Today we’d like to introduce you to Darrell Tyriek.
Darrell, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
When it comes to my culinary journey, I have to credit my mother and grandmother. Both have taught me a great deal of how to make my way around any kitchen that I may step foot in. Growing up in a single-parent household, I’ve lived through many days where “whatever you find in the kitchen” was the menu of the day. Although I’ve been experimenting in the kitchen for as long as I can remember, it wasn’t until after I graduated from college that I began to make it seriously. Cooking was something that I enjoy but it was my friends and mentor that pushed me to take a leap of faith and pursue a career in Culinary Arts. I then applied to Johnson and Wales to further my knowledge about cooking and more so gain knowledge about the business side of the kitchen.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Yes & No! Yes, because when I’m in the kitchen, nothing else really matters to me. I’m driving the boat so at that moment, while cooking for that event, or preparing a dish, or creating a sauce, I’m in control and things will go as smoothly as I want it to go. On the flip side, leaving my job at Verizon Wireless and cooking full time and starting my own business, things got a little rocky. Finances didn’t flow quite like they once did when there was a check being deposited in my account every other week. Luckily for me, money wasn’t the solution to all my problems. I’m at a point like where I value passion over paycheck.
Please tell us about Taste Buds: Flavor That Make Sense.
I’m a Chef, so I do everything from catering events to weekly meal prep. In the beginning, I would say that I’m known for preparing some delicious meals whether it be at home for family and friends or any event big or small. Nowadays, my family and friends will brag about the sauces that I create from scratch before I do. With me being known for my sauces, I’m currently working on my own brand of sauces under TASTEBUDS: Flavor That Make Sense. So far, I have 6 sauces that I will be independently releasing to the world soon, in hopes of getting them in grocery stores nationwide.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to start over, I would pursue this career fresh out of college. I would also save more money for my start-up business that what I did.
Contact Info:
- Email: rellzthechef@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chfrlz/
Image Credit:
Darius K. Jackson
Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
