“Had I carried out it as a youthful man, it might be a distinct story,” says Akwasi Brenya-Mensa, recalling his latest experiences as tour supervisor for musicians. “Working with meals is extra healthful.”
Quickly to show 40, Brenya-Mensa spent years on the highway together with his job, consuming his method around the globe from Seoul to Soweto: “Meals is an integral a part of folks’s tradition and I’d immerse myself. Initially, I’d go by myself, to smaller chef-owned locations so I’d be capable of converse to folks. However it turned a gaggle effort. Individuals would say: ‘I seemed this up or noticed this on Anthony Bourdain.’”
These adventures fed into the 2019 launch of supperclub Mensa, Plates & Mates. Beforehand, whereas working a membership and occasion manufacturing firm from Sheffield, he launched burger model Juicy Kitchen, which graduated from road meals markets to catering at massive occasions. In spring, Brenya-Mensa will launch his first restaurant, Tatale, at London’s Africa Centre.
Brenya-Mensa stresses that he’s not a chef. As a substitute, he’s a eager prepare dinner and diligent researcher. Juicy Kitchen, he explains, was an train in curiosity. “I took a scientific method experimenting with buns, beef cuts, blends and sauces.” These days, he has labored at Seven Sisters takeaway Waakye Joint, and James Cochran’s 12:51 restaurant to realize kitchen expertise. Brenya-Mensa plans to nominate a head chef whereas managing the area and overseeing dish and menu growth.
The London son of Ghanaian mother and father, Brenya-Mensa’s menus will initially deal with up to date variations of west African dishes, together with “purple purple” stew; black-eyed bean hummus with purple palm oil and dukkah; and mashed omo tuo rice desserts in peanut nkatenkwan soup. However by progressively increasing its menu and internet hosting themed occasions and visitor chef collaborations linked to the Africa Centre’s exhibitions, Brenya-Mensa needs Tatale (named after a Ghanaian plantain pancake), to have an in the end pan-African scope.
“Generally I’m awake at night time pondering, ‘don’t fuck this up’, however I’ve been in high-pressure conditions most of my skilled life,” says Brenya-Mensa. “I’ve acquired time to make it actually good.” Tony Naylor
