Chef Deborah VanTrece Will Helm the New Centurion Lounge’s Menu | Eater Atlanta

"Opening February 14, the new Centurion Lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport will be the network’s largest location to date at nearly 26,000 square feet, located adjacent to gate E11 and featuring landscaped outdoor terraces that overlook the airfield. The space pairs a buffet-driven menu from 2023 James Beard Award semifinalist Deborah VanTrece (Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours; Oreatha’s At The Point; La Panarda) with a whiskey bar called The Reserve by American Express, wellness stations stocked with overnight oats, juices and smoothies, and a food-and-beverage station offering gluten-free and vegan options like protein bites, salads and “immunity booster” juice shots. VanTrece’s menu includes soulful, travel-inspired dishes such as black-eyed pea biryani (a hoppin’ John–inspired biryani), za’atar grilled chicken thighs with green tomato chimichurri, Twisted Soul salad with strawberry peppercorn vinaigrette, collard green rolls made with smoked turkey, and morning pimento cheese grits served with local chicken sausage. Emphasizing fresh ingredients, the lounge will use a buffet format that puts out smaller batches and replenishes them often—many items served in cast-iron on the buffet to preserve flavor and avoid dried-out pans—an approach VanTrece, a former flight attendant, says reflects her broad culinary influences and a deliberate shift in airport cuisine. Access is free for American Express U.S. Platinum and U.S. Business Platinum cardholders; other visitors will be charged $50 (or $30 for ages 2–17), with cardholders eligible for free guest passes under certain restrictions." - Sarra Sedghi