"Mawa McQueen’s cooking journey has taken her around the globe, but she’s called Aspen home for more than 20 years. The headquarters for her expanding, family-run empire, McQueen Hospitality, is just outside of town, where the James Beard semifinalist nominee welcomes diners right into the kitchen for healthy yet gourmet breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Known as “the queen” among loyal customers, the chef produces rotating menus influenced by flavors from her French and African heritage. This season, the group opens the doors of Latin-inspired Mawita, which joins the Crepe Shack in Snowmass Base Village." - Katie Shapiro