More than two decades ago, a young Matt Vawter began cooking in a local diner as a teenager to help his family make ends meet. Fast forward to 2024, and that same Breckenridge native has earned his Rootstalk Breckenridge restaurant one of the culinary world’s highest honors: a James Beard Foundation Award.
Often called the “Oscars of food,” the James Beard Foundation Awards honor chefs who demonstrate exceptional talent, dedication, and innovation in the culinary arts. During the 2024 awards ceremony, held in Chicago, Vawter was named Best Chef in the Mountain Region, which includes Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming.
Discovering a New Passion
Born and raised in Summit County, Colorado, Vawter’s culinary journey began in his teens. He first honed his skills while still a student at Summit High School, where he shadowed chefs at the renowned Keystone Ranch at age 15. His passion for cooking led him to compete in a national cooking competition in his senior year, which laid the groundwork for his future success.
After graduating from the local Colorado Mountain College’s culinary program, Vawter landed his first fine dining job at Denver’s Fruition Restaurant, working under the mentorship of co-owner and 2018 James Beard Award winner Alex Seidel. His time at Fruition was transformative, and Vawter quickly rose through the ranks to become chef de cuisine.
Starting Rootstalk Breckenridge
In 2020, Vawter returned to his hometown of Breckenridge to open his first solo venture, Rootstalk, a restaurant deeply rooted in the community’s history and spirit. Named for Vawter’s own roots in Summit County, Rootstalk draws inspiration from traditional French cooking techniques while embracing the flavors of the Rocky Mountain region.
A celebration of local flavors Rootstalk’s menu is a love letter to Colorado’s agricultural bounty. From fresh local produce to responsibly sourced meats, every dish is crafted with an emphasis on simplicity and seasonality. Vawter’s philosophy is to let the ingredients speak for themselves, showcasing the natural flavors of the region.
Since its opening, Rootstalk has become a cornerstone of Summit County’s growing culinary scene, known for its inventive take on New American cuisine. In 2022, Vawter expanded his vision with a second restaurant, Radicato, further cementing his role as a leader in Breckenridge’s food revolution.
While the James Beard Award is a milestone in Vawter’s career, it’s just the beginning for Rootstalk and its sister restaurant Radicato. Vawter hopes the national recognition will bring new opportunities for his team and elevate Breckenridge’s reputation as a culinary destination.
But regardless of accolades, Vawter remains focused on his original mission: creating memorable dining experiences for locals and visitors alike. Breckenridge is no longer just a destination for outdoor enthusiasts—thanks to Matt Vawter and Rootstalk, it’s becoming a sought-after spot for foodies as well. Rootstalk stands as a shining example of what’s possible when passion, community, and creativity come together. Matt Vawter and his team at Rootstalk are undoubtedly just getting started.
