Meet Travis McShane | Chef and Owner of Ostia

We had the good fortune of connecting with Travis McShane and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Travis, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
You know, I see life like this: it’s not just about the rough patches but also the steps we take forward. Don’t give up on a day just because it hit a snag. Instead, embrace those moments as stepping stones toward success. Know when to push forward by recognizing the achievements of each day, and only consider giving up after celebrating a truly successful day.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I would say I am pretty stubborn, but I have a willingness to listen and emphasize with my staff.

While I take immense pride in my culinary accomplishments, I am most proud of my two young daughters. Watching them grow, especially my three-year-old being this independent little firecracker.

Education played a pivotal role in shaping my culinary journey. Attending a university before diving into the culinary world gave me an “edge,” say you will, earning trust and responsibility at a young age. Jonathan trusted me on my managerial capabilities. Managing individuals older and more experienced was a challenging yet invaluable lesson that continues to this day. Early on, it was a lot of self sacrifice, working long hours to gain experience, I even remember taking the train to upstate New York to Culinary school to cook on my weekends. It wasn’t easy, but it was fast tracked by a strong educational foundation.

I want the world to know that Ostia, is not merely about me. I wanted to create a welcoming neighborhood spot where patrons feel at ease, whether dining or enjoying a drink at the bar. I want Ostia to be a space that resonates with comfort and happiness, a place where people truly feel at home.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Let’s kick things off at Ostia! Then, we would make our way to Candente and Pitroom for that Texas flair.

For dinner, Tiny’s Champions or Navy Blue are stellar picks, each offering its own unique experience. Cap off the night with a nightcap at Anvil.

To capture that cozy neighborhood charm, Coltivare is an absolute must-visit!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Foremost, my deepest gratitude goes to my mentor, Chef Jonathan Waxman. My culinary journey started in 2009 under his guidance. From starting as an extern to climbing the ranks to executive chef at acclaimed establishments like Barbuto in New York City and Adele’s in Nashville, my journey flourished. Overseeing culinary operations across Chef Waxman’s restaurants in New York City, San Francisco, Nashville, and Atlanta broadened my horizons, allowing me to explore global cuisines. My growth and success come from the priceless lessons I learned under Chef Waxman’s guidance.

I owe a lot to my wife, Charlotte—her support has been the rock-solid foundation of my journey. And a big shoutout to my amazing team at Ostia! Their unwavering dedication and passion are the fuel behind our shared success.

Website: https://www.ostiahou.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ostiahou/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ostia-houston

Image Credits
Jenn Duncan and Alex Montoya