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Alma Fonda Fina in Denver
It’s a “twofer” for one Mexican chef in Denver, who was recognized not once but twice in the MICHELIN Guide Colorado 2024 edition. Not only was chef/owner Johnny Curiel’s Alma Fonda Fina, the contemporary Mexican restaurant he opened in October 2023 in Denver’s the Highland neighborhood, awarded one Michelin Star — Curiel also garnered the Michelin Young Chef/Culinary Professional Award.
“Chef Johnny Curiel started off in his family’s restaurant in Guadalajara, and after years of high-end culinary experience, he revisits dishes and flavors from his upbringing with creativity and finely honed technique delivering results that are both satisfying and delicious,” the MICHELIN Guide says. It goes on to advise patrons to, “Resist the temptation to fixate on any one item, as the menu is littered with treasures: perfectly crisped pork belly carnitas make for a brilliant taco on a sourdough flour tortilla, while agave-roasted sweet potato with nutty salsa matcha and luxuriously creamy whipped requesón is a revelation, and vibrant seafood crudos like thinly sliced Maine diver scallop with tomatillo and apple aguachile are downright electric. No desserts are offered for the time being, so there’s no reason to leave any extra room.”
Chef Johnny Curiel and his partner Kasie Curiel
As for Curiel? “This Colorado chef is paying homage to Mexican soul food with passion and precision,” the MICHELIN Guide says.
Read about Curiel’s culinary journey that began in Guadalajara, Mexico here.
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