International African American Museum and Charleston Wine + Food to Co-Present One-Night-Only “Dine on a Mat” Culinary Experience

Charleston, S.C. – The International African American Museum (IAAM) will be co-presenting a special, one-night-only culinary event, “Dine on a Mat,” on Friday, March 6, 2026, in collaboration with Charleston Wine + Food (CHSWF) for the festival’s 20th anniversary. This immersive experience will bring the authentic flavors and traditions of West Africa to Charleston, celebrating the profound, lasting influence of African cuisine on the African Diaspora and global foodways.

Dine on a Mat is the acclaimed nomadic restaurant founded by Chef Fatmata Binta, a modern nomadic chef and Fulani culinary ambassador from Freetown, Sierra Leone. Chef Binta is celebrated globally for her work in promoting indigenous African ingredients and sustainable food systems. She will be collaborating with Charleston’s own Chef Bintou N’Daw, also a nomadic chef and owner of the restaurant Bintü Atelier, where she draws on both traditional methods and French technique to prepare classic West African recipes.

“Dine on a Mat reminds us that every dish tells a story — of resilience, creativity, and the power of gathering. The flavors of Africa are the foundation of so much of who we are, not just in the Lowcountry, but across the world,” said IAAM’s Chief Marketing Officer Ashlei Elise. “This collaboration with Charleston Wine + Food is more than a meal: It’s a reclamation of heritage and an invitation to taste history. As we look ahead to what’s next for IAAM and for South Carolina’s SC250 milestone, we’re reminded that freedom — much like a recipe — is something passed down, refined, and shared.”

Guests will share communal mats and multi-course dishes inspired by indigenous African ingredients, paired with traditional drinks, a tea ceremony, and powerful storytelling that tells the untold stories of the richness of African food systems. This immersive experience is a true cultural exchange, honoring the city’s deep historical ties to the African Diaspora and celebrating heritage, innovation, and connection.

This one-night-only evening is a significant collaboration between IAAM and CHSWF and will celebrate heritage, innovation, and connection, acting as a profound bridge between the African Diaspora and generations.

Event Details

• Event: Dine on a Mat
• Date: Friday, March 6, 2026
• Time: 7:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Location: International African American Museum, 14 Wharfside Street, Charleston, S.C. 29401
• Tickets: $350 per person. Tickets are available for purchase through the Charleston Wine + Food website starting Thursday, October 23.