African Chop House lit up our Tasting Room on October 11 with a packed night of food, community and joy in celebration of Fonio Rising, a crisp double pilsner brewed in collaboration with Yolélé Foods.

Chef Wale provided the menu of West African food, we poured the beer, and Brewmaster Garrett Oliver screened a short film shot in Senegal about fonio and its usage in our beer, highlighting the storied past and promising future of the African supergrain. The film was followed by a panel discussion on the impact of African food culture and its continued innovation with Chef Hawa Hassan of Basbaas Foods, Chef Ayo Balogun of Department of Culture, and James Beard Award-winning writer Osayi Endolyn. The conversation centered on the impact of fonio in beer and food, and ensuring financial benefits make it home to traditional African farmers. Afterwards, DJ Mahogany provided the vibes with Young Price emceeing the evening.

Learn more about fonio and Fonio Rising here and check out more from the night below. We’ll see you at the next one.