News Summary
Bernard Hardison, a Midlands chef, has gained viral fame on social media for his unique fried chicken creations. With 1.8 million Instagram followers, he captivates audiences with unconventional dishes like fried bear legs and rabbit. Hardison’s signature fried chicken is known for its blend of 10 to 15 spices and careful frying techniques, earning him praise from food critics. He plans to fry 8,000 chicken wings at the upcoming Looka That Festival Right There, showcasing his commitment to community and culinary innovation.
Midlands Chef Bernard Hardison’s Unique Fried Chicken Creations Go Viral on Social Media
Columbia, SC – Bernard Hardison, a Midlands native, has rapidly gained fame on social media for his unique and exotic cooking creations, particularly his fried chicken. He is known for his distinctive catchphrase, “baptize some chicken,” and has accumulated an impressive following of 1.8 million on Instagram, soaring from just 5,000 followers in a short time frame. His rise to popularity highlights the growing interest in unconventional culinary experiences.
Hardison showcases a flair for the unusual in his culinary endeavors by cooking a variety of exotic meats, including bear legs, a 12-foot Burmese python, raccoon, and rabbit. Many of his ingredients are sourced locally, allowing him to create a connection with his community while experimenting with flavors and cooking techniques. His signature fried chicken is created using a marinade infused with a blend of 10 to 15 spices, often featuring essential ingredients like garlic and onion powder, contributing to the standout flavor profile of his dishes.
In cooking chicken, Hardison places a strong emphasis on precision, insisting that frying should be conducted at a careful temperature of 350 degrees to achieve optimal results. His techniques and unique flavor combinations have garnered significant attention and praise, particularly from food critics on social media platforms. Renowned TikTok food critic Keith Lee recently visited Hardison’s home kitchen, rating his wings a solid “9 out of 10” during a live reaction, attributing this high score to the seasoning and overall balance of flavors in the dish.
Looking ahead, Hardison is set to participate in the Looka That Festival Right There on July 26, where he plans to give away food, including chicken, oxtails, seafood, book bags, and snow cones for children. The festival will be held at the Historic Columbia Speedway in Cayce, SC, and Hardison is preparing to fry an astonishing 8,000 chicken wings during the event. This initiative indicates his commitment to giving back to the community through his culinary skills, and it is anticipated that his offerings will attract numerous attendees.
In a demonstration of his adventurous spirit in culinary pursuits, Hardison is also preparing for an upcoming trip to Montana, where he intends to cook a mountain lion. This ambitious venture further reflects his inclination towards exploring unusual ingredients and pushing the boundaries of traditional cooking.
Despite his viral status and significant following, Hardison operates out of his home and does not run a conventional restaurant. Instead, he shares his culinary creations through various social media platforms, fostering direct engagement with his fans and providing them with a glimpse into his kitchen’s creative process. This method of outreach has contributed to his popularity and serves to create a community around his distinctive style of cooking.
As Hardison continues to captivate audiences with his innovative dishes and flamboyant personality, he exemplifies the dynamic intersection of traditional cooking and modern social media engagement, allowing food enthusiasts to enjoy unconventional meals in their own backyards.
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: Bernard Hardison’s Unique Fried Chicken Creations
- Post and Courier: Keith Lee Reviews Bernard Hardison
- The State: Bernard Hardison’s Rise to Fame
- Cola Daily: Guthrie’s Opening in Lexington
- Cola Today: Preview of Tupelo Honey
- Wikipedia: Fried Chicken
- Google Search: Bernard Hardison
- Google Scholar: Fried Chicken Recipes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fried Chicken
- Google News: Bernard Hardison
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