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On The PassAuthor: Gabriel Ornelas
On The Pass serves up inspiring conversations with dynamic figures in the food beverage, hospitality and travel space. Hosted by Gabriel Ornelas. Language: en Genres: Arts, Food, Places & Travel, Society & Culture Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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135. Hot Spot: Travis Swikard of Callie + Fleurette
Episode 135
Wednesday, 10 December, 2025
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's preparing to open Fleurette, his most intimate and personal restaurant yet — 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: • The rise of Callie and Travis' return to San Diego • Why Fleurette represents a new creative frontier • Leadership, culture-building, and empowering young cooks • Turning loss into fuel and rebuilding with intention • What defines San Diego's food identity — and where it's going • The responsibility chefs carry in shaping community Whether you're 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. 📍 Listen to more episodes of On The Pass on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube. 📺 Watch this full conversation on YouTube — including bonus moments and behind-the-scenes context. 🔔 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
