Katie Button is a five-time James Beard Foundation award nominated chef, cookbook author, media personality, and founder of Asheville-based Cúrate, a collection of restaurants, online marketplace, wine club and culinary journeys designed to connect people with the Spanish experience.
Katie earned a Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, but her passion for food and travel ultimately guided her towards a career in the food world after being immersed in the industry at a young age. She honed her craft in the kitchens of some of the world’s best chefs, most notably Ferran Adrià and José Andrés, before finding her own success with her restaurant group, Button Meana Group, and Cúrate lifestyle brands.
Today, Button Meana Group houses Katie Button Media and Magnolia Network’s From The Source, a series exploring the origins and stories behind different ingredients, as well as the Cúrate brands – Katie’s bread and butter. This includes Cúrate Trips, Cúrate at Home and Cúrate Wine Club, as well as two restaurants, La Bodega by Cúrate and Cúrate Bar de Tapas, which won the James Beard Foundation Outstanding Hospitality award in 2022. In 2016, Katie extended the Cúrate brand to a new medium, releasing her first cookbook, Cúrate: Authentic Spanish Food from an American Kitchen.
Katie continues to challenge the industry standard, steadily building comprehensive benefits to create a sustainable work environment for her living wage-certified restaurant group.
I am so excited to announce an unforgettable @curatetapasbar @avlbeerweek Pintxo Party in partnership with my longtime friends Jess Reiser of @burialbeer and Jael Skeffington of @frenchbroadchocolate . Join us on May 22nd in the @eventsbycurate La Bodega Event Space for “Sips, Sweets, and Spanish Treats” : a night of laughter, beer and delicious bites!
It’s pretty special when you find friends who support you from all sides in your individual journeys in life. I feel incredibly lucky to have found both Jess and Jael in that capacity, and to celebrate the power our friendship has had to influence our lives personally, creatively and professionally. This cocktail-style party will feature an endless overflow of pintxos from me and Cúrate ‘s Chef James Jeffries, beer pairings from Burial, and exclusive sweet treats from French Broad and Cúrate Pastry Chef Andrew Buie. Pintxos, beer, and chocolate: three things that pair so well together!
Ticket upgrades are available for you to drop in early for a pre-event VIP meet & greet with me, Jael and Jess, and you also have the opportunity at checkout to purchase a limited-edition merchandise package with items from @curateathome , Burial, and French Broad.
Grab a friend and join us for an evening focused on the celebration, support and richness that friendship brings to our lives! Tickets are available on Resy through the link in our bio.
📷 courtesy of @luxehousephotographic
I am so excited to announce an unforgettable @curatetapasbar @avlbeerweek Pintxo Party in partnership with my longtime friends Jess Reiser of @burialbeer and Jael Skeffington of @frenchbroadchocolate . Join us on May 22nd in the @eventsbycurate La Bodega Event Space for “Sips, Sweets, and Spanish Treats” : a night of laughter, beer and delicious bites!
It’s pretty special when you find friends who support you from all sides in your individual journeys in life. I feel incredibly lucky to have found both Jess and Jael in that capacity, and to celebrate the power our friendship has had to influence our lives personally, creatively and professionally. This cocktail-style party will feature an endless overflow of pintxos from me and Cúrate ‘s Chef James Jeffries, beer pairings from Burial, and exclusive sweet treats from French Broad and Cúrate Pastry Chef Andrew Buie. Pintxos, beer, and chocolate: three things that pair so well together!
Ticket upgrades are available for you to drop in early for a pre-event VIP meet & greet with me, Jael and Jess, and you also have the opportunity at checkout to purchase a limited-edition merchandise package with items from @curateathome , Burial, and French Broad.
Grab a friend and join us for an evening focused on the celebration, support and richness that friendship brings to our lives! Tickets are available on Resy through the link in our bio.
