Boulder Restaurants Shine in Colorado’s First MICHELIN Guide

• MICHELIN recognizes nine Boulder restaurants with 13 distinctions
• Frasca Food and Wine captures Boulder’s first One MICHELIN Star and wins the Outstanding Service Award for the state of Colorado
• Kelly Kawachi, Head Butcher at Blackbelly Market, recognized with Young Chef/Culinary Professional special award for the state of Colorado
• Bramble and Hare and Blackbelly restaurants recognized with Green Stars for their commitment to sustainable gastronomy

BOULDER, Colo., September 14, 2023 – Nine Boulder restaurants were recognized with 13 distinctions at the inaugural MICHELIN Guide Colorado announcement ceremony on September 12, 2023 at Mission Ballroom in Denver. In total, Boulder restaurants earned its first One MICHELIN Star, two Green Stars, one Bib Gourmand and seven Recommendations, in addition to two Special Awards for Outstanding Service and Young Chef/Culinary Professional.

Boulder’s flourishing culinary scene reflects a unique ecosystem in which stewardship for the land, a culture of innovation and wellness converge. More than 1,000 working farms surround Boulder, providing local chefs with fresh, seasonal fare and bountiful flavor inspiration. 

The 2023 MICHELIN recognitions validate Boulder’s diverse range of culinary experiences from farm-to-table pioneers, conscious global cuisine, fine-dining establishments, and an abundance of local gems among a creative and passionate group of hospitality professionals. 

The recognition of Green Stars confirms Boulder’s reputation as a leader of eco-conscious food systems. There are only 21 restaurants in North America boasting a Green Star for their commitment to sustainable gastronomy; two of which are now in Boulder. 

In addition to the dedicated restaurant chefs and teams celebrated by MICHELIN, two individuals were presented with Special Awards, honoring culinary professional’s leadership and commitment to their craft. Head Butcher, Kelly Kawachi at Blackbelly Market received the Young Chef/Culinary Professional award, while Frasca Food and Wine’s Sergei Kiefel and front-of-house team were honored with the Outstanding Service Award.

“To see these hard-working and brilliant restaurant teams receive MICHELIN’s prestigious distinctions is a true testament to Boulder’s outstanding and conscientious culinary scene,” said Charlene Hoffman, CEO of Visit Boulder. “The spotlight that the MICHELIN Guide shines on Boulder serves as powerful validation of Boulder’s world-class establishments serving outstanding culinary experiences. We are honored to provide the funding and partnership with Michelin and the Colorado Tourism Office, as part of our three-year contract,” said Hoffman.

A total of 44 restaurants representing 15 cuisine types from Denver, Boulder, Aspen, Vail and Beaver Creek were recognized in the MICHELIN Guide’s first review of Colorado by its esteemed anonymous inspectors. 

Boulder’s MICHELIN Guide Recognized Restaurants

One MICHELIN Star (high quality cooking, worth a stop):

• Frasca Food and Wine

MICHELIN Green Star (at the forefront of sustainable gastronomy):

• Blackbelly Market
• Bramble & Hare

Bib Gourmand (good quality at a good value):

• Basta

MICHELIN Special Awards:

• Outstanding Service Award, Sergei Kiefel and front-of-house team, Frasca Food and Wine 
• Young Chef/Culinary Professional Award, Kelly Kawachi, Blackbelly Market 

MICHELIN Recommended Restaurants:

• Blackbelly Market
• Bramble & Hare
• Boulder Dushanbe Tea House
• Oak at Fourteenth
• Santo
• Stella’s Cucina
• Zoe Ma Ma

About MICHELIN Guide Colorado

Colorado is the eighth destination in North America to join the MICHELIN Guide, as a result of a partnership between MICHELIN, the Colorado Tourism Office, Visit Boulder and other destination marketing organizations within the state. The partnership is one tactic in which to assist with the recovery of Colorado’s hospitality industry by elevating awareness of the state’s culinary scene on a global scale.

MICHELIN Guide will continue its presence in Boulder and Colorado for the 2024 MICHELIN GUIDE Colorado.

You can view the MICHELIN Guide Colorado selections, including inspector notes and restaurant information, online or with the free iOS and Android app.

For more information about Boulder’s MICHELIN Guide selections, culinary scene, other award-winning restaurants and more, visit the Visit Boulder website.

About Visit Boulder, the Convention and Visitors Bureau

Visit Boulder, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, is the official destination marketing organization for the city of Boulder, Colorado. Established in 1985, Visit Boulder provides leadership in promoting Boulder’s natural environment, arts, culture, innovation and the visitor experience to support economic vitality, resident’s quality of life and protection of Boulder’s outdoor assets. Responsible for the Boulder brand, Visit Boulder works to inspire new and existing audiences to meet in, or visit, Boulder by highlighting the one-of-a-kind assets, businesses and values that make Boulder a vibrant and welcoming place in which to live, visit, work and play. (www.bouldercoloradousa.com)

About Michelin North America, Inc.

Michelin, the leading mobility company, is working with tires, around tires and beyond tires to enable Motion for Life. Dedicated to enhancing its clients’ mobility and sustainability, Michelin designs and distributes the most suitable tires, services and solutions for its customers’ needs. Michelin provides digital services, maps and guides to help enrich travel and make them unique experiences. Bringing its expertise to new markets, the company is investing in high-technology materials, 3D printing and hydrogen, to serve a wide variety of industries — from aerospace to biotech. Headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, Michelin North America has approximately 23,000 employees and operates 34 production facilities in the United States and Canada. (www.michelinman.com)

Media Resources

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