Chef Tarey B — Tiny Spoon Chef

Chef Tarey, a culinary queen who’s made cooking her love language—because nothing says "I care" quite like a plate of food that knocks your socks off. 

Growing up in Irvington, NJ, her dad taught her the art of Southern classics when she was just eight. Little did they know, those early kitchen sessions were prepping her for her future as a professional chef. After 20 years in retail management (yes, 20!), she swapped sales for sauté pans and never looked back.

Her superpower? She can veganize anything—seriously, challenge her. One of her proudest moments was when she served up a vegan soul food spread so good, her client couldn’t stop talking about it. Fried oyster mushrooms, collard greens, candy yams, mac and cheese—cue the "how is this even vegan?!" reaction. Mexican and Thai food also have her heart, but the truth is, she can make any dish sing.

Chef Tarey has done it all: opened two ghost kitchens in NJ, catered weddings, hosted cooking classes, and even made custom cakes. Oh, and no big deal, but she’s cooked for actor Usman Sharif and his wife, plus Steven Strickland. Just a casual day in the life.

For her, it’s not just about the food—it’s about the whole experience. From picking the perfect cookware to jamming out to her kitchen playlist, it’s all part of the magic. And when she’s not creating culinary masterpieces, she’s spending time with her daughter or writing poetry. Because why have one talent when you can have two?

Next on her travel bucket list: Italy and Thailand, because there’s always room for a little inspiration (and probably a lot of carbs). Her motto? “You get in life what you have the courage to ask for”—and clearly, she’s asking for seconds.