, when the famed guide company released its list of 2024 restaurant recommendations. In addition, the five existing Michelin-starred restaurants have all regained their 2023 stars.
Alma Fonda Fina, an upscale Mexican food hall that opened just nine months ago at 2556 15th St., in Denver’s Lower Highland neighborhood, joined the one-star club that already included Beckon, Bruto and The Wolf’s Tailor. Denver, Bosq in Aspen and Frasca in Boulder.
“Chef Johnny Curiel started in his family’s restaurant in Guadalajara, and after years of high-end culinary experience, he revisits dishes and flavors from his upbringing with creativity and refined technique, delivering results that are both satisfying and delicious,” wrote Michelin in its new guide to Colorado restaurants, released Monday morning.
“Resist the temptation to fixate on one item, because the menu is packed with treasures: perfectly crispy pork belly carnitas make for a brilliant taco on a sourdough flour tortilla, while agave-roasted sweet potato with nutty salsa is matcha and luxuriously creamy whipped requesón a revelation, and vibrant seafood crudos like thinly sliced Maine diver scallop with tomatillo and apple aguachile are downright electric. No desserts are offered for the time being, so there is no reason to leave extra space,” the Guide continued.
Additionally, Michelin added one Bib Gourmand recommendation to its list: MAKfam, a Cantonese-American restaurant that opened in November 2023 at 39 W. 1st Ave. in Denver.
“What started as a pop-up in New York, where owners and husband and wife team Doris Yuen and Kenneth Wan first met, and then became a booth in a Denver food hall, is now finally a full-service restaurant. The attractive, colorful space and compact menu both celebrate the couple’s Chinese-American roots, both raised by immigrant families who worked in restaurants.
“Fried crab and cheese wontons and hand-shaped chicken and chive pot stickers are inspired by Chinatown favorites and takeout dishes, made with special care and loads of flavor. “Chicken wings with a spicy, tingling málà seasoning are a favorite for good reason, and larger dishes, such as the familiar but inventive corned beef fried rice or spicy garlic butter rice waffles, also impress,” Michelin continued.
And finally, two Denver restaurants have been added to the list of recommended dining options: Brasserie Brixton, at 3701 Williams St., and Kawa Ni, at 3200 W. 32nd Ave.
“As we celebrate the second year of the Michelin Guide in Colorado, we can see the passion
The momentum continues to grow in this culinary community,” said Gwendal Poullennec, the
International director of the Michelin Guides, in a statement.
“The famously anonymous inspectors were also keen to shine a light on the growing talent in the local community, with a handful of new restaurants added to the roster,” she added.
There were three special prizes this year. The Michelin Exceptional Cocktails Award went to Jessenia Sanabria from Sweet Basil; the Michelin Sommelier Award went to Chris Dunaway of Element 47; the Michelin Outstanding Service Award went to Allison Anderson of Beckon; and the Michelin Young Chef/Culinary Professional Award went to Johnny Curiel of Alma Fonda Fina.
This is a development story.
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