Frasca Food and Wine

Nestled in the sub-alpine region of northeastern Italy sits Friuli-Venezia Giulia—a beautiful and culturally diverse area where food and tradition are deeply intertwined. At the beginning of harvest season, frascas—informal gathering places for friends and family to share food and drink—would pop up around the neighborhood. A small branch above the doorway signaled that all were welcome. When the harvest ended and the branch withered, the frascas closed their doors until the next season.

Fast forward to 2000: Bobby Stuckey left Aspen, where he worked as a sommelier at The Little Nell, to join world-renowned chef Thomas Keller at The French Laundry in Yountville, California. There, he met chef Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson—his future business partner. Inspired by Friuli-Venezia Giulia and its tradition of frascas, the two set out to create a restaurant that embodied that same spirit of hospitality. Drawn to Boulder’s vibrant food culture, outdoor lifestyle, and proximity to family, they opened Frasca Food and Wine on the East End of Pearl Street in 2004.

Since then, Frasca has become one of the most celebrated restaurants in the country—awarded a Michelin star and named the 2025 James Beard Outstanding Restaurant. Over the years, it has also been honored with multiple James Beard Foundation Awards, including Best Chef Southwest (2008), Outstanding Wine Service (2013), and Outstanding Service (2019).

In 2011, the Frasca family grew with the opening of Pizzeria Alberico (formerly Pizzeria Locale). Bobby and Lachlan wanted to create new opportunities for their team and offer Boulder a more casual, Napoletana-inspired dining experience.

Deeply rooted in community, Frasca and Pizzeria Alberico support local initiatives and organizations such as Sophie’s Neighborhood. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Bobby co-founded the Independent Restaurant Commission, advocating for the industry’s critical role in supporting local economies—from farmers to vendors to delivery drivers. In recognition of his leadership, the Downtown Boulder Partnership honored him with the Ron Porter Special Achievement Award in 2021.

Today, the branch still hangs above Frasca’s door—a symbol of warmth, welcome, and shared meals. Follow @frascafoodwine and @pizzeriaalberico to stay connected, and think of them the next time you’re planning a casual night out or a celebratory evening.

After all, Frasca has always been—and will always be—a place where everyone is invited to gather.