The David L. Lawrence Convention Center’s grand concourse overflowed with love on Monday night.

Pittsburgh area chefs and their helpers laughed and smiled at the sixth annual Tastebuds event, an evening to showcase the culinary talents of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The fundraiser for Best Buddies Pennsylvania, an organization dedicated to creating opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities pairs local chefs with buddies.

In the process of preparing pierogies, cake pops, popcorn and pasta, something else even more satisfying is created — friendships.

Courtesy of Gianna DiPaolo Julia Kalunzy (left) hugs Dominique Metcalfe, executive chef Levy Restaurants at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The two met through Best Buddies Pennsylvania, an organization dedicated to creating opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  

Kate Lasky, chef and co-owner of Apteka in Bloomfield, dished out homemade pierogies with buddies Helenka Foley and Lindsay Marczak.

Dominique Metcalfe, executive chef Levy Restaurants at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, along with buddy Julia Kalunzy, offered fresh cake pops, hot chocolate and popcorn.

Buddy Megan Dulski and Aimee DiAndrea and her husband Dave Anoia, co-owners of DiAnoia’s Eatery in the Strip District, served chicken enchilada lasagna.

“This is my most favorite event of the year,” Metcalfe said as she and Kalunzy hugged. “It brings our kitchen staff together. It touches my heart because it is about sheer joy.”

Like Lasky and Foley, Metcalfe and Kalunzy have been buddies since the event began in 2017. The buddies and the chefs text each other and meet for dinner on their birthdays.

Metcalfe and Kalunzy have sleepovers.

“I love her so much,” said Kalunzy, dressed in a sparkling silver and gold outfit. “She is so nice to me.”

That long-time connection is evident between Foley and Lasky, who had an extra buddy as a helper, Marczak. They made pierogies with various fillings. Foley, who is Polish, said she and Lasky being paired was perfect because of the Polish heritage (Apteka is a Central and Eastern European cuisine-focused restaurant and bar).

Lasky said being friends with Foley is wonderful and the relationship continues to grow.

“Kate is the best buddy,” Foley said.

Courtesy of Gianna DiPaolo The sixth-annual Tastebuds on Dec. 4 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Downtown Pittsburgh was a sit-down event for the first time.  

This year’s theme was “A Seat at the Table,” which represents that everyone is welcome.

“The relationships between the chefs and buddies run deeper than just Tastebuds,” said Samantha Civitate, state director – Best Buddies Pennsylvania. “The chefs inspire our buddies to find new passions, learn life skills and maintain one-to-one friendships that last a lifetime. We highlight inclusivity in our theme – giving everyone a seat at the table.”

Civitate said Tastebuds is the perfect example of how inclusion and connection are the recipe for friendships.

Tastebuds also crowned the 2023 Best Buddies Pennsylvania Champion of the Year, which is a fundraising competition that recognizes the most active leaders of inclusion. Chelsey Beaufort, who works at Ally Bank in Wexford, won. She raised $16,500 with Ally Bank’s support through sales of a cookbook and other donations from family, friends and colleagues.

Courtesy of Gianna DiPaolo The sixth annual Tastebuds event on Dec. 4 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Downtown Pittsburgh featured local chefs who paired with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to make and serve food to 900 guests.  

Since the inaugural event in 2016 (there were no events in 2020 and 2021), Tastebuds has raised more than $830,000 and funded more than 45 school friendship chapters, which include one-to-one friendships between elementary, middle, high school and college students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Best Buddies High Schools program helps break through social barriers at an important time in a young person’s life.

This year’s event was attended by 900 people and raised a record-breaking $360,000.

A holiday ornament with the Best Buddies logo — two people with their arms around each other — was created for guests to purchase. The logo was created by artist Keith Haring, who designed and donated it, incorporating a colorful creation representing one-to-one affection and acceptance.

“The ornaments are something so that guests can take our mission to their homes,” Civitate said. “Food brings Pittsburghers together. It is such a tight-knit city.”

Organizers said chefs are always willing to help. There were a few new chef and buddy pairs as well as those who have been part of the event for many years.

“The chefs love our mission,” Civitate said. “And they put that mission into action and a friendship grows.”

A video highlighted a friendship between Nate’s Chop House chef Jeff Maag and buddy Chris Lofink. Nate’s Chop House from Canonsburg won dish of the night for its bacon and cheese short rib slider.

Lofink’s mother, Joyce Lofink of McCandless, a board member and member of the organizing committee, said the Best Buddies organization creates an inclusive world, not just for her son, but for everyone.

“When you have a child with special needs, it is important they have friends and are accepted,” said Joyce Lofink, tearing up. “This friendship has impacted my son positively and so many others. Just look at all the love you can see in this room.”

Details: bestbuddies.org/tastebudspgh/

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