Meet Chris Otten, the new head chef of Rady Children’s Health’s Culinary Medicine Program in Orange County. From his humble beginnings as a busboy to leading the kitchen at Seasons 52, Chris Otten’s culinary journey is a story of passion, perseverance, and purpose. Discover what inspired him to become the new head chef at Rady Children’s and what continues to drive him every day in the kitchen.

For Chris Otten, a career in the kitchen began with a simple act of saying yes. In 2005, while working as a busboy at a local mom-and-pop Italian restaurant, the owners were experiencing a staffing shortage and needed a new head chef. Chris, without hesitating, stepped up to the position, having never been trained, but eager to learn. It was at that moment that Chris discovered a passion for cooking, and he would go on pursuing bigger and bolder dreams.  

Over the next 20 years, Chris built a career serving diverse communities, from fine-dining guests and grandparents in homes, to school children and individuals trying to rebuild their lives. Along the way, he found his greatest inspiration in working with children. 

“Working with children was especially meaningful,” Chris says. “You get to start creating positive habits early in life. If I can make a positive impact on food when a child is young, those habits can stay with them for life.” 

Then it became personal. When Chris’s three-year-old nephew, John, was diagnosed with leukemia, he stepped up once again during a time of need—helping his family navigate the challenges of nutrition and meal preparation while supporting John throughout his journey. 

“During his treatment, his taste preferences changed dramatically,” Chris recalls. “We worked on creating flavorful foods without relying on excessive salt, sugar, or processed ingredients. We looked for creative ways to get important nutrients into foods he would actually enjoy.” 

That led to the creation of a new family favorite: ‘Ninja Turtle pasta.’ Packed with spinach for an iron boost, and using pasta shapes that resembled turtle shells, this healthy meal was transformed into something fun and exciting for young John.  

Fortunately, John is now in remission. For Chris, the experience was a powerful reminder of why he does what he does. As a father of five, his passion for food has always been rooted in caring for family and helping others through life’s challenges. 

Today, that passion fuels his work with Rady Children’s in Orange County, where he helps children and families develop healthy relationships with food through education, hands-on cooking experiences, and nutritious recipes. 

“One of the fun parts of my job is that my own kids are my taste testers,” says Chris. “Kids are honest, so if they don’t like something, they’ll tell you immediately, but when they do like something, and its nutritious, it is incredibly rewarding.”  

Beyond recipe development, which he collaborates closely with the Culinary Medicine lead dietician, Kristin Feiler, Chris is actively involved within the community through educational programs. “We’ll teach practical skills, building confidence in the kitchen, and help families understand what a balanced plate looks like.”  

Above all, however, Chris believes that cooking should not have to be a chore, but rather, a connection. “Cooking should feel playful. It should feel like an activity you’re enjoying together,” says Chris. “Meals aren’t just about nutrition; they’re opportunities to connect, spend time together, and create traditions. Food creates memories.” 

For Chris, those memories have the power to last a lifetime—helping families heal, connect, and build healthier habits one meal at a time.