Taberna Del Alabardero Welcomes New Executive Chef Dani Arana

Taberna del Alabardero General Manager Paco Pena announced the appointment of the restaurant's new Executive Chef Dani Arana. He graduate from the Culinary School of Seville, which is owned and operated by Grupo Lezama, Taberna del Alabardero's parent company. Arana honed his skills at Grupo Lezama's Michelin starred Caf� de Oriente, considered one of the best fine dining restaurants in Madrid, before assuming the top position at Taberna del Alabardero. Chef Arana most recently served as sous chef at Taberna from January 2006 through November 2007, during which time the restaurant garnered acclaim from The Washington Post and Washingtonian Magazine.

In his new role as executive chef, Arana will continue the restaurant's mission of bringing the best of Spain's distinctive, traditional fare to its guests and community. This spring, he will introduce patrons to a new menu featuring his take on classic Spanish cuisine with a contemporary presentation. "I don't want to change the cuisine too much," said Arana. "Guests, especially our regulars, have grown to love the classical Spanish cuisine that we prepare, so I will keep a similar style, just tweak it a bit." He will continue to fly in many of the top-notch ingredients from Spain and complement them with locally grown, seasonal produce.

Arana, who grew up in Huelva, Spain, started cooking for his family at a very young age. Both his parents worked, so he was responsible for preparing the family dinners. Arana's mother inspired him to become a chef and after high school he started his culinary career at the Culinary School of Seville. After graduating in 2003, Arana took the position as sous chef at Caf� de Oriente and remained there until he was offered the sous chef position at Taberna del Alabardero two years ago.

Taberna del Alabardero, now celebrating its 19th anniversary, has been designated by the Spanish Government as the "Best Spanish restaurant outside of Spain," and received recognition as one of the best restaurants in the country by Washingtonian magazine, Gourmet magazine, The New York Times and Cond� Nast Traveler. Taberna del Alabardero is located at 1776 "Eye" Street, NW, in Washington, D.C., with an entrance on 18th Street. Reservations can be made by calling 202-429-2200. For more information, please visit www.alabardero.com.