Rising Stars: Meet Travis Turner of The Heights

Hi Travis, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today. 

As a native Houstonian, I was born and raised in Texas. However, I spent eight years of my childhood living in London, England, where my family and I traveled extensively. We always prioritized trying the best food each destination offered, which became the highlight of our trips. I remember my first glass of wine in Paris with my parents, paired with steak frites, and trying grilled octopus on the Italian coast while watching the boats bring fresh seafood. These experiences ignited a passion for food and travel that I still carry today.

Growing up in Houston, we always had a supply of good food, and the Capital Grille on Westheimer was incredibly influential on me. We often had marathon dinners, spending three or four hours enjoying the delicious food and company. Chef Riccardo, still there today, took me into the kitchen and gave me a recipe to try at home. I knew my mission when I made that recipe for my family and saw how my creation could make others happy. I would become a chef. (ask for Patsy Turner Sauce if you like spicy)

At 16 years old, I went to the Alain and Marie Lenore Culinary Institute and worked my way up. I sought out the best chefs willing to teach and eventually worked myself into some incredible restaurants. Food was my dream, and I knew I needed to learn from the best. While working as Vic and Anthony’s sous chef, I took an extended trip to Tokyo, Japan. Dining at everything from street food to Michelin Star restaurants, I tried it all. It showed me an entirely different way of looking at food. Experiencing the dedication to their craft in not just the chefs but the entire culture was a lightbulb moment for me. The Japanese culture has had an immense impact on my cuisine and way of life.

I struggled with my weight when I was younger due to my love for food and after completing culinary school, I decided to take control of my physical and mental health. I worked tirelessly to lose 140lbs by running at Rice University after working shifts as a line cook at Flemings Prime Steakhouse. Since then, I’ve discovered a passion for fitness and prioritized my health and wellness. It has had an immeasurable impact on my mental well-being and daily life. I constantly challenge myself in various athletic pursuits, including running a marathon, competing in MMA, powerlifting, and currently, I am dedicated to bodybuilding. I strive to exceed my past accomplishments. My goal is to push myself to new limits constantly.

After spending 18 years working in the restaurant industry, I decided to leave my position to pursue a more impactful career in food. I wanted to create meals that not only tasted great but also had a positive effect on people’s health. I started a meal prep business to teach people that healthy food can be as delicious as any other cuisine. Thanks to the support of some fantastic friends, I’m currently providing close to 400 meals per week.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

Making the transition from a comfortable Executive Chef salary to becoming an entrepreneur on a budget required a leap of faith. Though it was a significant adjustment period, I was determined to make my business successful during the pandemic despite the challenges. With the ever-rising cost of food, and having to utilize HEB for most of my early days, I would train clients and be a “chef for hire” to make ends meet.

Admittedly, there were weeks I would finish only to realize that I had lost money on deliveries. The cost of food was almost too much for my business to handle. However, I stayed true to my vision and maintained a positive mindset, knowing that obstacles and challenges are all part of the process.

Any Chef worth his salt knows that challenges are just part of the shift.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

I have a strong passion for both food and travel, as well as a deep appreciation for the arts. Additionally, I am driven by the desire to provide people with nourishing meals that promote healing. My ultimate goal is to assist individuals in leading more productive, fulfilling, and healthy lives, all while indulging in delicious cuisine and expanding their culinary horizons.

I love to keep things fresh and exciting for my clients by creating new menus weekly. Inspired by seasonality and different cultures around the world, I write menus that range from Italian, Indian, Japanese, Mexican, Argentinian, South African, and more. My focus is on healthy macro-based meals that respect the culture and heritage of each dish while also appealing to a Houstonian palate.

I understand how important it is to nourish our bodies in a way that aligns with our wellness and lifestyle aspirations. That’s why my goal is to provide delicious fuel to help you achieve your health goals with ease.

I offer a subscription service to help my clients with their meal planning and nutrition needs. I work with them to create customized meal plans based on their unique macro requirements, which we calculate together using an onboarding sheet. I also make sure that their meals are portioned correctly. If necessary, I can adjust their macros based on their diet plan and provide online coaching or personal training to help them achieve their goals.

Please note that my service requires a minimum commitment of one month.

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the COVID-19 crisis?

I’ll share a quote from someone much wiser than myself. I don’t want to go on and on.

“Wild Animals run from dangers they actually see, and once they have escaped them worry no more. We, however, are tormented alike by what is past and what is to come” – Seneca

Pricing:

• $10/meal with subscription

• $5 breakfast option

• $25 delivery option or pickup locations

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @chef_travis_pt

• Instagram: @mealsbycheft