Colorado's culinary scene has recently garnered increased attention as the state became the latest canvas for Michelin Guide's illustrious stars and accolades. Just in its second year of review, six more local eateries have managed to impress the storied French judges enough to procure awards, according to KDVR. These newcomers follow the inaugural quintet from 2023 that placed Colorado on the Michelin map, with Beckon, Bosq, BRUTØ, Frasca Food and Wine, and The Wolf’s Tailor all securing their stars.

The latest entrant to attain a coveted Michelin star is Alma Fonda Fina, a Denver establishment that serves up a menu rich in flavors hailing from chef Johnny Curiel's childhood experiences in Guadalajara. On the more accessible side of culinary recognition, MAKfam, a Chinese restaurant, was added to the Michelin Bib Gourmand list, signifying fantastic fare at a fair price. As Axios reports, the total number of Denver and Colorado mountain community restaurants now identified by the guide for various honors stands at 46, following combined efforts to attract Michelin reviewers through local tourism funding initiatives.

Though Michelin is traditionally tight-lipped about its judging process, certain establishments not only sought to impress with taste but also with sustainability. This year, however, the Green Star, Michelin's nod to those pushing the envelope in eco-friendly food practices, saw no new takers. Continuously praised selections like Blackbelly Market and Bramble & Hare in Boulder, as well as BruTø and The Wolf's Tailor in Denver, re-emphasized their commitment to this paradigm, as noted by CPR. The same named cities alongside Vail, Snowmass, and Beaver Creek, were integral to Colorado's reception of Michelin's star-spangled bandwagon, benefiting from their financial contribution to the scheme that beckoned the guide's spotlight.