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Asante Restaurant in Atlanta: Coastal Soul Cuisine!

by Nadeen
August 4, 2016
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Have you ever heard of Coastal Soul Cuisine? Well Chef Marvin Woods has brought this to downtown Atlanta at Asante Restaurant. As per their website-this Atlanta restaurant blends cuisines from coastal regions around the World! Coastal Soul Cuisine pays homage to the effect the African Diaspora had on culinary techniques and flavors in the Southern United States, Cuba, South America and Europe. This is one of my many Atlanta restaurant reviews but with the influence from the African Diaspora on the menu it is also perfect for Black History Month! Before I tell you about Asante restaurant I thought I should introduced you to the Chef behind this unique restaurant.

Chef Marvin Woods of Asante Restaurant in Atlanta. Coastal Soul Cuisine!
Chef Marvin Woods of Asante Restaurant in Atlanta. Coastal Soul Cuisine!

Chef Marvin Woods: When I visited the website of Emmy Award-nominated Chef Marvin Woods 3 things popped out to me. 1) A quote from Oprah Winfrey “Chef Marvin Woods dishes are light, sophisticated, exotic”. 2) Chef Woods was the first chef invited by First Lady Michelle Obama to be a part of the “Let’s Move” cooking series where he teaches families how to prepare healthy budget meals. This is part of the popular and successful “Let’s Move Campaign”. 3) Chef Woods will be appearing as a judge on a new TV One show called “My Momma Throws Down” which is a competition show between two mothers! Hilarious concept! Chef Marvin Woods grew up in NJ (Yeah-Northern Jersey Girl here) and started cooking with his father at the age of 7. He attended culinary school after high school and has been in the business for over 30 years! He honed his skills at famous eateries including the former Windows of the World in NYC and Hollywood Prime in the Miami area. He traveled and worked in Europe as well where he earned his executive chef title. Back in NYC he worked at Café Beulah where he contributed to their “low-country” menu.

The interior design of Asante Restaurant in Atlanta.
The interior design of Asante Restaurant in Atlanta.

Low Country cuisine refers to the cooking style and flavors of the South Carolina and Georgia coasts. This cuisine is filled with seafood and has African and Caribbean influences. It wasn’t long before Chef Woods was appearing on Food Network , authoring his first book “The New Low-Country Cooking” and traveling to Miami where he opened his first restaurant. Chef Woods moved to Atlanta for his own show on the Turner network called “Home Plate” which inspired his second book “Home Plate Cooking”. And if all the above isn’t enough to impress you-Chef Woods does speaking engagements for the American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association. Chef Marvin Woods is often recognized by fans for not only his cooking but his signature bandana. Now onto his latest accomplishment-Asante!

Asante Restaurant in Atlanta. Coastal Soul Cuisine.
Asante Restaurant in Atlanta. Coastal Soul Cuisine.

The Food: So what is coastal soul cuisine? Here are just a few examples from the Asante menu. Appetizers of Asante spiced crispy okra, cashew cheese hot house tomato and pan seared Berebere spiced Manchester Farm Quail. Berebere is a spice mixture with chili peppers, garlic, ginger and basil and is a key ingredient in cuisines of Eritrea and Ethiopia. Salads of raw fermented cabbage and wilted kale with nueski bacon (applewood- smoked bacon) dressing with corn bread croutons. Entrees of creole braised yellowtail snapper, buttermilk soaked Poussin and Caribbean seafood sancocho ( a traditional soup or stew that can be found in Latin American countries and Haiti. Derived from “cocido”which is a traditional stew of meats and vegetables in Portugal and Spain.

Asante Restaurant in Atlanta. Side dishes of Fried Eggs and Vegetables. Coastal Soul Cuisine.
Asante Restaurant in Atlanta. Side dishes of Fried Eggs and Vegetables.

You will also find gluten free vegetables and dumplings, Springer Mountain chicken and dumplings, conch fritters, Puerto Rican style pork shoulder and Piri Piri Nigerian King prawns (Piri Piri is an African chili pepper). There are several sides of macaroni and cheese, maduros and Carolina gold rice. Desserts include warm bread pudding “sorghum” which is a sweetener from a grass and often referred to as molasses or “sorghum molasses”. Look for sweet potato crème brulee and carrot cake with caramel sauce! If you are wondering what I actual ate there here goes! We had the Low Country Shrimp N Grits which were served with blue corn grits and a broth filled with vegetables. It was different and delicious. I also enjoyed the Maryland style jumbo crab cakes served with scrambled eggs.

Shrimp and Grits at Asante Restaurant in Atlanta. Coastal Soul Cuisine.
Shrimp and Grits at Asante Restaurant in Atlanta.
Asante Restaurant in Atlanta. Scambled  Eggs and Crab Cakes.
Asante Restaurant in Atlanta. Scambled Eggs and Crab Cakes.

