Monday, 29 July 2019
Building A Food Empire | Introduction
I’ve been speaking to some amazing individuals who are doing great work in the food industry. They drop some wisdom on how they’re building their food empires in their unique ways and give tips on how you can too.
I’ll be rolling out their stories over the next few weeks in a limited series on my YouTube channel. Be sure to subscribe if you haven’t already.
My guests so far include @rawchefyin who is smashing it as a raw vegan chef in south east Asia and beyond, landed herself a TedxTalk and has published a cookbook 🥗; @pickywops who overcame several obstacles to establish themselves as one of the best and innovative vegan pizza companies in London 🍕; the beautiful boss ladies of @livityplantbasedcuisine who’ve taken charge of their own destinies to set up their thriving food business 🍛.
Vegan Nigerian Japanese Fusion Supper Club
Hey folks,
It's been almost two weeks since the Nigerian Japanese dining event and every time I think about it, I get the biggest smile on my face because it was just. that. good. For a bit of context, check out my previous post here where I share a behind-the-scenes look at a day of cooking and recipe try-outs with my collaborator, Keiko.
Keiko, also known as Sushi Queen, is a London-based Japanese chef with several years of cooking and workshopping experience. We met at an Airbnb event earlier this year and did the thing all foodies do when they connect: talk about food. And also the possibility of collaborating. Et voila! We made it happen.
On Monday 15th July, we met up to go shopping for ingredients. Luckily we live in the same neighbourhood and have a thriving shopping area right on a doorstep, but gosh did we do a lot of walking and carrying. My smart watch clocked over 10,000 steps that day. Let's just say it was a win-win for our productivity and my personal health and fitness.
Then bright and early on Tuesday 16th we got to work prepping for the dinner. We flipped dorayakis and chopped sushi vegetables and stuffed gyozas until we were blue in the face. Well, actually, I exaggerate. We gave ourselves so much time to prep and we knew our menu inside-out that it all went by in a breeze. It wasn't until we got to the venue and it dawned on us just how many sushi rolls we had to make that the frantic energy properly kicked in. Thankfully, we had two amazing helpers on the night - Betty and Natasha - to assist with set-up, service and clear-up. We would have been lost without them. Somehow, with these events, I always underestimate how much help will be needed. Keiko and I would have gone it alone if these two actual angels hadn't offered, and the night would probably not have gone as well as it did. Their presence was another reminder for me: when in doubt, ask for help!
All our guests showed up and things properly kicked off around 7pm. Keiko and I barely came up for air during service as we rolled sushi and plated like our lives depended on it. At the very end though came the sweet spot: we could slow down enough to chat with some our guests and receive their glowing feedback. I don't know about Keiko, but I was absolutely living for it. Tiredness forgotten, sore limbs ignored, everything is perfect kind of living for it. To read a couple of such guest reviews, head over to Instagram or Facebook.
Will there be another edition of this fusion dinner? I don't see why not! We're even toying with the idea of a sushi-making class next time. As always, stay tuned for all future event news by subscribing to my newsletter or following online.
Sadly no video footage of the event, but I've got some great snaps to share of the food.
Starter: kombu and miso moin moin; sweet plantain gyoza; spiced yam gyoza; miso-glazed grilled yam.
Sushi selection: jolly sushi with marinated tofu, okra, edamame and sweetcorn; eba inari; plantain and pickled ginger temaki; roasted red pepper and cucumber uramaki.
Dessert: yam flour Dorayaki with azuki bean paste, coconut cream, matcha and fresh mango.
Drinks: matcha-watermelon-mint punch; pineapple-lime punch.
It's been almost two weeks since the Nigerian Japanese dining event and every time I think about it, I get the biggest smile on my face because it was just. that. good. For a bit of context, check out my previous post here where I share a behind-the-scenes look at a day of cooking and recipe try-outs with my collaborator, Keiko.
