Respected mountain chef-restauranteur Mawa McQueen has announced a shakeup happening within her Aspen eatery. According to the chef, Mawa’s Kitchen (305 Aspen Airport Business Center, Unit F) is preparing to transform into a dual-concept spot that will also host the return of her former restaurant, Mawita.
“I’m bringing back Mawita! This time, we’re going bigger and bolder with flavors — Mawa’s way! The focus will be on tapas and Spanish dishes in a cozy space. Who doesn’t love paella? Seafood and quality products from Spain, with just a touch of my African flair. Of course, I always have to make it my own,” McQueen shared in a post this week.
While both restaurants are housed in the same building, they will be two distinct concepts, giving diners the chance to choose. Formerly a community favorite in Snowmass, Mawita will relaunch in a dedicated 50-seat area of the building. Its focus will be tapas and small plates, with Mediterranean and African influences. Mawa’s Kitchen will debut a new four-course dinner tasting menu highlighting McQueen’s Afro-Caribbean-French approach.
“This dual concept allows Chef Mawa McQueen to serve different needs within Aspen’s dining landscape and make the Aspen Airport Business Center a destination for locals and visitors to enjoy unique, bold, and globally inspired cuisine,” Rose Laudicina with McQueen Hospitality told What Now Denver.
Mawita will be open daily from 5 to 9 PM. Mawa’s Kitchen will continue offering its weekday breakfast from 8 AM to 10:30 AM, lunch from 10:30 AM to 3 PM, and weekend brunch from 8 AM to 3 PM. The new reservation-only dinner service will be open 5 to 9 PM Monday through Saturday.
McQueen grew up in France before settling in Aspen in the early 2000s. Her work has gained her MICHELIN Guide recommendations and a James Beard semifinalist nod, Aspen Times notes. She also runs GrainFreeNola, a gluten-free vegan granola brand, and Crepe Therapy Café. The latter has been expanding in recent months, with What Now covering several new locations announced.
