GUARD AND GRACE HOSTS STAR-STUDDED CELEBRATION OF MEXICAN CUISINE

DENVER, CO ​ – Guard and Grace, Chef Troy Guard’s modern steakhouse in the heart of downtown Denver, will host an unforgettable evening honoring the depth, diversity, and regional traditions of Mexican cuisine. The Mexican Chef Summit unites an extraordinary lineup of chefs from across the country on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, ​ for a one-night-only six-course collaborative dinner, each course showcasing a distinct interpretation of Mexican culinary heritage.

“Mexican cuisine is so diverse across the different regions, incredibly nuanced, and personal to the chefs who specialize in it,” said Chef Troy Guard. “Bringing together a group of chefs who share a deep respect for the culture and its traditions allows us to create something truly meaningful. We’re excited for an evening that celebrates the food, the stories, history, and people behind Mexican cuisine.”

Chef Guard is proud to welcome an acclaimed roster of culinary talent, including Chef Johnny Curiel, founder of Fonda Fina Hospitality and the Michelin-starred Alma Fonda Fina and Mezcaleria Alma; Chef Rick Bayless, the celebrated chef, restaurateur, and authority on traditional Mexican cuisine best known for his PBS series Mexico: One Plate at a Time; Chef Maria Mazon, Top Chef finalist and owner of Boca and Sona Tortillas in Tucson; Chef Hugo Ortega, executive chef and owner of H Town Restaurant Group and the first Mexican-born chef to win a James Beard Award; Chef Sean Yontz, who grew up in Los Angeles and is of Mexican descent, best known in Denver as the opening chef of Tamayo and for his work as both an owner and operator of several Mexican restaurants; and Chef Chris “Cactus” Douglas, born and raised in Vail, Colorado, recognized for his work at Tula and Mezcal and now part of Denver-based Culinary Creative Group, which includes Mister Oso and Señor Bear.

The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with a lively welcome reception featuring handcrafted cocktails and a curated bite from each participating chef. Guests will be seated at 6:30 p.m. for a thoughtfully composed six-course dinner, with each chef presenting a dedicated course. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will benefit Roundup River Ranch, a charity that works to provide free year-round camp experiences and intentional programming for children with life-altering diagnoses and their families. 

Tickets for the Mexican Chef Summit are $195 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Optional drink pairings are available for an additional $65 per person. For an elevated experience, 10 exclusive Chef’s Counter tickets are available for $1,000 per person, offering an intimate view of the kitchen, time with the chefs throughout the evening, included drink pairings, and a curated gift bag.

Guard and Grace has become a destination for premier culinary collaborations in Denver, consistently hosting celebrated chefs for immersive dining experiences that blend exceptional cuisine with meaningful connection. The Mexican Chef Summit continues that tradition, inviting diners to experience a one-night celebration rooted in craftsmanship, culture, and community.

For more information or to buy tickets, visit the event website here. 

WHEN:
​Mexican Chef Summit
​Tuesday, February 24
​5:30 p.m. 

WHERE:
​Guard and Grace
​1801 California St
​Denver, CO 80202

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About TAG Restaurant Group
​TAG Restaurant Group (TRG) is a Denver-based restaurant collection founded by Chef Troy Guard. TRG currently operates six concepts over eleven locations in the Denver metro area and Houston: Los Chingones (two locations), Guard and Grace (two locations), Bubu (two locations), Done Deal, TAG Burger Bar and HashTAG (two locations). In 2019, TAG Restaurant Group made its first move out of Denver, expanding the award-winning Guard and Grace to Houston, TX. TAG Restaurant Group strives to shake up your typical dining, by offering immersive culinary experiences that are deeply-rooted in and inspired by Chef Troy's life and travels. They are crafted with genuine hospitality in mind, and are never shy to produce bold, worldly flavors using local ingredients. ​ More than the sum of their parts, TRG’s brands represent a way of life and a celebration of the unexpected. The feeling of an Ohana passionately pursuing culinary excellence is tangible. 

About Chef Troy Guard
​Born and raised in Hawaii, Chef Troy Guard has lived and worked across the globe, beginning his storied career in San Diego at the Omni La Costa Resort and Spa. Guard moved back to Maui at the age of 21 where he met his mentor, Chef Roy Yamaguchi at the Kahana Bar and Grill. ​ Under the tutelage of Yamaguchi, Troy traveled across Asia, opening multiple outposts over a span of eight years in Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo. While in Asia, Guard had the amazing opportunity to set off on his own and work at two of the finest hotels in the world, The Peninsula in Hong Kong and Raffles in Singapore. Guard reconnected with Roy, landing in New York to open Roy’s New York in the Downtown Business District and eventually moved on to the prestigious TAO on 57th Street. Guard put down roots in Denver, CO in 2002, and helped modern-Mexican Chef Richard Sandoval open hotspot Zengo in Riverfront Park before joining the kitchens at Nine75 and Ocean with real estate development mogul Jim Sullivan. 

Guard opened his first restaurant, TAG, on Denver’s Larimer Square in 2009 which led to his opening of Mister Tuna, Crazy Love Pizza, TAG Burger Bar, Lucky Cat, TAG Raw Bar, Big Wave Taco, Sugar Mill, Tiny Giant Sushi, Rado Burgers, Grange Food Hall and FNG. TAG Restaurant Group currently has six concepts over eleven restaurants including the boozy breakfast joint, HashTAG, the quick-casual, build-your-own bowl Bubu, the bold Mexican concept Los Chingones, the chic cocktail bar Done Deal, the neighborhood hangout TAG Burger Bar and the show-stopping, modern steakhouse, Guard & Grace, and most recently, the chic cocktail bar, Done Deal. While the concepts vary wildly, throughout you will find evidence of Troy's Hawaiian roots as well as special global touches, creatively woven into the menus.

Guard has numerous accolades and awards to his name including being voted Best Chef in Denver, awarded one of the Top Steakhouses in the Nation with Guard and Grace, named ​ one of the “Great Regional Chefs of America” by the James Beard Foundation, named Bar & Restaurant Expo’s 2023 Chef of the Year and most recently was honored by the MICHELIN Guide as a recommended restaurant with Guard and Grace. Always giving back to his community, Guard is very active in local and national philanthropic efforts, including participation in a variety of cultural and charitable events throughout Denver. ​ ​ ​