📷 courtesy of @luxehousephotographic
I went for a run in my neighborhood yesterday and got a little teary eyed as I noticed the beautiful spring flowers, budding trees, and green grass blurring the remaining evidence of hurricane Helene from view. Spring feels so good around Asheville and Western North Carolina, we have needed these longer days, bright sunshine, gorgeous rain, and the renewal of the land that comes with it so badly. Today is another beautiful day and my heart is full. ❤️
I went for a run in my neighborhood yesterday and got a little teary eyed as I noticed the beautiful spring flowers, budding trees, and green grass blurring the remaining evidence of hurricane Helene from view. Spring feels so good around Asheville and Western North Carolina, we have needed these longer days, bright sunshine, gorgeous rain, and the renewal of the land that comes with it so badly. Today is another beautiful day and my heart is full. ❤️
When I heard the news last Thursday evening of chef Brian Canipelli’s passing it was a huge shock to me. He was taken so suddenly and abruptly that it has been difficult to process what I want to share about him. Yes, Brian was an incredible chef, one of the best I have ever known. His two restaurants (@cucina24restaurant and @contrada_avl ) were two of my favorite spots to go when I needed to feel taken care of. But his talents as a chef aren’t the things that will stick with me, or the thing that I keep thinking about since he passed. It’s how he made me feel when I was around him. Brian was incredibly kind and generous to me. Years ago in February of 2020, I celebrated my birthday in Contrada with a few friends. Brian personally cooked that meal and took care of us and spent the evening with us. At one point, he came up to me, put his hands on both of my shoulders, looked me straight in the eye and said, “Katie, I want you to know that I see you, and everything you have done for this community, and I just wanted you to know that.” It was a moment that absolutely took my breath away. Now, thinking about it, it brings tears to my eyes. He gave gifts like that to the people around him every single day. Years later, when I turned 40, he came to my home to once again cook my birthday dinner for me, this is a photo from that birthday and while it isn’t the best photo of the two of us, the moment we are having in the kitchen is special because I was telling him how grateful I was that he was there, that I know how precious time is, and the fact that he would give any of it to me, was an honor. His passing has me thinking about how I want to show up for the people that cross my path in life, that our true gifts are being able to let those around us know that we see them for who they are and their positive impact on the world around them. I will carry that with me for the rest of my life. Sending my love, care, and memories to Brian’s family, his children, Kat, the team at Cucina 24 and Contrada, and everyone who is aching from the loss of someone who touched their life as much as Brian did.
When I heard the news last Thursday evening of chef Brian Canipelli’s passing it was a huge shock to me. He was taken so suddenly and abruptly that it has been difficult to process what I want to share about him. Yes, Brian was an incredible chef, one of the best I have ever known. His two restaurants (@cucina24restaurant and @contrada_avl ) were two of my favorite spots to go when I needed to feel taken care of. But his talents as a chef aren’t the things that will stick with me, or the thing that I keep thinking about since he passed. It’s how he made me feel when I was around him. Brian was incredibly kind and generous to me. Years ago in February of 2020, I celebrated my birthday in Contrada with a few friends. Brian personally cooked that meal and took care of us and spent the evening with us. At one point, he came up to me, put his hands on both of my shoulders, looked me straight in the eye and said, “Katie, I want you to know that I see you, and everything you have done for this community, and I just wanted you to know that.” It was a moment that absolutely took my breath away. Now, thinking about it, it brings tears to my eyes. He gave gifts like that to the people around him every single day. Years later, when I turned 40, he came to my home to once again cook my birthday dinner for me, this is a photo from that birthday and while it isn’t the best photo of the two of us, the moment we are having in the kitchen is special because I was telling him how grateful I was that he was there, that I know how precious time is, and the fact that he would give any of it to me, was an honor. His passing has me thinking about how I want to show up for the people that cross my path in life, that our true gifts are being able to let those around us know that we see them for who they are and their positive impact on the world around them. I will carry that with me for the rest of my life. Sending my love, care, and memories to Brian’s family, his children, Kat, the team at Cucina 24 and Contrada, and everyone who is aching from the loss of someone who touched their life as much as Brian did.
I don`t know why, but lately I have been craving steak. Many people think about steak as a summer grilling activity, but for me when the days get shorter and colder it seems I crave it most of all.
... And apparently I`m not the only one with steak on the brain these days! Sharing a couple articles with you that came out recently where I contributed some info about one of my favorite hearty winter proteins.
Food & Wine shared a great compilation of steak recipes from a variety of accomplished chefs in their article highlighting “34 Steak Dinner Recipes from Filet Mignon to Rib-Eye” this week. I was happy to share a recipe for a great Hanger Steak, which includes a few secrets to preparing one of my favorite Cúrate sauces at home: our delicious seasonal romesco. (You can also find a variation on this romesco in the Cúrate cookbook.)
Additionally, Southern Living came out with a piece this week all about Flank Steak, which is conveniently one of my favorite steak cuts when prepared correctly. This lean cut is great when grilled or braised, the latter of which is a comforting option to enjoy with your favorite starch on a chilly day.
I have linked these two articles in my bio if you want to check them out!
I don`t know why, but lately I have been craving steak. Many people think about steak as a summer grilling activity, but for me when the days get shorter and colder it seems I crave it most of all.
... And apparently I`m not the only one with steak on the brain these days! Sharing a couple articles with you that came out recently where I contributed some info about one of my favorite hearty winter proteins.
Food & Wine shared a great compilation of steak recipes from a variety of accomplished chefs in their article highlighting “34 Steak Dinner Recipes from Filet Mignon to Rib-Eye” this week. I was happy to share a recipe for a great Hanger Steak, which includes a few secrets to preparing one of my favorite Cúrate sauces at home: our delicious seasonal romesco. (You can also find a variation on this romesco in the Cúrate cookbook.)
