Michael Diaz de Leon, Chef

Chef Michael Diaz de Leon is a first-generation Mexican American born on the border of México and the United States in the culturally rich city of El Paso, Texas. Growing up in a border town shaped his identity and worldview—living in two cultures at once, he developed an early and enduring affinity for community, connection, and storytelling through food.

Chef Michael's newest project, Molino Chido, created in partnership with Chef Tommy Lee, embodies a joyful, intentional approach to hospitality rooted in heritage and craft. Molino Chido honors the humble taco through daily nixtamal made with heirloom corn grown in southern Colorado in partnership with the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. The menu celebrates Colorado's bison and beef and highlights thoughtfully sourced produce from local farms. It is hospitality at its most vibrant—seen through the lens of a first-generation chef celebrating culture, community, and craft.

Chef Michael Diaz de Leon is the recipient of the San Pellegrino x StarChefs Game Changer Award (2022). In 2023, he was named a James Beard Foundation Finalist for Best Chef: Mountain States and earned both a Michelin Green Star and Michelin Star for his leadership at BRUTØ.