Now that Top Chef has concluded its 15th season in Colorado, experience the ultimate food tour and go everywhere the chefs and judges visited.
Top Chef has come to an end, and winner Joe Flamm has been crowned a champion. But just because the Bravo cooking competition is over in Colorado, doesn't mean the food has to end, too. Which is why we've put together this extensive tour guide to all of the restaurants, national parks, and other landscapes the show's chefs and judges visited during their time here. Just make sure you bring your stretchy pants, because this list of restaurants, hotels, and hot spots is loooong and that means a whole lotta delicious food is waiting for you at nearly every one. [caption id="attachment_35085" align="aligncenter" width="750"]
Courtesy of Mile High Station (website)[/caption]
Denver
First things first, you've got to check out The Maven Hotel. This is where the judges stayed when they were in town, while the contestants were at a private home in Capitol Hill. Now, we're not sure exactly where this private home is, because the folks over at Bravo weren't able to release that information to us. We know, we know. We're just as disappointed as you. You might even walk by the Governor's Residence at the Boettcher Mansion where Governor Hickenlooper hosted the final Denver Elimination Challenge. Who knows? Maybe he'll be available for dinner. Swing over to Cherry Creek Whole Foods, where the Season 15 chefs would visit frequently to pick up various ingredients. You can find Whole Foods at 2375 E. 1st Ave. Instead of cooking at the Thornton warehouse-turned-kitchen that's typically home to Northern Electric, you're gonna have to cook up a storm in your own kitchen. The warehouse took three weeks to build and is where the Quickfires, Last Chance Kitchens, and Judges' Tables took place. Top Chef's first Elimination Challenge for the season was held at Larimer Square, but it's about to look different from when the show was filmed there due to the new redevelopment plans being made for the area. Or you could head over to Sports Authority Field at Mile High (wait, is it still being called that?) where the chefs tried to win over some hungry Broncos fans and players, along with Mayor Michael Hancock. Visit Rhein Haus and see where the chefs met with special guest judge Keegan Gerhard, who brought some inspiration for their German Festival bites, or check out Mile High Station to visit where the season's Restaurant Wars took place. Then, for some outdoor fun, hit up Elitch Gardens -- park passes for your kiddos are free, by the way! (You're welcome.) Other must-see Denver restaurants featured on Top Chef this season include Comal Heritage Food Incubator, Departure, Bar Dough, Just BE Kitchen, and Mercantile Dining & Provision -- which is up for a James Beard Award, so you know it's gotta be good!Larkspur
For the show's second Elimination Challenge, the chefs were instructed to use the cheeses at Fruition Farms Creamery to make a four-course cheese-centric dish. You can tour the farm if you're looking to stock up on cheese. Just be sure to check its website for specific dates. [caption id="attachment_35086" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]
Courtesy of The Stanley Hotel (Facebook)[/caption]
Estes Park
Colorado's Stanley Hotel is most known for inspiring Stephen King's horror novel The Shining, but it's also known for its haunting history with the supernatural. And the Top Chef contestants definitely had a bone-chilling time at the hotel during one of the Quickfire Challenges. If you're brave enough, you can stay overnight at the hotel or embark on one of its ghost tours.Boulder
When the show made its way to Boulder, there was a food truck challenge held at East Boulder Community Park, and it included local trucks like The Ginger Pig, Farm & Smoke, Nishi, Hoof, Wing & Fin, and more.
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Courtesy of Alta Lakes Observatory (Facebook)[/caption]