On February 14, American Express will open its new 26,000-square-foot Centurion Lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
The largest lounge in the Centurion Lounge network will feature a locally-inspired menu from Atlanta-based Chef Deborah VanTrece, numerous seating options for guests to relax or work before their flight, outdoor terraces with views of the airfield, and The Reserve by American Express, a bespoke whiskey bar serving signature cocktails designed by Centurion mixologist Jim Meehan.
The Centurion Lounge is located in Concourse E near gate E11.
“The new Centurion Lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport will serve travelers in one of the airports our Card Members visit most,” said Audrey Hendley, President of American Express Travel, in a press release. “It features amenities we know travelers enjoy, like outdoor terraces, and plenty of space to relax, along with local touches infused throughout the menus and design, that guests will remember long after their trip.”
The lounge’s design is inspired by Atlanta’s reputation as “the city in the forest” and features a 50-year-old olive tree and a 3,850-square-foot custom light sculpture that represents a forest canopy.
The lounge showcases commissioned artwork from local artists including a new, textural interpretation of the quintessential American Express watch dog by Lucha Rodríguez and a large-scale multimedia piece by Michi Meko that draws inspiration from Georgia’s landscape. Additionally, a 60-foot mural of abstracted leaf-like shapes, painted by Evan Blackwell Helgeson, stretches from the interior dining area to the exterior terrace.
Chef Deborah VanTrece, James Beard Award semifinalist and owner of local Atlanta restaurants Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours, Oreatha’s At The Point and La Panarda will bring her take on modern, global soul food to the lounge. The custom menu includes Black Eyed Pea Biryani, Za’atar Grilled Chicken Thighs with Green Tomato Chimichurri, and Twisted Soul Salad with Strawberry Peppercorn Vinaigrette. Additionally, there will be a dedicated food and beverage station with gluten free and vegan options, including protein bites, salads, smoothies, and immunity booster juice shots.
“Atlanta has become such an interesting melting pot of cultures and cuisines. I’m thrilled to partner with American Express to bring food that celebrates these traditions, along with the best southern ingredients, to the Centurion Lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport,” VanTrece said in the release. “Travel has inspired my approach as a chef and I feel blessed that, through this collaboration, I’ll be able to share my creative vision for food and hospitality with travelers from around the world.”
The Reserve by American Express is the first dedicated whiskey bar in a Centurion Lounge. The cocktail menu features five specialty whiskey cocktails, including Drink a Peach with peach flavored whiskey and bitters and Mayme, Tailored, highlighting an American whiskey with ginger beer. Guests can also choose from over 20 classic and new American whiskeys.