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By Sigourney Bell <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When Deborah VanTrece was cooking with her family and eating strictly African American soul food, she had no idea what those moments would become the foundation for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing up in Kansas City, her world was small. It wasn\u2019t until she worked as a flight attendant that her perspective truly began to grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She was essentially introduced to a whole new world – a culinary one that included spices and culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou know my favorite pastime even to this day when I travel outside of the United States is going to a grocery store. Heck, when I travel outside of Atlanta, it’s going to a grocery store or market.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meeting new people and eating at their tables was a highlight, but her heart always remembered what it was like cooking with her family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI started realizing that the idea of soul food goes beyond ingredients,\u201d said VanTrece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, the idea for Twisted Soul was planted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After culinary school and setbacks, the now Michelin-recommended restaurant serves sweet potato-apple chutney, collard greens rolls, BBQ duck, hoisin-glazed oxtails, and so much more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It’s an ode to VanTrece\u2019s travels but doesn\u2019t neglect the African American food that still remains close to her heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When combining the two, she said it’s \u201clike a memory coming together.\u201d Her hope is to show America how dynamic soul food can be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur food does not have to be stagnant,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
VanTrece is still in the kitchen creating new combos for the ever-changing menu. However, her focus is beginning to shift to mentorship. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kursten Berry said VanTrece has inspired her to pursue her love of curating cocktails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think one of the most important things she has taught me is to just keep going,\u201d Berry said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Berry works behind the bar at Twisted Soul and crafts drinks that combine flavors with storytelling. Though inspired by VanTrece, they both can have arguments during their shifts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But for mother-daughter duos, that’s typical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat lady right there – that would be my biggest personal success,\u201d said VanTrece. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
VanTrece serves as the chef and her daughter as the very critical taste tester.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Food and drinks have turned this part of Atlanta into a cultural hub where soul food goes abroad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI just want generations to understand the sacrifices that have been made so that they can be great and to take advantage of that,” said VanTrece. \u201cBe great.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"