Communal Dining The Beninois Way with Adégnimika Carrena

This week’s guest is Adégnimika (Adé) Carrena, owner of Dounou Cuisine. Born in Porto-Novo, Benin, Adé started her culinary journey here in the United States when she was adopted at the age of 10. Though then she cooked just with her family. She says her passion did not grow until a few years ago when her perception of food changed. “I saw that food is more than an edible but is instead a shared emotion and an ever evolving yet traditional canvas for our history as beings.” Adé’s objective is to bridge cultural gaps by providing authentic African dining experiences and sharing the land’s rich culture while also honoring her blended upbringing within a Puerto Rican home. For the last few years, she’s hosted Pop-up dinners in which her perception of West African food was showcased. She offers Personal Chef services, catering, Pop-ups and more.“Where I come from we say, Wa mi Dounou. Which means, come share a meal with me. I cherish this thought because there is nothing more special than gathering with fellow beings, nourishing our bodies, exchanging cultures and creating memories, all in the simple act of savoring a meal. I look forward to sharing a meal with you"!