There was something for everyone at First Bank’s ‘Food is Art’ fair

First Bank on Saturday held its inaugural edition of ‘Food is Art’, a 3-in-1 food event held at Freedom Park, Lagos.

Food is Art, a First@ arts initiative, explored the opportunities in the food industry and showcased the business side of the food industry.

Some of the highlights of event were classes on creating art with food (items), food photography as well as street foods stands which were on display.

Perhaps with the intention of making attendees spoilt for choice, the food stands had a wide array of options for enthusiastic foodies to select from.

Roast & grills, local delicacies, and street munchies like Akara, fish, and Dodo were readily available while also easy-to-make drinks such as Zobo, slush, smoothies, soya drink, were on hand for guests.

Coaches at the different sessions include Iquo Ukoh, a nutritionist dietitian, Kelechi Amadi-Obi, iconic photographer, Adaobi Okonkwo, founder of Dobbys Signature, and Haneefah Adam, creative visual artist and lifestyle blogger.

For some, it was about the endless variety of foods while others were moved by the art that can be created from food.

“There is an adage that says the eyes eat before the mouth and this applies to food art”, said Ukoh, who was one of such persons.

She added: “I love art and I see life and all that it brings out of the eye of an artist. This is why I love to create new dishes and present them in interesting ways.

“I am no a food artist but in my resolve to push Nigerian and West African foods out to the world, I consciously try to put our best forward. This is the only way I believe our rich culinary repertoire will get noticed and appreciated.”

Folake Ani-Mumuney, group head, marketing & corporate communications, First Bank Nigeria, noted that the art of food photography and street food fair aims to promote the art and business of food as an integral part of Nigeria’s culture and economy.

“The current wave of creativity and innovation associated with the art and business of food cannot be overemphasised”, said Ani-Mumuney.

“At First Bank, we are proud to be at the vanguard of the foodie renaissance. Indeed, the history and heritage of First Bank is steeped in food, as we commenced business essentially supporting agricultural produce farmers and merchants”, she added.

Some of the participating food vendors include Gidi Gourmet, Smokey Bones, Grill King, Laura’s Kitchen, Wrap City, Boomsky smoothies, La Zobo, among others.