Over 25 Trailblazing Women Convene at Chef Vee’s Setting The Standards Ladies Brunch

The Nigerian hospitality industry witnessed a landmark event as over 25 leading women across diverse industries gathered for The Setting The Standards Ladies Brunch on the 28th of December 2024, hosted by celebrated chef and culinary innovator, Vanessa Cole-Agili popularly known as Chef Vee. Held in an intimate and elegant setting, this year’s brunch combined exquisite culinary artistry with empowering conversations to redefine the future of Nigerian food tourism and hospitality.

Chef Vee, widely recognized for her culinary expertise and passion for celebrating Nigerian cuisine, curated a 3-course brunch menu that honored local ingredients in a modern and sophisticated manner. Each dish was thoughtfully paired with cocktails crafted by the renowned premium gin brand Inverroche, a distillery founded by South African entrepreneur Lorna Scott, further emphasizing the power of women in transforming global industries.

“This brunch is more than just a meal; it’s a movement,” said Chef Vee during her remarks. “The Setting The Standards initiative aims to explore innovative ways to elevate the Nigerian hospitality industry, positioning our nation as a respected food tourism destination on the global stage,” she added.

The event featured dynamic and heartwarming discussions around setting new benchmarks in hospitality, creating opportunities for collaboration, and advancing women’s roles in shaping the industry’s future. Guests were treated to personalized, faith-inspired gifts from Rayo Luxe, adding a meaningful touch to an already unforgettable experience.

As a key highlight, Chef Vee celebrated the collaboration with Inverroche, whose cocktails added a layer of sophistication to the brunch experience. Lorna Scott’s legacy as a woman-led pioneer in the distilling industry served as a fitting inspiration for attendees, embodying the spirit of breaking barriers and embracing innovation. Inverroche was represented by the Head of Portfolio at Pernod Ricard, Bodam Taiwo who gave an insightful speech on the importance of this collaboration between Chef Vee and Inverroche to bring this event to life.
The Setting The Standards Ladies Brunch 2024 not only set the tone for advancing the Nigerian hospitality narrative but also reinforced the importance of shared vision and collaboration in driving meaningful change.

Chef Vee (Vanessa Cole) is a renowned Nigerian chef and culinary innovator, celebrated for her ability to merge traditional Nigerian flavors with global culinary techniques. She is passionate about redefining the hospitality industry in Nigeria, using her platform to inspire women and promote Nigerian cuisine on an international scale.

Inverroche is a South African distillery founded by Lorna Scott, known for its premium spirits crafted with indigenous botanicals. The brand has become a symbol of innovation and excellence in the global distilling industry.