A quiet culinary revolution is unfolding. Local chefs are redefining the area’s food identity—not with fanfare, but with authenticity, innovation, and a deep respect for the land.
These chefs are rooted in community and driven by local and global influences. In their hands, humble fare is elevated, reimagined and plated with precision. But it’s not just about the food. It’s about a philosophy that blends craft with conscience, artistry with approachability. These chefs are not chasing trends—they are shaping them, turning this corner of the Rockies into a culinary hub where tradition meets evolution.
In this Q&A, seven of the region’s top chefs offer a glimpse into their lives–their cooking styles, favorite meals, favorite restaurants (besides their own) and where we’ll find them outside of the kitchen.
Sheila Lucero, Culinary Director at Big Red F Restaurant Group, which includes Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar
How would you describe your cooking style in five words or less?
Fresh, seafood focused, sustainable, balanced.
What is your favorite thing to cook at home?
I love making pasta. Clams and linguine is one of our favorites
What is your favorite menu item at the restaurant? Tell us a bit about it.
I love our peppercorn-crusted tuna dish. The black garlic vinaigrette that dresses the warm potatoes, grilled asparagus and frisee has depth and brightness that complement the tuna, the horseradish crema is a nice surprise at the bottom of the dish and sweet onion jam offers a little balance to the whole dish.
What is your favorite restaurant in town besides your own?
I am really excited about our new neighbor, Oro. Super Italian food.
Where would we find you outside of the kitchen?
I am outdoors as much as possible. I am an avid runner. The mountains and anything in the snow in the winter!
https://www.jaxfishhouse.com/ | @JaxFishHouse
Ken Butler, Executive Chef at Hotel Polaris
How would you describe your cooking style in five words or less?
Seasonal, approachable, rooted in heritage.
What is your favorite thing to cook at home?
At home, I keep it simple. I love throwing a great cut of Colorado beef or lamb on the grill with whatever vegetables are in season. For me, cooking outside with my family nearby feels relaxed and genuine—it’s a reminder of where I started, cooking with my grandparents, and why I still love it today.
What is your favorite menu item at the restaurant? Tell us a bit about it.
I really enjoy our Shareable Heritage Plates at Pamela’s. The whole roasted chicken with Brussels sprouts, fingerling potatoes, and pearl onions is one of those dishes that brings people together around the table—just the way I like to eat with my own family. Another favorite is our High Country Meatloaf, made with bison and venison and finished with lingonberry and bordelaise. Both dishes tie back to Colorado’s ingredients and my own family traditions. They’re familiar, approachable, a little elevated and best enjoyed family-style, which is exactly the spirit of the restaurant.
What is your favorite restaurant in town besides your own?
Josh & John’s has always been a favorite—we serve their ice cream at Hotel Polaris, but it’s also a place I’ll take my kids just for fun. When I’m in the mood for something different, Nana’s Dim Sum has quickly become a go-to. What I love about Colorado Springs, especially around the North Gate, is that there’s always something new opening alongside the classics that have been here for years.
Where would we find you outside of the kitchen?
Most likely outside in Colorado’s mountains. I spend a lot of time hiking, biking, or just being outdoors with my wife and kids. We live in Castle Rock, and staying close to the outdoors is important to us. Colorado has a way of slowing you down and reminding you of what matters—family, community, and balance—and that’s where I draw most of my inspiration, both as a chef and as a leader.
https://www.thehotelpolaris.com/ | @hotelpolaris_co
Nick Ryder, Chef de Cuisine at Cowboy Star Restaurant & Butcher Shop
How would you describe your cooking style in five words or less?
Ingredient driven, technical simplicity.
What is your favorite thing to cook at home?
I enjoy browsing the market or groceries for ingredients to entice creativity in my home cooking. I recently adopted a 1/4-inch rolled steel offset smoker and have been diving into the world of BBQ from brisket to smoked vegetables.
What is your favorite menu item at the restaurant? Tell us a bit about it.
My favorite steak cut would definitely be our ribeye. We source the ribeyes from Double R Ranch through Agri Beef, the parent company of Snake River Farms American Wagyu. The texture and flavor from the marbling and aging process is what makes our beef really special.
What is your favorite restaurant in town besides your own?
The Tempura Tofu rice bowl at Chiba Bar is probably one of my favorite bites in town. Nightingale Bakery is a weekly stop for my family and me to pick up bread, sandwiches and pastries.
Where would we find you outside of the kitchen?
