The Bayou - Madison

Name:

Travis G. Todd

Hometown:

Columbus, Mississippi

Birthday:

January 29

Education:

Associates Degree California Culinary Academy, San Francisco

Experience in Industry:

14 years

Culinary Highlight:

Working the Fox Newscorp Conference while at Pebble Beach- 4 Presidents and Heads of State attended with all-star Hollywood lineup to raise awareness and the opening of Calypso a Colorado Ski Resort Pan Asian/Pacific Rim restaurant

Favorite Foods:

Slow Smoked Southern Style Ribs, Pulled Pork, Wild Salmon and Spiced Carrott Cake

Hobbies:

Golf, Bowling, Sports, Traveling, Working Out, Movies, Reading, Cigars and Wine

Bienvenue,

My name is Travis and I am honored to help bring a piece of New Orleans to Madison. One of the greatest things about growing up in the Deep South is the emphasis on food and social gathering. The foods of the South predominately reflect a slower pattern of living, attention to rich, hearty comfort foods and dishes that are passed on from generation to generation.

The evolution of these dishes directly reflects the history of the people and groups which are present in the area. At The Bayou, I wanted to focus on Cajun/Creole foods and New Orleans traditionals. Most of these dishes are steeped in Cajun, African and Spanish influence. Throughout the menu, you will find full flavored dishes that highlight the Cajun/Creole approach to cooking. I also wanted to implement some of the staples of Southern cooking: Gulf seafood, rich sauces and utlization of slow cooked family style dishes.

Since I was a young boy, my passion has been food. Whether it's perusing the local markets for unique and fresh foods, experimenting with new recipes or methods of preparing dishes or celebrating an evening dining out with friends and family, around food is where I am most comfortable and happy. I am fascinated with studying new cultures and their approach to food. I think there is a direct coorelation between history and traditions and the foods of a region. It is my hope that at The Bayou you will become engrossed in the hospiatality, flavors and warmth that is so synonamous with New Orleans and The Deep South.