Before the first course even hit the table, Chef Chad “Sosa” offered a caviar bump, right on the back of my hand. “That’s how we do it here,” he smiled. It wasn’t part of the menu, but it said everything about The Retreat, The Gathering Spot’s newest Atlanta concept: personal, elevated, and completely unexpected.
The Retreat marks a fresh chapter for The Gathering Spot, the members-only community known for bridging culture, business, and creativity. Here, the focus shifts to something sensory, food that sparks conversation and connection.
“It felt like we were about to make something special, something we hadn’t seen before.” Chef Sosa says.
Born and raised in Georgia, Chef Sosa brings both Southern soul and global flair to the table. A Le Cordon Bleu graduate, he describes the menu as “southern comfort meets the new world.”
When we dined, the meal unfolded like a story. The truffle cacio e pepe was creamy and rich, the kind of pasta that makes you stop talking for a moment. The smothered chicken was tender and slow-cooked, full of comfort and warmth. The peri-peri salmon brought a perfect balance of spice and smoke. And the mac and cheese, golden, bubbling, and gooey, was gone before we even realized it.
Chef Sosa’s food feels intentional. He listens, and that’s what makes it different. “That’s my superpower,” he says. “People tell you what they want, you just have to pay attention and then deliver at a high level.” It’s not unusual to see him walking through the dining room, checking in with guests, or talking with his team about what’s next. “If we don’t plan, we’re just running in circles,” he says. “But when it all clicks, the timing, the teamwork, the rhythm — it feels like a dance.”
What sets The Retreat apart isn’t just the menu but the mission behind it. Like The Gathering Spot itself, it’s a space designed for connection. Where members can gather over creative ideas and a really good plate of food. “People will tell you what they want,” Sosa says. “You just have to listen.”
And at The Retreat, Chef Sosa’s version of “listening” shows up in every dish. Thoughtful, familiar, and just a little unexpected.
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