Bakersfield’s DJ Kenny Criddell Heats Up the National "Favorite Chef" Competition
BAKERSFIELD, CA — There is an undeniable science to building a perfect rhythm. Whether you are blending beats seamlessly on a pair of decks or balancing the delicate interplay of smoke, heat, and wood, it all requires the same thing: precision, timing, and an immense amount of soul.
Bakersfield’s very own Kenny Criddell—widely recognized across the region as DJ Kenny—is proving he commands the culinary pit just as masterfully as he commands the dance floor.
Criddell has officially taken his passion from the local community to the national stage, securing a highly coveted spot as one of the top contenders in the prestigious 2026 Favorite Chef competition. Sponsored by the James Beard Foundation and hosted by Colossal, the competition stands as one of the world's largest online culinary showcases, placing independent talent in front of millions of food lovers, offering a feature in Taste of Home magazine, and a life-changing $25,000 grand prize.
The Fire Behind "Foots Kitchen"
For those in the know, Criddell's rise in the food world is no surprise. Under his catering and culinary brand, Foots Kitchen, he has spent years refining a menu that locals describe as pure comfort.
While his official submission highlights a crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed Shrimp Fried Rice as a technical signature dish, it’s his authentic, low-and-slow barbecue that has created a fanatical local following. Foots Kitchen has earned a reputation for serving up the absolute best BBQ ribs in town. Smoked to absolute perfection, these ribs are the definition of "fall-off-the-bone" tender, heavily barked, deeply flavorful, and crafted with a distinct philosophy: Passion, fire, real taste.
It’s an culinary approach heavily inspired by his kitchen icon, Chef Gordon Ramsay—demanding high standards, bold execution, and zero shortcuts.
"Foots Kitchen serves the best BBQ ribs—smoked to perfection, fall-off-the-bone tender, packed with flavor. Passion, fire, real taste!"
Cooking for a Cause and Family
For Criddell, the Favorite Chef competition isn't just about personal validation or industry accolades. When asked what he would do with the $25,000 grand prize if he takes home the title, his answer was simple, direct, and grounded: "Take care of my family."
Beyond the personal impact, every vote cast in the competition serves a grander community purpose. The Favorite Chef event raises significant funds for the James Beard Foundation, a national non-profit organization dedicated to supporting, mentoring, and championing chefs and the broader culinary industry toward standards of equity, sustainability, and excellence.
How to Support Bakersfield's Own
As the competition intensifies and the field narrows, local support is critical. Criddell is currently holding strong in the top tier of his group, but he needs the backing of Bakersfield and barbecue enthusiasts everywhere to advance through the upcoming elimination rounds.
Cast Your Vote: Supporters can cast a free daily vote or choose to make a donation-backed vote (which directly benefits the James Beard Foundation) by visiting his official competitor profile:
Kenny Criddell - Favorite Chef Profile Follow the Journey: Keep up with his latest plates, smokes, and station updates directly via his official culinary page on Instagram: @footskitchen.
Whether he's dropping the bass or firing up the pit, Kenny Criddell is bringing the heat in 2026. Let's make sure the rest of the country gets a taste of what Bakersfield already knows.