We were given a plate of sweet and white potatoes served under a fried egg. This was a side to one of our dishes although I am not sure which one. It didn’t matter since as with the other dishes it was all tasty. My absolute favorite was the short ribs which we chose to pair with collard greens and macaroni and cheese. The short ribs were tender and the collard greens bursting with flavor! Although at first look I was hesitant about the macaroni and cheese since I prefer mine to be more dense, the seasonings more than made up for it.

Asante Restaurant in Atlanta. Beef Short Ribs Collard Greens Mac and Cheese.
Asante Restaurant Beef Short Ribs Collard Greens Mac and Cheese

The Place: First, you may be wondering what “Asante means”. I asked this at the restaurant and was told it meant “Thankfulness or Gratitude” in Swahili. As mentioned above Asante is located in downtown Atlanta across from Centennial Park in the Lucky Marietta District. My first impression when walking in was “OMG-This place is so beautiful”. There are two levels with a winding staircase.

Interior decor at Asante restaurant in Atlanta!  By Chef Marvin Woods for Coastal Soul Cuisine.
Interior decor at Asante restaurant in Atlanta!

On the first floor you will find a long wooden bar, sophisticated seating areas, a chef’s table and a large wine collection. The second floor main dining room has cozy booths, colorful artwork everywhere by Haitian artist and a Chef at Asante. There are private and semi-private spaces including the “blue room” which are perfect for private dining and hosting events.

Beautiful Artwork at Asante Restaurant in Atlanta!
Beautiful Artwork at Asante Restaurant in Atlanta!
Asante Restaurant in Atlanta-the Blue Room
Asante Restaurant in Atlanta-the Blue Room

During warmer weather months enjoy the outdoor patio which can hold up to 65 guests and currently houses plants being grown by Aeroponics! Aeroponics uses air or a mist environment to grow plants without the use of soil. This restaurant has so many different areas for dining, lounging and enjoying cocktails that were all so exquisitely done! Our server gave us a tour of the facilities and prior to that the wine sommelier and the assistant General Manager Ellen Woods gave us information on the history of the restaurant, the art and upcoming events such as Monday nights “Flight School Wine Pairings”. At this event a 3 course food tasting is done accompanied by eclectic wines at the guidance of their wine sommeliers. (price is $85)  On their website you can make reservations, check on events AND shop for Chef Marvin Woods’ cookbooks and spices. Asante is open 7 days a week, Monday Thru Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturdays dinner only and on Sundays brunch is served all day from 11am to 8pm. 3 hour parking validation is available in the parking deck of Hilton Garden Inn at 275 Baker Street. It currently has 4 ½ stars on Yelp and 2 $$ signs! If you need to get familiar with my love for the Yelp App and its restaurant rankings be sure to read my “Best Brunch Restaurants in Atlanta” post!

Have you been to Asante Restaurant in Atlanta? Are you familiar with Chef Marvin Woods? If so share your thoughts with us below! For more restaurant reviews and recommendations in Atlanta visit my Food-Atlanta section on the website!

N.S.W.

 

 

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Tags: asante restaurantAtlanta restaurantscoastal soul cuisinemarvin woods
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Nadeen

Nadeen

Dr. Nadeen White is a "Blogger by Day, Physician by Night". She is an award-winning travel blogger, Amazon bestselling author and speaker. The Sophisticated Life Blog covers affordable luxury travel, culinary travel and wine. Her domestic and international travel guides gets people to the destinations of their dreams. So, if you are living the sophisticated life or desire to do so, this is the blog for you!

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Comments 3

  1. Keisha says:
    6 years ago

    Wow, I want to visit this restaurant. The food looks delicious!

    • Nadeen says:
      6 years ago

      Thanks Keisha! It is so stlish and the food is unique and delicious!

  2. ken Miller says:
    2 years ago

    I have never heard of coastal soul cuisine before.

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  • Let’s Normalize Getting Rest!!! 
Right @tomiko.harvey ?!!!
It’s OK to take a break once in awhile and give your body, your mind & your soul a break! I have to even remind myself of this! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
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That’s why my recent staycation @canopyatlantamidtown was so awesome. I actually put on pajamas and opened magazines for the first time in ages!! And their canopy bed was so comfy!!! 

If you are looking for staycation ideas in Atlanta or in your own neighborhood, head to the “latest blog posts” link in my profile and check out my post on Canopy Atlanta Midtown. @canopybyhilton has locations all across the US that cater to that local city 🌃 which is very cool!! Have you stayed at a Canopy 🏨?

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  • #WineWednesday What a beautiful sight! 🍷🍷🍷😍😍😋😋

Let’s talk about allyship for a sec. What does it mean to you? Have you seen true examples of this in the past year? I know this word has been overused and beaten into the ground since last year followed up by being a “performative ally”. But when I see someone making an effort and doing something to make a difference, it’s worth applauding. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

A fellow @oprahmagazine Insider told me about Master Sommelier @andrearobinsonms because she was awarding scholarships for her virtual “Great Wine Made Simple” course to women and BIPOC wine students & enthusiasts interested in furthering their wine studies. She thought I would be interested in applying. I did. Andrea reached out & asked me to take the class but play a supporting role based on my previous experience as a wine blogger, author & WSET Level 2 wine certification! I was honored. The class has been very informative interactive & fun! 

