Chef, Daniel Olivella, Austin, TX

Daniel Olivella is the chef-owner of Barlata tapas bar in Austin, TX. A native of Barcelona, he has been cooking in the U.S. for the past 35 years. Daniel started his career in Chicago at family-owned restaurant La Paella in 1979 as an all-around family member. There, under the supervision of his French-raised uncle, he was trained on traditional French and Spanish service and food preparation. In Chicago he went on to work for the Lettuce Entertain You group, before moving to San Francisco in 1987. There, he worked as a line cook at Delfina, Zuni Café, Zazie, and the Maltese Grill before becoming the opening chef of Thirsty Bear Brewing Co. In 1999, Daniel opened his own restaurant, B44 Catalan Bistro, specializing in Catalan cuisine. He was named a “Rising Star Chef of the Year” in 2001 by San Francisco Magazine. Daniel opened his first Barlata concept in March 2009 in the Temescal neighborhood of Oakland. In 2013, he moved the Barlata Tapas Bar to the South Lamar district of Austin, TX. His book Catalan Food, was published by Clarkson Potter in September 2018. (Austin, TX) @barlataatx