A rising star in D.C.’s culinary industry, Kamarreya Baxter (aka Chef KB) is a young queer black woman who has honed in on her craft. Baxter’s resume includes stops at Marcel’s, Kyirisan, and Lyon Hall. She is currently cooking at Gravitas.
As a Maryland native with French heritage, KB has a more worldly view, which shows through the artistry of her work. She has humbly risen to her current position through “learning from her elders and carefully paying attention to details.”
KB is a business partner and chef curating the menu at XX+, an LGBTQ women’s lounge located in D.C. In her spare time, she enjoys dancing, and makes sure her playful energy shows up in all facets of her life. She’s also looking forward to starting her own catering company in the near future.
Describe yourself in a six-word sentence.
Rainbow snowflakes that taste like gummy bears.
What was the last thing you posted on social media?
To be honest, the last thing I posted on social media was a sneak peak of DC Comics’ new Titans movie. I’m a big Marvel fan and comics are a big thing to me. I’m so excited to see what they do with this series.
What do you think is the main challenge facing LGBTQ people in your community?
Being a divided community—so much division that it’s hard to stand together. We need to support one another more often and stand for one another more often. You don’t have to be a trans to stand up for trans rights. You don’t have to be black to stand up for black rights. You don’t have to be a woman to support women’s rights.
What is your favorite LGBTQ business where you live?
XX+. Duh! I love what we’ve created as a team and can’t wait to see where it goes from here.
What advice do you have for people looking to get into the restaurant industry?
Everyone is replaceable, but know your worth. I’ve worked so many places and although being humble is important, it’s also good to know when to stand up for your craft and be proud of what you do. Don’t let people take advantage of you.
