Travis Hayden

Travis Hayden is the executive chef and culinary voice behind Bar Etoile in Los Angeles. A former music manager turned chef, Hayden found his calling in the kitchen after staging at Rustic Canyon, where he spent four years mastering technique, precision, and the rhythm of a professional line. His cooking blends French sensibility with California’s seasonal abundance, rooted in simplicity, balance, and respect for ingredients. Before Bar Etoile, Hayden led the kitchen at the beloved wine bar Voodoo Vin, where his ingredient-driven, community-minded approach first took shape. At Bar Etoile, he continues that ethos, crafting food that’s elegant yet unfussy, thoughtful yet approachable, and always centered on the joy of sharing a great meal.