Denver, CO (November 10, 2023) - Slow Food Denver, a chapter of Slow Food U.S.A., a global, grassroots movement that links the pleasures of growing, cooking, and eating food with the community and environment, announces the 2023 Snail of Approval Awards, and the Snail Trail Dining Passport. The awards are open to all Denver metro restaurants, bars, food and beverage establishments, local farms, and other food organizations that are pursuing and practicing Slow Food values in their business. 

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The Snail of Approval award is a national program organized by Slow Food chapters around the U.S. The evaluations are focused on the following six areas: sourcing, environmental impact, cultural connection, community involvement, staff support, and business values. 

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Businesses that are awarded a Snail of Approval are recognized on the Slow Food Denver and Slow Food USA websites, receive a Snail of Approval window sticker to display, promotions on social media channels and throughout the Denver metro area, and the opportunity to partner with Slow Food Denver. The snail window sticker is an emblem that can be seen at restaurants and other food businesses around the world to signify they work towards good, clean, and fair food for all. The Snail of Approval award is active for two years, and submissions and awards are conducted on a rolling basis. 

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"We are thrilled to be a part of the Snail of Approval," states Paul C. Reilly, Culinary Director and Proprietor for Apple Blossom and Coperta restuarants. "It shows we walk the talk in terms of our commitments to sustainability and supporting our communities. We are honored to be recognized alongside other chefs, restaurants, bakers, and farmers with a like-minded ethos." 

In this second year of the Denver chapter's awards, the Snail Trail Dining Passport has been launched to celebrate the 2022-2023 awardees, and to raise funds for the Slow Food Denver chapter. The Snail Trail Dining Passport features eleven of the awarded restaurants and food, featuring Apple Blossom, Chook, Coperta, The Feedery, Gladys, The Green Collective, Haykin Family Cider, Rioja, Ruby's Market, Somebody People, Sullivan Scrap Kitchen, and Teatulia. 

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Click here for more information and to purchase the Snail Trail. 

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About Slow Food Denver

Slow Food Denver is a chapter of Slow Food U.S.A., a global, grassroots movement that links the pleasures of growing, cooking, and eating food with the community and environment. Slow Food was founded in Italy in 1986, and inspired chapters in 160 countries worldwide, with 100 in the U.S. Slow Food Denver, founded in 2001, is committed to the enjoyment of local food by all members of the community, seeking to create a more just and sustainable food system. We value cultivating community and connection, restoring biodiversity, celebrating food cultures, defending social and economic equality, and protecting the environment. 

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Our programs and activities revolve around creating food access and awareness for healthy, local food in the Denver Metro area. 

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Areas of focus include: 1) Children and food, 2) Local food producers and regional food traditions, 3) Just and sustainable food policy. Slow Food Denver's Mission: Good, Clean, and Fair Food for All. Fore more information, visit: slowfooddenver.org. 

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