BANKE KUKU
anke Kuku is a renowned textile artist and fashion designer whose unique designs have captivated the fashion world with her eponymous brand, Banke Kuku. Over the years, she has made a significant impact in fashion, textile design, and interior design, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria while embracing modern design sensibilities
Insta Reality Check
Have you ever found yourself in an endless scroll, lost in social media as hours slipped away unnoticed? know I have. In this digital age, social media has become an integral part of our lives, connecting us to new ideas, allowing us to share our work, and giving previously unheard voices a platform to influence culture. But beneath the surface of these seemingly noble pursuits lies a powerful undercurrent - it can be a highly addictive time-sink if we’re not careful about our goals, purpose, and usage. Not too long ago, came to the stark realisation that much of my time spent on social media was, in essence, people-watching. I was constantly checking for updates, following the stories of people knew and didn’t know, and perpetually anxious about missing out on the latest social media information. It was as if I had become a spectator in my own life, watching others live theirs through the screen. The fear of missing out had taken a firm grip on me.
What’s intriguing is that many of us don’t even realise how deeply social media has ensnared us. We compulsively reach for our devices, craving that next notification or update. We’ve become unwitting participants in a 24/7 digital theatre, where the applause comes in the form of likes, shares, and comments.
Now, here’s the truth: the fear of missing out isn’t real. It’s a construct created by the very platforms we’re addicted to. Social media companies engineer their products to keep us engaged, often at the expense of our real-world experiences and mental well-being.
decided it was time to rein in my social media usage to regain control over my time and attention. It wasn’t easy. The allure of the endless scroll is powerful, and it takes conscious effort to break free. I started by setting clear goals for my social media use, reminding myself why was on these platforms in the first place.
Lifestyle
EXECUTIVE EDITOR KONYE NWABOGOR 08111847087
DEPUTY EXECUTIVE EDITOR OLUFUNKE BABS-KUFEJI 08111847086
ASSISTANT EDITOR
OROMA JUMBO 08113921062
VISUAL/SENIOR DESIGNER MATHIAS ARCHIBONG 07054965500
GUEST CORRESPONDENT YOMI OWOPE
CONTRIBUTORS AZUKA OGUJIUBA DIDEE ETA
AYO LAWAL
BUKOLA AMOBOYE RUKY SALAKO KEJUO LEKAN
PHOTOGRAPHER TY BELLO
DIRECTOR, PRINT PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO 08077092196
@thisdaystyle
The article “Social Media Addiction: Is It Real and How Do You Cut Back?” is a good read with valuable tips. have, over time, come to realise that at the heart of our cravings for the social internet are deep-seated desires: connections with friends, access to new ideas and information, or simply a way to unwind after a long day. Importantly, now understand that these desires can be satisfied through means beyond social media and often more effectively.
Like many other things, social media isn’t an all-or-nothing proposition; it’s about moderation. It can be used constructively or destructively. It’s about striking a balance that aligns with your goals and values. Today might be a great day to assess your social media habits, to rediscover the joys of the real world, and to nurture deeper connections with friends and ideas beyond the confines of your screen.
Remember, the fear of missing out is an illusion. When you step away from the constant buzz of social media, you might find a world filled with authentic experiences, meaningful interactions, and a newfound sense of control over your time. Cheers to a beautiful week ahead filled with real-world adventures and genuine connections.
Love, Konye
Terragon hosts LBS' Prof. Uchenna Uzo following 14th Inaugural Lecture
It was all glitz and glamour as business leaders from the Academia, FSI, FMCG, Telco, Media, etc., came together to celebrate Prof. Uchenna Uzo, a Professor of Marketing and a Faculty Director at Lagos Business School, following his successful delivery of the 14th Inaugural Lecture, at the Pan Atlantic University. The dinner, which was hosted by Terragon, was held at the exclusive Capital Club Lagos and had in attendance members of management of Pan-Atlantic University/Lagos Business School.
