The acclaimed head chef behind the 2021 Met Gala is sticking up for the ritzy event’s food after Keke Palmer roasted his menu on social media.
Marcus Samuelsson, a Swedish-Ethiopian chef who won Bravo’s “Top Chef Masters” in 2010, told TMZ on Wednesday that Palmer’s plate was not an accurate depiction because it was barely topped with roasted mushrooms, tomato salad with corn and zucchini slices.
He also told the outlet that they served a 3-course meal, and added that he believes the gala’s food tasted “plenty good.”
A rep for Vogue exclusively told Page Six on Tuesday that they were “so thrilled and grateful to have worked with” Samuelsson, 49, despite some of the negative feedback online.
The spokesperson further explained the backstory behind the dishes they served, telling us, “The plant-based menu featured recipes from 10 emerging New York-based chefs to celebrate the return of the city’s restaurant industry, which was devastated by the pandemic.”
Samuelsson told TMZ the feedback he got after the party was “incredible.”
However, none of that likely came from Palmer, 28, who begged to differ.
The “Hustlers” star, who hosted Vogue’s livestream on the red carpet on Monday night, posted a photo on her Instagram Story of the catering and captioned it, “This is why they don’t show y’all the food. I’m just playinnnn.”
She then doubled down on Twitter, writing, “The menu chile.”
Palmer’s post drew comparisons to the infamous cheese sandwich handed out at the 2017 Fyre Festival.
The hefty price tag attached to Anna Wintour’s prestigious fundraiser also added to the shock value over the food.
Sources previously told Page Six that event-goers have to pay $30,000 to $50,000 per ticket (tables can range between $275,000 to $500,000) — although the costs are usually covered by fashion brands who invite celebrities and models as their guests.
A rep for Samuelsson declined to comment.