Chef Travis Chrisman

Private Chef in Scottsdale

Hello!

I’m a dynamic chef with 20 years of experience in the culinary industry. I spent 10 years managing restaurants in San Diego before branching out to focus on private chef work. I have worked as a private chef in San Diego, Nashville, and now Scottsdale. My foundation in culinary fundamentals is strong, and while I’m passionate about creating fresh, new ideas, I prefer to work within the bounds of familiar flavors and ingredients.

My diverse experience spans a wide range of ethnic cuisines and cooking styles. After graduating from culinary school in San Francisco, I spent 6 ½ years learning under several chefs at a prestigious AAA 5 Diamond resort in San Diego, including 18 months working in their AAA 4 Diamond Italian restaurant. I’ve also successfully managed a health-driven, fast-casual restaurant that served over 1,000 guests daily.

In addition to my culinary work, my family and I spend our summers on the East Coast at youth camps. I’ve been a full-time private chef for almost a year, and have been working in this capacity for 7 years part-time. Cooking for clients in their own homes allows me the creative freedom I crave while offering them an intimate, fine-dining experience.

I’m particularly excited by the opportunity to make fresh pasta and love preparing dishes with Japanese and Spanish influences. Ultimately, my goal is to provide each of my clients with a personalized, memorable evening filled with great food, good company, and lasting memories.

Cheers,

Chef Travis

For me, cooking is...

Cooking is my way of connecting with people on a personal level. As a private chef, I get to create intimate, customized experiences.

I learned to cook at...

I am very grateful to have spent the first 6 years of my career at AAA 5 Diamond Four Seasons Resort in Carlsbad CA.

A cooking secret...

Using the same ingredient over multiple applications to intensify the complexity of a dish.

My menus

Corporate Catering

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

American BBQ Salad - Creamy Coleslaw | Potato Salad

Hawaiian Luau Salad - Hawaiian Macaroni Salad | Coconut Papaya Greens

Italian Countryside Salad - Caprese Salad | Caesar Salad

Greek Isles Salad - Cous Cous | Chopped Salad

Southern Comfort Salad - Black-Eyed Pea Salad | Cobb Salad

Mexican Street Food Salad - Southwest Caesar

Asian Fusion Salad - Mandarin Chicken

Middle Eastern Mezze Salad - Fattoush | Tabouleh

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

American BBQ Sides - Baked Mac & Cheese | Brown Sugar Baked Beans | Roasted Brussels Sprouts | Corn on the Cob | Cornbread Muffins

Hawaiin Luau Sides - Coconut Jasmine Rice | Grilled Veggie Skewers | Garlic Soy Bok Choy | Pineapple Fried Rice | Sweet Rolls with Butter

Italian Countryside Sides - Garlic & Herb Roasted Potatoes | Baked Ziti | Pesto Pasta | Herb Grilled Zucchini & Eggplant | Focaccia Bread with Tapenade

Greek Isles Sides - Lemon Garlic Green Beans | Balsamic | Roasted Olive Potatoes | Pita Bread & Hummus | Grilled Antipasti

Southern Comfort Sides - Collard Greens | Mashed Sweet Potatoes | Cornbread Dressing | Buttermilk Biscuits | Spaghetti Squash

Mexican Street Food Sides - Elote | Cilantro Lime Rice | Black Beans | Pico de Gallo & Chips | Mango & Tajin

Middle Eastern Mezze Sides - Turmeric Basmati Rice | Cous Cous | Roasted Carrots | Harissa Caulilower | Grilled Pita

Asian Fusion Sides - Vegetable Fried Rice | Garlic Sesame Broccolini | Vegetable Stir Fry | Steamed White Rice | Miso Mushrooms & Sweet Potatoes

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

American BBQ Meats - Smoked Pulled Pork | BBQ Chicken Thighs | Blackened Catfish

Hawaiian Luau Meats - Kalua Pork | Huli Huli Chicken | Ginger Scallion Salmon

Italian Countryside Meats - Chicken Parmesan | Italian Sausage with Peppers & Onions | Cod Puttanesca

