Hartley Kitchen

With nearly three decades of experience, Mark Alba holds the position of Executive Chef at The Kimpton Shane Hotel. In this role, he oversees the gastronomic affairs of the hotel’s two dining outlets – Hartley Kitchen & Bar and Aveline – as well as in-room dining and banquets. Obsessed with fine ingredients and the ongoing evolution of cooking techniques, Alba approaches each dish with curiosity, working to emphasize fresh, local flavors and giving careful attention to every detail. Atlanta-born and Baton Rouge-raised, Alba discovered his love for cooking while helping his mother in the kitchen. He earned his degree in Criminal Justice at Louisiana State University, but ultimately couldn’t resist the call of the kitchen as he worked as a cook throughout his undergraduate years. Alba returned to Atlanta to study Culinary Arts at The Art Institute of Atlanta, graduating in 1998. Upon graduation, Alba steadily climbed the ladder of Atlanta’s dining scene, honing his skills as sous chef at Hotel Nikko Atlanta (now Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead) and James Beard Award-winning restaurant Canoe. Before joining The Shane, Alba served as executive chef for some of Atlanta’s most renowned restaurants, including 5Church, STK Steakhouse and C. Ellet’s Steakhouse. Additionally, he demonstrated his culinary prowess as executive chef of Legendary Events, orchestrating off-site catering for various private and semi-private events. Alba further enriched his culinary repertoire through stints at The St. Regis Atlanta, The Optimist and JCT. Kitchen & Bar. In his current role at The Shane, Alba is committed to elevating the hotel’s standing as a must-visit dining destination in Atlanta. As a true culinary artist, Alba dedicates his time to researching emerging trends, experimenting with new recipes and techniques and envisioning innovative ways to redefine guests’ expectations of hotel dining.