Prior to the celebratory dinner, Prof. Uzo delivered the 14th Inaugural Lecture at Pan-Atlantic University. His lecture titled: “The Hidden Gem: Success in Africa’s Informal Markets” shed light on the pivotal role played by informal markets in driving economic growth across Africa.
A Professor of Marketing, Prof Uzo received his B.Sc and M.Sc in Sociology from the University of Lagos and his Master of Research in Management as well as PhD in Management from the IESE Business School, Barcelona. He is a member and reviewer of the Academy of Management and also a Research fellow of the Scandinavian Consortium for Organizational Research (SCANCOR). He is also an active member of the European Group of Organizational Studies (EGOS) and the American Marketing Association. He also served as a visiting research scholar at Stanford University, USA.
He is currently the Faculty Director at Lagos Business School and teaches courses in Marketing Management, Personal selling, Sales, and Channel management. His research and consulting assignments span several industries, mainly retail marketing, sales, and distribution channel management.
Terragon is Africa’s leading data and marketing technology company that leverages data and technology to help Brands intelligently reach, engage and deliver more meaningful experiences to African consumers on mobile.
Balmoral Group unveils Convention Centre, Kultureland & Kwavu
The Balmoral Group recently hosted a star-studded experiential launch event in Lagos to announce its exciting new offerings: a world-class 2000+ seater Convention Centre at The Sheraton Ikeja, which is opened to the public for parties, conferences and more; an innovative online cashless e-ticketing platform, Kwavu; and a pop-up family-centric entertainment theme park, Kultureland. Offering more than 100 incredible experiences, Kultureland will be located at Eko Atlantic Energy City from Saturday, the 16th of December 2023, to Wednesday, the 3rd of January 2023. It promises to be the leading entertainment destination during the upcoming Yuletide holiday season. The event launch was hosted by the talented Jimmie Akinsola and Simi Drey, with a surprise performance by the iconic musician and entertainment industry entrepreneur D’Banj.
FIVE NIGERIAN TRAVEL BLOGGERS TO FOLLOW ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Are you looking to scratch that wanderlust itch, or do you just want to armchair-travel from the comfort of your sofa? Whatever your reason, we’ve curated a list of five sensational Nigerian travel bloggers you need to follow on social media ASAP!
By Bukola AmoboyeTAYO AINA
Picture this—600k+ subscribers hanging onto his every word on YouTube. Tayo Aina is the real deal when it comes to travel, lifestyle, and even real estate! He’s your go-to guru for rich, unfiltered stories about overlooked places and people. And get this: he bagged The 2022 Future Awards Africa Prize for content creation! Ready to explore Africa like never before? Hit that follow button on Instagram and YouTube. His handle? @ tayoainafilms. Trust us, you won’t regret it.
AMARACHI EKEKWE
Meet Amarachi, the amazing mind behind ‘Travel with a Pen’. She’s not just a blogger; she’s an author who’s practically an artist with her pen and camera! Want travel adventures that won’t break the bank? She’s got your back. So, prepare to get lost in her vivid pictures and narratives.
ALMA ASINOBI
Alma is not just another content creator; she’s a storyteller, brand marketer, and travel entrepreneur. Yeah, she’s got a lot on her plate! One scroll through her Instagram, and you’ll feel like you’ve globetrotted across continents. Her handle? @almaasinobi. Head there for some breathtaking visuals and genuinely practical travel advice.
JESSICA
Finally, meet Jessica. When it comes to travel inspiration, she’s your gal. Her Instagram, with a follower count over a hundred thousand strong, is an eye-candy gallery of all places dreamy. Want more than just pictures? She dishes out an array of travel tips tailored to various locales and situations. Don’t miss out; find her on Instagram @theufuoma.
FISAYO OLAYINKA-BELLO
Meet Fisayo, the wonder woman behind TravCP. Her mission? To repaint the world’s perspective of Africa, one post at a time. Passionate and always on the go, Fisayo spotlights the charm of her destinations—its people, culture, and scenery. She’s also got some awards under her belt to prove it! Follow her thrilling journey on Instagram and YouTube @thefisayo.
