Josh Thoma and James Beard-nominated chef, Tim McKee, owners of the esteemed La Belle Vie restaurant, wanted to bring a new concept to the Twin Cities. Inspired by the flavors and architecture of Spain, they came to Shea for help with design of an authentic tapas (small plates) restaurant.

The design, inspired by Spanish architect, Antonio Gaudi, incorporates various materials typical of his style. Broken mosaic glass and ceramic tile, colored art glass and wrought iron are used throughout. Flowing organic forms and curves define the space, from the large floating art glass light fixtures to the arched cherry wood front doors with wrought iron grille windows to the host stand that seems to sprout from the ground.

In 2003, Food & Wine magazine named it one of the World's Top Ten Restaurants, and Shea won the SADI Award from Retail Traffic magazine for design of the space.