Chef Kelly Whitaker had already been nominated for three James Beard Awards ahead of the 2024 ceremony, which took place earlier this month. This time, he came to win. On the other hand, Matt Vawter, who opened Rootstalk in Breckenridge just four years ago, was just grateful for his first invite to the “Oscars” of the food industry. “It was an honor to be there just as a nominee and finalist,” Vawter told The Denver Post.