I strive to get outside with my wife and two daughters whenever we can. We like to ride bikes, hit the local hiking trails and paddle board in the region. I help coach soccer for girls and like to take them ice skating or to the mountains when we can find the opportunities. We have been grateful to find community and friends through church, school, sports and work since moving here in 2016 and enjoy spending time with friends and family.
https://www.cowboystarcs.com/ | @CowboyStarCS
Kelley McCann, Executive Chef at Garden of the Gods Resort and Club
How would you describe your cooking style in five words or less?
I’d say my style is delicious, fun and clean.
What is your favorite thing to cook at home?
At home, I’m all about the barbecue. I love firing up the grill, being outside, and cooking something everyone can gather around and enjoy.
What is your favorite menu item at the restaurant? Tell us a bit about it.
The roasted pork belly on our Rocks menu is hands down my favorite. It’s got that perfect crispy skin with tender meat inside. It’s the kind of dish that keeps people coming back for more.
What is your favorite restaurant in town besides your own?
Sushi Spot is a go-to for me. The food is always spot-on, and the folks who work there are just the best—it makes the whole experience even better.
Where would we find you outside of the kitchen?
When I’m not cooking, I’m usually out fishing or training for my next triathlon. Both give me a good reset and a little balance outside of the kitchen.
https://www.gardenofthegodsresort.com/ | @GGResortAndClub
Mike Leonard, Executive Chef at Picnic Basket Catering Collective
How would you describe your cooking style in five words or less?
Upscale comfort.
What is your favorite thing to cook at home?
I love to cook anything that I can convince my daughter to at least try.
What is your favorite menu item at the restaurant? Tell us a bit about it.
Any wild game. Since Colorado has so many to choose from, there is always a new way to explore an old protein in a new way. Our Cravings menu is very client-driven and it allows me and my team to be very creative cultivating a menu for any of the clients’ desires. When it comes to signature dishes, I would say it’s more of how we grill as opposed to what we are cooking. The Buffalo Gals menu really centers around the grill. We use traditional Santa Maria grills and use the traditional red oak to give our grilled items a very unique flavor. We use our grills to cook anything from burgers and brats to prime rib and filets. Picnic Basket is our more casual concept, where we like to feature more of a laid-back fare. Anything from simple BBQ to more formal corporate lunch.
What is your favorite restaurant in town besides your own?
The Warehouse. James and his team do an amazing job—food is always top-notch.
Where would we find you outside of the kitchen?
You would find me on the offroad trail in one of my jeeps, getting away from the craziness of the kitchen.
https://pbcatering.com/ | @Picnic_Basket_Catering_Co
Matt Hough, Chef at Till Neighborhood Bistro & Bar
How would you describe your cooking style in five words or less?
Passionate, fun, flavorful, adaptable, fresh.
What is your favorite thing to cook at home?
I love to dabble in different cuisines when I’m home. As of recent, I’ve taken a liking to a more Latin-mix cuisine.
What is your favorite menu item at the restaurant? Tell us a bit about it.
My favorite dish would be the short rib gnocchi. It’s braised short rib with the homemade potato gnocchi and made-from-scratch stroganoff sauce that pairs it well.
What is your favorite restaurant in town besides your own?
There are many restaurants that I do enjoy and although I haven’t tried them all, I would have to say MacKenzie’s Chop House has great food.
Where would we find you outside of the kitchen?
Outside of the kitchen, you will find me in the mountains with my wife and dogs.
https://tillsouth.com/ | @TillBistroAndBar
Noah Siebenaller, Executive Chef at Oro at The Mining Exchange
How would you describe your cooking style in five words or less?
Rustic, elevated, scratch, comforting.
What is your favorite thing to cook at home?
My favorite thing to cook at home is anything over an open fire. I love the unique flavor the flames and smoke impart, and the challenge that comes with it. Every fire is different, which requires a deeper level of skill and attention to cook with properly.
What is your favorite menu item at the restaurant? Tell us a bit about it.
Right now, it’s our Rigatoni Bolognese. It’s a classic Italian dish, but we give it a distinct Colorado feel by using local bison from Rock River Ranches and beef from Centennial Cuts. This creates a beautifully rich and meaty sauce that we finish with authentic Parmigiano Reggiano. It's a very hearty and comforting dish.
What is your favorite restaurant in town besides your own?
I’d have to say Ambli Global Cuisine. Chef Ricardo does a fantastic job, and their lobster shooters are a must-try. The flavors are always bold and creative.
Where would we find you outside of the kitchen?
When I'm not in the kitchen, you'll find me exploring Colorado. I love visiting the small towns around our state and checking out their local dining scenes for inspiration.
https://www.orocoloradosprings.com/ | @OroColoradoSprings