On Saturday, February 28, 2026, the MLK, Jr. Community Center proudly hosted its 4th Annual Taste of Soul Soul Food Cook-Off, celebrating the rich diversity of soul food cuisine in honor of Black History Month.

Participants showcased their signature dishes for a chance to win first place in four categories: Meat, Sides, Desserts, and Vegan/Vegetarian. Each entry was evaluated based on taste, presentation, and creativity. The coveted People’s Choice Award was presented to the contestant whose dish earned the highest overall vote from the community.

Guests experienced a wide selection of soul food favorites, participated in raffles, and enjoyed live entertainment from R&B singer Kamica King.

Featured contestants included Qu’Dee, Marissa O’Leary, Fi’s Cake Shoppe, Gigi Sweets, Kiiana Sweets, Empowering the Masses, Belizean Jewels Island Flavors, Big Juicy’s Soul Food & More, Ken’s Folks Kitchen, Lilycrown Specialty Tea, Food for the Soul, The Creator’s Touch Signature Events, Pamela Dixon, Vickie Rone, Live Luxe Event Co. LLC, Shelly Goodwyn, Long Services, Tidbitz, and Charmed by Missa Vegan Cuisine.

Winners included Ken’s Folks Kitchen (Meat); The Creator’s Touch Signature Events (Sides); Charmed By Missa Vegan Cuisine (Vegan/Vegetarian); and Qu’Dee (Dessert). The People’s Choice winner was Empowering the Masses.

Community Partners included the City of Dallas Office of Community Care, Dallas Park & Recreation, Dallas Public Library, City of Dallas Arts & Culture, Kroger, Empowering the Masses, HELP, LIRA, Oncor, Dallas Mavericks, In the City For Good, Packing Housing Market, Accident & Injury Chiropractic, and World Vision.

Special thanks to the MLK, Jr. Community Center Advisory Board, the judges, and our dedicated volunteers for their gracious support and commitment to the center.

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On Saturday, February 22, 2025, the MLK, Jr. Community Center hosted the 3rd annual “Taste of Soul” Soul Food Cook-Off, highlighting the diversity of soul food cuisine in celebration of Black History Month.

Registered participants entered their best soul food dish for a chance to win first place in 4 categories, including meat, sides/appetizers, 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 collective vote from the community. 

Attendees enjoyed samples from each contestant along with raffles and prizes, free food and drinks, and live performances from R&B singer Reuben Lael. Jamie “Jazze” Maxie, On Air Personality and  Community Affairs Director for Radio One, served as Mistress of Ceremony.

Featured contestants included Juicy’s Soul Food & More!, 1Hand^, Belizean Jewels Island Flavors, Qu-Dee, Charmed By Missa, Charisweet, Fe’s Cake Shoppe, Nana Dot’s Southern Sweets, Soul of the Souf, BB’s Special, The Bayou Catering Co., Curated Cravings, Salads Mediterranean Style, Cooking With Friends, Gregory Green, Aaron Bacon III, Crystal Tyler, and Sammie Anderson.

Winners included Belizean Jewels Island Flavors (Meat); The Bayou Catering Co. (Sides/Appetizers); Charmed By Missa Vegan Cuisine (Vegan/Vegetarian); and Fe’s Cake Shoppe (Dessert). The People’s Choice winner was Juicy’s Soul Food & More!

Community Partners included the City of Dallas Office of Community Care, Dallas Park & Recreation, Accident & Injury Chiropractic, Kroger, GEMS Camp, Empowering the Masses, World Vision, In the City For Good, Kroger, HELP, LIRA Group, DFW Voices for Education and Youth, Louisiana Hot Sauce, 97.9 the Beat, and Magic 94.5.

Special thanks to the MLK, Jr. Community Center Advisory Board, the judges, and our dedicated volunteers for their gracious support and commitment to the center.

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On Saturday, February 24, 2024, the MLK, Jr. Community Center hosted the 2nd annual “Taste of Soul” Soul Food Cook-Off, highlighting the diversity of soul food cuisine in celebration of Black History Month.

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, free food and drinks, and live performances from Alexis Fowler, Gabrielle Hill, Don Diego, and the 410 Line Dancers. Pamela Davis served as Mistress of Ceremony.

Featured contestants included Juicy’s Soul Food & More!, SmoQuiche, Lynnrichenterprises LLC, Kamishia’s Kitchen, Vickie Rone, Hester’s Bar & Grill, 1Hand^, Belizean Jewels, Artisan Chef Foods, Qu-Dees, Charmed By Missa, Nom Nom Desserts, OMG Cakes & Southern Best Catering, Faye’s Teacakes, and Simpli Restaurant Group.

Winners included Juicy’s Soul Food & More! (Meat); Kamishia’s Kitchen (Sides); Nomm Nomm Desserts (Desserts); and Charmed By Missa (Vegan/Vegetarian). The People’s Choice winner was Simpli Restaurant Group. 

Community Partners included the City of Dallas Office of Community Care, Dallas Park & Recreation, Target, Black Voters Matter, Empowering the Masses, In the City For Good, Kroger, HELP, LIRA, K104, and Magic 94.5.

Special thanks to the MLK, Jr. Community Center Advisory Board, the judges, and our dedicated volunteers for their gracious support and commitment to the center.

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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!

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