2023 "Taste of Soul" Soul Food Cook-Off (Event Recap) -

On Saturday, February 25, 2023, the City of Dallas Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center hosted the “Taste of Soul” Soul Food Cook-Off in honor of Black History Month, highlighting local chefs and celebrating the diversity of soul food cuisine.

Registered participants entered their best soul food dish for a chance to win first place in 4 categories, including meat, sides, desserts, and vegan/vegetarian. Each dish was judged based on taste, appearance, and creativity. The “People’s Choice” award was given to the contestant with the best overall dish, determined by a vote from local community members.

Attendees enjoyed samples from each contestant along with raffles and prizes, kid zone activities, a fun 360° photo booth, free food and drinks, and live entertainment from Akeem Stroup, Spoken Word Artist; W.K., R&B Artist from Dallas, TX; and Line Dancing with Bria.

Featured contestants included Nomm Nomm Desserts, Delicious Home Cooking and Company, Juicy’s Soul Food & More!, Fletcher’s Catering, Charmed By Miss Vegan Cuisine, Mrs. Helen’s Home Cooking, Grandma’s House and Kitchen, Art Wilson/Artisan Chef Catering, Park’s Peas, Gorilla Rose Catering, Red Diva Chili, EP Cakes, Just Desserts, Soul Cravings, C and D Handmade Jewelry Co., Margaret Trammell Family Cook, and Gregory Green.

Winners included Juicy’s Soul Food & More! (Meat); Gregory Green (Sides); Nomm Nomm Desserts (Desserts); and Park’s Peas (Vegan/Vegetarian). The People’s Choice winner was Art Williams, Artisan Chef Catering.

Community Partners included Reliant NRG, Kroger, LIRA Group, and HELP. Special thanks to our volunteers and guests for attending!