There’s no doubt that the Denver dining scene has made a name for itself. It's grown from a meat-and-potatoes cowtown of yore to a nationally recognized foodie destination complete with James Beard awards aplenty and our very own Michelin stars. So if we were to chisel a mountainside monument to the Mile High’s culinary best, who would be on it? Here are a few of our ideas:
Our Mount Rushmore of Denver Food
Daddy Bruce Randolph
“Daddy Bruce” Randolph may have made his start selling barbecue and cola bottles full of whiskey in the South, but when he came to Denver in 1959 at the age of 60, he laid the foundation for a legacy that would last long after his passing through namesakes and philanthropy.
Stella Cordova
Late Matriarch of the Chubby’s empire, mom of 12 children, and mother of Denver green chile as we know it, Stella Cordova served as a pivotal cornerstone for Denver food culture. She launched the modern-day Chubby’s chain in 1970 at the age of 61, where she continued working until her passing at 100 years old, smothering everything from burritos to burgers in green chile.
Pete and Elizabeth Contos
Husband and wife Pete and Elizabeth Contos came to America as Greek immigrants bringing the rich flavors of their homeland to the Mile High City by way of eight local eateries over the decades. They also helped establish the annual Denver Greek Festival and worked to designate Denver’s own Greek Town. Today, the Contos family still operates four restaurants, including the iconic Pete’s Kitchen and Pete’s Satire Lounge on Colfax.
Mel and Janie Master
This husband-and-wife duo could be considered the catalyst for Denver’s award-winning dining scene as it is today. They bridged ol’ meat-and-potatoes Denver to the glitzy fine-dining world of New York City, helping open culinary greats like Dudley’s, Barolo Grill, Top Hat, and Starfish. As Westword food editor Molly Martin puts it, “Many of the city's top fine-dining eateries today can be traced back, family-tree style, to Mel and Janie Master.”
Other Honorable Mentions
Sen. John Hickenlooper
For opening one of Denver’s first-ever craft breweries, Wynkoop Brewing, and helping to kickstart Colorado’s craft beer boom.
Steve Ells
For founding the Colorado-based fast-casual food phenomenon that is Chipotle, and creating the Denver-style mission-style burrito.
Jim and Angelo Karagas
For serving as the longtime proprietors of the oldest still-operating bar in Denver: the iconic, sign-less My Brother’s Bar.
Lee Goodfriend, David Racine, and Dixon Staples
For the beautiful, delicious, and community-oriented Denver dining staples that were Racines Goodfriends, and Dixons.
Your Nominees
“Thoughts on the Denver culinary mount rushmore noms: Pierre Wolfe (the Quorum, Normandy, Tante Louise), Sam Arnold (The Fort), Mack and Daisy Shead (M & D's BBQ), and James Leprino (cheese and family drama like the Cordova's).” — Stan P.
“I wanted to throw out Pat Miller (aka Gabby Gourmet). I know she isn't a chef necessarily but the impact she made early on has been big in the Denver scene, especially early on. She brought a lot of attention to a bunch of restaurants in Denver.” — Kimberly in Northglenn
I'd like to throw Chef Jose Avila from La Diabla in the ring for Mount Rushmore of Denver food. To go from a food truck to a Michelin star and James Beard award in like a couple of years as a Mexican immigrant is amazing.” — John H. from Northeast Park Hill
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