2021 Denver Food + Wine Festival

Cliff Blauvelt
Odie B’s

Born in Maine and raised in Houston, Texas, Cliff Blauvelt moved to Denver at the age of 15 and has called the city home ever since. As a psychology undergrad at Metropolitan State University, Cliff worked at a variety of local restaurants–including Taste of Philly, Denver Ted’s, and Benny Blanco’s—where he discovered a passion for […]

Daniel Young
Local Jones

Daniel Young joined the Halcyon team in March 2022 as Executive Sous Chef. During his time in that role, he assisted in overseeing all aspects of the banquet and catering department, as well as the hotel’s three culinary concepts. Dan most notably launched the hotel’s lively, neighborhood, all-American bistro and bar, Local Jones. Today, Dan […]

Carrie Baird
Fox and the Hen +
Top Chef alum

Chef Carrie Baird has made a name for herself over the last two decades leading kitchens in some of the most highly regarded restaurants in Denver, Colorado. Carrie’s signature style fuses locally sourced ingredients with healthy twists on classic and innovative dishes. Carrie competed on Season 15 of Bravo’s Top Chef, where she quickly became […]

Brother Luck
Four by Brother Luck +
Top Chef alum

Chef Brother Luck is a James Beard Foundation Award nominee, a fan favorite on culinary competition shows like Top Chef, Chopped, and Beat Bobby Flay, and a passionate restaurant owner in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Brother most recently appeared on the The Rachael Ray Show and The Today Show, and was featured in Food & Wine magazine. […]

The Fort Restaurant

An award winning and nationally acclaimed “truly Colorado” restaurant, The Fort is located in Southwest Denver, in Red Rocks Territory. Specializing in regional game, such as bison, elk and quail, as well as salmon, trout and hearty vegetarian fare influenced by American Indian and Mountain Man cuisine, The Fort sells more buffalo steaks than any […]

Chris Royster
The Flagstaff House

Executive Chef and co-owner Chris Royster of The Flagstaff House is celebrated as a Zagat “30 Under 30” awardee and a Food Network Chopped Champion. His culinary journey is a testament to a family deeply rooted in an appreciation for exceptional cuisine. Chris’s childhood in Hyde Park, New York, was infused with culinary influences from […]

Crystal Nguyen
Cirrus Social Club

Cirrus Social Club shatters expectations. We’re not your typical cannabis lounge. Here, you embark on a first-class sesh experience in a breathtakingly gorgeous environment designed to foster connection and unforgettable memories. Imagine: Carefully selected sesh offerings that delight the senses. Elevated munchies for all with our delicious shared-plates menu. Knowledgeable Flight Attendants guiding you on your journey. Cirrus […]

Alen Ramos & Carolyn Nugent
Poulette Bakeshop

Chefs Alen Ramos and Carolyn Nugent have been mentored by some of the world’s most renowned chefs, having decided to pack their bags and learn from the greats of Europe. The couple, who are now married, met while working for Joël Robuchon, who was awarded the title “Chef of the Century” in 1989. They’ve worked […]

Elise Chadwick
Roger’s Liquid Oasis

Elise Chadwick’s love for her hometown of Arvada, Colorado played a significant role in her decision to become a bartender; Arvada’s tight-knit community and warm-hearted residents instilled in her a deep appreciation for connection and the power of shared experiences. Bartending became a natural extension of Elise’s desire to bring people together, to create a […]

Fetien Gebre-Michael
The Ethiopian Food Truck

Fetien Gebre-Michael is a first-generation Ethiopian immigrant and one of 12 children; she has three older brothers and eight younger siblings. Being the eldest daughter, Fetien quickly learned her way around the kitchen, and what started out as a chore to feed her siblings, eventually turned into something that she enjoyed. In 2008, while working […]