⭐️ Who got a Michelin star?

⭐ Aurora Misses the Michelin Stars

Another Denver restaurant joined the ranks of the nine Michelin starred establishments around the state on Monday. Milpero, a Mexican restaurant with a tasting menu by acclaimed chef Johnny Curiel earned its first star. This was the first year Michelin offered stars across the state, but the RiNo spot that nabbed a star put any new locations on Colorado’s Michelin star map. [Colorado Sun ]

• Who got passed up? Aurora chef Caroline Glover, a James Beard winner for Annette in Aurora, was eligible for a Michelin star for the first time this year. Her name was on a lot of people’s minds after being profiled in the New York Times for calling out the fact that Michelin wouldn’t award stars to other areas of the state in past years. This year she came away with a Bib Gourmand for Annette. [NYT 🔒]
• The statewide agreement: After Michelin’s first three-year contracts to cover Colorado expired, the Colorado Tourism Office made a new three-year, $100,000 per year commitment for all of Colorado to be considered in the judging process. Previously only Denver, Boulder, Aspen and Snowmass Village, and Vail and Beaver Creek were considered for Michelin stars.
• Sounds expensive… Michelin has a system of dollar signs to let you know how expensive things are at their recommended restaurants, and it can get pretty pricey at some of the starred joints! But, they created another category in 1977 called the Bib Gourmand to highlight restaurants that have “simple yet skillful cooking at an accessible price.” Colorado gained three new Bib Gourmand spots this year, including Annette in Aurora, and Pig and Tiger and Rougarou in Denver. (Some of my favorite restaurants are on this budget friendly list: MAKfam, Glo Noodle House, Tavernetta)
• Want to hear more? We talked to Johnny and Kasie Curiel (who now hold three Michelin stars) earlier this year about running successful restaurants in Denver. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

🔎 DPD Reopens Missy Woods’ Investigations

The Denver Police Department has reopened 13 sexual assault cases that former Colorado Bureau of Investigation DNA analyst Yvonne “Missy” Woods was involved in investigating. After Woods was sentenced to 10 years in prison last week for manipulating data and other charges, CBI found 27 Denver cases that were affected by her misconduct, three which were recommended for additional testing in the Denver Crime Laboratory. [9News]

🍨 Ice Cream Lovers, Rejoice!

Sadboy Creamery, the small batch ice cream with a big cult following, is getting a storefront! On Sept. 19, ice cream lovers can head to 1201 E Colfax Ave, Ste 101 instead of hoping to secure a pint in the brand’s online drop system. Founded in 2023, Sadboy rose to internet stardom with limited drops of funky flavors like Raspberry Pretzel Pie, Cinnamon Roll Centers, Cosmic Frownie Batter, and so many more. [Instagram]

🎒Topo Designs Co-Founder Ousted

Locally founded outdoor retailer Topo Designs removed co-founder Mark Hansen from its board this week after 18 years at the company. Hansen told BusinessDen he was “forced out” and received a paltry settlement. He pointed to the choice to accept private equity in 2023 as the decision that turned the company from a growing business to one with dropping revenues each year. [BusinessDen 🔒]

⛰️ National Park Begins Repatriation Process

Over 4,000 sacred Native American objects and the remains from 85 Indigenous people were found at Mesa Verde National Park. The national park, known for its Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, has taken inventory of the sacred objects and now waits for repatriation requests from Native American tribes. [Denver Post 🔒]

• City Cast Denver host Bree Davies chats with Westword Editor Emeritus Patty Calhoun today about what role Colorado plays in the repatriation conversation.