Experience Culinary Artistry at Atelier Jolie
New York’s vibrant culinary scene is about to get a new flavor as Akwasi Brenya-Mensa, a Ghanaian-British culinary innovator, launches the first-ever culinary residency at Atelier Jolie. From April 24 to July 10, 2026, Brenya-Mensa will present Tatale x Atelier Jolie, a unique culinary experience that marries food, art, and heritage.
What to Expect from Tatale x Atelier Jolie
The upcoming residency at Atelier Jolie will feature a series of intimate dinners, each crafted to tell intricate stories through food. With only 20 guests per evening, the communal dining experience is designed around a table reminiscent of Brenya-Mensa’s childhood meals, emphasizing the importance of gathering around food.
“This residency is centered around gathering as a method,” said Brenya-Mensa. “Through the ritual of dining together, I will explore this form of public convening as a structured mode of inquiry and exchange.”
Celebrating Pan-African Flavors
At the heart of the Tatale concept lies a deep respect for African culinary traditions. Brenya-Mensa’s work is influenced by his extensive travels, where he gained insights into diverse culinary techniques and flavors that span the African continent. The dinners will not only highlight traditional dishes but also explore how these dishes evolve to meet modern tastes.
Each dinner will feature a collaboration with notable chefs and artists, creating a multidisciplinary experience that fuses gastronomy with contemporary art. Some of the collaborations include:
- April 24: Akwasi Brenya-Mensa x Hawa Hassan
- May 1: Tatale by Akwasi Brenya-Mensa
- May 8: Tatale by Akwasi Brenya-Mensa x Art Comes First
- May 15: Tatale by Akwasi Brenya-Mensa
- May 22: Tatale by Akwasi Brenya-Mensa x Natasha Pickowicz
- May 29: Tatale by Akwasi Brenya-Mensa
- June 5: Tatale by Akwasi Brenya-Mensa
- June 12: Tatale by Akwasi Brenya-Mensa
- June 19: Tatale by Akwasi Brenya-Mensa
- June 26: Tatale by Akwasi Brenya-Mensa
- July 3: Tatale by Akwasi Brenya-Mensa
- July 10: Tatale by Akwasi Brenya-Mensa
The Significance of Atelier Jolie
Founded by actress Angelina Jolie and her daughter Zahara, Atelier Jolie serves as a cultural hub for the arts, offering workshops, exhibitions, and residencies. Located at the historic 57 Great Jones Street, the space has a rich artistic legacy, having previously housed studios for icons like Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
The fusion of Brenya-Mensa’s culinary expertise with the artistic ambiance of Atelier Jolie creates a unique platform for showcasing Pan-African cuisine while honoring the cultural significance of communal dining.
More Than Just Dining: Tatale Provisions
Complementing the residency, Brenya-Mensa will also unveil Tatale Provisions at New York’s Hannah Traore Gallery from April 30 to May 30, 2026. This installation pays homage to West African provision stores, which serve as vital community hubs. Through this project, Brenya-Mensa aims to reflect on how food and conversation intertwine, creating shared experiences and cultural connections.
Join the Culinary Journey
This culinary residency is not just about food; it’s about storytelling, community, and the evolution of culture through the lens of gastronomy. Each ticket, priced at $160, offers not only a meal but a rich narrative experience that connects guests to the heritage of Pan-African dining.
Reservations for the dinners are available via Tatale’s Instagram and further details can be found on Atelier Jolie’s website.
Engage with Us
Are you excited about the Tatale x Atelier Jolie residency? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Join the conversation about how culinary experiences can shape our understanding of culture and community.
For restaurant owners and hospitality professionals looking to elevate their dining concepts, consider how storytelling through food can enhance guest experiences and drive engagement.
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” for founding American Wholesale Floral, Politz is also the Co-founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
