The James Beard Foundation’s finalists were unveiled Wednesday in multiple catergories, and Colorado was represented in several major categories.
The semi-finalists were announced back in January, with the finalists announced today. The winners will be revealed on June 16 in Chicago.
Colorado’s 2025 James Beard Foundation finalists
- Josh Niernberg of Bin 707 Foodbar (400 Main St., Grand Junction) for Outstanding Chef
- Frasca Food and Wine (1738 Pearl St. Boulder) for Outstanding Restaurant
- Penelope Wong of Yuan Wonton (2878 Fairfax St., Denver) for Best Chef: Mountain
- Alma Fonda Fina (2556 15th St., Denver) for Best New Restaurant
- Carolyn Nugent and Alen Ramos of Poulette Bakeshop (19585 Hess Road, Parker) for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker
- McLain Hedges and Mary Allison Wright of Yacht Club (3701 Williams St., Denver) for Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service
Denver’s Alma Fonda Fina is one of 10 establishments in the country up for Best New Restaurant. The restaurant was the first from chef Johnny Curiel and received a Michelin star in 2024. Curiel has gone on to open three other restaurants, including most recently, Alteño.
“It’s a moment of pure shock and disbelief — we’re incredibly humbled,” Curiel said in a statement. “Our goal has always been to make our city’s restaurant scene more inclusive, culturally diverse, and innovative, and this moment feels like a step forward for all of us.”
The foundation’s Humanitarian of the Year Award went to Chad Houser, founder of Café Momentum, a restaurant and non-profit organization employing at-risk teens. Café Momentum will open a location in Denver next year, according to the foundation’s announcement. Houser has three other locations in Dallas, Pittsburgh and Atlanta.