Two Aspen Semifinalists: The 2022 James Beard Awards
Aspen's only Black restaurateur, Mawa McQueen, up for Best Chef, Mountain; The Little Nell for Outstanding Wine Program
Yesterday the 2022 James Beard Award Semifinalists were announced, after the competition’s two-year hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic. The news that seven Colorado chefs are nominated in the Best Chef, Mountain, category took at least one Aspenite by surprise: chef-restaurateur Mawa McQueen.
“I had no idea, I cried so hard yesterday!” McQueen exclaims, when I call to congratulate her. “For me it’s like being nominated for the Oscars. I didn’t even dream of it because it’s so far-fetched. I thought I would meet Oprah before getting nominated for a James Beard Award.”
The nod is a major milestone for McQueen, who spent her first decade in Aspen working breakfast at The Little Nell (as server, supervisor, then manager), before she opened Mawa’s Kitchen, first as a catering operation, in 2008. Her restaurant, which underwent a chic renovation last year (thanks to Barbara Glass, responsible for that Instaworthy wallpaper), now serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a full bar.
“I feel accomplished, vindicated. It’s confirmation, validation, words cannot describe it,” she continues. “I am here, and WOW, all of this hard work, catering and not making money when we started, struggling to get people to try something new in the ABC [Aspen Airport Business Center]…every single thing has been worth it.”
What did she do to celebrate?
“[My husband and business partner] Daniel and I ate at Matsu and ordered so much sushi and my favorite lychee cocktail. That’s how I celebrate! We just smile at each other. I can’t believe this happened.”
What’s next ?
“Now this is fueling me even more,” says McQueen, preparing to launch The Crêpe Shack Aspen soon (at 520 E. Cooper Ave., across from Silverpeak Grill). “You thought I had fire before? Honey, you haven’t seen anything yet.”
Meanwhile, The Little Nell’s semifinalist nod for Outstanding Wine Program feeds a rich history of nominations and an award for the Five Star, Five Diamond property: 16 and counting! Here’s the full list:
Element 47, The Little Nell
Restaurant & Chef
Outstanding Wine Program
Semifinalist 2022, 2020, 2019; Finalist 2018; Semifinalist 2016; Finalist 2014Ryan Hardy, The Little Nell
Restaurant & Chef
Best Chef: Southwest
Nominee 2011, 2010, 2009Richard Betts, The Little Nell
Restaurant & Chef
Outstanding Wine & Spirits Professional
Semifinalist 2008Montagna, The Little Nell
Restaurant & Chef
Outstanding Service
Semifinalist 2008The Little Nell
Restaurant & Chef
Outstanding Wine Service
Nominee 2000George Mahaffey, The Little Nell
Restaurant & Chef
Best Chef: Southwest
Winner 1997; Nominee 1996, 1994Richard Chamberlain
Restaurant & Chef
Best Chef: Northwest
Nominee 1992
Stay tuned: The 2022 James Beard Award Finalists will be named on March 16.
Check back here on Amanda Rae Food for my story on Mawa McQueen in a new summer publication. Be sure to subscribe!
Until then, read my profile of Aspen’s “Breakfast Queen” in the June 27, 2019, edition of my “Food Matters” column in the Aspen Times Weekly:
That’s wonderful!