There were , but we didn’t stop there. We chased down some of the biggest names that were wandering Aspen to ask them what the best restaurants are in Denver.
Johnny Iuzzini, head judge on “Top Chef: Just Desserts”: Avanti Food & Beverage, ChoLon, Beast + Bottle, Cart Driver, Uncle. For dessert: Duo, D Bar, Spuntino, Sweet Action, Little Man Ice Cream
Andrew Zimmern, host of “Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern”: Tacos Jaliscos
Graham Elliot, judge on “MasterChef,” “MasterChef Junior” and “Top Chef”: The Kitchen Next Door and Acorn
Gail Simmons, judge on “Top Chef”: Mercantile Dining & Provision, Acorn, Hop Alley, Euclid Hall
Nilou Motamed, Food & Wine magazine editor: Snooze, Departure, Hop Alley, Acorn, Mercantile Dining & Provision, Poka Lola Social Club (“I’m obsessed with their margaritas”), Pigtrain Coffee Company
Stephanie Izard, “Top Chef” winner and newest Iron Chef: Concourse Restaurant Moderne, Mercantile Dining & Provision
Daniel Boulud, host of “After Hours with Daniel” and all-around culinary deity: Frasca Food and Wine