Twisted Soul, a new Southern restaurant “with a twist” opening in the old MARBAR space along East Howard Ave, has announced its opening date and shared its MENU.  Here’s the official press release…

Chef and caterer Deborah VanTrece has taken over the Decatur space previously home to Marbar. Chef Deborah is focused on reviving a soul food concept from the late 1990s called Edible Art.

The restaurant is Southern based, with a soulful twist — a little different than the farm-to-table Southern fusion. She will be working with local farmers and offer seasonal menus. Items will include cocoa-crusted rack of lamb with sweet potato pone and spoonbread, shrimp and crab fritters, seafood macaroni, barbecue chicken spring rolls, and of course her award winning southern fried chicken. At the bar, the focus will be on Southern spirits such as bourbon along with unique moonshine infused signature cocktails, pecan and sweet potato vodkas. There will be a sweet potato martini, white whiskey cobbler, and a Georgia sunrise. Local craft beers will also be available on draft and bottle. Child, vegetarian and gluten free offerings will also be served.

VanTrece will lead the kitchen, supported by select staff members who have been working with her since she opened Edible Art in 1998. It closed in 2002 due to a change in building management. As a very hands-on chef, she knows her vision and wants to be there to fulfill it and believes that top-notch customer service is key.

The majority of the décor – such as the rustic tables and chairs will remain intact, with both dining room, bar and outdoor patio. “I love the feel. It’s very neutral, casual, comfortable, urban-chic atmosphere,” VanTrece says.

Twisted Soul Kitchen + Bar will be open to the public for dinner service starting December 3rd, 2014, located at 314 East Howard Avenue, 30030. In celebration of our opening week, they’ll be toasting their patrons with a glass of wine on the house, December 3rd – 7th.
For information, visit twistedsoulkitchenandbar.com or facebook.com/twistedsoulsouthernfusion.

From a sort of buried AJC blurb a week or so ago…

Recently shuttered Marbar Beachside Cantina in Decatur has a new owner and a new concept. Deborah VanTrece, executive chef/owner of the Catering Company by VanTrece, is set to take over the troubled Mexican restaurant, which reopened in May after a five-month hiatus then closed again in late October, and replace it with an eatery called Twisted Soul. “I have been working on this for some time, since I closed my restaurant, Edible Art Cafe in East Atlanta,” VanTrece said. “I am so excited to bring my Southern flair to the Decatur area.”

Steve sends in this pic of a new sign in the window of the recently shuttered Marbar along East Howard Avenue.

Seems like the rumor that it may reopen – reported by the AJC – may be true.

From the folks at the soon-to-be-open MARBAR…

Can’t get away to the beach? Come to MARBAR – we’ll make you feel as if you’re relaxing on the beach. No stuffiness here: put on your shorts and flip-flops, and enjoy a casual menu that offers an array of flavorful dishes – coastal tacos + tostadas, cebiche, gallega octopus, tuna tartar, mussels, calamari, tequila shrimp, chamorro, soups + salads…not to mention daily homemade tortillas.

MARBAR offers an extensive tequila list and coastal specialty drinks such as margaritas, mojitos and micheladas, as well as diverse wine and beer lists. Our weekday lunches are perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal, with daily specials under $10 and easy parking.

Modern yet rustic, MAR offers an airy, casual and relaxed environment with indoor dining and a spacious outdoor patio. Atlantans of all ages can come together, unwind and enjoy a little bit of the coast in the city. Soccer fan?
There’s no better place to watch world soccer with a bucket of beer and a tostada. Be ready to join us for World Cup 2014, starting June 12 direct from Brazil.

Alison Lueker Ritter, Owner and Executive Chef of Sun in my Belly, has joined MARBAR to offer her culinary expertise, management and attention to detail. Lueker brings a new style and flair to the dishes you know and love at MARBAR, and adds her New Mexican touch with new items such as mussels borracho, ancho chile seared tuna steak, and watermelon-chihuahua salad with black pepper-serrano vinaigrette. Created by international restaurateur, Humberto Bermudez, MARBAR is an extension of his restaurants in Barcelona and Queretaro, Mexico. It is a unique restaurant and tequila tasting room located in Decatur, Ga.

The reopening of MARBAR is planned for May 21, 2014 at 314 East Howard Avenue, Decatur, GA 30030.  MARBAR will be open for lunch and dinner service.

Since it closed over the winter holidays, folks have been wondering what would become of MAR Coastal Mexican restaurant, which opened last year along East Howard Avenue.

Now as May arrives there are new signs of life in the space and [as J_T points out here] the restaurant’s Facebook page reads…

here we go again….get ready for MARBAR opening mid May! cheers to that!

Photo courtesy of MAR’s Facebook page