Keiko, also known as Sushi Queen, is a London-based Japanese chef with several years of cooking and workshopping experience. We met at an Airbnb event earlier this year and did the thing all foodies do when they connect: talk about food. And also the possibility of collaborating. Et voila! We made it happen.
On Monday 15th July, we met up to go shopping for ingredients. Luckily we live in the same neighbourhood and have a thriving shopping area right on a doorstep, but gosh did we do a lot of walking and carrying. My smart watch clocked over 10,000 steps that day. Let's just say it was a win-win for our productivity and my personal health and fitness.
Then bright and early on Tuesday 16th we got to work prepping for the dinner. We flipped dorayakis and chopped sushi vegetables and stuffed gyozas until we were blue in the face. Well, actually, I exaggerate. We gave ourselves so much time to prep and we knew our menu inside-out that it all went by in a breeze. It wasn't until we got to the venue and it dawned on us just how many sushi rolls we had to make that the frantic energy properly kicked in. Thankfully, we had two amazing helpers on the night - Betty and Natasha - to assist with set-up, service and clear-up. We would have been lost without them. Somehow, with these events, I always underestimate how much help will be needed. Keiko and I would have gone it alone if these two actual angels hadn't offered, and the night would probably not have gone as well as it did. Their presence was another reminder for me: when in doubt, ask for help!
All our guests showed up and things properly kicked off around 7pm. Keiko and I barely came up for air during service as we rolled sushi and plated like our lives depended on it. At the very end though came the sweet spot: we could slow down enough to chat with some our guests and receive their glowing feedback. I don't know about Keiko, but I was absolutely living for it. Tiredness forgotten, sore limbs ignored, everything is perfect kind of living for it. To read a couple of such guest reviews, head over to Instagram or Facebook.
Will there be another edition of this fusion dinner? I don't see why not! We're even toying with the idea of a sushi-making class next time. As always, stay tuned for all future event news by subscribing to my newsletter or following online.
Sadly no video footage of the event, but I've got some great snaps to share of the food.
Starter: kombu and miso moin moin; sweet plantain gyoza; spiced yam gyoza; miso-glazed grilled yam.
Sushi selection: jolly sushi with marinated tofu, okra, edamame and sweetcorn; eba inari; plantain and pickled ginger temaki; roasted red pepper and cucumber uramaki.
Dessert: yam flour Dorayaki with azuki bean paste, coconut cream, matcha and fresh mango.
Drinks: matcha-watermelon-mint punch; pineapple-lime punch.
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| Photo credit: @emisgoodeating |
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| Photo credit: @emisgoodeat |
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| Photo credit: @emisgoodeating |
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| Photo credit: @emisgoodeating |
Sunday, 14 July 2019
Cashew Vanilla Ice Cream | Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Nothing says summer like a generous helping of smooth, creamy ice cream. This recipe is full of natural ingredients, it's easy to make and it's free from refined sugar, dairy and eggs. Although higher in calories than the classic banana-based nice cream, there's certainly a place for this indulgent treat. And with the intense richness, let's just say that a single scoop goes a long way.
As well as a vanilla flavour, I also made a matcha and chocolate chip version using the matcha superfood mix by YourSuper. They've been kind enough to provide a discount code if you want to check out their products. Use TOMI15 at checkout to get 15% off! Visit their store here.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cashews (soaked overnight and then drained)*
- 1 and 1/4 cups cashew milk**
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp melted food safe shea butter*** (I used SuperFoodLx cbd shea butter) or coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
* It is important to soak your cashews in order to enhance the creaminess of the ice cream. If you're short on time try and soak them for at least 3 hours, though overnight is preferable.
** You can make your own cashew milk at home by blending a handful of soaked cashews with a cup or so of water. Use a high speed blender and blend until smooth.
*** The addition of shea butter helps reduce crystallisation during the freezing process and it also adds to the creaminess of the ice cream. Shea butter has a strong taste so if you're not a fan, you can replace it with melted cocoa butter or coconut butter.
