Tickets to the 2015 Houston Culinary Awards dinner on Sunday, October 4, are going fast. More than two-thirds of the 320 tickets have already been sold, and there’s a reason for it. Of course we’re all anxious to see who wins Chef of the Year or Best New Restaurant, but we also can’t wait to taste what the impressive 2015 HCA chef team will bring to the table.

This year’s chef and bartender line-up includes Leslie Ross (Treadsack), Monica Richards (Picos), Travis Lenig (Liberty Kitchen & Oysterette), Brandi Key (Coppa, Punk’s Simple Southern Food, SaltAir Seafood Kitchen), Rocco Nankervis (The Oceanaire Seafood Room), Peter Garcia (El Meson), Kelly Boyd (Rainbow Lodge) and Alyssa Dole (Revival Market, Coltivare).

We asked each chef to answer a few questions about themselves, and we are publishing their answers throughout the weeks leading up to the Houston Culinary Awards night. These are some of Houston’s finest restaurant talent.

So far you’ve gotten to know Leslie Ross (bar director of Treadsack), Monica Richards (beverage director of Picos) and Rocco Nankervis (executive chef of The Oceanaire Seafood Room). Today, we’re spotlighting Travis Lenig, executive chef of Liberty Kitchen & Oysterette.