Additionally, Southern Living came out with a piece this week all about Flank Steak, which is conveniently one of my favorite steak cuts when prepared correctly. This lean cut is great when grilled or braised, the latter of which is a comforting option to enjoy with your favorite starch on a chilly day.
I have linked these two articles in my bio if you want to check them out!
Watching the news and articles roll in about the devastation in California hits a little differently for me now. I can feel the fear, uncertainty, and grief that they are going through and my heart aches. I read this @latimes article and then the @eater one about how restaurants are stepping up to help out their communities and yes it is inspiring, and it’s why I love this industry so deeply and am also so fearful for its future. Restaurants are often one of the first to respond in a disaster, you don’t get into the hospitality industry as a career unless you love the feeling of feeding people. And making meals for the community gives you a sense of purpose, something to do to take your mind off of the future uncertain and tough decisions to come. But after the fires are extinguished after the breadth of the disaster has been realized, when it’s time to begin the rebuild, who will be there to support these businesses and ensure that their fate doesn’t become permanent closure? The biggest lesson I have learned after Helene is that our country our government does not have a support system set up for these small independent restaurant businesses. When the insurance companies come back with the inevitable denials, there is no economic support for these businesses, and this I find to be completely outrageous. The economic ripple effect of losing one restaurant is enormous. Because they are low profit margin businesses, every dollar that typically comes in their front door, goes right back out into their communities, to pay their local workers, farmers, and suppliers. When there is no money coming in the door, the downstream losses that the hospitality workforce and local farmers and suppliers of these restaurants feel is catastrophic and it becomes a giant snowball of economic struggles and business closures. We as a country NEED to solve this failure. The fate of our communities depends upon it.
Watching the news and articles roll in about the devastation in California hits a little differently for me now. I can feel the fear, uncertainty, and grief that they are going through and my heart aches. I read this @latimes article and then the @eater one about how restaurants are stepping up to help out their communities and yes it is inspiring, and it’s why I love this industry so deeply and am also so fearful for its future. Restaurants are often one of the first to respond in a disaster, you don’t get into the hospitality industry as a career unless you love the feeling of feeding people. And making meals for the community gives you a sense of purpose, something to do to take your mind off of the future uncertain and tough decisions to come. But after the fires are extinguished after the breadth of the disaster has been realized, when it’s time to begin the rebuild, who will be there to support these businesses and ensure that their fate doesn’t become permanent closure? The biggest lesson I have learned after Helene is that our country our government does not have a support system set up for these small independent restaurant businesses. When the insurance companies come back with the inevitable denials, there is no economic support for these businesses, and this I find to be completely outrageous. The economic ripple effect of losing one restaurant is enormous. Because they are low profit margin businesses, every dollar that typically comes in their front door, goes right back out into their communities, to pay their local workers, farmers, and suppliers. When there is no money coming in the door, the downstream losses that the hospitality workforce and local farmers and suppliers of these restaurants feel is catastrophic and it becomes a giant snowball of economic struggles and business closures. We as a country NEED to solve this failure. The fate of our communities depends upon it.
To Our Friends, Family and Community Members:
Thanksgiving is one of our absolute favorite holidays because it signifies togetherness, community, and gratitude. This year, more than ever, giving thanks feels extra heavy and beautiful. There is so much to be thankful for.
As you all know, Asheville and Western North Carolina are still recovering from the tragic aftermath of Hurricane Helene, and it is so hard to wrap our heads around the devastation. It still feels surreal. Lives were lost, families and friends displaced, neighborhoods destroyed, and we as a community are still grieving it all.
Despite this darkness, however, over the past two months we have witnessed beauty, resilience, community, love and care in a way that we have never experienced before. While our hearts still ache for what has happened here, we are grateful for these glittering moments that have filled our hearts with joy and hope.
We are so thankful for Asheville and Western North Carolina, our home: a place of endless natural beauty and rolling mountains and rivers - a vibrant hub of creative makers and artisans. We are grieving the change, loss and devastation that we are facing and still have yet to fully realize, but are so grateful that our collective identities here are firmly rooted in a shared appreciation for nature, and pursuit of a life full of love and passion. There is no doubt that Asheville and WNC will persevere.
It is truly impossible to put together an inclusive list of all the individuals and organizations that we are thankful for, today, simply because of the sheer volume of people that have taken action following the storm. Therefore, we want to send a gigantic thank you to our entire community - thank you for stepping up to help your neighbors and for being a part of this wonderful place we get to call home.
We can and will rebuild together.
With Gratitude,
Katie, Felix and the Cúrate Team
To Our Friends, Family and Community Members:
Thanksgiving is one of our absolute favorite holidays because it signifies togetherness, community, and gratitude. This year, more than ever, giving thanks feels extra heavy and beautiful. There is so much to be thankful for.