Method
1. Place all the ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Depending on the strength of your blender, this may take a few minutes. If your mixture is struggling to blend, you can add extra tablespoons of cashew milk, slowly and one at a time, to loosen the mixture slightly. You want to be left with a thick, smooth, airy consistency.
2. Transfer to a container, seal tightly and freeze for at least 3 hours until the ice cream has set.
3. Serve plain or with your favourite toppings.
Note: you can have fun experimenting with different flavours. Fresh strawberries, mangoes, cocoa powder, peanut butter and matcha powder are just a few you can try.
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| Matcha and chocolate chips |
- Maltina Ice Cream
- Nice Cream
- Almond Milk
Saturday, 13 July 2019
New KFC Imposter Vegan Burger Review
A fun video of my brother and I testing out the new KFC vegan 'chicken' burger for the first time.
KFC released the "imposter" burger in a handful of branches around the UK (only one branch in London - Gloucester Road) and I wanted to try it almost immediately. You see, I haven't stepped foot in a KFC in almost seven years and while I do not miss the chicken one tiny bit, I do rate the spicy secret recipe coating/batter that they use. Slap that on a vegan fillet and I'm in junk food heaven. Now would I advocate living off of this stuff? Absolutely not. But for a once in a blue moon treat, it's nice to know that the option is available.
I'm hoping that staunch meat eaters will be inspired to try it and even switch over to it when dining at KFC. With how good it tasted (in my opinion) I can definitely see that happening. At the end of the day, the spread of veganism will only occur when the stigma of exclusivity gives way to accessibility. Many vegans are rightly turned off by big corporations jumping on the vegan train for the sake of profit and publicity, but I'm choosing to look at the positives of a move such as this. For one, the normalisation of the vegan lifestyle will do wonders for making people stop and think about their food choices.
Here's hoping the trial is a success and that they roll out the vegan burgers across the country and beyond!
Video below:
KFC released the "imposter" burger in a handful of branches around the UK (only one branch in London - Gloucester Road) and I wanted to try it almost immediately. You see, I haven't stepped foot in a KFC in almost seven years and while I do not miss the chicken one tiny bit, I do rate the spicy secret recipe coating/batter that they use. Slap that on a vegan fillet and I'm in junk food heaven. Now would I advocate living off of this stuff? Absolutely not. But for a once in a blue moon treat, it's nice to know that the option is available.
I'm hoping that staunch meat eaters will be inspired to try it and even switch over to it when dining at KFC. With how good it tasted (in my opinion) I can definitely see that happening. At the end of the day, the spread of veganism will only occur when the stigma of exclusivity gives way to accessibility. Many vegans are rightly turned off by big corporations jumping on the vegan train for the sake of profit and publicity, but I'm choosing to look at the positives of a move such as this. For one, the normalisation of the vegan lifestyle will do wonders for making people stop and think about their food choices.
Here's hoping the trial is a success and that they roll out the vegan burgers across the country and beyond!
Video below:
Sunday, 30 June 2019
Vegan Nigerian Japanese Fusion Cooking | Sushi, Gyoza and More!
Happy Sunday! Hope you are well and truly enjoying the glorious summer weather.
Ahead of our vegan Nigerian Japanese supper club on July 16th, my collaborator Keiko (a.k.a. 'Sushi Queen') and I spent Friday experimenting with a few fusion dishes. Our guests are in for a real treat! If you haven't booked your ticket yet, you can do so via Eventbrite.
In this week's video, check out the behind-the-scenes of our recipe and menu development process. Some pictures further down for you to check out too. Can you guess how we've fused Nigerian and Japanese ingredients??
Saturday, 29 June 2019
Crispy Baked Carrot Chips
As a self-confessed chips aficionado, I can freely admit that these carrot chips are nowhere on the same level as classic potato chips/fries. What can truly compare? And yet, they are incredibly delicious and do hit the spot if you've got a craving for something crisp and satisfying. I made these because I had a surplus of carrots in my fridge and didn't fancy making a soup or a salad at the time.