Greek Isles Meats - Lemon Oregano Chicken with Tzatziki | Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki

Southern Comfort Meats - Fried Chicken | Braised Short Ribs | Blackened Catfish

Mexican Street Food Meats (Tortillas, Onions, Salsa & Cilantro Included) - Carne Asada with Onions & Cilantro | Chicken Tinga with Scallions | Pineapple Mahi Mahi

Middle Eastern Mezze Meats - Za’ atar Chicken | Grilled Kota (Beef & Lamb)

Asian Fusion Meats - Bulgogi Beef | Pork Belly | Sesame Garlic Chicken | Miso Salmon

DESSERT

All inclusive

Wedding Dining

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

FIRST COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Dashi Braised Pork Belly | Blackberry Mostarda | Green Papaya | Bonito flake

Roasted Poblano Arancini | Red Pepper Romesco | Shaved Radish | Cilantro | Pickled Onion

Pesto Pappardelle | Burrata | Calabrian Chile Breadcrumb | Micro Green

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Burgundy Braised Short Rib | Horseradish Potato Pave | Charred Broccolini

Chicken Marsala Roulade | Charred Broccolini | Wild Mushrooms | Herb Butter

Risotto Milanese | Braised Oxtail | Saffron | Aged Parmesan | Parsley Leaf

Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin | Celery Root Puree | Spring Succotash | Cherry Gastrique

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Flourless Chocolate Cake | Strawberry Bourbon Compote | Blueberry Anglaise | Spun Sugar

Homemade Churros | Homemade Horchata Ice Cream | Dulce de Leche | Warm Spicy Chocolate

Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake | Gingersnap Crust | Mascarpone | Blueberry Compote

Sticky Toffee Date Pudding | Brown Butter Ginger Ice Cream | Candied Pecan | Date Caramel

An Evening To Remember

STARTER

All inclusive

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Tomato Bruschetta | Roasted Garlic Crostini | Fresh Basil | Aged Balsamic

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Chicken Parmesan Roulade | Fresh Mozzarella | Pesto Polenta Cake | Pomodoro | Crispy Garlic

Risotto Milanese | Braised Oxtail (or Omit for Vegetarians) | Saffron | Aged Parmesan | Parsley Leaf

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Roasted Pistachio Creme Brûlée | Tangerine Whipped Cream | Blackberry Caviar

Espresso Tiramisu | Grand Marnier Sabayon | Cocoa Nib

Refined Contemporary Italian (5 Courses)

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Heirloom Tomato Caprese | Burrata | Balsamic Caviar | Basil Oil | Maldon

Wild Mushroom Arancini | Smoked Mozzarella | Romesco | Arugula | Truffle Vinaigrette

Seared Brussels Sprouts | Safron Aioli | Crispy Pancetta | Citrus supreme | Edible Flowers

Beet Cured Hamachi Crudo | Meyer Lemon Oil | Fried Caper | Micro Green

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Handmade Fettuccine Carbonara | Crispy Prosciutto | Fried Parsley | House Cured Egg Yolk

Rigatoni Bolognese | Short Rib | Smoked Bourbon Bacon | 18 Month Aged Parmesan | Fresh Herbs

Spaghetti Amatriciana | Guanciale | San Marzano | Pecorino Romano | Unfiltered Olive Oil

Pesto Bucatini | Burrata | Calabrian Chile Oil | Toasted Pistachio

Wild Mushroom Ragout | Orecchiette | Pecorino Romano | Broccoli Rabe | Fresh Herbs

Safron Gnocchi | Slow Cooked Pork Belly | Heirloom Cherry Tomato Pea Pesto | Pasture Raise Cured Egg Yolk | Pea Shoot

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Chicken Marsala Roulade | Charred Broccolini | Wild Mushrooms | Herb Butter

Sous Vide Durham Ranch Petit Filet | Horseradish Pave | Haricot Vert | Crispy Carrot | Brunello Demi

