{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"135. Hot Spot: Travis Swikard of Callie + Fleurette","description":"Chef Travis Swikard has become one of the most influential voices shaping the future of West Coast dining. After years cooking at the highest levels in New York, Travis returned home to San Diego to create Callie, a restaurant that has redefined Southern California cuisine and captured national attention. Now, he\u2019s preparing to open Fleurette, his most intimate and personal restaurant yet \u2014 a project rooted in craft, memory, and a deep sense of place.   In this conversation, Travis opens up about the moments that shaped him: the early lessons that forged his discipline, the risk of walking away from a dream job, the grief and setbacks that humbled him, and the clarity that came from rebuilding with purpose. We explore how he leads, how he cultivates culture inside the kitchen, how he thinks about flavor and storytelling, and why he believes San Diego is entering its most exciting culinary chapter yet.   In this episode, we discuss: \u2022 The rise of Callie and Travis\u2019 return to San Diego \u2022 Why Fleurette represents a new creative frontier \u2022 Leadership, culture-building, and empowering young cooks \u2022 Turning loss into fuel and rebuilding with intention \u2022 What defines San Diego\u2019s food identity \u2014 and where it\u2019s going \u2022 The responsibility chefs carry in shaping community   Whether you\u2019re a chef, entrepreneur, hospitality leader, or someone who simply loves food and meaningful storytelling, this episode offers a rare look into the heart and mind of a chef leading with vision.   \ud83d\udccd Listen to more episodes of On The Pass on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube. \ud83d\udcfa Watch this full conversation on YouTube \u2014 including bonus moments and behind-the-scenes context. \ud83d\udd14 Subscribe for weekly conversations with the chefs, thinkers, entrepreneurs, and culture-builders shaping hospitality today. An On The Pass Studios Production   Learn more about Travis Swikard + Callie San Diego:  https:\/\/bit.ly\/48JdQ1Y     Follow Travis Swikard on Instagram: https:\/\/bit.ly\/44QDyR7     Follow On The Pass on Instagram: http:\/\/bit.ly\/3Kvgm1n     Subscribe to On The Pass on YouTube and Watch "A New Course": https:\/\/bit.ly\/4hajZq8     Follow our Host, Gabriel Ornelas: http:\/\/bit.ly\/3YS964b     Learn more about On The Pass: https:\/\/bit.ly\/44rEOsR     Lets work together! Get in contact: https:\/\/www.onthepass.com ","author_name":"On The Pass","author_url":"https:\/\/www.onthepass.com","html":"