Tolu Eros: The Billionaire Chef Bringing West African Cuisine to the Forefront

Tolu Eros, a LA-based chef, is on a mission to introduce the world to the rich flavors of West African cuisine. Dubbed the "Billionaire Chef" by his friends, Eros has worked for some of the wealthiest individuals in Nigeria and is now taking his culinary expertise on the road, collaborating with chefs from diverse backgrounds to showcase the versatility and cultural significance of African cuisine.

Bridging Cultures Through the Power of Food

Exploring the Culinary Diversity of West Africa

Eros believes that food is a powerful language that can bridge cultural divides and foster a deeper understanding of people and their traditions. His latest culinary adventure, the "A Taste of Culture" food tour, is a testament to this belief. The tour will take Eros to various cities across the United States, where he will collaborate with chefs from different backgrounds to create unique menu items that celebrate the flavors of West Africa."When we think of fine dining, we think of food from France and from Italy, but we rarely think about Senegal or Nigeria," says Eros. "I want to bring together chefs from all different backgrounds, because for all of them, their culture — whether the one they were born into or the one that they've cooked into — is a big part of their success."

Showcasing the Versatility of West African Cuisine

Eros' first stop on the tour is in Washington, D.C., where he will team up with Immigrant Food's Japanese American chef, Ben Murray, to add his signature jollof rice and suya-curry spiced chicken to the restaurant's Madam VP Heritage Bowl. This dish pays homage to the Jamaican and Indian roots of the Democratic presidential nominee, with the addition of plantains and pineapple to balance the inherent spiciness.On September 15, Eros will also collaborate with Venezuelan chef Enrique Limardo at his Latin hot spot, Seven Reasons in CityCenterDC, to incorporate West African ingredients into the brunch and family-style dinner menus.

Challenging Perceptions and Celebrating Diversity

Eros' culinary journey is not just about showcasing the flavors of West Africa, but also about challenging the perceptions of what constitutes "fine dining." He believes that the culinary world has traditionally overlooked the rich and diverse cuisines of Africa, and he is determined to change that."I realized at that moment, more so than ever before, just how important it was to introduce African cuisine to America," says Eros, recalling a dinner party he hosted for a glitterati group in the Hollywood Hills. "The tides are turning, and we're seeing more recognition for African cuisine, like the recent James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant that went to Dakar NOLA, a Senegalese restaurant in New Orleans."

Collaborating with Culinary Pioneers

As Eros continues his multi-city tour, he will be collaborating with a diverse array of chefs, including Nicolás López of José Andrés' Mercado Little Spain, Pierre Thiam of Teranga, and Marcus Samuelsson in New York City, as well as Sean Rajo of Common House, Prince Lobo of Addis Nola, and Serigne Mbaye of Dakar NOLA in New Orleans.Eros emphasizes that these collaborations are not about creating "fusion" dishes, but rather about showcasing the unique cultures and traditions of each cuisine. "We want diners to really taste unique cultures, not create an unidentifiable blend — it's important to respect each culture individually, but show how they can communicate with one another," he explains.

Educating and Inspiring Through Culinary Exploration

At the heart of Eros' "A Taste of Culture" tour is a desire to educate the public and inspire a deeper appreciation for the rich culinary heritage of West Africa. By collaborating with chefs from diverse backgrounds, he aims to create a dialogue that celebrates the commonalities and differences between cultures, ultimately fostering a greater understanding and appreciation for the power of food to bring people together."I want people to walk away feeling like they've learned about two cultures at the same time, and really see the love that people from different backgrounds can have through food," says Eros.