The 1st Annual Columbia Fried Chicken Fest was nothing short of a culinary celebration. Organized by Bernard Hardison, a rising star among online culinary influencers with over one million Instagram followers and millions of views on his videos (@bsdiningexperiencesc), the festival brought together the community for an unforgettable day of food, fun, and fellowship. With over 2,000 attendees and 20,000 wings “baptized” in his signature style, the event united locals, fans, and food lovers from far and wide, cementing its place as a must-attend annual tradition.
In Judeo-Christian culture, baptism symbolizes renewal—a cleansing, a fresh start, and a transformative commitment. For Bernard Hardison, baptism takes on a deliciously different meaning. With a fryer as his pulpit, Bernard baptizes his food in shimmering oil, turning each dish into an offering for the community, his clients, and all who gather to experience his culinary creations. This sacred culinary ritual transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, whether it’s the familiar comfort food like chicken and fish or bold, exotic dishes like frog legs and a 12-foot Burmese python. As the food rises from its baptism in bubbling oil, golden and crisp, it becomes a life-altering culinary experience, leaving everyone who tastes it forever changed.
Despite initial plans to make the Columbia Fried Chicken Fest a ticketed event, Bernard made the heartfelt decision to offer it as a free gift to the community for Christmas. The community responded with love and enthusiasm, braving the drizzle to line up for hours for the chance to experience Bernard’s renowned cooking. Guests traveled from as far as Florida and Louisiana, drawn by the promise of his legendary fried chicken—crispy, seasoned to perfection, and worth every minute of the wait. The festive atmosphere, filled with laughter, music, and a shared sense of joy, was a testament to Bernard’s ability to bring people together over great food.
If you’re not already one of Bernard’s million followers on Instagram (@bsdiningexperiencesc), you’re missing out on the culinary show that has captivated people from all walks of life. His audience spans everyday people to A-list celebrities. R&B sensation Monica stopped by his backyard to get fish baptized for her dad, and comedian Cedric the Entertainer frequently adds his own brand of humor to Bernard’s videos. From frying up golden, crispy chicken and fish to tackling the bold and exotic—like smoked gator, shark gumbo, or a raccoon pot roast—Bernard transforms backyard fryers and grills into stages for Southern culinary artistry. His bold, humorous, and heartfelt approach keeps fans coming back, proving that his food is as entertaining as it is delicious.
At the festival, Bernard didn’t just serve chicken—he created an experience. As attendees waited patiently in line, he walked among them, greeting fans, posing for pictures, and connecting with the very community that fuels his passion. For Bernard, cooking isn’t just about what’s on the plate; it’s about building connections, creating memories, and celebrating shared traditions.
Bernard Hardison is a cultural culinary virtuoso, redefining the essence of Southern cooking while celebrating its deep roots in African-American history and heritage. Backyard fryers and barbecue grills are a vital part of this legacy, representing the tradition of gathering family and community to share a meal. Bernard honors this heritage while proving you don’t need to travel to Asia, Africa, or the Middle East to experience exotic flavors. Southern cuisine holds its own treasure trove of bold and adventurous dishes, from fried oxtails and smoked gator to raccoon pot roast and grilled shark. With every dish, Bernard entertains, educates, and preserves the rich tradition of exotic Southern cooking, one unforgettable gastronomic delight at a time.