These are best served piping hot, straight out of the oven, with a spicy dipping sauce. Mmm. Garnish with a bit of chopped parsley and you've got yourself a visually stunning snack or appetiser.
Ingredients
(serves 2)- 8 carrots (chopped into batons)
- 3 tbsp corn flour
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp crushed chilli flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp sunflower or melted coconut oil
- Fresh parsley (finely chopped)
Combine all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl and stir until the carrot chips are evenly coated.
Spread the chips out in a single layer on a lined baking tray.
Bake at 180 degrees Celsius for 35 minutes, turning the chips over halfway through the cooking time.
Serve hot with a garnish of fresh parsley and your favourite dips and sauces.
Thursday, 13 June 2019
Vegan Nigerian-Japanese Supper Club
The excitement is real!
Nigeria meets Japan in the next instalment of pop-up dinners. I've teamed up with Keiko of Sushi Queen London to create a unique and exciting fusion dining experience. We'll be joining forces to develop a specially curated menu that showcases the very best of Nigerian and Japanese flavours and ingredients.
Join us on Tuesday July 16th, 6.30pm at Black Cat Cafe.
Book tickets here.
Nigeria meets Japan in the next instalment of pop-up dinners. I've teamed up with Keiko of Sushi Queen London to create a unique and exciting fusion dining experience. We'll be joining forces to develop a specially curated menu that showcases the very best of Nigerian and Japanese flavours and ingredients.
Join us on Tuesday July 16th, 6.30pm at Black Cat Cafe.
Book tickets here.
Sunday, 9 June 2019
Top 5 Vegan Brands for Afro Hair | Afro Hair & Beauty Live 2019
This year's Afro Hair & Beauty Live show took place over the gloriously sunny spring bank holiday. 120 exhibitors showcased their products at the Business Design Centre in Islington, and thousands of visitors showed up to support what I can truly describe as a successful show.
Walking around the show, I was struck by the number of brands embracing a vegan ethos. These days, it makes complete sense for hair and beauty businesses to move in this direction. Demand for cruelty-free, natural and ethical products is at an all-time high, people are generally more conscious and eager to support businesses that actually care about animal welfare and the environment. Companies win out financially, customers are satisfied, animals are spared from exploitation...it's nothing but positive when you really think about it.
In my highlight video, you'll see that the show was an absolute feast for the senses. I managed to touch base with a few impressive vegan-friendly hair and beauty brands. Some of my favourites are also featured in the little guide I've put together down below. If, like me, you've ever struggled with finding vegan products that work well and nourish your afro hair, then this guide to the top 5 brands should be a lifesaver.
Top 5 Vegan-Friendly Brands for Afro Hair
1. SuperFoodLx
Cherry and Paula Francis are the UK based nurse and nutritionist mother and daughter team behind SuperFoodLx. They specialise in pure blend dietary supplements and nutrient dense vegan hair and skin treatments. Their selection of CBD oil products help support your mood and stress-levels in order to prevent hair loss, and their natural blends are formulated to accelerate and thicken your hair growth. Look out for their much loved Kelp & Spirulina Hair growth vitamins, Hair Skin & Nail Oil, Illuminism Detox Balm, Intelligence Hydrating Hair Cream, Quinoa Protein Conditioner, CBD oil and butter.
2. Afrocenchix
This brand absolutely had to make it on to the list. Their gorgeous products are all vegan, natural and organic, designed to make caring for natural hair as simple and stress-free as possible. Check out their sulphate-free shampoo, and moisturising hair cream. They are also the first natural hair brand to be stocked at WholeFoods, so if you happen to pass by there, be sure to support them.
3. Curls
The Green Collection by Curls is 100% vegan and specially formulated to promote healthier, stronger hair. The range includes a green tea hair rinse to restore your hair's pH balance, a moisturising avocado hair styling mousse, bamboo protein treatment to strengthen damaged hair, a sea kelp vitamin-infused shampoo and a sea kelp/cucumber hair mask to promote hair growth.
