Colorado Restaurant Foundation and Its Impact on the Community
As a pillar of the Colorado community, the Colorado Restaurant Association (CRA) takes pride in supporting initiatives that strengthen our local fabric. One such initiative is the Colorado Restaurant Foundation (CRF), an organization dedicated to enhancing the restaurant industry’s training, education, career development, and overall well-being.
The Colorado Restaurant Foundation Apprentice Program: A Pathway to Culinary Excellence
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCkfXWSDldA&t=1s Introduction The Colorado Restaurant Foundation (CRF) has been a pivotal part of Colorado’s dynamic culinary scene, providing programming and resources to help restaurant workers advance and thrive. Through its innovative Apprentice Program, the CRF is nurturing the next generation of culinary talent while enriching Denver’s dining experiences. Dive into the details of this program, […]
Jessica Biederman
Water Grill
Jessica Biederman is the executive chef at Water Grill in Denver, an elevated setting for seasonally-driven dining in the Lower Downtown (LoDo) neighborhood. Water Grill – family-owned and operated by King’s Seafood Company – strives to be a good steward of the ocean, offering first-of-season seafood and the broadest selection of fish, shellfish, lobster, crab, […]
Yoon Terry
Wild Taco
Wild Taco is a culinary-driven concept that originated from a professional friendship between the COO, Yoon Terry and the CEO, Rico Aragon years ago in Vail, when the two worked together at various Vail restaurants. The friends’ culinary paths would cross again in 2022 when they realized they shared a vision to bring a unique […]
Beth Ginsberg
Trompeau Bakery
Beth Ginsberg began her career in food service in 2004 with the launch of Singapore-based New York City Bagel Factory; the company distributed fresh-style bagels and cream cheese to the South East Asian market. After many years living overseas, Beth moved back to the United States and settled in Denver to be near her family. […]
Natalie Thiede
Teachers’ Lounge Food + Drink
As Executive Chef at The Slate Denver, Natalie Thiede oversees all food and beverage operations for the 251-room hotel, located inside the historic Emily Griffith Opportunity School in downtown Denver, including the on-site restaurant – Teachers’ Lounge Food + Drink – and the banquet and catering space. Natalie found her interest in food at a […]
Dave Hadley
Samosa Shop
A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, chef Dave Hadley draws inspiration from the Southern Indian and global fare grew up eating. Hadley has worked at Bangkok’s two- Michelin star GAGGAN, noted as the best restaurant in Asia and the fourth best in the world in the 2019 list of the World’s 50 Best […]
David Gross
Panzano
Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, executive chef David Gross brings over 10 years’ experience to his role at Panzano. David’s culinary career takes inspiration from his Midwestern upbringing, where he spent many afternoons helping his mother make homemade pierogis. It was during those moments that he became enamored with how the artisanship of cooking […]
Tajahi Cooke
Ms. Betty’s Cooking
After years of touring and traveling the world, Tajahi Cooke moved to Denver and started cooking; he spent time on the line at Mesa Verde, The Kitchen, and Next Door American Eatery, building technique and learning the importance of details. He continued to work his way through the Denver casual-dining industry, becoming a lead cook […]
Erasmo Casiano
Lucina Eatery & Bar
Erasmo “Ras” Casiano started his culinary career at the early age of 15. He attended Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island in 2005 and transferred to and graduated from the Denver Campus in 2007. Ras’ mother, Santa Lucina (Lucy), is the inspiration and motivation behind his career in food and beverage, even naming his […]
