Greater Baltimore Urban League teams up with MET Gala to spotlight culinary entrepreneurs
The Baltimore MET Gala is preparing to add a flavorful new experience to its lineup in 2025 with the debut of “A Taste of the MET.” This addition is being presented in partnership with the Greater Baltimore Urban League (GBUL) and promises to highlight the creativity and skill of local chefs who have graduated from the Restaurant Accelerator Program (RAP).
The RAP initiative, launched in 2021 by the PepsiCo Foundation and the National Urban League, has already invested more than $300,000 to support 35 Baltimore-based restaurateurs. Graduates of the program now have the opportunity to showcase their work on one of the city’s most glamorous stages.
Tershea “Shea” Rice, Vice President of Operations at GBUL, said the partnership reflects exactly what the organization envisioned when RAP was created. “This is the kind of platform we want for our graduates, one that celebrates culture, creativity, and community while giving our entrepreneurs a real seat at the table,” Rice explained.
Among the featured chefs is Donvenia Jackson, owner of French Toast Connection and a proud RAP alumna. Jackson said the experience represents a full-circle moment. “What began as a step toward elevating my culinary vision has come full circle. I am honored to lead and support fellow graduates as part of A Taste of the MET. This moment reflects the past, present, and future of Black excellence in Baltimore’s culinary and business communities,” she said.
LaRian Finney, Executive Producer of the Baltimore MET Gala, described the partnership as a natural expansion of the event’s mission. “The MET Gala was designed to elevate Black excellence, amplify innovation, and build meaningful platforms for economic empowerment. With A Taste of the MET, we are growing our brand activation in powerful ways while spotlighting culinary talent that deserves to be seen, supported, and celebrated,” Finney said.
The chefs who will be featured include: Tasha’s Oven; French Toast Connections; Fat Fly Guy Cook; Soul Purpose Kuisine; Rich & SpirLit; The Dessert King; Soulful Fuzion Feast; House of Sweets; Tulum Tacos; and The Soul Connect.
This year’s theme, “TIMELESS — The Evolution of Style: Past. Present. Future.” invites the chefs to prepare bite-sized dishes inspired by the legacy of Black culinary excellence and the dynamic food culture of Baltimore. Guests can expect to enjoy a tasting journey that honors heritage, celebrates modern innovation, and imagines the future of food.
Beyond the food, A Taste of the MET adds another dimension to the Gala’s reputation for blending fashion, art, culture, and community into one unforgettable evening. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Greater Baltimore Urban League, helping sustain the Restaurant Accelerator Program as it moves toward 2026.
The 2025 Baltimore MET Gala will take place on Saturday, September 13, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tickets are available now at baltimoremetgala.com.
Since its debut in 2022, the Baltimore MET Gala has grown into a regional celebration of creativity, culture, and philanthropy. With the addition of A Taste of the MET, the Gala continues to build its reputation as a platform for economic empowerment and cultural innovation.
Harold Booker Jr.
Harold Booker Jr. is the founder and principal of DrewJenk Consulting, a boutique firm that specializes in project management, technology, and community engagement. He is also a frequent contributor to the Baltimore Times, writing about arts, culture, and social issues that connect personal history with community impact.