Chef Deborah VanTrece has opened Serenidad, her second restaurant in the historic Cascade Heights neighborhood, at 2317 Cascade Road SW, and third Atlanta restaurant overall, according to a press release this week.
Serenidad joins Cascade Heights’ Oreatha’s at The Point and Chef VanTrece’s restaurant Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours which sits in West Midtown.
Helmed by Executive Chef and Partner Chef Whitney Thomas, the Serenidad concept showcases Latin soul cuisine found throughout Latin America and regions such as the Caribbean, according to the release — think “creative twists” on classic Latin American dishes and coastal favorites while incorporating local and seasonal ingredients.
“The idea of a Latin soul cuisine restaurant has been in the back of my mind for quite some time,” VanTrece said in the release. “Traveling throughout Mexico and countries in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, I was always awed by the way food brought people together and how each country had its own version of soul food. Chef Whitney and I are excited to bring Serenidad to Cascade Heights as the neighborhood continues to grow.”
Chef Whitney Thomas, formerly of 5Church in Midtown Atlanta and The Wiley Hotel, designed Serenidad’s menu in collaboration with Chef VanTrece.
Two of Chef Thomas’ favorite dishes on the menu come from the Bocaditos (Snacks) section. The Elote Ribs are Chef Thomas’ take on Mexican street corn, with roasted garlic & lime oil, chili spice, and Cojita cheese. The Albondigas con Mole Poblano showcases Chef Thomas’ mole sauce, a recipe adapted from a generation-old recipe from one of her prep cooks hailing from Veracruz, Mexico, and perfected by Chef Thomas.
The Emparedados (Sandwiches) section is highlighted by a Chimi Burger, accompanied by salsa rosado, pickled green tomato, red cabbage slaw, and crema de Aji Amarillo, and a Cubano — Serenidad’s take on the traditional pressed Cuban sandwich, complete with grilled ham, mojo marinated pork, mustard, pickled green tomato, and Swiss cheese.
The menu is rounded out with a section featuring tacos (smoked chicken and short rib versions) and Serenidad’s Platos Principal or Main Dishes. Here, the meat and coastal offerings shine, with selections ranging from an Asado Negro Beef Short Rib Tomahawk and Smoked Kan Kan Pork Chop to a Fried Whole Snapper and Paella Shrimp and Grits, a dish that combines this iconic southern staple and Spain’s flavorful national dish.
The restaurant includes a full bar with wines, spirits, beers, and a curated list of specialty cocktails. Kursten Berry serves as the Beverage Director.
Postres (Dessert) selections include Cuarto Leche Cake, Horchata Panna Cotta, Apple Coulis, assorted Brazilian truffles, and Panqueques de Chocolate — Chocolate Crepes with plantain cream cheese and strawberries.
