La Sandia - Park Meadows, Denver

Growing up in Mexico City, Richard Sandoval got a double dose of restaurant 101. From his grandmother, he learned the art of cooking and, from his father, he learned the day-to-day of the business. But it wasn't until he began touring the world as a professional tennis player that Richard discovered his true passion for food. Once he did, he enrolled in the Culinary Institute of America and set to work creating his culinary empire.

Today, Richard owns over 45 restaurants in the Denver area, including La Sandia. This modern Mexican restaurant calls back to Richard's childhood, with a mix of traditional Mexican dishes with non-traditional flavors. Take their Chicken Zarape entrée, for example, which is pan-seared chicken topped with bacon, panela cheese, pico de gallo, chipotle cream sauce and served with beans and creamy cotija rice. And to go with the meals, guests can choose a cocktail off of La Sandia's expansive drink menu, which boasts over 200 cocktails mixed up with fine tequilas and agave spirits.