An Evening with Jeff Bankz, Courtesy of Martell

Premium cognac brand, Martell is well-known for its distinctive brand experiences that keep fashion, elegance and gastronomy at the centre, and their most recent event held in Lagos is further proof. Martell recently hosted a fine dining experience, paired with cognac tasting, at Itan Test Kitchen. The event was themed “an evening with Jeff Bankz”, curated by Itan’s chef, Michael Elegbede.

Martell brand ambassador, Jeff Nweke (aka Jeff Bankz) hosted the event, held on the 23rd of November 2022. The guest list included attendees like Beverly Naya, Kim Oprah and Sir Dee, among others.

Guests were treated to an eight-course culinary journey, featuring traditional Nigerian cuisine with an unusual twist. The menu featured unconventional meals, like slow-cooked Tozo with Egusi cream and pounded yam gnocchi. A modern take on northern Nigerian desserts, like Kunun gyada custard, as well as treats inspired by elements of traditional Yoruba and Igbo cuisine, like charred Ose-ani with citrus and Iru, were also some of the evening’s offerings.

Describing his approach to food, Chef Michael spoke on the global influence of Nigerian and African cuisine. “Look at acaraje, as enjoyed in Bahia, Brazil for instance; it is clearly inspired by akara. You can also see the African influence in jambalaya, via Jollof and thieboudienne. The evening’s menu explores how our food travels the world and evolves as it does so,” he said.

The evening’s menu was carefully curated to showcase Martell’s versatility and pairability with food. Each course featured sweet and savoury elements, which when paired beautifully with Martell cognac, created a cohesive culinary experience for the guests to enjoy.

About Martell

Known as the cognac brand with one of the richest heritages, in 1783, Martell was the first Maison to ship cognac to the United States, and produced the Martell Blue Swift, the first-ever spirit drink made of cognac VSOP and then finished in bourbon casks.

Martell is one of the oldest cognac Houses with a strong heritage. It is a very audacious brand, thanks to key innovations in the Cognac industry including our latest “Blue Swift”, a VSOP Cognac aged in bourbon casks.

Through Martell’s signature distillation process, the eaux-de-vie absorbs the rich aromatic tones of the bourbon cask. The result is Martell’s hallmark style – delicate notes of candied fruit and plum – complemented by the subtle sweetness of vanilla and toasted oak from the casks. Exceptionally smooth, with a rounded taste and unique character. Martell is owned by Pernod Ricard.