Risotto Milanese | Braised Oxtail | Safron | Aged Parmesan | Pea Shoot

Wild Mushroom Risotto | King Trumpet | Aged Parmesan | Porcini & Chive Popcorn | Trule Oil

Garlic Herb Infused Lamb Chop | Potato Pave | Charred Broccolini Toasted Pistachio | Blackberry Shallot Mostarda

Butter Poached Halibut | Kale & Beet Risotto | Crispy Carrot | Herb Oil

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Roasted Pistachio Creme Brûlée | Tangerine Whipped Cream | Blackberry Caviar

Flourless Chocolate Cake | Strawberry Bourbon Compote | Blueberry Anglaise | Spun Sugar

Show me more

Chef Travis's reviews

4.93

•

72 services

Chef Travis and his team were great! They made our Thanksgiving and the food was incredible. Chef Travis is extremely personable and makes everyone feel included in the experience.

Chef Travis and Chef Niko were both phenomenal. It was a no brainer to have a Sunday funday style meal at my brothers bachelor party. The guys were thoroughly impressive. Chef Travis and Chef Niko were engaging without being overwhelming. They were super easy going, they came prepared and ready to go! It was a perfect addition to the weekend. I couldn't recommend them enough.

Chef Travis made the entire week. Communication from the point of engagement through walking out the door on the last day was best in class. The food was top notch, Travis was engaging socially, he paced everything perfectly, cleaned the kitchen every night leaving it spotless, and was always ready to answer all of our questions - food, local things to explore, recommendations, you name it! We also had children on the trip and Chef Travis was an expert with them - menu, engagement, the whole thing... they continue to ask about him daily! Thanks Chef - we will be booking again!

Chef Travis and his assistant Rob were excellent. Our group walked in the door from a round of golf, and everything was as planned. The food was being prepared, the table was being set, etc. But they really started the night off well with their engagement. Very friendly, easy to talk to, got to speak with each of my guests, and we got to know one another in a brief discussion. Chef Travis dialed in the timing of the dinner as we relaxed for a bit before dinner and his timing was spot on. We sat down and it didn't disappoint. The food was excellent, and the plates were removed and replaced in a perfect sequence. I'll end with that my guests and I usually eat out quite a bit for work and everyone had nothing but great things to say. This was the first time doing this and it was a home run. Food was excellent, we ate right at the house, they cleaned up like they were never there, and we plan on doing more of this in the future. Thanks again to Travis and Rob....great night!!

Prepared a great meal for 8 hungry men after several rounds of golf. Not 1 complaint from any of the guests.

Travis was absolutely incredible!! The food was by far some of the best meals we have ever had and he was just as amazing. Unbelievable with the kids, professional, kind, attentive. Having him was the icing on the cake for this trip! Can’t wait to come back and have him again!

Chef Travis amazing from start to finish.

Chef Travis was amazing! The entire group was so impressed by the meal, it was definitely one of the highlights of our trip to Arizona. I really appreciated how responsive he was and the creativity and attention to detail on the menu itself. In terms of the actual dinner, the food was incredible, as was the presentation and story behind each plate. Chef Travis was a super fun addition to our night, and if I were to ever come back to Arizona, re-booking him would be a no brainer, I can't recommend enough!

Fabulous experience with Chef Travis! Communication was easy and he reflected our taste preferences in a stellar menu. He also accommodated various food allergies which we greatly appreciated. A pleasure to work with!

I cannot say enough about Chef Travis and our experience! He was AMAZING. The food was absolutely delicious. He was fun and cool and engaging. Just pure perfection!

Chef Travis and his wife Katie delivered an exceptional evening for us. The entire experience was very interactive from learning how to make homemade pasta to torching the crème brûlée. Chef Travis was very engaging and an absolute joy to have in our home. The process leading up to the dinner was exceptional. We truly appreciated the preparation, planning, and involvement in the dinner menu and we would absolutely recommend Chef Travis to anyone that wanted a fantastic dining experience.

