Sweet Innovation Defines Final Day of GTCO Food Festival

..by Adeleke Olubanwo

The 2026 GTCO Food and Drink Festival closed on a high note in Lagos, shifting the spotlight from indulgence to education as its final day delivered a rich blend of culinary technique, cultural expression, and practical learning.

At the heart of Day 3 was a dessert masterclass that transformed spectators into active participants, drawing a diverse crowd of food lovers, budding bakers, and industry enthusiasts. The session, anchored by New York-based pastry chef Camari Mick, offered more than a demonstration it became a deep dive into the discipline and creativity behind modern pastry-making.

Mick, celebrated for her innovative approach to desserts, walked attendees through the creation of a sorrel (zobo) lemon tart topped with meringue, a dish that marries global pastry traditions with familiar local flavours. Rather than merely showcasing the process, she unpacked the science and precision behind each step, from achieving the right consistency in the curd to understanding the role of temperature and emulsification in texture development.

The class quickly evolved into a collaborative environment, with participants engaging directly in the preparation process and seeking clarity on substitutions, measurements, and baking techniques. The interactive format underscored a growing appetite for experiential learning within Nigeria’s food culture.

Beyond technique, Mick introduced attendees to the fundamentals of food science, explaining how flavour balance is achieved and how elements like acidity influence taste and structure. Her explanations ranging from the chemistry of ingredients to the mechanics of whipping meringue added depth to what might otherwise have been a routine cooking session.

The session culminated in a tasting, as guests sampled the finished tart, a moment that combined sensory satisfaction with a sense of accomplishment. For many, it was not just about the dessert, but the knowledge acquired along the way.

By the close of the festival, the masterclass had come to symbolize a broader shift in culinary engagement where audiences are no longer content with passive consumption but are eager to understand, experiment, and create. It served as a fitting finale, reinforcing the festival’s role as both a showcase of flavours and a platform for skill-building and innovation.

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