Two former top chefs at Michelin-starred Frasca Food & Wine in Boulder are planning to open their own restaurant this February, serving Spanish-style tapas, seafood, stews and rice dishes.
Eduardo Valle Lobo, who grew up in Madrid, and Kelly Jeun will make their solo debut with Casa Juani, 901 Pearl St. in Boulder; the restaurant is named for Valle Lobo’s mother and her “soulful cooking,” according to a statement from the couple. Valle Lobo and Jeun were co-executive chefs at Frasca and also worked at renowned spots like Eleven Madison Park.
That pedigree earned them a spot on across the country. Other openings on the list include “a pub-style British seafood spot from a lauded duo in New York, a Sicilian restaurant from one of Detroitap most beloved restaurants, and a more casual follow-up in Philly to Her Place Supper Club and My Loup, Bon Appétit Best New Restaurants of 2022 and 2024,” according to the magazine.
“At Casa Juani, Spain’s coastal traditions inspire seafood-driven tapas centered around beloved Spanish bounties like gamba cristal, which become the Tortillitas de Gamba Cristal, and calamari highlighted in the Chipirones Rellenos en Su Tinta,” the chefs said in their statement. “Juani’s home-cooking traditions inspire homestyle braises, stews, and rice dishes, like the rotating Arroz Seco that transports you to Valle Lobo’s childhood home in Madrid.”
The restaurant, which seats 100 people, will also include a chef’s table with a tasting menu.