Chef Travis cooked for 10 of us for a birthday party. It was by far the highlight of our trip. Chef Travis was engaging with our entire party no matter what was asked and made the evening into a truly special event. We will still be talking about his beet risotto and creme brûlée for many trips to come. I can't recommend him enough!

Pre-event communication with Chef Travis was excellent, and he and his staff were professional and attentive the entire evening. The food, presentation and clean-up were excellent.. and our guests loved the experience. We will definitely work with him again!

Booking with Chef Travis was a 5 star experience that completely made our bachelorette weekend. He was professional, helpful with menu and wine pairing selections, brought EVERYTHING including plates, and made the entire experience stress free and fun. Travis arrived early, allowed us to be as engaged as we wanted with the cooking process (of course we got our bride in the action making pasta!), served us five amazing courses alongside our printed menu (he even used the logo we designed for the weekend in his design!), and left the place SPOTLESS. I am so happy I picked Travis. Thank you for the best night and delicious food!!

Chef Travis prepared two dinners for our family holiday in Scottsdale, Arizona. The two meals were carefully planned with individually balanced themes: an Italian night with an incredible fall vegetable bisque, homemade pasta Bolognese, lemon panna cotta; and a French bistro night including Wagyu ribeye, duck-fat fries, winter vegetables with fresh black truffle, and a flourless chocolate cake with lavender anglaise. I hope you didn't start reading this review while hungry. The entire process was professional and thanks to the excellent communication, we felt like he understood our needs which make the planning process that much more comfortable; we had confidence that Chef and his team would take care of us. To the point: Chef Travis didn't exceed our expectations -he completely knocked it out of the park. All the ingredients were carefully sourced. The plating, timing, and service was on point. Our family continues to talk about the experience with one member, an experienced patron of the fine dining culture, sharing that, 'this was one of [his] best dinner experiences ever'. If you have an option to book an experience with Chef Travis, do it. It would be foolish to miss the opportunity.

Chef Travis was absolutely amazing!! As a event designer finding vendors we can trust who also understand presentation day of is extremely rare. Chef Travis and his team knocked everything out of the park. The food, the staff - EVERYTHING WAS AMAZING! 10/10!

Chef Travis was amazing! From the moment we saw they menu propels we knew we wanted him to prepare the food for our event. Every interaction with him was professional and he was always very responsive to questions and helped guide through options in menu selection. His presence during the dinner introducing each course was superb, and every single dish was impeccable. To end the night, he cleaned up and actually left the kitchen cleaner than it was when he arrived. I would highly recommend chef Travis to anyone wishing for a wonderful evening of amazing food!

Chef Travis was incredible from start to finish. From the beginning, he offered a great menu. We had a lot of specific tastes and desires with the bachelorette party we did this with. Chef Travis was responsive, and accommodating! A few days before the date- he called me to iron out any small details which I loved. He arrived on time with all of the necessary equipment! Pots/pans/utensils etc. He set our table up with clean linens, plates, utensils, napkins, etc. We had a four-course meal.. from Burrata and heirloom tomatoes, homemade Caesar dressing crisp crunchy lettuce / black pepper fettuccine (homemade pasta right in front of us) in an Alfredo sauce alongside Chicken Marsala (served family-style). It was to die for! For dessert, we had chocolate creme brûlée with homemade hazelnut topping. AMAZING. We had a large party of 10, and everything came out perfect! I’m salivating writing this review! He explained each part of the meal as it was served fresh and hot. Chef Travis cleaned up our entire meal and left the kitchen spotless!! Unbelievable time for this group! Chef Travis was so personable through the night! He was a good sport with the shirt we made him wear to match our theme, and he participated in a few pictures as well! If I could give more than 5 stars I would!!

Chef Travis was amazing. The food was excellent. We will definitely be using Chef Travis again.

Chef Travis was phenomenal! His stories about his career as a chef and how he gained knowledge is the craft of cooking were amazing to hear. He was accommodating with everything we needed and even attempted a few new dishes for the first time to better suite our group! 10/10