William Lyons never expected to become a restaurateur, but his culinary journey began long before opening Papa What You Cooking. Growing up in Alabama with a pastor father who was a barbecue expert, and a mother who was a baker, Lyons developed his passion for Southern cuisine at family gatherings and church meals. After nearly 30 years in law enforcement, he became a pastor himself and began cooking for friends and neighbors. Word-of-mouth praise for his homemade cakes and pies led to neighborhood sales, then requests for savory dishes. Today, his menu—a window into Southern cooking—is full of both. Papa What You Cooking is located in The Basement, in Reno’s historic downtown post office building, at 50 S. Virginia St. Learn more at papawhatyoucookingnv.com.
What’s the best thing you’ve eaten locally in the last month?
The seafood chimichanga (a deep-fried burrito) at Mi Pueblo Sparks.
Your kitchen is on fire—metaphorically! What are you cooking?
A fried bologna sandwich—they’re the best!
Who is/was your strongest culinary influence?
My mother.
What is your go-to midnight snack?
It has to be ice cream.
Which local restaurant deserves more attention, and why?
Mi Pueblo in Sparks. Their food is authentic and well-prepared, and their service is really great.
How does food contribute to our community?
It brings family and people from all cultures together. I see this all the time at my restaurant, and it makes me happy.
What is the most unusual thing in your refrigerator right now?
Pigs’ feet!
Please share your favorite food memory from growing up.
My mother would always cook on Saturday for Sunday dinner. I would be the one she would make stand and stir the pot.
What is the one kitchen tool you can’t live without?
My oven.
If you could have dinner at any restaurant in the world tonight, where would it be, and why there?
Le Tout-Paris. The atmosphere is amazing, and you can experience some of the greatest culinary arts in the world.