Meet Tanya!
At last, I am bringing the warmth of my childhood to your palette! I’m Tanya Greene, the youngest child of the late Bishop Robert and Althea Greene from Charleston, SC. “Great food’ and “the South” somehow always go hand in hand. When you grow up in the South, having great food is not only the expectation, it’s the norm. The same held to be true in our home. As a young girl, I remember both of my parents cooking my father doing mostly the everyday cooking, and the both of them cooking for holidays for us girls, and the community. My mom, whom everyone called “Mother Greene, Al or Auntie Al,” always made sure that anyone hungry, got fed a good hot meal especially those in the community where my father Pastored. She was so passionate about serving the community every week even if she had to do it alone. Often I wondered how our parents made time to serve others so graciously while never neglecting us. Love and passion expand the day. I can still hear the onions sizzling as my father would be cooking on high and my mother saying “huni’ turn the fire down.” To this day I still wonder why my father loved to cook on high! It was the funniest thing ever, but his food was always delicious. When it was my mom’s day to cook, I can remember she would prepare her slow cooking stew chicken with white rice and cooked it all day that when I walked in from school, I had the biggest smile on my face and couldn’t wait for dinner it was my favorite. I remember asking her “Why does it taste so good mom”? “One day you’ll see…” She was right. I understand now, that to fill someone’s belly, you first have to fill their heart. She taught me that in how she loved me. Auntie Al’s Carolina Delish brings that same mindfulness to you today. When I left home, I took good, soul-filling food for granted and missed my parent’s table so much. In my travels, I experienced some really good food in different parts of the world. Still, nothing gave me that hug on a plate that I grew up on. Nothing was quite as incredible as the food that came out of that kitchen in Charleston. After more than 25 years in the food industry and property management, I’ve finally decided to share with you those family-honored recipes like Red Rice and Hoppin’ John, Sweet potato pies, Seasoned fried pork chops, Okra soup, and the cheesiest mac and cheese you’ll ever have. My professional career reinforced me with the tools to be successful. To serve others with excellence, put your people’s hearts first, and never compromise on great ingredients. Those were the same principles that my parents taught us. The food industry sorely needs more of these qualities, and Auntie Al’s Carolina Delish serves you with all of that in mind. This food venture is 35 years in the making for me and I pray you to enjoy my food as much as I enjoy making it.
For a joyful spirit that you can taste in every bite, Auntie Al’s Carolina Delish is your new go-to!”