Barcelona Wine Bar has hired Nicolas Daniels as its executive chef. The restaurant will be in South End’s Design Center, and according to a Charlotte Business Journal story, will open by the end of the year. The Design Center is located at the intersection of Tremont and Camden avenues.

Daniels most recently worked as the opening chef at Loft & Cellar. His menu there was a standout, with dishes inspired by global cuisines, though the service wasn’t as smooth. The two-floored concept near Romare Bearden Park, with fine dining downstairs and a bar/lounge upstairs, seemed to create an uneven identity that confused diners. Loft & Cellar’s menu is now done by chef Greg Collier, who serves dishes that fit with the vibes of both levels of the restaurant. Daniels was also previously executive chef at The Wooden Vine in Uptown.

Barcelona Wine Bar’s cuisine centers on tapas-style dining and Mediterranean, Spanish, and Southern American dishes. Daniels was born in Chile, so he seems like a natural fit for the position. Daniels’ empanadas, which he served at Loft & Cellar, are the best I’ve had in Charlotte in a long time. As the name suggests, the concept also focuses heavily on wine.

There are already Barcelona Wine Bar locations in seven states and Washington, D.C., not counting the upcoming North Carolina location. We hope to talk to Chef Nick soon about the restaurant and its menu. —Kristen Wile

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