Encomium
In a dynamic celebration of culinary creativity and cultural fusion, ultra prestige whisky brand The Macallan proudly sponsored the second edition of The AfroGastro Series event held at the upscale MILIKI, Victoria Island, Lagos, on September 23, 2023. The evening was hosted by Tannaz Bahnam, the visionary founder of Lost in Lagos and The Kitchen Nigeria.
Using what has been described as the Afrofusion culinary movement — the art of combining elements of African culinary traditions with various global influences and techniques — The Macallan-sponsored event encouraged the collapse of cultural barriers, while promoting African ingredients and offering a fresh perspective on African cuisine.
The event featured celebrated chef, Chef Vee, who offered insights into her entrepreneurial journey and the path she took to achieve success. “In these challenging times, it becomes even more critical for entrepreneurs to make prudent financial choices,” she said.
The session was more than a feast for the palate for the discerning guests; it also provided an ideal platform for the renowned Scotch brand to showcase its Double Cask range. The Macallan Double Cask 12 YO, 15 YO, and 18 YO were expertly paired with African-inspired dishes, validating the cross-cultural facets of African cuisine and adding an extra layer of allure to the session.
Speaking on The Macallan’s sponsorship of the conversations, The Macallan Brand Ambassador, Abuja, Adeyinka Adepetun, stated, “The Macallan is enthused to be part of this captivating culinary journey that celebrates the rich tapestry of African cuisine and its fusion with global influences. We believe in the power of culture to bring people together, and we’re delighted to pair our exceptional Double Cask range with such a remarkable culinary experience. This event underscores our commitment to fostering meaningful conversations and contributing to the growth of Africa’s vibrant culinary scene.”
L-R: Founder, Miliki, Patrick Koshoni; On-Trade Account Manager, NBC, Afolabi Oyinkansola; Founder of Lost In Lagos and The Kitchen Nigeria, Tannaz Bahnam; and The Macallan Brand Ambassador, Abuja, Adeyinka Adepetun, during the second edition of The Macallan-sponsored AfroGastro Series at Miliki, Lagos, on Saturday, September 23, 2023.
Beyond the gastronomic delights, the discourse underscored The Macallan’s commitment to driving meaningful conversations at the crossroads of food and culture. By supporting initiatives like The AfroGastro Series, The Macallan is contributing to the expansion of Africa’s thriving culinary scene, which is now valued at an impressive $843.6 billion.
Earlier in the year, the Scotch brand also collaborated with creative designer Mai Atafo to mentor young entrepreneurs on fashion branding, running a successful business and leveraging the right strategies to drive Nigeria’s fashion industry to achieve its projected $1.92 billion by 2027.
