🧑‍🍳 What’s next for Denver’s buzziest chef?

📊 Digesting CO’s Primary Results

Despite a last-minute campaign led by pro-Palestinian Coloradans urging Democrats to vote “noncommitted” in protest of Biden’s handling of the Hamas-Israel conflict, noncommitted made up only 8% of votes at last count. Following suit with nearly all of the nation’s major contests, Biden took a sweeping 83% win in Colorado, while Trump took a healthy 63% of GOP votes. [Axios Denver]

🗣️ Displaced Aurarians Demand to Be Heard

When Denver built a college campus in the middle of the city in the 1970s, it displaced the entire Auraria neighborhood — all that remains of the community today is the St. Cajetan’s church and Ninth Street Historic District, located on campus. As campus officials begin to workshop a new master plan for the land, the displaced Aurarians are demanding their voices be heard this time around. [Denver Post 🔒]

• Get involved: There will be public town hall meetings on the master plan tonight from 5-6 p.m. and Monday, March 11, from noon-1 p.m. You can join in person or via Zoom.

🤦 If You Can’t Handle the THC…

Comedian Nick Swardson was trolled all over social media this week after being kicked off stage only 20 minutes into his Monday night performance in Beaver Creek. Videos from audience members show an incoherent Swardson being escorted away by staff to boos and jeers from the crowd. The comic has blamed alcohol, edibles, and high elevation for the incident. Comedy Works confirmed with us that Swardson is still scheduled to perform several more shows in Denver this month. [Westword]

🧑‍🍳 What’s Next for Denver’s Hottest Chef?

James Beard, New York Times, Michelin Star — Denver chef Michael Diaz de Leon spent 2023 raking in the accolades for his work at downtown fine-dining spot BRUTØ. But just as it appeared he’d made it to the top, he quit. Why did he leave? And what’s he cooking up next? We asked him. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

Why Denver’s Hottest Chef Walked Away From a Michelin Star

Last year was a good year for Denver chef Michael Diaz de Leon. His work at the downtown fine-dining joint BRUTØ earned him James Beard, New York Times, and Michelin Star recognition, pushing him to the top of Denver’s culinary scene. So why did he quit? And what’s he cooking up next?