Back in 2008, I reposted a list on this blog. Twenty-five reasons a chef named Niall Harbison would never open a restaurant. I asked his permission, credited him properly, and then added my own little confession at the top — that 99% of his reasons were the same reasons I wrestled with the idea myself.
Here's what I didn't mention in that post: I wrote it from a ship.
I've spent most of my adult life in professional kitchens. Running galleys on hospital ships off the coast of West Africa. Cooking for communities. Feeding people. And not just feeding them food — feeding them dignity, connection, something warm when the world felt cold. That's what food has always meant to me. It's not just calories and macros. It's ministry. It's service. It's love on a plate.
So when I look around the Rocket City and see what some of these organizations are doing — quietly, consistently, without fanfare — I feel something. Respect. Gratitude. And honestly? A little conviction. Because if you've been given the gift of knowing how to cook, knowing how to feed people well, there's a responsibility that comes with that.
Here's the landscape. Here's who's doing the work. And here's why it matters.
You've been watching me cook, following along on community serving days, and keeping up with the family adventures — and a lot of you have asked about the shirts. So let me properly introduce you to the store.
Over at my TeePublic store I've built out 368 designs across 9 collections — everything from chef life and BBQ culture to nurse appreciation, faith-based designs, family and parenting humor, vintage throwbacks, gamer styles, and more. Some of these designs I made for Stephanie when she started nursing. Some came straight out of the kitchen. Some are just things I wanted to exist in the world and didn't see anywhere else. All of it is me.
We got there early, which I'd recommend. The morning light was beautiful, the crowds were still thin, and the whole place just had that crisp fall atmosphere you can't manufacture. By the time you're reading this, you might already know about Lyon Family Farms — they've been drawing families from all over the Tennessee Valley and North Alabama for years. But if this is your first time hearing about it, let me give you the rundown.
Early morning at Lyon Family Farms — the best time to arrive.
In this next video you may recognize some older clips that I pieced together. Eventually we will break it all down in newer shows but for right now we are getting the feel of things.
What does that mean? we will video more technique and recipe breakdown. Showing you how we do it.
In the video, Tytus is toasting some premade biscuits baked earlier in the week. We often prep and cook food ahead of time and then mix and match. And yes, we also use the microwave to reheat. We opted for a small microwave with no extras. It has a power knob and a time knob. That's it. If it's more complicated than that we don't use it.
Tytus also knows that we use wood or non-metal utensils in our nonstick pans. But you know what? It's a perfect opportunity to encourage and reinforce doing the right thing.
Please leave or send us your comments and questions. info@tyronebcookin.com
Your participation will also help us develop which way this will go. We encourage your participation!
Stay TUNED we'll try to keep you posted at least once a week!
On Saturday morning they open fairly early for not serving breakfast. I think store hours they open by 9 or 9:30am and we show up between 930 and 10am. We are usually the only people there the first hour or so and Tytus is rip roaring and running around the restaurant inside. We order a drink and get a fry, or custard to share with Tytus. Occasionally we give him 'pieces' (pennies or change) to put in the big plastic Children's Miracle Network container which has your change go round & round and thru 'mousetrap' or Ferris Wheel kind of contraptions before finally falling to the bottom. Quite entertaining for him. We hang out for awhile and 'catch up' then go our separate ways. A good time is had by all!
Right now I am at home happily enjoying time with my newest son, Ezra Michael! I have two boys now and I am extremely happy! Ezra Michael and Tytus Nathaniel!
