Buena Vida Tapas Bar Names Shane Owens New Executive Chef
Buena Vida Tapas Bar, Atlanta’s favorite spot on the Beltline for fun, approachable Spanish tapas, is excited to announce Shane Owens as its new executive chef. With an extensive resume working in numerous Atlanta kitchens, plus a lifelong love of Mexican and Spanish cuisine, Owens brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Buena Vida. It also doesn’t hurt that Owens is a neighbor and Buena Vida regular.
“I’ve always been attracted to this type of tapas-style restaurant,” explains Owens. “Even as a kid growing up, the Latin and Spanish dishes my Mexican grandma made were always my favorites. I’m looking forward to putting my creative spin on Buena Vida’s fun, fresh and vibrant menu.”
Adds Buena Vida’s co-owner Juan Calle, “Shane’s deep connections with Spanish food and Atlanta’s restaurant community make him an ideal fit for us. His fun, modern twists on classic tapas are sure to resonate with our guests because he’s one of them as a resident of the neighborhood. We’re excited to now have him lead our kitchen.”
Owens says diners will be able to enjoy their fresh, flavorful favorites on the Buena Vida menu like its popular paella and also anticipate a few new culinary additions. These menu items will include:
Chef Owens’ take on the classic Black & Blue burger with a ground mix of lamb and beef accented with Cabrales cheese
French toast churros with fresh berries on the brunch menu
A tapas offering with grilled octopus and Spanish potatoes
“It’s going to be everything people love about Buena Vida’s traditional Spanish dishes and making them a bit more modern, vibrant and colorful,” previews Owens. “In our Instagram-worthy image-driven world, plates today have to be appealing. After all, we eat with our eyes first.”
Atlanta diners will already be familiar with chef Owens’ work, having previously served as executive chef at Rina ATL, Muchacho and in Fifth Group and Castellucci Hospitality Group kitchens, as well as an educational stint at Cooks & Soldiers learning from Joseph Harrison, now a James Beard semi-finalist working at Aria as executive chef.
“Working at Buena Vida is an opportunity to bring everything to the table I’ve been taught as a chef, starting with the dishes I loved and learned from my grandma,” says Owens. “For me, success means making people happy and putting smiles on their faces. Buena Vida and its lively Beltline patio vibe is the perfect place for me.”