4. ACTIVILONG
Multi-award winning France-based company ACTIVILONG have been caring for curly and frizzy hair since 1983. This year they introduced ACTIKIDS for vegan kids. 97% natural origin, neutral ph, no silicon / no SLS / no PEG / no mineral oil. Enriched with mango butter and sweet almond oil to meet the specific needs of children's delicate hair. The range consists of conditioning shampoo, conditioner, co wash, detangling spray, curl cream and defining jelly.
5. ASIAM
Catering for natural curls and coils, As I Am recently launched an entirely vegan collection called Dry + Itchy to help fight dandruff and prevent itchy scalp. It is formulated with olive oil, tea tree oil, coconut oil, linseed, aloe vera and other natural products to soothe and repair the scalp. Their leave-in conditioner, curling jelly, twist defining cream and hair oils are also all vegan-friendly.
You might also like my post on how to make a vegan deep conditioner for natural afro hair.
Walking around the show, I was struck by the number of brands embracing a vegan ethos. These days, it makes complete sense for hair and beauty businesses to move in this direction. Demand for cruelty-free, natural and ethical products is at an all-time high, people are generally more conscious and eager to support businesses that actually care about animal welfare and the environment. Companies win out financially, customers are satisfied, animals are spared from exploitation...it's nothing but positive when you really think about it.
In my highlight video, you'll see that the show was an absolute feast for the senses. I managed to touch base with a few impressive vegan-friendly hair and beauty brands. Some of my favourites are also featured in the little guide I've put together down below. If, like me, you've ever struggled with finding vegan products that work well and nourish your afro hair, then this guide to the top 5 brands should be a lifesaver.
Top 5 Vegan-Friendly Brands for Afro Hair
1. SuperFoodLx
Cherry and Paula Francis are the UK based nurse and nutritionist mother and daughter team behind SuperFoodLx. They specialise in pure blend dietary supplements and nutrient dense vegan hair and skin treatments. Their selection of CBD oil products help support your mood and stress-levels in order to prevent hair loss, and their natural blends are formulated to accelerate and thicken your hair growth. Look out for their much loved Kelp & Spirulina Hair growth vitamins, Hair Skin & Nail Oil, Illuminism Detox Balm, Intelligence Hydrating Hair Cream, Quinoa Protein Conditioner, CBD oil and butter.
2. Afrocenchix
This brand absolutely had to make it on to the list. Their gorgeous products are all vegan, natural and organic, designed to make caring for natural hair as simple and stress-free as possible. Check out their sulphate-free shampoo, and moisturising hair cream. They are also the first natural hair brand to be stocked at WholeFoods, so if you happen to pass by there, be sure to support them.
3. Curls
The Green Collection by Curls is 100% vegan and specially formulated to promote healthier, stronger hair. The range includes a green tea hair rinse to restore your hair's pH balance, a moisturising avocado hair styling mousse, bamboo protein treatment to strengthen damaged hair, a sea kelp vitamin-infused shampoo and a sea kelp/cucumber hair mask to promote hair growth.
4. ACTIVILONG
Multi-award winning France-based company ACTIVILONG have been caring for curly and frizzy hair since 1983. This year they introduced ACTIKIDS for vegan kids. 97% natural origin, neutral ph, no silicon / no SLS / no PEG / no mineral oil. Enriched with mango butter and sweet almond oil to meet the specific needs of children's delicate hair. The range consists of conditioning shampoo, conditioner, co wash, detangling spray, curl cream and defining jelly.
5. ASIAM
Catering for natural curls and coils, As I Am recently launched an entirely vegan collection called Dry + Itchy to help fight dandruff and prevent itchy scalp. It is formulated with olive oil, tea tree oil, coconut oil, linseed, aloe vera and other natural products to soothe and repair the scalp. Their leave-in conditioner, curling jelly, twist defining cream and hair oils are also all vegan-friendly.
You might also like my post on how to make a vegan deep conditioner for natural afro hair.
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