WEST ALLIS, Wis. — A Milwaukee pastry chef is competing in this year’s “Halloween Wars” on the Food Network.
Travis Martinez loves to game. He’s turned that love into being a co-owner of Binary, a West Allis gaming bar. They’ve got pinball machines, Dungeons & Dragons nights, and even an elaborate Halloween party this year.
“Nerds love to dress up,” he laughed.
But Travis is a man of multitudes. He’s an accomplished pastry chef. He’s from California, but has made Milwaukee his home. He’s worked in Las Vegas, and served as executive pastry chef of Milwaukee’s famed Pfister Hotel. He owns Sugar Studio, where he makes unique desserts.
“I like pastry, you get to be creative, you get to have that sense of artistry,” he said. “And that has always been one of my favorite things because I'm very hands-on.”
This year, he’s competing on the Food Network’s “Halloween Wars”. Contestants get challenges to make spooky-themed elaborate, edible creations.
Three episodes in, his team has competed twice, and they’ve won both times.
Judges were especially impressed by the chocolate antlers he made on a Wendigo cake. The Wendigo is an evil spirit in some Native American and First Nation cultures.
Of course, he can’t tell us how far his team goes in the competition.
But after making Wisconsin his chosen home, he hopes viewers see that the Cream City has major talent.
“I want people to know that Milwaukee is actually a hidden gem. I think it's small, big city,” he said. “People think 'oh, it's just Milwaukee.' It's like no, actually there's a ton of stuff here that people don't realize is here.”
He wants people to make the trip and discover Milwaukee for themselves.
“It’s one more thing that just shows like, hey, we’re not just a small town in the Midwest,” he said. “We’re Milwaukee. We’re awesome.”
Halloween Wars airs Sunday nights at 8 on the Food Network.