Two Colorado Restaurants Inspired by Cultural Roots Earn Coveted Awards

Colorado dining gained another star on Sept. 9.

If you listen to me, we have a sensational dining scene. You just need to know where to go. Sometimes, that’s to seemingly far-off places in our beautiful mountain towns. Sometimes, it’s the obvious downtown Denver drives.

Other times, you gotta venture to unique corners.

Take that literally this year, as Colorado’s newest Michelin star-rated restaurant occupies a unique corner location west of I-25 in the LoHi neighborhood.

Denver’s Alma Fonda Fina Earns Michelin Star in 2024

Chef Johnny Curiel opened the modern Mexican eatery Alma Fonda Fina in December to showcase his Guadalajara, Mexico, culinary roots and traditions from across the country. Find it at 2556 15^th St.

Now, it has a home in the Michelin Guide with one star.

Michelin Guide inspector said:

Chef Johnny Curiel started off in his family’s restaurant in Guadalajara, and after years of high-end culinary experience, he revisits dishes and flavors from his upbringing with creativity and finely honed technique delivering results that are both satisfying and delicious. Resist the temptation to fixate on any one item, as the menu is littered with treasures: perfectly crisped pork belly carnitas make for a brilliant taco on a sourdough flour tortilla, while agave-roasted sweet potato with nutty salsa matcha and luxuriously creamy whipped requesón is a revelation, and vibrant seafood crudos like thinly sliced Maine diver scallop with tomatillo and apple aguachile are downright electric. No desserts are offered for the time being, so there’s no reason to leave any extra room.

The restaurant features an eight-seat chef’s counter front and center. These are sure to be the hottest seats in Denver in the coming year.

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Denver’s MAKfam Awarded Bib Gourmand Designation

Michelin announced MAKfam, at 39 W. First Ave., as a Bib Gourmand, which recognizes restaurants that serve great food at great value.

This fast-casual Chinese restaurant was born of a New York City pop-up.

Inspector said:

The winsome, colorful space and the compact menu both celebrate the pair's Chinese American roots, both having been raised by immigrant families who worked in restaurants. Fried crab and cheese wontons and hand-shaped chicken and chive potstickers are inspired by Chinatown favorites and takeout staples, made with particular care and big flavor. Chicken wings with a spicy, tingly málà seasoning are favorites with good reason, and larger dishes, like the familiar-yet-inventive corned beef fried rice or spicy garlic butter rice cakes, impress as well.

Michelin Honors Standout Colorado Culinary Stars

In addition to bestowing Colorado restaurants with honors, Michelin highlighted four individuals with special awards.

• Jessenia Sanabria of Sweet Basil with the Michelin Exceptional Cocktails Award.
• Chris Dunaway of Element 47 with the Michelin Sommelier Award.
• Allison Anderson of Beckon with the Michelin Outstanding Service Award.
• Johnny Curiel of Alma Fonda Fina with the Michelin Young Chef/Culinary Professional Award.