6 CO Restaurants, Chefs Nominated For Exceptional Culinary Honors

One Colorado restaurant and five Colorado chefs - 6 Colorado-based entities - have officially been named as finalists for the 2022 James Beard Awards.

Earlier this week, on Wednesday, Mar. 16, the James Beard Foundation announced 2022 James Beard Award nominees in their Restaurant and Chef, Media, and Restaurant Design categories.

What Are The James Beard Awards?

The James Beard Foundation Awards are awards distributed annually by the New York-based James Beard Foundation.

The foundation's primary mission is to recognize culinary professionals all across the United States. The awards recognize various chefs, restaurateurs, authors, and journalists every year.

The James Beard Awards are considered to be among the nation’s most prestigious honors and recognize "exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries, as well as a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive," as per the foundation's website.

What Colorado Restaurants/Chefs Are Nominated For This Year's James Beard Awards?

• The Little Nell, Aspen - Outstanding Wine Program

• Jose Avila, El Borrego Negro, Denver - Best Chef: Mountain Division
• Cody Cheetham, Tavernetta, Denver - Best Chef: Mountain Division 

• Caroline Glover, Annette, Aurora - Best Chef: Mountain Division
• Dana Rodriguez, Work & Class, Denver - Best Chef: Mountain Division 

• Eric Skokan, Black Cat Farm Table Bistro, Boulder - Best Chef: Mountain Division

The Mountain Divison: The mountain division includes Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming; all five of the Best Chef: Mountain nominees are representing Colorado restaurants.

The James Beard Awards are making their return in 2022 for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The winners of the 2022 James Beard Awards will be announced in Chicago, IL on June 13.