20-YEAR-OLD VICTOR ANATE CO-COLLABORATES FOR NAOMI CAMPBELL’S PRETTY LITTLE THING COLLECTION.
20-year-old fashion sensation Victor Anate, creative director of upcoming fashion brand Vicnate, has taken the fashion world by storm as the co-collaborator for none other than supermodel extraordinaire Naomi Campbell’s much-anticipated collection with PrettyLittleThing. The grand unveiling of this fashion extravaganza took centre stage at New York Fashion Week, turning heads and setting tongues wagging.
SOCIAL MEDIA ADDICTION. IS IT REAL AND HOW DO YOU CUT BACK?
In the age of digital connectivity, it’s no secret that social media has woven itself into the fabric of our daily lives. From Facebook to Instagram, Twitter to TikTok, we constantly find ourselves scrolling, tapping, and swiping through endless posts, stories, and updates. But as the lines between reality and the digital blur, it’s time to ask a pressing question: Is social media addiction real, and if so, how can we cut back?
Picture this: You wake up in the morning, and the first thing you do is reach for your smartphone. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. According to recent statistics, the average person spends a whopping 2 hours and 24 minutes daily on social media. That’s more time than we spend eating, exercising, or even socialising with real-life friends.
and the right strategies. Here’s a roadmap to help you regain control:
Digital Detox
Start with a short break from social media. Set aside a few days or even a week to disconnect and rediscover the offline world.
A true titan in the world of supermodels, Naomi has now added the prestigious title of “creative director” to her illustrious resume. Together with the ingenious designers Edvin Thompson from Theophilio and Nigeria’s own prodigy, Victor Anate of Vicnate, they seized the spotlight at Cipriani’s, showcasing a breathtaking 70-piece collection. Think mesh minidresses, faux-fur coats, sleek pantsuits, and an array of sparkling accessories that set the runway ablaze.
When the collaboration was first announced, it stirred a cauldron of emotions among fashion and sustainability enthusiasts. They questioned Campbell’s decision to join forces with the fast-fashion juggernaut PrettyLittleThing. But with her keen eye for opportunity, Campbell saw beyond the scepticism. She recognized PLT’s colossal reach, boasting a staggering 18.1 million Instagram followers worldwide, as a vehicle to catapult rising talents like Thompson and Anate onto the global stage. “I met Umar Kamani [cofounder of PrettyLittleThing], and I loved that he embraced that I wanted to work with young emerging talent and share the platform. So here we are!” declared Campbell, her confidence unshaken. Remarkably, this exclusive collaboration offers pieces that start as low as $10, making high fashion accessible to all.
For Campbell, this marked a profound shift from her usual perch in the makeup chair. Instead of savouring the luxury of a model’s life, she devoted her time to ensuring the models were impeccably prepared. “I was worried. I just kept running back and forth, making sure their shoes were comfortable and that their hair was right.” Naturally, Campbell took to the runway herself, bringing the house down with her signature grace and poise.
Victor Anate’s journey to this momentous occasion is nothing short of extraordinary. His meteoric rise
began when he secured an internship at ARISE Fashion Week in 2019. The following year, at a mere 18 years old, he emerged as one of the select 30 designers, chosen from a sea of applicants, to shine in ARISE Fashion Week’s ‘30 Under 30: The New Stars’ competition. His collection, a bold and sensuous range of evening-wear pieces, left an indelible mark on the fashion world.
In 2023, Vicnate made a triumphant return to the #ARISEFashionWeek runway. His monochromatic collection, which had initially captured the attention of the ARISE Fashion Week team during early fittings, received an unexpected boost when Naomi Campbell herself graced the runway. Anate, still basking in the afterglow of Campbell’s surprise appearance, enthused, “She embodies everything the brand stands for. It felt great seeing one of the most beautiful and powerful women in the world strut down the runway and in one of my personal favourite looks.”
Now, their partnership has reached new heights as Victor Anate steps into the role of co-designer for Naomi’s exclusive new collection with PrettyLittleThing alongside the rising star designer Edvin Thompson of Theophilio. The fashion world is watching with bated breath as this dynamic trio continues to redefine the industry.
