Chef Adé Carrena Residency in Savannah

Have you ever wondered how—and in what form—West African traditions show up on fine dining tables in Savannah, and what culinary connections exist between West Africa and the foods we recognize on U.S. plates?

Adé Carrena is a celebrated Beninese-American chef (North Carolina Chef of the Year 2023, Chopped Champion) whose work sits at the intersection of food, culture, and lived experience—an approach that closely mirrors the mission of Coastal Table and Tales. Her cooking draws on West African foodways, Southern ingredients, and the realities of diaspora, grounded in craft and respect for tradition while engaging the present moment.

During her Savannah residency, Chef Carrena will lead three distinct yet connected events that explore our opening questions and invite participants to learn through hands-on practice, shared meals, and thoughtful conversation. Each experience stands on its own, and guests are welcome to pick and choose what speaks to them—or to follow the full arc of the weekend for a deeper exploration of how food builds knowledge, connection, and community.