In 2011, Chef Katie Button and Félix Meana opened the doors of Cúrate Bar de Tapas, bringing the flavors and hospitality of Spain to Asheville while highlighting seasonal Appalachian ingredients. Fifteen years later, Cúrate has grown from a local favorite into one the country’s most nationally recognized independent restaurants, earning the James Beard Foundation’s Outstanding Hospitality Award in 2022 and recognition in the 2025 Michelin Guide.
“When we opened our doors 15 years ago, we had no idea where the journey would lead,” reflects Button. “I can say without hesitation that moving to Asheville was the best decision we ever made. The longevity of our restaurant and the opportunities it has created are thanks to this community we’re proud to call home. We’re excited for what comes next.”
As the restaurant marks this milestone, Cúrate’s brand now reaches beyond the original dining room, translating its deep relationships and signature Spanish hospitality into new realms. That momentum is taking shape through several key initiatives, including:
- Relaunch of Cúrate Travel: Button and Meana are returning with their guided culinary excursions through Spain and beyond, rooted in immersive, intentional experiences that offer a closer look at the people and places that continue to inspire the Cúrate brand.
- New Olivar Cúrate Harvest: A new olive oil harvest has arrived through Cúrate’s partnership in Oliete, Spain as part of its ‘Adopt an Olive Tree’ program, which invites participants to sponsor the restoration of abandoned olive groves while supporting rural employment and the preservation of traditional olive oil production.
- Cúrate Spanish Wine Club Now Shipping Nationwide: The subscription program, led by Wine Director Jessica Salyer, now delivers to members across the country, featuring exclusive and exceptional bottles sourced directly from vineyards throughout Spain and thoughtfully curated to showcase the depth and character of the country’s diverse wine regions.
- Continued Growth as an Event Venue: Button and Meana continue to expand private event opportunities at Cúrate’s dedicated venue, La Bodega, further extending the restaurant’s hospitality experiences.
Button’s growing national profile further reflects this broader moment for the brand. Button is currently appearing on CBS’s America’s Culinary Cup, a high-stakes national culinary competition featuring some of the country’s most decorated chefs, which premiered March 4. Her second cookbook, SPANISH ACCENT, which explores Spanish ingredients through an accessible, home-cooking lens, is set for release in Fall 2026.
“Cúrate was built on standards, relationships, meaningful experiences, and the belief that hospitality is about how you make people feel,” says Meana. “Reaching 15 years reflects that daily commitment. I’m proud that we’re still focused on doing things the right way—investing in our people and getting better at what we do every single day.”
The dedication from the Cúrate team has shaped the restaurant into a lasting part of the city’s fabric—rooted in tradition, sustained by community, and guided by a clear sense of purpose. As Button and Meana look ahead, their focus remains simple—continue evolving thoughtfully while staying true to the experience that first welcomed guests through their doors. The milestone will be marked with a special, one-night-only anniversary dinner on March 11. Additional details can be found HERE.
For additional information and to learn more visit curatetapasbar.com and KatieButton.com and follow along on @chefkatiebutton @felixmeana @curatetapasbar @curateathome @eventsbycurate.
