Roberto “News” Smith (left) and Malachi “Spanky” Jenkins
(right) are chefs behind Trap Kitchen. Photo by Teddy Wolff.
In 2013, Malachi “Spanky” Jenkins and Roberto “News” Smith began using social media to sell soul food classics out of an apartment in Compton. Now they have a growing empire with catering gigs at celebrity soirees around the country, as well as a food truck in Portland. They recently published their first cookbook, ‘Trap Kitchen: Bangin’ Recipes from Compton.’