Macon chef has cooked for weddings, classes, and even The Masters. Read his tips

Are you a home cook looking for tips from a seasoned pro? You’ve come to the right place.

Local chef Tyler Taliaferro started a catering service called “The Groovy Chef” in 2019. As the Groovy Chef, Taliaferro offers weekly meal prep services to clients, cooking classes, wedding catering, and custom requests. In 2021, he cooked for The Masters, the world-renowned golf tournament in Augusta that is typically seen as the most prestigious event in the sport.

Taliaferro’s goal is for his meals to “feel like a home-cooked hug,” he said. Aside from his services as a private chef, he prepares breakfast and lunch for a local daycare called the Childcare Network.

Taliaferro shared 10 tips with The Telegraph that people should know about cooking from home.

1. Taste as you go

If not, you could end up with a dish that’s a little bit too salty or under seasoned.

2. Keep your knives sharp

Without sharp knives, risk of injury is actually increased, and one could easily cut their fingers off.

3. Never overcrowd your pan

If you overcrowd the pan, it will cause a little bit of moisture to build up and taint the dish.

4. Season every layer

Make sure to get the best flavor throughout your dish, especially when creating layer dishes.

5. Use fresh herbs when you can

Don’t be a cheater and use minced garlic when you could easily use and get a garlic press; press it or roast it.

6. Don’t fear salt — just respect it

Taliaferro uses kosher salt. It’s easier to adjust to taste levels, and also a little bit better for heart health.

7. Let your meat rest before cutting

As long as you let your meat rest, you won’t lose any juice in cutting and also, the flavor will be preserved.

8. Clean as you cook

Go ahead and get everything out of the way. Make it a little bit easier for yourself.

9. Trust your instincts

The most important part of being a chef, according to Taliaferro, is trusting your gut. Focus on your flavor profile and the things you like and want to explore because it will open your palate to a whole range of new possibilities.

10. Don’t be afraid to mess up

Messing up is how one learns. Make sure to give yourself grace and be patient.

What’s next for the Macon chef?

“Whether it’s providing meals or sharing knowledge, I try to pour into the same community that’s poured into me since I moved here 12 years ago,” Taliaferro said. “I’m not waiting for any applause or accolades from my peers. I don’t need a James Beard Award or a Michelin star to tell me my gift is to serve. My background, my energy, and my desire to uplift others through food gives me a unique perspective that shows up in everything I do.”

The next step for Taliaferro is to release a podcast this fall about food and fatherhood, which will include conversation about the trials of fatherhood, food, and recipes tied together with good humor.

This story was originally published June 24, 2025 at 6:00 AM.