Quinnie’s Cookies
I have been making cookies for people I love my whole life. Now I get to make them with my kids and create memories together! The idea of Quinnie’s Cookies comes from baking with my mom to now baking with my kids. Quinn is my daughter’s name and the three cookies in the logo represent […]
Darren Chang and Travis Masar
Pig and Tiger
Top Chef alum
Pig and Tiger is the embodiment of its co-chefs/co-owners Darren Chang and Travis Masar. The name comes from their Chinese zodiac signs. Darren who was born in the year of the Pig and Travis in the year of the Tiger. The restaurant is a marriage of Chef Travis’ and Chef Darren’s experiences: Travis’ passion for […]
The Penrose Room at The Broadmoor
Inspired by the Penroses’ extensive travels, every libation and dish featured on the menu tells a version of their story. The Broadmoor’s personalized service and procurement of the finest ingredients are legendary. So come and be inspired by an era, a moment, an experience-it all comes together here, reinterpreted-The Penrose Room. In 2026, Colorado celebrates […]
Erasmo Casiano
Xiquita Restaurante y Bar | 2025 HOSPYS Finalist
CHEF ERASMO CASIANO 2025 HOSPYS Finalist: Chef of the Year 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 […]
Kenta Kamo
Temaki Den | 2025 HOSPYS Finalist
CHEF KENTA KAMO 2025 HOSPYS Finalist: Chef of the Year Chef Kenta Kamo’s culinary story is rooted in his family heritage, travel, and a life-long love for Japanese cuisine. Raised between Baton Rouge and Japan’s Tokyo/Saitama region, Kamo grew up immersed in two vibrant culinary worlds, each shaping his appreciation for the role food plays […]
Alon Shaya
Safta
CHEF ALON SHAYA Born in Israel, raised in Philadelphia, and a proud New Orleanian, Alon Shaya has always had a deep love and appreciation for food and the singular way restaurants anchor their communities. In 2017, he and his wife, Emily, founded Pomegranate Hospitality, whose restaurants include Saba (New Orleans), Safta (Denver), Miss River and […]
Paul Anders
Mountain Standard | 2024 HOSPYS Finalist
CHEF PAUL ANDERS Paul began his culinary career at Mahi Mahi’s Sushi bar while pursuing his degree from Johnson and Wales University in Norfolk, Virginia. Upon graduating summa cum laude, he accepted an Assistant Chef position at the Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia. Smart decision, since this is where Paul met his now wife, Theresa. From this point, Paul traveled the country working as a chef at luxury hotels, focusing on fine dining restaurants, including the Four Seasons in Newport Beach, California, The Brown Palace in Denver, and The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. Paul brought his experience and dedication to his craft to Sweet Basil as the Chef de Cuisine in October 2005. In the Spring of 2006, Paul was promoted to the role of Executive Chef at Sweet Basil. In November of 2012, Paul was again promoted, this time as Executive Chef and partner of both Sweet Basil and Mountain Standard. Outside of the building Chef spends time with his girls, Theresa and his daughters Vivian and Harper, skiing, walking Bosco the dog, adventuring on the river, and watching University of Virginia basketball. If there is a fishing excuse, Paul has used it! Although he cooks very little at home, he experiments with the Big Green Egg. Mountain Standard’s Keith Webber was a 2024 HOSPYS Finalist for Bartender of the Year
John Wilson
Bella Colibri | 2025 HOSPYS Finalist
CHEF JOHN WILSON 2025 HOSPYS Finalist: Chef of the Year Chef John Wilson is the Co-owner and Executive Chef of Bella Colibri, where his dishes interpret Southern Italian Classics with a focus on simplicity, seasonality, and bold, honest flavors. In 2025, Chef John Wilson was a Colorado Restaurant Association Hospitality Award (HOSPYS) Finalist for Chef […]
Jodi and Ben Polson
Mama Jo’s Biscuits & BBQ
Mama Jo’s serves up Carolina-style BBQ, biscuit sandwiches, and classic Southern favorites, all made from scratch with locally sourced ingredients and family recipes. From slow-smoked meats to crisp fried chicken and house-made pickles, every dish is thoughtfully prepared each day. For those craving true Southern comfort food, you’ll find us right here in the heart […]
Matt Vawter
Rootstalk Breckenridge | 2024 HOSPYS Finalist
CHEF MATT VAWTER 2024 HOSPYS Finalist | Restaurant of the Year 2024 James Beard Foundation Award Winner | Best Chef: Mountain James Beard Foundation Award ‘Best Chef: Mountain’ winner Chef Matt Vawter, raised in Summit County, Colorado, began his culinary journey at the Colorado Mountain College Culinary Apprenticeship Program in Keystone. In 2007, he joined […]
