Local Spotlight // Award Winning Restaurants

Dining in Colorado has elevated through the years. 2023 was the first year that Colorado Restaurants were included in the Michelin Guide. We are so blessed to have many award winning restaurants in our community. Here is just a small list of some of my favorites that I love to frequent.

Frasca's Steak cooked to perfection

Frasca Food & Wine - Master Sommelier, Bobby Stuckey, & Chef Lachlan MacKinnon Patterson brought their award winning restaurant to the Colorado Restaurant Stage in 2004. They have elevated the local industry in so many ways. Known for their 'hospitalian' service and their Friuli inspired cuisine, they have been rightfully awarded by James Beard and Michelin. Make a reservation for this fine dining experience. Location // 1738 Pearl St, Boulder What to order // Quattro Piatti + a sommelier selected wine pairing Other restaurants in their family // Tavernetta, Pizzeria Alberico, Sunday Vinyl - all of which are worthy of a visit too!

Blackbelly Burger (no bun, but yum bacon!) and Kennebec Fries

Blackbelly - Chef Hosea Rosenberg has so many accolades - Michelin, Top Chef, Chopped Best of the West - but most importantly, he is an all around great guy and worthy of such accolades and more. Reknowned for their in house butcher shop and house cured meats, Blackbelly should be on your list! Location // 1606 Conestoga St, Boulder What to order // Charcuterie, Burger with kennebec fries, + wine pairing Other restaurants in their family // Denver Blackbelly, Santo, & more to come!

Marigold in Lyons Colorado

Marigold - As a semifinalist Best Chef Rocky Mountian 2024 by James Beard Awards, Chef Theo Adley is uniquely talented with his understanding of how he balances the flavors of what that he creates for your delight. Located in the town of Lyons, just before heading up to Rocky Mountain National Park, this restaurant is well worth the stop. Location // 405 Main St, Lyons What to order // Steak Frites + 2021 Matthieu Barret 'Petit Ours' (ever changing menu so also ask your server)

Pork Shoulder at Oak on 14th

Oak at Fourteenth - Recognized by Michelin, Oak at Fourteenth has always been one of our go-to restaurants in Boulder. Owner Bryan Dayton is very well known for his exceptionally curated cocktail and mocktail list. Location // 1400 Pearl St, Boulder What to order // Apple + Kale Salad, Oak Braised Pork Shoulder, + a signature cocktail or mocktail of choice Other restaurants in their family // Corrida, Brider

Tacos at Santo in Boulder - Sit on the Patio!

Santo - See #2, Santo is another favorite by Chef Hosea as a tout to his home state, New Mexico. My husband praises the lamb tacos as the best he has ever had. The smoked pineapple salsa is sublime. Location // 1265 Alpine Ave, Boulder What to order // Lamb Tacos + Chili Marg

More info //

Michelin Guide Colorado - Click Here

James Beard 2024 Semifinalist Colorado - Click Here

Do you know the story of the Michelin Guide?

IMO, it is so charming...The Michelin brothers started the red guide as a value add to their tire buying customers in 1889. They rated the restaurants by how worthy they were of the drive (therefore selling more tires)...

MICHELIN GUIDE STAR RATING DESCRIPTIONS

• One star: A very good restaurant in its category.

• Two stars: Excellent cooking, worth a detour.

• Three stars: Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey.

Full story here