Tribute's Chefs
“We want our guest to feel like they can't wait to come back to experience Tribute over and over” – Executive Chef Rich Travis
Rich Travis, Executive Chef
Rich Travis signed on as Executive Chef of the nationally acclaimed Tribute Restaurant
located in Farmington Hills, Michigan in October 2007. Tribute, with its dramatic
interiors, innovative cuisine, stunning wine list and impeccable service has earned
award after award within the fine dining community, including recognition from Gourmet
Magazine, Bon Appetit and The Wine Spectator.
Rich Travis’ style is classic French with a modern American influence. Travis
comes to Tribute highly celebrated and recognized by his peers for his
“elegant and satisfying seasonal food”. Chef Travis explains: ”I
love food that’s fun… it’s about more than style, it’s the
whole occasion that creates a memorable meal for our guests. We want our guest to
feel like they can’t wait to come back to experience that same special feeling
over and over…”
Born and raised in Michigan, Travis earned his culinary arts degree right here in
Michigan while he worked as Sous Chef and Pastry Chef under the tutelage of Certified
Master Chef Milos Chelka, and Master Pastry Chef Joe Decker at the Golden Mushroom
in Southfield, Michigan. Travis then left for Europe to further advance his skills
while studying under Chef Michele Guerard - Les Pres d’Eugenie, Eugenie
Les Bains, France; Chef Roger Verge – Moulin du Mougins - Cannes,
France; and Chef Georges Blanc –Restaurant Georges Blanc - Vonna,
France.
Upon returning to the United States, Travis served as Chef de Cuisine at L’Escargot in Chicago, Illinois, before beginning an eight year stint as Executive Chef at the acclaimed Tapawingo Restaurant in Ellsworth, Michigan. In 1999 Travis assumed the duties as Executive Chef of the award-winning Latitude Restaurant in Bay Harbor, Michigan; one of Tribute's sister restaurant in the Epoch Restaurant Family.
