These are Colorado's 13 James Beard semifinalists

• Nominees are among the nation's most exceptional talent in the culinary industry and also the most committed to racial and gender equity, inclusivity and sustainability.

Details: From best new restaurants to outstanding chefs, 13 eateries and restaurateurs in the Centennial State earned nods this year.

• Outstanding restaurateur: Edwin Zoe, Zoe Ma Ma (Denver) and Chimera Ramen (Boulder)
• Outstanding chef: Josh Niernberg, Bin 707 Foodbar (Grand Junction)
• Emerging chef: Manuel "Manny" Barella, Bellota (Denver)
• Outstanding hospitality: Spuntino (Denver)
• Best new restaurant: Casian Seafood (Lafayette)
• Outstanding wine program: The Little Nell (Aspen)
• Best chef — Mountain (CO, ID, MT, UT): Caroline Glover, Annette (Aurora); Mawa McQueen, Mawa's Kitchen (Aspen); Eric Skokan, Black Cat Farm Table Bistro (Boulder); Luis Young, Penrose Room (Colorado Springs); Jose Avila, El Borrego Negro (Denver); Cody Cheetham, Tavernetta (Denver); Dana Rodriguez, Work & Class (Denver)

What's next: Winners will be celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on June 13 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

This story first appeared in the Axios Denver newsletter, designed to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news unfolding in their own backyard. Subscribe here.