When I walked into Cavita this past Sunday, the energy in the room was something very special. To be surrounded by so many trailblazing women for the International Women’s Day lunch was an incredible session. It was a space full of knowledge, experience, and a shared vision from chefs who are changing the industry.
But I must take a special moment to speak directly about Adriana Cavita. Watching you host this beautiful event in your own restaurant, I felt so much pride. Adriana, you are a constant inspiration to me. The way you represent our Mexico with so much elegance and strength here in London is extraordinary. As a Mexican woman building Sweet Nibble, sharing your friendship and seeing your success gives me the courage to keep pushing our own mission forward. You truly open the doors for all of us.
Watching Adriana alongside Ayesha Kalaji, Keshia Sakarah, Maria Bradford, and Sabrina Gidda was a true inspiration. These are great women representing their cultures and their deepest values. They are earning spaces in the UK to share their stories and their passion about their food. For me, coming from Mexico, I know exactly what it means to put your heart on a plate and ask the world to understand where you come from.
The delicious menu we experienced was not just food. Every dish showed their personalities, their home countries, and their values. From the Middle East and Sierra Leone to the Caribbean and Mexico, we tasted the evolution of food. We start with the authentic—the recipes of our grandmothers—but then we are bringing other elements of the local culture to the regional. We adapt, we grow, but we never lose our roots.
The food is an evolution. We start with the authentic, but we adapt and grow without ever losing our roots.
What touched me the most was seeing how these extraordinary women open opportunities for others. They are paving the way not just for other chef women, but for men, for the young generation, and for diverse cultures to have a voice in hospitality. They reminded all of us of the importance of independence, and above all, the respect to others and respect to your own culture.
The room was full of powerful dialogue. I was so grateful to have incredible connections and conversations with Suzana Bertotti, Nokx Majozi, and Adejoké Bakare. When we talk together, we realise that our struggles and our dreams in this industry are so connected.
Events like this remind me why we do what we do at Sweet Nibble. We are not just baking bread; we are protecting our culture, innovating for the future, and building a table where everyone is welcome to sit.
Thank you to Adriana and all the chefs for reminding us that the future of food is global, inclusive, and powered by women.