James Cordova | Jovanina’s Broken Italian
Born and raised in Colorado, I’ve spent the last 20 years in professional kitchens across Longmont and Denver. Culinary lineage runs deep in my family my father was a chef, and the kitchen has always felt like home. My path has taken me through local culinary staples like Sugarbeet and the refined sushi counters of Uchi, […]
Kaycee Jones | Elway’s Downtown
Chef Kaycee is an accomplished culinary professional with nearly a decade of experience at Marriott International, serving prestigious brands including The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, and Gaylord Hotels. His career spans renowned destinations such as Scottsdale, Vail, and Denver, where he has honed his craft in delivering exceptional dining experiences. Known for his innovative approach, respect for tradition, […]
Harry’s at Magnolia Hotel Denver
During your stay, be sure to stop in Harry’s, a historic local restaurant offering casual dining in a sophisticated setting with a seasonal menu of small plates and entrees. Harry’s, located on the corner of 17th and Stout in the Magnolia Denver lobby, is open 7 days a week, with extended hours on Friday and […]
Paul Anders | Sweet Basil Vail
CHEF PAUL ANDERS Johnson & Wales University in Norfolk, Virginia. After graduating summa cum laude, he accepted an Assistant Chef position at The Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia, where he met his wife, Theresa. From there, Paul traveled the country refining his craft at renowned luxury hotels and fine dining restaurants, including the Four […]
Erasmo Casiano
Xiquita Restaurante y Bar, Lucina Eatery & Bar, Create Kitchen & 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 […]
Caroline Glover
Traveling Mercies, Annette
Caroline Glover is the chef and co-owner at Annette, the award-winning restaurant she opened in 2017, and Traveling Mercies, which she opened in 2024. The 2022 James Beard Foundation Award winner for “Best Chef: Mountain,” Caroline was nominated in the same category in 2020 and earned semi-finalist nominations in 2018 and 2019. In 2018, Annette […]
Troy Guard
Hashtag, Los Chingones, G&G Surf Club
Born and raised in Hawaii, Chef Troy Guard spent much of his young life enjoying everything that comes with island living – long days in the sun and catching and cooking seafood with his family. It is there, with the freshest ingredients at his fingertips, that his passion for cooking came to life. What started […]
Sarah Cloyd, Steuben’s Uptown + Kevin Chu, Ace Eat Serve
Chef Kevin Chu is the Executive Chef for Ace Eat Serve. Chef Sarah Cloyd is the Executive Chef for Steuben’s Uptown. Ace Eat Serve and Steuben’s will be collaborating for the 2026 Denver Food + Wine Festival Grand Tasting! Learn more: Ace Eat Serve Learn more: Steuben’s Uptown
Johnny Curiel
Alma Fonda Fina, Tequilería Alteño
Born into a family of chefs in Guadalajara, Mexico, Johnny Curiel began his culinary journey at age 14 in his father’s restaurant. He deepened his roots with an immersive culinary exploration across Mexico, learning from bustling restaurants, street vendors, and abuelas’ kitchens. Drawing on these formative experiences, he joined Chef Richard Sandoval’s team and cooked […]
Duncan Holmes
Beckon, Major Tom
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 Chandelier Bar at […]
