Mexican Chef Summit

About This Event

Guard and Grace, Chef Troy Guard’s modern steakhouse in the heart of downtown Denver, will host an unforgettable evening honoring the depth, diversity, and regional traditions of Mexican cuisine. The Mexican Chef Summit unites an extraordinary lineup of chefs from across the country on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, for a one-night-only six-course collaborative dinner, each course showcasing a distinct interpretation of Mexican culinary heritage. Chef Guard is proud to welcome an acclaimed roster of culinary talent, including Chef Johnny Curiel, founder of Fonda Fina Hospitality and the Michelin-starred Alma Fonda Fina and Mezcaleria Alma; Chef Rick Bayless, the celebrated chef, restaurateur, and authority on traditional Mexican cuisine best known for his PBS series Mexico: One Plate at a Time; Chef Maria Mazon, Top Chef finalist and owner of Boca and Sona Tortillas in Tucson; Chef Hugo Ortega, executive chef and owner of H Town Restaurant Group and the first Mexican-born chef to win a James Beard Award; Chef Sean Yontz, who grew up in Los Angeles and is of Mexican descent, best known in Denver as the opening chef of Tamayo and for his work as both an owner and operator of several Mexican restaurants; and Chef Chris “Cactus” Douglas, born and raised in Vail, Colorado, recognized for his work at Tula and Mezcal and now part of Denver-based Culinary Creative Group, which includes Mister Oso and Señor Bear. The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with a lively welcome reception featuring handcrafted cocktails and a curated bite from each participating chef. Guests will be seated at 6:30 p.m. for a thoughtfully composed six-course dinner, with each chef presenting a dedicated course. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will benefit Roundup River Ranch, a charity that works to provide free year-round camp experiences and intentional programming for children with life-altering diagnoses and their families. Tickets for the Mexican Chef Summit are $195 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Optional drink pairings are available for an additional $65 per person. For an elevated experience, 10 exclusive Chef’s Counter tickets are available for $1,000 per person, offering an intimate view of the kitchen, time with the chefs throughout the evening, included drink pairings, and a curated gift bag. WHEN: Mexican Chef Summit Tuesday, February 24 5:30 p.m. WHERE: Guard and Grace 1801 California St Denver, CO 80202 We strive to post the most current and accurate event information, but changes and cancellations do occur, so please check the official event website to confirm all details before attending.

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