2022 STARCHEFS DENVER RISING STARS AWARDS
JULY 19 to AUGUST 2
The Mile High City is standing taller and taller by the minute. That really comes as no surprise—you’ve got the mountains right in your backyard, 300 days of sunshine, and more dispensaries than there are Starbucks. Over the course of our three, week-long trips, we met with more than 100 restaurant professionals across the Denver Metro Area. Some were longtime Coloradans and some recently moved to the Centennial State; either way, they have no intention of leaving.
Denver is made for work-life balance. Most restaurants close before 9PM, giving chefs the opportunity to get to bed early and wake up for a morning hike on the Flatirons. Some of the best food is found within food halls or at food trucks parked outside of breweries, allowing emerging entrepreneurs to workshop their concepts at a low cost. Hospitality pros in Denver are eager to tell their stories, launching businesses that are so uniquely personal to them.
The class of 2022 Denver Rising Stars mirrors the upward momentum of the Mile High City. Maybe it’s the altitude. Maybe it’s the fresh air. Maybe it’s the creative talent of our 18 Rising Stars. Whatever it is, we dig that Denver lifestyle.
RISING STARS AWARD WINNERS
These 18 professionals are recognized not only for their exceptional food and drinks, but also for their ability to lead, inspire, and support the local Denver community. For more information on our Rising Stars selection process, please visit the Rising Stars Awards Program page.
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CHEF
Manuel Barella Lopez
Bellota -
CHEF
Dave Hadley
Samosa Shop -
CHEFS
Anthony & Anna Nguyen
sắp sửa -
CHEF
Taylor Stark
The Wolf’s Tailor -
CHEF
Brian Wilson
Cart-Driver LoHi -
GAME CHANGER
Presented by S.Pellegrino
Michael Diaz de Leon
BRUTØ -
PASTRY CHEF
Liliana Myers
Safta -
COMMUNITY
Tajahi & Danielle Cooke
Freedom Street Social -
COMMUNITY
Mary Allison Wright & McLain Hedges
Yacht Club -
RESTAURATEURS
Presented by Jade Range
Jessica Richter &
Adam Branz
Split Lip, an Eat Place -
BAKER
Shawn Bergin
Bakery Four -
BARTENDER
presented by Beam Suntory
Alex Jump
Death & Co -
SOMMELIER
Clara Klein
Sunday Vinyl -
SOMMELIER
Chris Rogers
Tavernetta -
MENTOR
Presented by Vitamix Commercial
Kelly Whitaker
id est -
HOST CHEF
Saura Kline
Local Jones at Halcyon Cherry Creek
STARCHEFS SUPPORTS
Comal Heritage Food Incubator is the official charity partner of the 2022 Denver Rising Stars Awards. In partnership with Focus Points Family Resource Center, Comal supports immigrant and refugee entrepreneurs in the Denver community. Since its launch in 2016, the training program has served 24 participants and helped launch 4 businesses. For each Cochinita Pibil sold at Comal during the Rising Stars Restaurant Week, StarChefs will donate $5 to the incubator training program.
RISING STARS RESTAURANT WEEK
To celebrate the Award winners, StarChefs is excited to host our Rising Stars Restaurant Week from Tuesday, July 19 to Tuesday, August 2. For two weeks only, experience the signature dishes, desserts, pastries, drinks, and pairings that wowed the StarChefs editorial team. With $100 restaurant gift cards up for grabs, don’t miss your chance to win! Order any of the featured dishes or drinks and share an Instagram story or post to enter. You must tag @StarChefs and #StarChefsRisingStars to be considered.
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BAKERY FOUR
Brioche Doughnut, Blueberry Glaze, Lemon Zest
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BELLOTA
Esquites: Corn, Crema, Lime, Cotija, Epazote, Morita Chile Powder, Serrano
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BRUTØ
Fried Poussin, Lacto-fermented Hot Sauce, Umami Aïoli, Carrot Pickles, Caviar, Black Truffle, Katsuobushi
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CART-DRIVER LOHI
Semolina Funghetti, Niman Ranch Pork Bolognese, Grana Padano PDO, Chives
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COMAL HERITAGE FOOD INCUBATOR
Cochinita Pibil: Achiote-braised Pork, Banana Leaf, Pickled Onion, Black Beans, Tortillas
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DEATH & CO
Midnight Hour: Tequila, Raspberry Eau de Vie, Calpico, Lime
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DRY STORAGE
Sonoran Donuts, Cypress Grove Goat Cheese, Campfire Cajeta, Powdered Sugar
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FREEDOM STREET SOCIAL
Yellow Lentil Dahl, Naan, Rice
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LOCAL JONES AT HALCYON CHERRY CREEK
Roasted Corn Flan, Caramel Corn, Blueberries
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SAFTA
Kubaneh Monkey Bread, Baharat, Walnut Caramel, Cream Cheese Crémeux
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SAMOSA SHOP POP-UP AT ROOM FOR MILLY
"OG" Vegan Samosa: Russet Potato, Masala, Dried Fruit, Peas, Carrots
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SẮP SỬA POP-UP AT SUNDAY VINYL
Don't miss your chance to try dishes from the Sắp Sửa' team, exclusively at Sunday Vinyl, from July 24 to July 26.
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SPLIT LIP, AN EAT PLACE
Mississippi Slug Burger: Fried Beef Patty, American Cheese, “Sawse,” Pickles, Potato Bun
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SUNDAY VINYL
Riesling, Julian Haart, "1000 L," Mosel, Germany, 2020 paired with Cervena Venison Hot Dog, Pear Chutney, Green Tomato Relish, Mustard, Pickled Cabbage, Crispy Garlic Chips
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TAVERNETTA
Ripolo/Fenile/Ginestra Blend, "Fiorduva", Marisa Cuomo, Costa d'Amalfi, Campania, Italy, 2019
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THE WOLF'S TAILOR
Sweetpotato Khao Soi: Roasted North Carolina Sweetpotato, Heirloom Grain Noodles, Fresh Herbs
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YACHT CLUB
Lipton Cup: Tea-Infused Knob Creek Bourbon, Jamaican Rum, Madeira, Apricot Liqueur, Lemon, Mint
