Vegan chef remembers cooking for Lady Gaga in 2017—a heartwarming story that changed her life forever

On Twitter/X, a wonderful tweet went viral on February 22, 2025.

User @doxie_gay wrote:

“BTW, I worked at G*tty Images, and they have an internal list of celebrity relationships with photographers (so when an event occurs, they basically negotiate which photographers to send out, depending on attendance). And guess who has the best relationship with everyone? Lady Gaga.”

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They continue,

“I guess you could even say she’s the… Perfect Celebrity… I was told that celebrity-photographer relationships in modern times had fallen off because newer celebrities are brats about their fame or simply don’t take the time to understand the art of the photo, and Lady Gaga was one person who followed the old-school ways of maintaining close relationships and doing personal deals (for example, doing certain poses or having specific moments that are negotiated in advance.)”

On Reddit, where the tweet found an even larger audience, users were quick to chime in with similar praise. “I’ve read many of these ‘which celebrity is an asshole in real life’ threads on Reddit, and not even once have I read stories about Gaga being rude, unpolite, or just plain nasty,” wrote one user. “I’ve met her several times and [she] is truly the sweetest angel in person. Best celeb interaction I’ve ever had,” replied another.

On the edge of glory

However, for Chef Paola Velez, the heartfelt moment she shared with Lady Gaga eight years ago is more than just a cherished memory; it was an experience that changed the trajectory of her career forever.

Chef Velez also shared her celebrity encounter with Lady Gaga on Twitter/X, where she posted a six-part thread. Years ago, as a budding line cook, Chef Velez faced the exhilarating challenge of a lifetime: preparing a vegan meal for Lady Gaga. “I’ve always been a sweet and savory cook,” she writes. “So when [Lady Gaga’s] ticket came in, it needed to be modified to vegan, which was one of my special interests back then.” Determined to go above and beyond, she refused to simply scoop sorbet into a cup (“which would have been the easy way to close out a vegan table,” describes Velez), opting for an innovative hand-crafted vegan dessert instead.

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Her dedication and creativity did not go unnoticed. Impressed, Lady Gaga requested to meet the young chef. It was a brief yet endlessly impactful interaction in which Gaga offered Chef Velez words of encouragement. She even floated the idea of Velez joining her on tour as a personal chef—a true testament to both Velez’s talent and the pop star’s renowned generosity towards other artists. “Within minutes, she asked to see the cook [who] made the dessert,” remembers Velez. “Me and the server were all giddy because (LADY GAGA SAID WHAT!?) And when I tell you she was nothing but a ray of encouragement and was so respectful and acknowledged what I did for her.”

This encounter left an indelible mark on Chef Velez, bolstering her confidence and providing a feeling of “being seen” in an industry that can often seem thankless. “Her positivity and respect shaped a portion of my self-esteem as a chef,” she writes. “I felt seen for the first time in a long time. In a job where I was a fly on the wall, it was a wonderful memory that I hold dear as I cheer for Lady Gaga from the sidelines.”

Put your paws up for Chef Paola Velez

Since that pivotal moment, Chef Velez's career has absolutely blossomed. She’s an award-winning Afro-Dominican chef, activist, and author, who was born in the Bronx (New York) and is currently based in Washington D.C. Her accolades are astounding: she’s a chef-owner at Providencia (a neighborhood wine bar in D.C.) and at Doeki Doeki, a dinner series that provides a “culinary adventure like no other.” The experienced executive pastry chef was also named one of Food & Wine’s “Best New Chefs” in 2021 and Esquire’s “Pastry Chef of the Year.”

Beyond the kitchen, Velez is a formidable force in social advocacy. She also co-founded Bakers Against Racism, a global movement mobilizing bakers to support social justice causes. Her energetic online presence, coupled with some extreme baking skills, has led Velez to high-profile collaborations with Selena Gomez and Zooey Deschanel, solidifying her status as a beloved food media personality. Through her work, Velez continuously blends culinary excellence with her commitments to equality and community.

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Lady Gaga: Mother Monster and a beacon of kindness

Lady Gaga is no stranger to kindness, in fact, her interaction with Chef Velez is one of many instances that showcase her genuine support for others. In 2012, she co-founded the Born This Way Foundation with her mother, Cynthia Germanotta. The foundation aims to empower youth, improve mental health, and prevent bullying.

In 2023, Lady Gaga performed a special tribute to Tony Bennett and stressed the importance of friendship with “elders,” saying “our age difference doesn’t matter. In fact, it gave us each something neither of us had with most people.” She has been involved in numerous charitable initiatives, like Los Angeles’ FireAid benefit concert in 2025, where she left her mark by debuting a brand-new song, “All I Need Is Time.” Her unwavering dedication to uplifting others both through her global platform and day-to-day personal interactions forever cements her reputation as a wonderful human being.

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Kindness can have a ripple effect, you know

In a world where “success” is often measured by external factors like achievements, money, status, and wealth, the small encounter between Chef Paola Velez and Lady Gaga back in 2017 exemplifies the power of kindness and recognition. Such moments can inspire confidence, fuel passion, and catalyze personal and professional growth.