Denver’s acclaimed steakhouse, Guard and Grace, led by chef Troy Guard, is set to welcome chef Tristen Epps—current Top Chef contender, Chopped champion, and proud alumni of TAG Restaurant Group—for a one-night-only, four-course dinner event on June 25, 2025. Proceeds will benefit Work Options, an organization that helps adult students prepare for, find, and maintain meaningful careers in the food service industry.
“It’s an honor to welcome Tristen back to Denver for this special evening. Not only is he an incredibly talented chef, but he’s also a true part of our TAG family. This dinner is about celebrating our shared passion for food, creativity, and community. I’m excited for our guests to experience the dishes we’ll create together, all while supporting a cause that is close to our hearts,” said Guard.
Epps is a Caribbean-American chef celebrated for his neo-Afro-Caribbean cuisine. With Trinidadian roots and a global upbringing, his bold culinary style has earned him roles at top restaurants, including executive chef at Marcus Samuelsson’s Red Rooster and Ocean Social at Eden Roc, where he received a James Beard Award nomination. A Chopped champion and current Top Chef contender, Epps also served as executive chef at Mister Tuna under Guard.
“Cooking with chef Troy—someone who’s been a big part of my journey—is always meaningful,” said Epps. “He’s a chef who truly gets that food isn’t just about flavor—it’s about vibe, culture, and team harmony. That connection is exactly what we’re bringing to the table with this dinner.”
The special homecoming celebration begins with a welcoming reception, offering a selection of passed hors d’oeuvres and signature cocktails. Guests will then enjoy a curated four-course plated dinner, with each course combining the culinary influences of both chefs, concluding with an array of desserts. Proceeds from the dinner will benefit Work Options, which helps individuals overcome barriers to sustainable employment and helps students prepare for, find and maintain meaningful careers in the food service industry.
Tickets for this exclusive event are $150 per person, plus tax and gratuity. For guests who enjoy wine, a curated pairing is available to complement the evening’s menu for $225 per person, plus tax and gratuity. With only 50 seats available, this intimate gathering is sure to be a memorable experience.
Guard and Grace has established itself as a premier destination for exceptional culinary events, consistently attracting incredible talent to Denver. Most recently, Guard has had the privilege of hosting renowned chefs like Andrew Zimmern, Rocco DiSpirito, and Robert Irvine. The upcoming dinner with Epps further solidifies Guard and Grace’s reputation as a hub for extraordinary dining experiences and philanthropic endeavors.
Reservations are now open at the Guard and Grace website.
WHEN:
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
5:30 PM
Tickets here
WHERE:
Guard and Grace
1801 California St
Denver, CO 80202
TAG Restaurant Group (TRG) is a Denver-based restaurant collection founded by Chef Troy Guard. TRG currently operates six concepts over eleven locations in the Denver metro area and Houston: Los Chingones (two locations), Guard and Grace (two locations), Bubu (two locations), Done Deal, TAG Burger Bar and HashTAG (two locations). In 2019, TAG Restaurant Group made its first move out of Denver, expanding the award-winning Guard and Grace to Houston, TX. TAG Restaurant Group strives to shake up your typical dining, by offering immersive culinary experiences that are deeply-rooted in and inspired by Chef Troy’s life and travels. They are crafted with genuine hospitality in mind, and are never shy to produce bold, worldly flavors using local ingredients. More than the sum of their parts, TRG’s brands represent a way of life and a celebration of the unexpected. The feeling of an Ohana passionately pursuing culinary excellence is tangible.
