Mawa's Kitchen

"Mawa’s Kitchen is a short drive from downtown Aspen and across the street from the airport. So it’s particularly useful if you forgot to stock the kitchen on your Cessna (chef Mawa McQueen has offered private jet catering for years). Order some vegetable maffe over jasmine rice, or the seriously spicy jerk salmon with sweet plantains and a seasonal fruit relish. They also serve brunch on weekends, and make an excellent takeout lunch or dinner if you’re exhausted from a day on the mountain. McQueen Hospitality’s sister spots, The Crepe Shack and Mawita, are also worth checking out. photo credit: Mawa's Kitchen" - Katie Shapiro

"Mawa’s Kitchen is a short drive from downtown Aspen and across the street from the airport. So it comes particularly in handy if you just found your flight got delayed and you’re already in the area. Order some vegetable maffe over jasmine rice or the seriously spicy jerk salmon with plantain and citrus salsa. They also serve brunch on the weekend and make a great takeout lunch or dinner if you’re exhausted from a day on the mountain. Their sister spots, The Crepe Shack and Mawita, are also worth checking out." - katie shapiro

"Mawa's Kitchen may not be the easiest to find with its tucked-away entrance, but stay the course because it's worth visiting this welcoming spot. Light colors, tasteful artwork and bare tables set with wildflower-filled vases create a mood-boosting vibe inside, while the outdoor terrace is a breezy perch. The food is equally appealing (think new-world meets old-world). Owner Mawa McQueen, who hails from the Côte d’Ivoire, delivers extraordinary quality with everyday value, such as black-eyed pea hummus served with pickled, charred and smoked vegetables and bread. The African chicken and seafood gumbo is boldly spiced and finger-licking good, but don't fill up because you'll want dessert—especially a wedge of that dreamy cheesecake." - Michelin Inspector

"While running her restaurant, McQueen did anything she could—from catering to office cleaning to babysitting—to make ends meet. It was a lot of work and a lot of disappointment for many years. Things were starting to pick up, and then Covid came." - Nancy DePalma

"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