Daniel Olivella

In the early part of his career, Daniel moved through the kind of roles that build a working kitchen vocabulary: all-around family member at La Paella in Chicago (from 1979), work for the Lettuce Entertain You group at Lettuce Entertain You in Chicago (until 1987), and line cook at Delfina; Zuni Café; Zazie; Maltese Grill in San Francisco (from 1987). He then moved into leadership as opening chef at Thirsty Bear Brewing Co. In San Francisco (until 1999), followed by owner at B44 Catalan Bistro (from 1999). Today, Daniel is chef-owner of Barlata Tapas Bar (since 2009).

At Barlata Tapas Bar in Austin, Daniel Olivella has kept Catalan cuisine as the center of the menu and the kitchen’s point of reference. The work tracks back to Vilafranca del Penedes, Barcelona, on the Mediterranean coast, and stays there in its focus. The line from La Paella to an opening-chef post to the Austin restaurant he leads now is plain in the record. It shows a career made through successive rooms and cities, with the cuisine held constant rather than repackaged.

Daniel's honors include Rising Star Chef of the Year (2001).