Chef Dana Rodriguez – Crafting the Recipe for Success

Meet Chef Dana Rodriguez, James Beard Finalist, Culinary partner and Executive Chef at Casa Bonita, Owner of Work & Class, Carne RiNo, Partner in Rioja.

by Caren Austin

Women climbing mountains, that’s what Mountain Women Magazine is all about, but the mountains that some women climb aren’t always about reaching the top of a 14,000 ft summit. Women can climb mountains emotionally and spiritually as well. The obstacles that stand in their way are the same, tough, scary, and sometimes they seem hopeless. But alas, we are women, hear us roar; and chef, restaurant owner, and visionary Dana Rodriguez met those challenges head on.

Chef Dana Rodriguez – Photo Credit:Joni Schrantz

My story about Dana started a bit backwards as I ate at her newest restaurant Carne RiNO a few months ago, and then decided I simply must write an article about this extraordinary woman. When I interviewed this James Beard recognized chef, I realized that I was speaking to a woman on a true mission, a force in the industry, and most of all, a woman with as big of a heart as you can imagine.

Dana’s success stems from how hard she worked to get to where she is, a past that is truly remarkable. Dana was born on Chihuahua Mexico and grew up on a farm with a love for rice, beans and always fresh tortillas. She moved to Juarez at nine, and to Monterrey Mexico as a teen. At the age of twenty-four, Dana decided to move to the United States. She wanted to work and found her way to Colorado. She started working at Panzano as a cleaner, then a dishwasher, quickly moving to prep cook, and from there, all the way to sous chef. Throughout the years, she worked at Tamayo, Cheesecake Factory, and many others. In 2004, Dana helped open Rioja with mentor Jen Jasinski and Beth Gruitch as a sous chef, and as of today, she remains a partner there. In 2011, she worked at Bistro Vendome as Chef De Cuisine.

In 2014, Dana was skilled and ready to open her first restaurant on her own, Work & Class in the RINO district of Denver. She is owner and executive chef, and Work & Class is still thriving today. I had the chance to dine there, and I can tell you, it’s perfection. Dana calls it a “stiff drink, and a square meal at a fair price”. It’s simple food with Dana’s twist on it. Try the shrimp and grits, it’s to die for and don’t forget to get the cornbread muffins to sop up all the delicious sauces that accompany the entrees. The lamb is out of this world, so tender and juicy, it was my favorite.

Photo Credit: Kevin Austin

In 2018, Super Mega Bien opened. Think Latin American, Portuguese, and Spanish Dim Sum, what could be better? This restaurant is so unique in Denver. The roving cart, and family style entrees make it a great place to go with friends or family. In 2021 Dana became the Culinary Director for the very famous Casa Bonita. They revamped and then reopened with Dana’s recipes, and it has been a huge hit with a waiting list a mile long. I hope I get to visit someday… hint hint.

Carne opened in 2024. The restaurant is a globally inspired steakhouse in the RINO district of Denver This mid-century modern decorated restaurant had all the good feels the second I walked in. The recipes are inspired by Dana’s global travels and the food is exceptional. Dana wants you to feel at home here, and you certainly will. There is chicken, lamb, beef, veal and duck on the menu, plus lots of veggies options as well. Try the Argentinian Bife De Chorizo, and the Peruvian Pollo Asado. They both are a global explosion of flavor that cannot be missed. Cocktails are very inventive and delicious. Don’t miss the shag carpet lounge area upstairs for a before or after dinner drink.

Dana comes from a family of “givers”. Her mother always said, “Leave a legacy”. She told her to work hard, and you can accomplish anything, and Dana stands by that ten-fold today. Dana pays it forward to the community, giving to victims of domestic violence, children with Cancer, the Latino community, and so many more.

Whether it’s a hot meal, or a program to help women be successful, Dana is there. She wants women to know that they can have a second opportunity. She takes care of all her employees; they are her family. She believes that “you are no one without good employees. Appreciate and respect them. I could go on and on about Dana Rodriguez’s unbelievable qualities, she is beyond inspiring.

After our interview, I immediately felt empowered. As women, we got this, and if you have a dream, you can certainly make it happen with hard work and dedication. It isn’t always easy to crawl your way to the top, but when you get there, you can take a deep breath and realize that you left your mark on every step you made to get to the finish line. You then can realize the journey was well worth it.

Dana always stays true to herself, and truly believes that “You have a purpose in life when you do something”. Thank you, Chef Dana Rodriguez, for showing me and many others that all women can to do the same. After all, girl power is something no one can deny.