Social media addiction might sound like a buzzword, but it’s a phenomenon that affects millions of people worldwide. The allure of likes, comments, and notifications triggers a dopamine rush in our brains, creating a cycle of instant gratification that’s hard to resist. In extreme cases, we become engrossed in an endless quest for online validation, often at the expense of real-life connections, work, and personal well-being. Research supports the notion that social media addiction is a legitimate concern. Studies have also shown that excessive use of social media can lead to negative mental health outcomes, including increased anxiety, depression, loneliness, and even sleep disturbances. The more time we spend on these platforms, the more likely we are to experience these adverse effects.
Breaking Free: Recognising the Signs
Is this a legitimate concern for you?
Let’s explore some of the telltale signs of social media addiction:
Constant Checking
You can’t resist the urge to check your social media accounts multiple times an hour, even when inappropriate or distracting.
FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
You experience anxiety when you see others enjoying events or activities on social media that you’re not a part of, leading you to feel left out or inadequate.
Neglected Responsibilities
Your social media use begins to interfere with your work, studies, or daily chores. Important tasks are left incomplete because you’re too engrossed in scrolling.
Sleep Disruption
Late-night scrolling keeps you awake far past your bedtime, resulting in sleep deprivation and fatigue.
Comparison Trap
You constantly compare your life to the curated, filtered versions of others’ lives, leading to feelings of envy, inadequacy, or low self-esteem.
Taking Control: How to Cut Back on Social Media
Breaking free from social media addiction is not an overnight process, but it’s entirely possible with determination
Limit Screen Time: Most smartphones offer screen time tracking features. Set daily limits for social media apps to keep your usage in check. Establish specific times during the day when you use social media. Stick to these boundaries rigorously.
Unfollow and Unfriend
Declutter your social media by unfollowing accounts that don’t bring value or positivity to your life.
Use Productivity Apps
Download apps that help you stay focused by blocking or limiting access to social media during work or study hours.
Seek Real Connections
Invest time in face-to-face interactions with friends and family. Genuine connections in the real world can be far more fulfilling than virtual likes and comments.
Practice Mindfulness
Be mindful of your social media use. Ask yourself why you’re scrolling and whether it’s adding value to your life at that moment.
Turn Off Notifications:
The constant ping of notifications is a major distraction—Disable non-essential alerts to reduce the pull of your social media accounts.
Find Offline Activities:
Rediscover hobbies and activities that don’t involve a screen. Engage in physical exercise, pursue a creative passion, or immerse yourself in a good book.
Cultivate Real-Life Connections:
Invest time in nurturing your relationships with family and friends. Quality face-to-face interactions can be far more rewarding than online ones.
Practice Mindfulness:
Learn to be present in the moment. Mindfulness meditation can help you become more aware of your social media habits and develop self-control.
The Path to Digital Balance
Social media addiction is a real issue but can be overcome with dedication and the right strategies. Remember, it’s not about abandoning social media entirely but instead using it mindfully to enhance, not detract from, your life. Also, life is happening now, not just in your news feed.
LARA RAWA AND RUTH OBIH ELIZABETH ELOHOR
Banke Kuku is a renowned textile artist and fashion designer whose unique designs have captivated the fashion world with her eponymous brand, Banke Kuku. Over the years, she has made a significant impact in fashion, textile design, and interior design, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria while embracing modern design sensibilities.
Before launching her label, Banke gained invaluable experience working at various international fashion houses and with the leading interior company, Designers Guild. This led her to introduce the interior arm of her brand, which achieved great success and drew in orders from internationally esteemed clients such as Selfridges, Bazar et Grande Manger Tokyo and more.
Three years ago, she entered the world of women’s fashion with garments that perfectly complemented her interior brand. In a short span of time, she has established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the fashion industry. Her collections have garnered praise for their vibrant colours, intricate textile patterns and harmonious blend of traditional and modern elements. Celebrities have donned both her brand and collaborative designs. During the 2021 ARISE Fashion Week, Made in Nigeria, Conquering the World, Naomi Campbell strutted on the runway for the fashion label. The brand has also gained widespread recognition through its partnerships with local and international stockists, speciality retailers and pop-ups worldwide. Notably, she became the first Nigerian designer to have her designs stocked at Galeries Lafayette in Doha.
