Eater reports that Twisted Soul Kitchen + Bar will close on December 30th after they were unable to agree on a new lease for their East Howard Avenue location. But there’s still hope!

[Owner Deborah] VanTrece and her team are looking to open elsewhere in Decatur, but will consider the rest of the Atlanta area, as well. In the meantime, the chef will continue to offer catering, work with charitable causes, and appear at food-focused events around the city.

“We have an amazing group of supporters and regulars at Twisted Soul and love the city of Decatur,” VanTrece said in a prepared statement. “Changing locations is a good way for us to take a step back, evaluate things and improve on the next version of Twisted Soul. We plan to continue building the relationships that have made our year here feel so rewarding, and to grow in every way so that we can nourish our customers and the community.”

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.”