DiningOut Magazine’s Chicken Fight Fest took over Elitch Gardens on August 21, 2025, and it was truly one for the books. From carnival rides to endless bites of chicken, burgers, and beverages in every imaginable form, the energy was electric.

This year’s event brought together chefs from 40 of Denver’s top restaurants, each competing for bragging rights in categories spanning Burger Balooza, Cocktails, Wings, and Fried Chicken.

A huge thank-you to DiningOut Magazine for hosting such an incredible evening and inviting Tarah Runco, Co-Owner of Behind the Apron Media and Host of Chef’n It, to join the judging panel. Our team had a blast tasting twelve rounds of tasty bites and sharing the table with an amazing lineup of culinary rockstars.

Left to right: Chef Oscar Padilla, Chef Lydie Lovett, Jessica DelCastillo, Chef Manny Barella, and Tarah Runco

Tarah had the honor of judging the Fried Chicken category alongside:

Manny Barella – Co-Owner and Executive Chef of Riot BBQ, Bravo’s Top Chef Alumni
Oscar Padilla – Owner and Executive Chef of Gaucho Parrilla, Food Network’s Chopped Champion
Lydie Lovett – Owner & Executive Chef of Wilde

The impressive lineup of judges for the other categories included:

Montana Rae – Sommelier and DiningOut Denver Writer
Kip Wilson – Co-Founder of Stoned Appetit
Felony Misdemeanor – Local Drag Queen and Food Enthusiast
Cliff & Cara Blauvelt – Co-Owners of Odie B’s and Boombats Pasta Shop (Opening Fall 2025)
Thach Tran – Executive Chef of Footers Catering
Nick Legler – Former Blue Moon Chef
Katie LaSalle – 9News Weather Impact Team
Kevin Nguyen – Founder of Regular Architecture
Chad Michael George – Founder of Proof Productions

Huge congratulations to the winners of this flavor-filled evening!

FRIED CHICKEN

Judges’ Choice
1. Former Saint
2. Nola Jane
3. The Brutal Poodle

People’s Choice
1. Nola Jane
2. Gaylord Rockies
3. Bacon Social House

WINGS

Judges’ Choice
1. Stoney’s Bar & Grill
2. Chuey Fu’s
3. MST

People’s Choice
1. GQue BBQ
2. CD’s Wings
3. Fire on the Mountain

BURGER BALOOZA

Judges’ Choice
1. Riot
2. Great Divide
3. Tap & Burger

People’s Choice
1. Tap & Burger
2. Great Divide
3. Riot

COCKTAILS

Judges’ Choice
1. The Brutal Poodle
2. Stoney’s Bar & Grill
3. Gaylord Rockies

People’s Choice
1. Gaylord Rockies
2. Nola Jane
3. Fire on the Mountain

Thank you again to DiningOut Magazine for hosting such a vibrant celebration of Denver’s F&B scene. Between the food, the drinks, the company, and the energy at Elitch Gardens, it truly was one heck of a ride. We’re already counting down to next year!