The 28th of June, 2018 was a black Thursday in Lagos and for Nigerians, when a fuel tanker exploded during rush hour on the Otedola Bridge, Lagos Nigeria. The official death toll stood at twelve, with scores of others injured in the engulfing fire that ensued. However, the adverse effects -physical, emotional and psychological – continue to be felt, with many victims in dire need of support both medically and financially.
Chef Elegbede delivering his appreciation speech
About a month later, executive chef and owner of ÌTÀN in Lagos, called on eight of his friends in the culinary scene to come together to host a chef relief dinner. Proceeds from this were to go to those gravely affected by the Otedola Fire. This included Chef Alex Oke of XO Bakery, Chef Benedict Okuzo, Chef Christian Duhalde of La Taverna, Chef Uzo Umeh of El Padrino, Chef Ozoz Sokoh of Kitchen Butterfly, Chef Imoteda Aladekomo of Heels in the Kitchen, Chef Eros of Eros and Gourmet, and Chef Atim Ukoh of Afrolems.
Some of the participating chefs
Reaching out across his extensive network of friends and colleagues within the food industry, further support and donations were culled on from produce suppliers and farmers to create a fine dining menu of nine Nigerian courses from Nigerian ingredients. Even the venue – newly opened restaurant, 788 On The Sea was provided free to support the cause.
Cross Section of Guests
In attendance was an interesting mix of prominent personalities from different industries such as fashion designer Toju Foyeh, author and entrepreneur Adebola Williams and so many others.
Adebola Williams, Nollywood actor, Enyinna Nwigwe
Mercy Ajisafe and Toju Foyeh
Latasha Ngwube and guests at her table
Cross Section of Guests
The most interesting part about the relief dinner was the kitchen, bubbly, bustling and full of energy as meals were prepared and lined of by the chefs for their hundred and twenty guests.
The assembly of plates
Check out photos of the meals served;
Chocolate cake, chocolate pastry cream, Italian Meringue w/ Bitter Orange Coulis
Braised Ram w/ Cabbage, Tomatoes, Herbed Rsm Jus, Parsley
Goat soup w/ Honey Beans, Corn, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes w/ Wara
Seared grouper in Chili w/ Tigernut infused Coconut milk, sweet potato mousse, Spiced Jus, Thyme Foam
Efo Riro Sea Food Crespella w/ Farm Tomatoes Foam, and Mini Greens of the Sea
Efo Riro Sea Food Crespella w/ Farm Tomatoes Foam, and Mini Greens of the Sea
Akara coated prawns, sweet Chili sauce
Akara coated prawns, sweet Chili sauce
Below are more photos from the event;
Latasha Ngwube and Chef Eros
