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[RECAP] Atlanta Media Taste Chef Wierdo

Published

7 years ago

May 9, 2018

ATLANTA, GA – Uprising Vegan Culinary Artist, Chef Wierdo prepared a remarkable 3-course meatless meal that left guest craving for more at the Atlanta Media Taste Chef Wierdo | No Meat & Greet Friday, May 4^th. Located in Powder Springs at the BarTalkWithJay Radio Studio, Atlanta’s hottest food bloggers/journalists, publicists and influencers all came together for an intimate night filled with seasoned vegetables that were unrecognizable leaving magical tasting flavor sensations right at the tip of their tongues.

Barbeque Chickpea Sliders & Herbed Roasted Potatoes

The vegan styled menu included homemade guacamole, hummus, tacos/burritos, barbeque chickpea sliders, herbed roasted potatoes and the people’s favorite, chicken nugget styled buffalo cauliflower bites. Chef Wierdo even whipped up dessert which consisted of almond vegan cheesecake minis plus vegan brownies. Many attendees bragged about how wonderful and delicious the food was but they could not fathom the fact they weren’t eating any meat. Some participants admitted to almost being sold on the entire “going vegan” idea.

In addition, there was a Q&A conducted by the host, AcceessNiNiDoIt where Chef Wierdo talked proudly about his transition to veganism, the secret to how he makes his dishes taste so amazing and what’s it’s like being a multifaceted entrepreneur.

Vegan Culinary Artist, Chef Wierdo & Shedavi Founder, Elizabeth Davis

Shedavi, a black-owned vegan beauty brand was also present at the Atlanta Media No Meat & Greet. Samples of their brand new CROWNED Collection (scalp elixir, shampoo, conditioner, co-wash and protein masque) were passed out in their exclusive all-white Shedavi signature cosmetic bags. Guest loved the products and highly anticipate trying the new line of products enriched and infused with high-quality vegan botanicals. Shedavi is founded by Elizabeth Davis and can be purchased at www.shedavi.com.

Coming up this month of May, Chef Wierdo is set to prepare a mouthwatering Sunday Brunch Buffet at the 3^rdAnnual Fruits of Labor Art Tour. This is a three-city tour that kicks off in Brooklyn, New York at the Living Gallery, Sunday, May 20^th.

The “No Meat & Greet” was implemented to properly introduce CW to the Atlanta Media as well as to create a food buzz NYC media/food bloggers will also anticipate.

Check out photos below to view the chef’s most talked about dishes and to learn more about the FOOL3 tour, follow @ChefWierdo and visit www.chefwierdo.com.

Chef Wierdo
Chef Wierdo who is known for dying his hair fancy colors cooks up delicious healthy meals that are vegan, decoratively platted, and original. His colorful, flavorful exquisite cuisines are what clients request to have catered at their wedding reception or their next event. His exceptional knowledge of gardening makes it easier for him to select foods that obtain great nutrition to avoid adding any dairy or using any animal products. His perspective on staying physically fit and eating to live has cultivated a rewarding diet that has led him to lose over 50lbs. From Atlanta to New York, he loves to travel to host private intimate dinners (pop-ups) as well as he is the head chef for new online vegan meal prep company, Eat2Live located in Atlanta, GA and is a General Manager at America’s favorite, Jimmy John’s.

Fruits of Our Labor Art Tour (FOOL3)
This is the third installment of Ashy Kreative’s “Fruits of Our Labor” photo series of carefully curated photographs as well as paintings that represent simple lifestyle scenes using fruit to highlight certain details in a creative way. FOOL3 will be hosted by 7xAward-Winning Spiritual Journalist/International Personality, Madison Jaye. The food will be prepared by the collaborative efforts of Chief Wierdo (Vegan Chef/Meal Prep) and New York City’s own, Chef India. Guests can expect for this day to be filled with original fruit inspired fine art, bottomless mimosas, and an excellent Sunday Brunch Buffet. To purchase tickets, please click on the link provided: https://www.kreativegeenius.com/fool3.

We Speak Entertainment

BET MEDIA GROUP HONORED BLACK LGBTQ+ TRAILBLAZER WITH A POWERFUL NIGHT OF CELEBRATION, CULTURE AND COMMUNITY

FROM BOB THE DRAG QUEEN’S GROUNDBREAKING RECOGNITION TO HOPE GISELLES’S INSPIRING REMARKS– THE 3RD ANNUAL BET BLACK + ICONIC SOIREE HIGHLIGHTED THE BRILLIANCE AND IMPACT OF BLACK LGBTQ+ LEADERS

Published

6 days ago

May 28, 2025

Adavie Gutierrez

(New York, NY)– May 28, 2025 – The 3rd Annual BET Black + Iconic Soirée made its Washington, D.C debut with inspiring evening celebrating the past, present, and future of black LGBTQ+ excellence. The 2025 theme, “Excellence Ascending,” paid tribute to cultural change makers leading with authenticity, courage and purpose.

Hosted by entertainment journalist and Access Hollywood anchor Scott Evans, the Soirée gathered trailblazers across activism, arts, business, and media for a powerful evening of storytelling , performance, and legacy-building.

Highlights from the BET Black + Iconic Soriée Included:

Ashlee Davis, J.D. received the Executive Realness Award for her trailblazing work in civil rights leadership, including her legacy of impact across government and corporate sectors.

Hope Giselle, a powerful advocate and author was named Emerging leader for her unrelenting work championing visibility and inclusion for Black trans communities.