In this interview with Oroma Jumbo, she discusses her creative journey, approach to design, the future of Nigerian fashion and her upcoming collection, “Eden”.
Could you share some of your earliest memories of fashion and art? How would you say these memories influenced your creative journey?
My first memories of fashion and art are from primary school - I won several art prizes, including the textiles prize at prep school a few times. I have always been creative, and knew it was something I could never and would never let go of. My fashion journey has been a natural progression: from primary to secondary school to art college at Central Saint Martins and Chelsea College of Art and Design, and then to joining the industry, working for fashion house Burberry and Jasim Di Milo. Eventually, my side hustle, freelancing as a textile designer, became my main hustle, owning my lifestyle brand Banke Kuku.
The Banke Kuku brand includes textile design, interior design, womenswear and now, childrenswear. How do you manage to maintain a cohesive identity across these different areas?
My aesthetic has remained consistent throughout. I’m all about my prints, which tell Nigerian stories in a unique and striking way.
Your fashion label has made waves globally. Could you tell us about the inspiration behind your unique luxury loungewear designs and bold patterns?
I started my fashion label to compliment my interior line. Banke Kuku is a lifestyle brand. I wanted to create pieces that you could wear at home and feel fabulous in, and also throw on a pair of heels and go out in and still feel amazing. I call this occasional loungewear. We mainly work with the softest silks, which are so comfortable and, at the same time, glamorous. The brand was actually born in 2019, just a few months before the covid lockdown of 2020. There was an increasing demand for luxurious loungewear as people were at home and wanted to feel dressed up and comfortable at the same time. It was important for us to keep our prints vibrant and playful during this period to keep people’s moods uplifted.
My prints tell stories about Nigeria, especially stories inspired by nature and the natural environment within the country. It’s important for Nigerian creatives to keep telling our Nigerian stories, as not only will these expressions of culture be documented in history, but it’s also about owning our own narrative for others to appreciate.
I have always been creative, and I knew it was something I could never and would never let go of
With most of the focus on the fashion label, do you still have the time to take on non-brand textile or interior design projects?
Unfortunately, I’m unable to take on nonbranded textiles or interior projects at this time,
but do take on collaborative projects. For example, we had a major collaboration with the American actress Gabrielle Union last year, and we have several exciting collaborations coming up, ranging from costume design for blockbuster films to collaborative products.
Can you explain your approach to design? How do you go from an initial idea to the final product? How do you know when a design is ready? always start with a concept, which will then take many twists and turns. There will be a lot of back and forth, and that first blank page is very daunting. If something isn’t working, I let it go. I may come back to it another time when I’m in a different mindset. From the initial concept, I start to design and experiment a lot until I get to my final piece. It takes a great deal of patience, time, and a supportive team. If you don’t have a team, you can get support from friends, family, or anyone who can give you constructive advice. For what I do, which is occasion loungewear, I know a design is ready when it is versatile and can be worn in many different ways.
When faced with a creative block, how do you overcome it? take time out and move far away from creating. do things to refresh my mind, like catching up with friends, learning new things, self-care, etc. Then, come back to it with fresh eyes and a fresh mind.
Tell me about your experience with transitioning from textile design to fashion design. Did you find it to be a natural transition? Were there any challenges or difficulties you faced along the way?
wouldn’t call it a transition necessarily, as fashion and textiles work alongside each other. But worked for and with many fashion designers as a ‘textile designer’ before beginning my own line, so was fortunate to have been behind the scenes of the process at fashion houses like Burberry and Jasmine Di Milo, as well as designing Textiles for many fashion brands in Nigeria and abroad. I started my fashion brand not long after moved back to Nigeria. It was challenging but also very fulfilling as I’m closer to my source of inspiration. The challenges came from having to be 100% self-sufficient right from the start at every layer of your business. You have to build your own production line, be responsible for deliveries from doorstep to doorstep, generate your own energy and more. This is a lot of responsibility and pressure for a startup fashion brand and can distract from your purpose, which is to create. am so grateful to my incredible team for everything they do to support the brand.
