Two Local Top Chefs Open New Aurora Taqueria

Another one of fall’s most anticipated restaurants makes its debut today, November 11. Molino Chido is the latest addition to the Stanley Marketplace in Aurora, taking over the spot that was formerly home to Comida, which shuttered in September 2024 after eight years in business.

Its closure left Stanley Marketplace taco-less, but Molino Chido is bringing Mexican fare back to the market hall, and it’s got two big names behind it.

Chef Tommy Lee is the owner of Chinese food favorite Hop Alley and two locations of Uncle, one of the top ramen joints in town. Last year, he hosted a pop-up with chef Michael Diaz de Leon, who was the executive chef at Bruto when it earned its Michelin star in 2023. Diaz de Leon left Bruto shortly after, spending much of his time traveling and, of course, cooking. But now, he’s back with his first brick-and-mortar project in Colorado — as an owner alongside Lee.