20 Denver culinary leaders named "Rising Stars"

Denver continues to rack up accolades as one of the country's emerging destinations for quality cuisine.

Driving the news: This week, nearly two dozen Mile High City chefs, bartenders and restaurateurs were named 2022 Rising Stars by StarChefs Magazine.

• The publication's editorial team touched down in Denver for three weeks to interview over 100 industry leaders and taste their menus, ultimately narrowing their picks to 20.

What they're saying: Our local up-and-comers were handpicked "not only for their exceptional food and drinks, but also for their ability to lead, inspire, and support the local Denver community," StarChefs says.

💫 Meet Denver's Rising Stars

Chefs

• Manuel Barella Lopez, Bellota
• Dave Hadley, Samosa Shop
• Anthony and Anna Nguyen, sắp sửa
• Taylor Stark, The Wolf's Tailor
• Brian Wilson, Cart-Driver LoHi

Host chef

• Saura Kline, Local Jones

Pastry chef

• Liliana Myers, Safta

Baker

• Shawn Bergin, Bakery Four

Bartender

• Alex Jump, Death & Co

Sommelier

• Clara Klein, Sunday Vinyl
• Chris Rogers, Tavernetta

Game changer

• Michael Diaz de Leon, BRUTØ

Community

• Tajahi and Danielle Cooke, Freedom Street Social
• Mary Allison Wright and McLain Hedges, Yacht Club

Restaurateurs

• Jessica Richter and Adam Branz, Split Lip, an Eat Place

Mentor

• Kelly Whitaker, id est