13 Colorado chefs and restaurants named semifinalists for 2024 James Beard awards

• Kelly Whitaker, the chef behind the Wolf's Tailor and BRUTØ, received a second nod in as many years for outstanding restaurateur.

Why it matters: The nominations serve as a guide to the best of the state's food scene and build on the hype created by the Michelin Guide's arrival in Colorado.

Details: Here are Colorado's semifinalists:

• Outstanding restaurateur: Erika and Kelly Whitaker, Id Est Hospitality Group (The Wolf's Tailor, BRUTØ, Basta and more)
• Outstanding chef: Barclay Dodge, Bosq in Aspen
• Outstanding restaurant: Beckon in Denver
• Emerging chef: Kenneth Wan, MAKfam in Denver
• Best new restaurant: Sắp Sửa in Denver
• Outstanding pastry chef or baker: Carolyn Nugent and Alen Ramos, Poulette Bakeshop in Parker
• Outstanding wine and beverage program: Sunday Vinyl in Denver

The intrigue: In the category for best chef in the mountain region (Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Utah and Wyoming), the state landed six of the 20 nominations:

• Theo Adley, Marigold in Lyons
• Erasmo Casiano and Diego Coconati, Lucina Eatery & Bar in Denver

• Aminata Dia and Rougui Dia, Le French in Denver
• Bo Porytko, Molotov Kitschen + Cocktails in Denver
• Matt Vawter, Rootstalk in Breckenridge
• Penelope Wong, Yuan Wonton in Denver

Yes, but: No Colorado nominees came in the categories for outstanding bakery, hospitality, or bar.

What's next: The finalists are announced April 3 ahead of the awards ceremony June 10 in Chicago.

Go deeper: Colorado's James Beard award semifinalists from 2022 and 2023.