Arleta Żynel, prominent Podlaskie restaurateur, dies at 72

Arleta Żynel, a well-known restaurateur and promoter of Podlaskie cuisine, passed away on October 11, 2026, at the age of 72. She had been managing the Arsenał restaurant in the Branicki Palace in Białystok for 17 years, a venue frequented by prominent figures from the Polish music, film, and culture sectors.

Beyond her work in hospitality, Żynel was the founder of the Podlaska Culinary Academy and an author of publications focused on regional dishes. Her death was confirmed by the Polish Chefs Association, which noted her significant contributions to the development of Polish gastronomy and her dedication to educating future generations of culinary professionals.