Chef Deborah VanTrece Redefines Soul Food
Michelin-recognized Chef Deborah VanTrece continues transforming American cuisine through her Atlanta restaurants and FYI Network show 'Global Soul Kitchen.' Her philosophy uses comfort food as a universal connector to bridge cultures and tell stories.
Long before her culinary career, Chef Deborah VanTrece spent 25 years as a flight attendant for American Airlines, a globetrotting experience that profoundly influenced her signature "global soul food" style. Her travels to Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia exposed her to a world of flavors she now incorporates into traditional Southern dishes. VanTrece's formal culinary journey began in 1994 when she graduated as valedictorian from the Art Institute of Atlanta's culinary program. She quickly made a name for herself as the Executive Chef during the 1996 Centennial Olympics in Atlanta, where she catered for foreign dignitaries and international executives. Her first restaurant, Edible Art, opened in East Atlanta and was instrumental in establishing the neighborhood as a cultural hub. Today, her VanTrece Hospitality Group includes the acclaimed Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours, which first opened in 2014, and Oreatha's at The Point, a concept that opened in April 2022 to honor maternal cooking from around the world. Beyond her restaurants, VanTrece is a James Beard Award nominee and the author of "The Twisted Soul Cookbook: Modern Soul Food with Global Flavors." She also serves as the curating chef for the American Express Centurion Lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. A vocal advocate for social justice and diversity within the culinary industry, VanTrece is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and actively mentors young chefs of color. Her work aims to bring recognition to the influence of the African Diaspora on contemporary American cuisine.