Andrea has picked stellar wine professionals as mentors for the scholarship students taking this course. They are from all different backgrounds & experiences across all niches in the wine industry. I am sure they are having an amazing experience!!!! This is what being an ally looks like. Using your privilege, connections, and experience to open doors and provide opportunities for others. The wine industry, like so many other industries, is lacking and needs more Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. So Thank You. 

Oh back to the pic. This was just 1 delivery 🚚 📦  for the course filled w wines from Italy, Spain & Germany! 😋😋😋 

 #wineblogger #wineandtravel #travelbloggerlife #winenot #winewithfriends #winewriter #blackcontentcreators #blackcontentcreator #womeninwine #blackwomeninwine #winewriter #winelover #oenophile #blacksinwine #buyblackwine #sommeliers #mastersommeliers
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Happy Monday Everyone! I’m trying to go into the week, the last week of Black History, with this mood and attitude! 👏🏽

You may have seen my post on National Women’s Physician Day that only 2% of all Physicians are Black women. We are truly unicorns and I stand proud to represent this profession and to make my ancestors proud 🩺 

So let me tell you what breaks my heart 💔. That after 25 years of being a M.D.-medical doctor and actually practicing medicine and seeing patients for 25 years!!!, I’m still constantly questioned by people who aren’t even in the science or medical field 🤔🤔
Could it be because I’m female? Black? Both? 😡🤬

Ever since this pandemic started I have been on top of it. My first blog post on COVID19 went viral and I appeared on @cnn I did countless webinars and podcasts informing and educating the public including the travel community. This year I published an article on the COVID19 vaccines 💉 and shared my experience receiving the vaccine on social media. But STILL when I simply comment on a thread on social media as a medical expert to correct misinformation I face backlash and MEAN comments! Even in predominantly Black travel groups. It’s exhausting. I had to take a break. I tried again today and the person deleted the thread. I’m at a loss. People do not want to be informed. I don’t get it. 

But I will hold my head up high. I went into this profession to serve. For those who are still having doubts about the vaccines 💉 please read my article-“7 Compelling Reasons to take a COVID19 Vaccine” which includes summaries of the vaccines & research studies. The link is in my profile. Happy to answer any questions. Stay safe everyone! 

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I’m celebrating Black winemakers this weekend by attending the first annual International Winemakers Summit being held by @urban_connoisseurs and @uncorkedandcultured 
👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

When I first started my blog over 6 years ago I always had a WINE section. I have also always supported and blogged about Black-owned wines and winemakers from @mcbridesisters @houseofmandela early on to 5 1/2 years ago when I had the pleasure of visiting the first Black-owned winery in Napa Valley @brownestate during my Bachelorette weekend 
A year later I stopped by @rideauvineyard in Santa Ynez Valley, had a blog post on a Black History month Black-owned wine tasting go viral, met Andre Hueston Mack of @maisonnoirwines here in Atlanta then did a road trip a few years ago to the PNW and stopped by @frichettewinery and @abbeycreekwine the first “hip hop winery” in the PNW. 

All of this inspired me to curate a list last year of over 45 Black-owned wineries, wine businesses, even podcasters..!! I also pursued & received my first wine certification last fall. WSET 2 with distinction 👏🏽👏🏽🍾🍾

It will be a pleasure to listen & learn from these trailblazers this weekend and be able to show continued support. Head to the link in my profile to read my blog post and to @urban_connoisseurs to register for the conference this weekend! 

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  • Since it’s #nationaldrinkwineday I thought I would share a few pics of one of my favorite wine 🍷 tours and wine areas that I visited in 2019. That was such an amazing year of travel!!! 

PORTO in Portugal 🇵🇹 was amazing! It’s the home of Port wine and even if you are not a fan or don’t think you are a fan of fortified  or sweeter wines you have to try them if you visit the area. They have all different styles including white port. 

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Taylor’s port is available in the US so you may have tried it. 

Have you been to Porto or tried port wine? 

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There is this constant rumor that goes around that Black Travel Bloggers are hard to find. NOT TRUE!!!! Travel brands and DMOs are heard saying that they can’t find any to work with. 🤔 
How hard are they looking?!! 

If you simply Google “Black Travel Bloggers” my blog post on “50+ Amazing Black Travel Bloggers You Should Follow” has been sitting at #1 for years and only recently at #2 due to another great post by @travelandleisure on Black Influencers. There are tons of blog posts on this topics on the web. 
PLUS...

Travel groups that have been around for years filled with talented travel content creators like @nomadnesstribe that has held several @audacityfest conferences with seminars & lectures featuring these content creators. Not to mention platforms like this one & Facebook & LinkedIn 
PLUS...

@theblacktravelalliance was formed last June that features Black travel content creators from all over the globe 🌎 in all different niches. Black travelers do everything-luxury, adventure, couples travel, budget travel, culinary travel..we are here to change the narrative and prove that Black Travel Content Creators are available to do anything and everything in this industry from writing & editing to TV hosting to photography to videography. 

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