You have established a remarkable reputation throughout your career and cultivated a dedicated following who passionately support the Banke Kuku brand. This year alone, you had the honour of participating as a guest speaker on UBA’s Africa Day panel discussion titled “Innovation on the Continent for Growth”. Also, you served as a distinguished guest judge during the Great British Sewing Bee’s West Africa Week. Reflecting on these accomplishments alongside numerous others, how do they make you feel?
I feel privileged to be able to speak about Nigerian fashion and represent the industry on a global and domestic level. It’s a very exciting time for the creative industry in Nigeria. Creativity has become the new currency.
What would you say has been your biggest moment so far, and why?
My biggest accomplishment so far is making people feel good about themselves in my clothes. I love making people feel happy. I call my community offline and online the Kuku Tribe (#KukuTribe). They mean everything, and they bring my creations to life.
Nigeria’s fashion industry is gaining more recognition. What changes have you observed over the years, and what do you envision for the future of Nigerian fashion?
The industry is doing well, and am grateful to be part of it. Designers are exporting globally, and brands are really raising the bar. However, do think that there is a need for a push towards education not just at the design level but in the other segments of the industry, for example, in manufacturing and communication, so we can own our own space in the fashion industry from design to craft telling our stories.
How is your brand taking steps towards sustainability in an industry known for its fast pace?
The brand is seasonless, meaning we don’t work according to the 3- 4-month fashion season. This allows us to keep designs going for as long as they are loved. This way, we also minimise our waste.
You are set to launch a new collection with a show scheduled in October. What
exciting offerings can we anticipate from the brand in this upcoming collection?
I’m really excited about our new collection, Eden. I’m owning who I am with this collection and elevating what we do as a brand with some stunning elements. The prints tell an incredible story of animals interacting with their natural environment, captivating tales of the plants and animals in Nigeria, Hummingbirds whispering to Bougainvillea, and Ladybirds in the midst of Nigeria’s national flower –the Yellow Trumpet. And our new signature monogram in colours inspired by natural elements – earth, water, fire, and air. The Eden collection is a manifestation of my passion for the outdoors, which is where I feel most Zen. It’s a dreamy and scenic collection with silhouettes reflecting the key essence of the brand’s occasion loungewear, delivered this season with an ethereal twist. Eden is an inclusive collection. It is for people of all sizes, race and religions.
It has been twelve years since you launched the interior arm of your business and three years since your womenswear debut. Looking ahead, where do you see your brand in the next ten years?
In ten years, we will have expanded our distribution channels globally, and we will continue to tell Nigerian stories through our fashion and textiles for the world to see. I can’t wait.
My prints tell stories about Nigeria, especially stories inspired by nature and the natural environment within the country. It’s important for Nigerian creatives to keep telling our Nigerian stories, as not only will these expressions of culture be documented in history, but it’s also about owning our own narrative for others to appreciate.
By Oroma JumboDuring my birthday week, I felt a strong urge to treat myself to a solo lunch to celebrate surviving another year in this country. And so, on a Monday, when many establishments in Lagos are typically closed, I combed through Google and watched several TikTok reviews to find the perfect place to eat. Eventually, I settled on GRÄS as my restaurant of choice.
GRÄS LAGOS – A CONCEPT BY CUBE 65
es at the reception, opted to sit indoors, and was promptly directed to a seating area. I arrived around 4:35 pm, and few customers were present, although more people started to show up around an hour later.
When I inquired with the hostess about walking in, she mentioned that the restaurant has a minimum spending requirement of ₦40,000 per individual.