As you all know, Asheville and Western North Carolina are still recovering from the tragic aftermath of Hurricane Helene, and it is so hard to wrap our heads around the devastation. It still feels surreal. Lives were lost, families and friends displaced, neighborhoods destroyed, and we as a community are still grieving it all.
Despite this darkness, however, over the past two months we have witnessed beauty, resilience, community, love and care in a way that we have never experienced before. While our hearts still ache for what has happened here, we are grateful for these glittering moments that have filled our hearts with joy and hope.
We are so thankful for Asheville and Western North Carolina, our home: a place of endless natural beauty and rolling mountains and rivers - a vibrant hub of creative makers and artisans. We are grieving the change, loss and devastation that we are facing and still have yet to fully realize, but are so grateful that our collective identities here are firmly rooted in a shared appreciation for nature, and pursuit of a life full of love and passion. There is no doubt that Asheville and WNC will persevere.
It is truly impossible to put together an inclusive list of all the individuals and organizations that we are thankful for, today, simply because of the sheer volume of people that have taken action following the storm. Therefore, we want to send a gigantic thank you to our entire community - thank you for stepping up to help your neighbors and for being a part of this wonderful place we get to call home.
We can and will rebuild together.
With Gratitude,
Katie, Felix and the Cúrate Team
Almost exactly a year ago, I was at the White House cooking the State Dinner for @flotus and on Friday she came to Asheville to better understand the situation and how the people of Western North Carolina are coming together in support of one another. It was so wonderful and surreal to see her in our community…our community is hurting and in need and the road to recovery will take longer than I can even wrap my head around.
@flotus thank you for the visit, please take what you learned to advocate for continued support of Western North Carolina, the people here, our small businesses and incredible makers need you!
Almost exactly a year ago, I was at the White House cooking the State Dinner for @flotus and on Friday she came to Asheville to better understand the situation and how the people of Western North Carolina are coming together in support of one another. It was so wonderful and surreal to see her in our community…our community is hurting and in need and the road to recovery will take longer than I can even wrap my head around.
@flotus thank you for the visit, please take what you learned to advocate for continued support of Western North Carolina, the people here, our small businesses and incredible makers need you!
The catastrophe and devastation in our area is beyond words. And even that is an understatement. I took a moment, yesterday - between strongly worded discussions with my insurance company - to reflect on where we are and my concern for how this situation will impact our food and beverage community, which makes up roughly 12.2% of Asheville’s workforce.
If you have the means to donate, I have included links in my bio for the @NCRLA NC Hospitality Worker Relief Fund , @southernsmokefoundation donation page, and the @wckitchen Hurricane Helene donation link.
We have been told it will be weeks until water is restored, which will continue to affect all aspects of everyone’s lives. And a consequence of this is that there is no way for restaurants to operate without access to water, both potable and nonpotable. Restaurants and the hospitality workforce are uniquely impacted by this situation, in additional to already suffering these same difficulties at home.
We are grateful that World Central Kitchen stepped in so quickly to help Cúrate and La Bodega by Cúrate operate in some capacity. WCK began shipping water and supplies to us to be used for meal distribution through their organization. These meals have been passed out to members of our community, air dropped into locations that are completely isolated, and delivered despite terrain barriers to those without the means to seek food and water.
It feels good and is a relief to at least be productive and have the means to do something for my community. Thanks for listening and keeping our community in our thoughts, and PLEASE donate if you are able.
The catastrophe and devastation in our area is beyond words. And even that is an understatement. I took a moment, yesterday - between strongly worded discussions with my insurance company - to reflect on where we are and my concern for how this situation will impact our food and beverage community, which makes up roughly 12.2% of Asheville’s workforce.
If you have the means to donate, I have included links in my bio for the @NCRLA NC Hospitality Worker Relief Fund , @southernsmokefoundation donation page, and the @wckitchen Hurricane Helene donation link.
We have been told it will be weeks until water is restored, which will continue to affect all aspects of everyone’s lives. And a consequence of this is that there is no way for restaurants to operate without access to water, both potable and nonpotable. Restaurants and the hospitality workforce are uniquely impacted by this situation, in additional to already suffering these same difficulties at home.
We are grateful that World Central Kitchen stepped in so quickly to help Cúrate and La Bodega by Cúrate operate in some capacity. WCK began shipping water and supplies to us to be used for meal distribution through their organization. These meals have been passed out to members of our community, air dropped into locations that are completely isolated, and delivered despite terrain barriers to those without the means to seek food and water.
It feels good and is a relief to at least be productive and have the means to do something for my community. Thanks for listening and keeping our community in our thoughts, and PLEASE donate if you are able.
