(PRESS RELEASE) Pamplona Tapas Bar, a Spanish-inspired restaurant and bar in Lafayette, announced that executive chef Kris Allen will be a partner in the restaurant alongside general manager and co-owner Andrew Payne. Allen has been with Pamplona for more than four years and has shown the determination and knowledge necessary to be where he is today.
"Kris Allen’s expertise and vision as our executive chef will benefit the restaurant with him as a partner from many fronts," said Payne. "He has been highly involved in every aspect, but, of course, with detail to creating dishes that truly reflect what Pamplona represents. We are fortunate to have Allen on the team."
Allen was born in southern Louisiana and has been passionate about cooking since he was a young boy. After bringing true southern cuisine to places across the nation, such as Big Sky, Montana, and Chicago, Illinois, he returned to Lafayette with his family in 2013. Allen won first place for best gumbo at the Black Pot Festival and Cook-off in 2017 and recently competed alongside Louisiana’s top-tier seafood chefs at the Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off.
"Becoming a partner inspires me to be even more creative and continue pushing the envelope by matching local ingredients to the flavors of Spain. Pamplona Tapas Bar is an escape from the norm and unique in Cajun country. I’m honored to be given this opportunity and look forward to what is to come," said Allen.
Allen plans to continue to strengthen the development and expansion of the restaurant, as well as his involvement within the culinary industry.
Pamplona Tapas Bar first opened in December of 2007. The restaurant and specialty bar is located at 631 Jefferson Street and combines traditional Spanish dishes with cultural tastes.
