When your career starts at JAN in Nice, you know you are destined for great things. Yet Chef Tyron Gentry remains humble and calm amidst a career which can only be compared to a spectacular fireworks display. With roots in East London and a heart dedicated to the art of French-inspired fusion cuisine, Chef Ty is the embodiment of culinary excellence and unwavering passion.
Tyron Gentry, affectionately known as Chef Ty, embarked on his culinary journey at a young age. At just ten years old, he found himself drawn to the mesmerising world of cooking as he watched his parents host friends who often gathered in their family kitchen. The warmth, laughter, and shared culinary experiences left an indelible mark on his heart, setting him on a path to a future in the world of gastronomy. For Ty, the thought of being confined behind a desk was inconceivable, and he knew that his passion lay in the culinary arts.
The Journey
In high school, Ty had the opportunity to job shadow at a hotel in Stellenbosch for a day, an experience that solidified his desire for a career in the hospitality industry. While he initially worked briefly in a hotel, he soon realised that his true calling was in restaurants. In 2015, he made the bold decision to enrol at Silwood School of Cookery, a renowned culinary institution, and successfully graduated in 2017. It was during this time that he honed his culinary skills and cultivated a deep passion for French-inspired cuisine, with its fundamental techniques rooted in French cooking.
Following his graduation, Tyron Gentry embarked on an impressive journey within the culinary world. He joined the esteemed Test Kitchen under the guidance of renowned chef Luke Dale Roberts. In just a few years, his talent and dedication saw him rise to the position of Junior Sous Chef by mid-2018. He was part of the exciting Shangri La pop-up venture in Mauritius alongside Luke Dale Roberts before returning to South Africa, where he was promoted to the role of Sous Chef.
Ty’s adventurous spirit was indulged when he landed a coveted six-month internship at prestigious restaurant, JAN. The Nice-based eatery in France is owned by renowned South African chef Jan-Hendrik van der Westhuizen, who is celebrated as the first South African to be awarded a Michelin star. Upon returning to South Africa, Tyron continued to make his mark on the culinary scene by joining the team at JAN Studio in Cape Town.
In early 2020, a surprise opportunity beckoned when Luke Dale Roberts personally invited Ty to return to Test Kitchen. This unexpected turn of events altered Ty’s plans to indulge his adventurous spirit and travel, yet he embraced it wholeheartedly. In 2021, another twist of fate led him to Johannesburg, as his wife was offered a promising opportunity in the city. There, he lent his expertise to Shortmarket Club during its opening, leaving an indelible imprint.
In 2022, Tyron Gentry assumed the helm at Carbon, a restaurant that achieved two stars in the prestigious Eat Out ratings in its very first year. However, the establishment would soon undergo a transformation into the renowned Pot Luck Club, marking yet another milestone in Ty’s culinary journey.
The Evolution
In the ever-evolving culinary landscape, Tyron Gentry continues to push boundaries and explore new horizons. He has recently taken on the role of Development and Executive Chef at Livy’s, an upscale social club style venue that promises to be the epitome of culinary excellence.
This dynamic chef’s cooking style is rooted in his French culinary education, with a profound appreciation for the elegance and precision that characterises French cuisine. However, as he continues to evolve as a chef, he has developed a unique approach that combines the best of his French techniques with flavours and influences from around the world. The result is a delectable fusion of diverse culinary traditions, designed to tantalise the taste buds of a broad and appreciative audience.
For Chef Ty, travel is a potent source of inspiration. The experiences he gathers on his journeys, as well as the rhythms of everyday life, find expression in his innovative menus. He endeavours to create dishes that resonate with the soul, using fresh, high-quality ingredients and harmonious flavour combinations.
The Chef and His Kitchen:
Chef Tyron Gentry’s presence in the kitchen is a study in composure and respect. His calm and introverted personality is the bedrock of his leadership style. He believes in earning the respect of his team through fairness and treating them with the utmost respect. Ty doesn’t raise his voice; instead, he fosters a collaborative and supportive atmosphere in which creativity and excellence can flourish.
In his current role at Livy’s, Ty is responsible for menu development, ensuring the highest standards of quality, maintaining consistency, and providing comprehensive training to his staff. He embodies the spirit of a leader who leads by example and inspires those around him.
As a dynamic young chef with an unwavering commitment to his craft and an ever-evolving culinary vision, Chef Tyron Gentry stands as a shining star in the world of gastronomy. His passion for cooking, calm demeanour, and dedication to culinary excellence make him a chef to watch, as he continues to inspire and delight palates across the culinary landscape. Chef Tyron Gentry is a maestro in the kitchen, crafting culinary harmonies with a French fusion flair that is nothing short of extraordinary.
