Los Chingones and Sugarmill: The New Hottest Restaurants in Denver

By Lindsey Holliday

When two of the greatest chefs in Denver combine forces, you better believe you are in for an experience. Acclaimed Chefs Troy Guard and Noah French have no doubt met and exceeded expectations with their newest creations; Los Chingones and Sugarmill. Chingones is loosely translated to mean something is extremely awesome or “bad ass”and I couldn’t imagine a more fitting name.

The two restaurants have been an idea between these long-term friends for quite some time, but both were so busy with other projects that it didn’t come to fruition until very recently.French was working in Barbados and moved back to Denver when he and Guard decided to make their vision a reality.Guard had brought up the concept of the dessert bar and restaurant to French quite a while back but French had just moved. He told Guard to bring it up in a couple of years if he was still interested. French says, “Troy approached me a couple years later, and here we are today.”

Neither chefs are lacking in charm or charisma. Both engaged with guests all night and handed out samples of some of the more unique items on the menu, complete with a full description of what was in it. As a frequent guest of Troy Guards’ many restaurants, I have come to realize why they are some of my favorite places in Denver. Not only are the chefs incredibly talented and passionate about their craft, they genuinely enjoy being in the company of their guests. And, who are we kidding, the FOOD. The food is unlike any other.

Frenchs’ abilities as a pastry chef are hard to top. You surely won’t be disappointed with any of the desserts on the menu. Some of the delicious morsels you will find at Sugarmill include Lemon Meringue Tartlets, Chocolate Jasmine Moose, Banana Cheesecake, Red Velvet Cheesecake, and Mini Carrot Cupcakes. Not a huge sweets fan? No worries, they also offer savory options as well and have a great breakfast menu to boot. With a wide open concept and fun, modern colors, the aesthetics are almost as breathtaking as the desserts.

Anyone familiar with Troy Guards other restaurants (TAG Burger Bar, TAG and TAG RAW Bar.) knows that this guy knows what he’s doing. And he doesn’t shy away from putting his own twist on otherwise familiar dishes. Guard made no exception with Los Chingones. The menu includes White Fish Tacos, Shrimp Tostadas, Pig Ear Nachos, and a Beef Tongue Taco! The guacamole is probably the best I’ve ever tasted. The food is for sure a show stopper, but Guard didn’t stop there. The full bar and experienced bar tenders can whip up anything your heart desires.My favorite is the Pomegranate Caipirinha. With a whole wall dedicated to an amazing work of art and a roof top patio, the atmosphere is hip and lively.

Los Chingones and Sugarmill can be found side by side in the RiNo District at 2470 Larimer, Denver, CO.

Lindsey Holliday is Montana native now based in Denver. If she’s not prancing around the city, you can find her frolicking in the mountains. Her passions in life include music, travel, writing and sharing her adventures with loved ones.