Denver Chef Competes for $1 Million on New Cooking Show
Chef Michael Diaz de Leon of Denver is making headlines as a contestant on the upcoming cooking competition show, America’s Culinary Cup. Set to premiere on March 4, this show promises to be a culinary spectacle with a grand prize of $1 million, the largest ever offered in culinary television.
America’s Culinary Cup: A Unique Cooking Competition
America’s Culinary Cup will air as a ninety-minute episode on CBS, with streaming also available. The show marks a significant return for Padma Lakshmi, known for her role on Top Chef, who will both host and produce the show. Contestants, including Diaz de Leon, will be evaluated based on what the series refers to as the “ten culinary commandments.” These include:
- Meat
- Vegetables
- Sauces
- Dessert
- Innovation
- Flavors
- Sustainability
- World Cuisine
- Consistency
- Culinary Science and Technology
Dive into Diaz de Leon’s Culinary Journey
Before gaining recognition in the competitive culinary scene, Michael Diaz de Leon served as executive chef at Bruto, where he earned a James Beard nomination. His recent partnership with chef Tommy Lee in opening Molino Chido, a taqueria inspired by Mexico City, has further cemented his reputation in the food industry. Located inside Aurora’s Stanley Marketplace, Molino Chido debuted in November 2023.
Diaz de Leon’s journey reflects his dedication to culinary excellence. In a May 2023 interview, he emphasized his commitment to meaningful cooking rather than an obsession with awards. “I do this for bigger reasons than awards,” he stated, focusing on the creative process behind his cooking.
Recognition and Future Prospects
The chef’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. In September 2023, he was informed that Colorado’s restaurants were being evaluated for the Michelin Guide, which subsequently awarded Bruto its first stars. After concluding his time at Bruto, Diaz de Leon took an opportunity to travel and enhance his culinary skills worldwide. This experience enriched his approach when he returned to Denver to launch Molino Chido.
As the competition on America’s Culinary Cup unfolds, Diaz de Leon is eager to represent the Latin American culinary community. He articulated this sentiment in an Instagram post, expressing pride in amplifying the voices of those who nourish the nation.
Fans of the culinary arts are excited to see how this dynamic chef will showcase his talents on the new show. With his unique background and passion for cooking, Diaz de Leon is certainly a contestant to watch.
