Chef's Corner

  • Chef Elise Wiggins
  • Panzano
  • Hotel Monaco, Denver
  • Bio: Panzano has flourished under Executive Chef Elise Wiggins and now looks fresh and stylish with a new setting designed by the award-winning Puccini Group. The remodel updates the old world feel of the restaurant with a more contemporary flair, all designed to highlight Elise's creative Northern Italian menu.

    From her beginnings in Louisiana to Texas, through Colorado, Puerto Rico, Tennessee and back to Colorado, Wiggins has purposely and progressively moved up through the ranks - honing kitchen skills, tasting new flavors and developing talents that have won numerous fine dining awards and accolades.

    Listed as one of the Top 25 Restaurants in Denver by Zagat, Top Italian restaurant in Denver by The Rocky Mountain News, “Heavenly” by the Gabby Gourmet Restaurant Guide and included in the Top Restaurants in Denver by 5280 magazine led the American Culinary Federation to name Elise 2005 Colorado Chef of the Year.


Featured Recipe:

    Bistecca Serves 4

  • Ingredients:
    • 4 4oz portions Skirt Steak (At Panzano, we use Coleman Organic beef)
    • 1/2 cup Basil Pesto (see recipe below)
    • 2 oz Gorgonzola (crumbled)
    • 6 oz Baby Arugula
    • 1 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
    • 1/2 tbsp 15 year old balsamic di Modena Vinegar
    • 1 lb Russet potatoes
    • 3 tbsp sweet butter
    • 1/4 cup warm whole milk

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  • Preparation:

    Steam potatoes until done. Using a food mill rice the potatoes. Add butter and milk. Season with salt and pepper. Combine thoroughly but don’t overmix. Set aside.

    Grill steak to desired temp. Allow to rest.

    Spread pesto on the bottom of a plate.

    Toss arugula with extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper.

    Place one scoop of potatoes on each plate.

    Slice steak into bite size pieces and place on top of potatoes with pesto.

    Top with arugula.

    Garnish with gorgonzola. Enjoy.

    For the Basil Pesto:
    • 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves
    • 2 cloves garlic
    • 1/4 cup pine nuts (toasted)
    • 2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
    • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

    Combine the basil, garlic, and pine nuts in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped.

    Add 1/2 cup of the oil and process until fully incorporated and smooth.

    Fold in cheese and whole toasted pine nuts. I like the look and texture of the whole nuts.

    You can process them if you like.

    If you are not using the pesto immediately, cover with a thin film of olive oil and plastic wrap pressed down on the surface