About Chef VanTrece

Chef Deborah VanTrece is a culinary powerhouse and trailblazer who has redefined the soul food narrative by blending rich Soul Food traditions with global influences over her 30-year career. With her signature style of modern, global soul food, she has created a legacy that goes beyond the kitchen, bridging cultures and crafting dishes that tell stories of the world through food.

Her culinary journey began in 1994 when she graduated as valedictorian of her class at the Art Institute’s culinary program. From there, she quickly rose to prominence, serving as Executive Chef for a catering company during the 1996 Centennial Olympics in Atlanta. It was here that her talents shone on a global stage, as she catered to foreign dignitaries and international executives, earning acclaim for her mastery of bold, globally inspired flavors.

In 1998, Chef VanTrece opened Edible Art, a groundbreaking restaurant and catering business that became an East Atlanta staple. Her thoughtful take on soul food, infused with artistry and heart, helped put the neighborhood on the map as a cultural and culinary hub. Building on that success, she launched Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours in 2014, which quickly became one of Atlanta’s most celebrated dining destinations. Twisted Soul has been featured on the Cooking Channel’s Late Nite Eats, Genius Kitchen’s Carnivorous, and earned a spot in the 2023 and 2024 Michelin Guide, solidifying its place among the nation’s top restaurants.

Chef VanTrece’s influence doesn’t stop there. She is the visionary behind the culinary program at the Centurion Lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport—the first of its kind in Atlanta. This partnership underscores her ability to elevate dining experiences in unexpected spaces.

In 2024, Chef VanTrece also debuted Global Soul Kitchen on the FYI Network, a captivating series where she delves into the cultural and historical connections behind her dishes. Through this platform, she invites viewers into her world, celebrating the soul food traditions of diverse cultures and inspiring audiences to see food as a bridge to understanding.

As founder of the VanTrece Hospitality Group, which includes Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours, Oreatha’s at The Point, and The Catering Company by VanTrece, she has built an empire rooted in creativity, inclusivity, and excellence. Her catering clients include Mercedes-Benz of Buckhead, Fulton County Government, and the Bureau of Cultural Affairs, further cementing her reputation as a trusted culinary leader.

Chef VanTrece’s talents have been celebrated at the James Beard House and in the American Cuisine Cookbook, and her achievements have earned her features in The New York Times, Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Garden & Gun, among many others. She has been named one of Zagat’s Most Badass Female Chefs in the U.S. and was awarded the Atlanta Business League’s Super Tuesday Conference Award for Creative Style.

An advocate for diversity, inclusion, and sustainability, Chef VanTrece is deeply committed to mentoring young chefs, promoting African American and female representation in the culinary industry, and championing sustainable farming practices. Her impact extends far beyond her award-winning dishes; it’s felt in her dedication to the community and her ability to create spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and inspired.

As a best-selling author of The Twisted Soul Cookbook: Modern Soul Food with Global Flavors, Chef VanTrece continues to elevate the soul food tradition to new heights. Currently, she is working on a follow-up to her 2021 release, further solidifying her place as one of the most innovative and influential voices in American cuisine.

Chef VanTrece’s philosophy is simple yet profound: food is a universal language that connects us all. Through her visionary leadership, culinary artistry, and steadfast passion, she invites the world to experience the soulful magic of her creations, redefining what it means to feed the body, mind, and soul.