GRÄS Lagos is an upscale restaurant that commenced operations in June. It is situated in the heart of Victoria Island, Lagos, on Adeola Odeku Street. It might be overlooked if you’re searching for a visible signboard along the street, but it is in the same building as Mikano Motors, which is hard to miss. As other businesses are in the same building, parking spaces might be scarce during regular work hours. You can easily reach the restaurant by taking the elevators from the ground floor. Security personnel and a hostess are stationed near the elevators to guide you to the upper floors. Reservations are not required but are highly recommended. These can be made online or by calling the phone numbers on their Instagram page. I didn’t make a reservation in advance. When I inquired with the hostess about walking in, she mentioned that the restaurant has a minimum spending requirement of ₦40,000 per individual.
Upon exiting the elevators, guests are met with a vintage Rolls Royce parked in the lobby, gentle music playing in the backdrop and an opulent atmosphere. Every corner is impeccably decorated and exquisitely furnished, from the indoor and outdoor dining areas to the restrooms. The restaurant boasts a captivating ambience that is perfect for capturing Instagramworthy photos.
Service provided my personal information –name and phone number – to the hostess-
In under five minutes, a waitress came to take my order. Unfortunately, the starter I initially wanted – the ‘Burrata’ – ran out the day before, but the waitress informed me of this on the spot, showing that the floor and kitchen staff were in sync. Everything else I ordered was available. My food was delivered within a reasonable timeframe and was served at the appropriate temperature.
The staff were polite, attentive, and accommodating; was able to capture images and videos without any disturbance from them. They efficiently addressed my inquiries regarding food and beverage options and directions to the restroom. requested for my leftovers to be packed up, and this was done quickly and delivered to my table along with my bill.
Food & Beverage
After placing my orders, received a complimentary sliced flatbread and a pesto dip. It was a welcome sight, as I was hungry. My replacement starter, the ‘Chicken Taquitos’, came shortly after. The taquitos strongly resembled spring rolls – rather than rolled tacos – with a thicker wrap. Crunchy, savoury, and spicy, these were a delight to munch on. This was followed by my main course, the ‘Sea Bass Filet’—the star of the show. My eyes rolled back involuntarily as I took the first bite of the fish. It was good! The creamy lemon capri sauce on the side honestly wasn’t needed for the fish. Or the vegetables. I just used it because of my zero-waste policy. Nevertheless, it paired well with both and rounded up the dish perfectly.
I tend to go for restaurants’ signature cocktails, so chose the “Adriatic Sea” cocktail, a rum and tequila-based drink with strawberry, coconut, and blackberry. It was served in a glass with decorative feet and a tail that doubled as a straw. The
taste was pleasant, with a balanced sweetness and not an overwhelming amount of alcohol. did find it a bit odd that I wasn’t offered a coaster for my drink. Especially as the plate my entrée was served in took up all the space on the placemat, and my glass ended up sweating all over the table. Then again, I was too engrossed in my food to ask for one. If there’s one thing cannot resist on a dessert menu, it’s crème brulée. I did not bother considering any other option and did not regret my choice. Garnished with desiccated coconut, a raspberry – they could’ve added one or two extra raspberries, just saying – and a wafer, this was a luscious treat and the ideal way to conclude my meal.
Overall Thoughts
My dining experience at GRÄS was enjoyable. The menu presented various culinary options – including African, Italian, Nigerian, European, and Mediterranean cuisine – and a diverse and carefully chosen range of beverages.
Compared to other restaurants in Lagos, the prices of the dishes I chose were reasonable. However, there are a few pricey options available on the menu. The portions are decent, and a few meals have enough quantity for sharing between two individuals. Menu prices exclude a 7.5% V.A.T. charge, 5% Lagos consumption tax and 5% service charge.
Considering the current economic situation, GRÄS may not be suitable for everyone due to its minimum spending requirement of ₦40,000. I would highly recommend it for romantic dates or special occasions.
Location: 65 Adeola Odeku Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Opening Hours: Mondays 6:00 pm –12:00 am || Tuesdays – Sundays 12:00 pm – 12:00 am.
*During this visit, their opening hours were from 12 pm to 12 am, seven days a week. Their Monday hours were later adjusted to 6 pm to 12 am.
By Bukola Amoboye
Aloe Vera
