'Coastal Soul' Restaurant Asante Is Closed, but a New Location Is Coming

Celebrity chef Marvin Woods has closed Asante, his Downtown restaurant, but a new address is in the cards. A note on Asante's website says "we are literally under construction" and "taking the summer to build out our new location."

Woods tells Eater Atlanta the new restaurant will set up shop in Midtown, though he "can't give the exact location now." If everything works out according to plan, the relocated Asante will begin serving in February 2017.

Woods first opened Asante in the Luckie Marietta District at 250 Park Ave. W NW in December 2014, serving a coastal- and Caribbean-influenced menu. At the time, he said it was "exactly the kind of restaurant that Downtown needs —€” something that is fresh and creative in flavor, yet sophisticated and festive enough to be a destination for both Atlanta locals and its many tourists." Asante has received generally positive reviews from diners online.

Woods's celebrity chef status comes from his experience hosting TV shows, writing cookbooks, and cooking for First Lady Michelle Obama.