Q&A with Erika Whitaker of Id Est Hospitality Group

Including Boulder's Basta and Dry Storage
 

Erika Whitaker is the co-founder of Id Est, where she has spent more than a decade shaping the hospitality group’s design, identity and commitment to sustainability.

Id Est’s portfolio of highly recognized restaurant concepts include MICHELIN Bib Gourmand Basta in Boulder; Denver’s Hey Kiddo, OK Yeah, MICHELIN-starred Brutø and The Wolf’s Tailor; and Oklahoma City’s Nonesuch. The Wolf's Tailor received Colorado's only MICHELIN two-star designation in 2025.

A passionate advocate for regenerative agriculture, Erika helped establish Id Est’s grain mill, Dry Storage, and closed-loop, zero-waste systems to champion heirloom grains and environmental responsibility. With a background spanning hospitality, brand building and impact, Erika leads Id Est’s mission to create extraordinary dining experiences that leave a lasting impression on both guests and the planet.

In 2024, she and her husband Kelly Whitaker received the James Beard Outstanding Restaurateur Award, making Erika only the fifth woman in U.S. history to earn the honor. Committed to bridging cultures and building a better food system, Erika continues to champion initiatives that inspire change while celebrating the artistry and lineage of cuisine.

How do you like to spend a day off in Boulder?
Long walks with my dog, catch-ups with my also-busy friends, home projects, a soak with my husband, a beverage at Wonder Press and dinner at Basta with my family.

What inspires you about Boulder’s food scene right now?
The farmers and ranchers will always be the top of my inspiration, as they are the foundation of our food system. I am also inspired by the local chefs putting in work to get their food out there. Some are cooking on days off, throwing pop-ups, getting really creative and doing what they love. We have many of them at our events at Dry Storage!

If you had to eat one Boulder food item for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Piada with burrata at Basta.

What is a Boulder hidden gem you love?
North Boulder Park — This view is completely unreal, off the charts beautiful and stoic. It's really awesome early in the morning. A Cup of Peace — Korean Restaurant across from The Peloton. I eat there whenever I can, it's delicious. Lately I have been getting the Zen Meal, but all the traditional Korean dishes are so good. Square State Skate — A skateboarding warehouse dedicated to teaching young people how to skateboard. Brian and his team have been such an amazing find due to their character and leadership. Our son has skated there for slightly over two years, and there's no turning back! 

What would an ideal Boulder date night include?
It sounds funny, but working a front-of-house shift at Basta when Kelly is cooking often feels like a date night. For the first 10 years of Basta, we worked every Valentine’s Day together. Our inside jokes and banter with the staff are so fun.

Where do you like to take visiting family or friends?
Everyone wants to go to Pearl Street and the Farmers Market (if it's in season). We also like to visit the bakery (Dry Storage) and tour our flour mill off Valmont.