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2021 Industry Spotlight Awardees

The Colorado Restaurant Association is proud to honor an incredible group of restaurant workers at all levels and industry partners for their inspiring commitment to Colorado’s restaurant community.

You can celebrate these restaurant superstars on November 3 at the Studio Loft at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House.

2021 SIGNATURE DISH AWARDS

Outstanding Regional Professional:
Matthew Vawter, Rootstalk (Breckenridge)

Exceptional Newcomer:
Raquela Rose, Elita Specialty Market & Kitchen (Aurora)

Outstanding Philanthropists:
John Hinman, CHOW (Broomfield)

Outstanding Philanthropists:
Blaine Bailey, In the Weeds (Durango)

Outstanding Media Professional:
Reporting teams at Channel 2 (KWGN) and FOX31 (KDVR) (Denver)

Outstanding Allied Partner:
Seattle Fish Co. & Gourmet Provisions (Denver)

2021 STARS OF THE INDUSTRY AWARDS

Managers of the Year:
Michelle Carrica, The Goods, Route 40 Café (Denver)

Managers of the Year:
Patrick Dizon, Comida at Stanley Marketplace (Aurora)

Managers of the Year:
Julie Masciangelo, Il Posto (Denver)

Managers of the Year:
Ryan Moffitt, Culver’s (Thornton and Colorado Springs)

FOH Employee of the Year:
Jeremy Schwartz, Frasca Food and Wine (Boulder)

BOH Employee of the Year:
Kathryn “KK” Varkevisser, Rupert’s at the Edge (Edgewater)

Bartender of the Year:
Adam Campbell, Bistro Vendôme (Denver)

Chef of the Year:
David Cuntz, The Roost (Durango)

Legacy Employees:
Shasta Kibe, Bastien’s Restaurant (Denver)

Legacy Employees:
Vera Kindl, Gabriel’s at the Old House (Sedalia)

Legacy Employees:
Fausto Vasquez, Rioja (Denver)

2021 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

Sonia Riggs

Sonia Riggs, Colorado Restaurant Association (Denver)

2021 SUSTAINABILITY & INNOVATION AWARD

presented by WoodRiver Energy

Woody’s Wood-Fired Pizza (Golden)