Executive Chef Patrick Havard, The Tremont House

Executive Chef Patrick Havard joined the staff at The Tremont House in April 2011. Havard spent the last ten years at the Four Seasons Hotel in Houston and worked most recently as chef tournant before coming to The Tremont House. He studied at The Art Institute of Houston Culinary Program and developed a love for cooking by preparing South Texas regional cuisine. 

 

Havard is a fan of Texas made products and has incorporated his favorite Texas cheeses to the sharing plates on the menu at The Rooftop Bar at The Tremont House. He has added a fresh daily soup, a Cuban style Panini with pulled pork and a short rib and blue cheese flatbread to the Tremont Café menu. Daily soup specials now include mushroom bisque; shrimp, poblano and corn chowder; white bean soup; classic French onion; and tortilla soup. On weekends, guests can order the hotel’s award winning seafood gumbo.

 

Havard is plans to add a New Orleans style BBQ shrimp and grits dish, crab cakes and jambalaya to the menu. In addition to overseeing the menu at the hotel’s Tremont Café, Havard oversees all meal preparation for all special events and banquets, weddings and room service.

I’m self-taught.

 

The most important tool in the kitchen is a good chef’s knife. I use a Sabatier; it's a classic style French made knife. But, any well-made knife will do.

 

I love the BBQ flatbread in the Tremont Café.

 

Fried chicken, gravy, dirty rice and a bowl of gumbo would be on the menu.

 

It changes a lot, I like chefs who push the limit, have respect for classics and always strive to put out good food. Also, I appreciate chefs who take the time to teach.

 

Never stop learning and realize that whatever situation you are in, you can learn something. Having a good attitude is more important than talent any day.

 

Some spices I enjoy are juniper, cumin, fennel seed, smoked paprika and a good Cajun blend (I really like Paul Prudhomme's blend).

The Tremont House, a Wyndham Grand® Hotel and National Trust Historic Hotel of America, is part of Mitchell Historic Properties and is managed by Wyndham Hotel Management, Inc. The Tremont House is a 119-room European style boutique hotel located in the heart of historic downtown Galveston Island. This historic hotel features 14,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, a bistro-style café, fitness center and two bars for entertainment – the 1888 Toujouse Bar and The Rooftop Bar. For more information or reservations, call (409) 763-0300 or visit www.WyndhamTremontHouse.com.

 

Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, LLC and its affiliates, subsidiaries of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN), offer upscale hotel and resort accommodations throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, Mexico, China and the Caribbean. All Wyndham® hotels are either franchised by the company or managed by Wyndham Hotel Management, Inc., one of its affiliates or through a joint-venture partner. Additional information and reservations for all Wyndham hotels are available by calling (800) WYNDHAM – (800) 996-3426 – or visiting www.wyndham.com.