Kierra Johnson, Executive Director of the National LGBTQ Task Force, was honored as Active Advocate for her decades of leadership advancing reproductive justice and LGBTQ+ rights.

Ashlee Marie Preston, a nationally recognized activist and media strategist, accepted the Creative Visionary Award, saluted for using her voice to shift narratives and build intergenerational coalitions.

Bob the Drag Queen, Emmy-winning entertainer and global icon, received the Culture Trailblazer Award, closing the evening with a heartfelt speech about identity, freedom, legacy.

The Center for Black Equity and the Take Resource Center each received $5,000 through the BET Thrive Fund Recognition, honored for their work advancing Black LGBTQ+ wellness, equity and community organizing.

WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Culture Trailblazer award recipient Bob The Drag Queen speaks on stage during BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Eva Marcille speaks on stage during BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Creative Visionary award recipient Ashlee Marie Preston speaks on stage during BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Arrington Foster presents Creative Visionary award to Ashlee Marie Preston on stage during BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Carter The Body speaks on stage during BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Kenya Hutton accepts an award on behalf of Center for Black Equity on stage during BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Dr. David J. Johns presents an award to Center for Black Equity and Kenya Hutton on stage during BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Avery Wilson performs on stage during BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Avery Wilson performs on stage during BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Avery Wilson performs on stage during BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Avery Wilson performs on stage during BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Hope Giselle accepts her award on stage during BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Mariah Moore presents an award to Hope Giselle (L) on stage during BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Bryan Terrell Clark presents an award to Ashlee Davis (L) on stage during BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Bryan Terrell Clark presents an award to Ashlee Davis on stage during BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Scott Evans speaks on stage during BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: (L-R) Honorees Tiyale Hayes, Ashlee Marie Preston, Kierra Johnson, Hope Giselle and Bob The Drag Queen pose for a photo together during BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: (L-R) Honorees Ashlee Marie Preston, Kierra Johnson and Hope Giselle pose for a photo together during BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Dr. Kendric Dartis attends BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Kierra Johnson and guests attend BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Tiyale Hayes attends BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Keith Boykin attends BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Arrington Foster attends BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Kron Moore attends BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Bishop O.C. Allen attends BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Rashad Burgess attends BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Derek J attends BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: RaeShanda Lias-Lockhart attends BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Guest attends BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Damon Jones attends BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Brandon Blackwood attends BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Bryan Terrell Clark attends BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Roz “Mr. Wonderful” Mugler attends BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: George M. Johnson attends BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Hope Giselle attends BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Hope Giselle (L) and guest attend BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Avery Wilson attends BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: T.S. Madison attends BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Kierra Johnson accepts an award for Active Advocateon stage during BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Eva Marcille (L) presents Culture Trailblazer award to Bob The Drag Queen on stage during BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: (L-RHonorees Tiyale Hayes, Ashlee Marie Preston, Kierra Johnson, Hope Giselle and Bob The Drag Queen pose for a photo together during BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)

The night also featured a soul-stirring medley performance by Broadway powerhouse Avery Wilson, fresh off stage from The Wiz revival. Presenters included Eva Marcille (All The Queen’s Men, BET+), Carter The Body (All The Queen’s Men, BET+), Bryan Terrell Clark (Diarra from Detroit, BET+), and Arrington Foster (The Family Business, BET+), each bringing star power and heartfelt tributes to the evening’s honorees.

“From the very beginning, we knew this couldn’t be just another event,” said Tiyale Hayes, EVP of Insights and Multiplatform Analytics and Co-Lead of Social Impact at BET, During his opening remarks. “It had to an intentional space to uplift stories too often silenced and celebrate contributions that have shaped the world in powerful ways.”

The evening also spotlighted Gilead Sciences, a long standing partner of the BET Black + Iconic Soirée. Gilead’s Rashad Burgess, Vice President of U.S. Advocacy and Health Equity, emphasized and the importance of equitable healthcare access, visibility, and long-term impact for Black LGBTQ+ communities.

Additionally, the event welcomed Truth Initiative as a new partner of the BET Black + Iconic Soirée. Dr. Kendrick Dartis, Vice president of Outreach and Engagement, addressed the urgent issue of tobacco use in Black and LGBTQ+ communities and emphasized the need for culturally relevant cessation support. He also announced a $5,000 BET Thrive Fund donation, sponsored by Truth Initiative, to Us Helping Us– a D.C.- based non profit dedicated to advancing health equity.

BET Black + Iconic Soirée stands as defining moment in the 45th anniversary year of the media group– underscoring its mission to center Black culture, honor its LGBTQ+ communities, and drive meaningful, measurable impact.

Join the conversation using #BlackAndIconic and relieve the nights most powerful moments on BET’s official social channels. The Televised premiere date and time will be announced at a later date.

ABOUT BET MEDIA GROUP

The BET Media Group, a unit of Paramount (NASDAQ:PARAA;PARA), is the worlds largest media company dedicated too entertaining, engaging, and empowering the Black community and championing Black culture. Connecting Back audiences through a portfolio of brands including BET, BET+, BET Gospel, BET HER, BET International, BET Jams, BET Soul, BET Studios, and VH1, the BET Media Group is thriving media  ecosystem of leading interconnected platforms across cable TV, streaming, digital, studios, live events and international. For more information about BET, visit www.bet.com and follow @BET on social platforms. For more BET news announcements visit bet pressroom.com.