Celebrated chef, devoted father and husband Floyd Cardoz passed away this morning from Covid-19. Chef Cardoz was most known as Season Three (2012) winner of Top Chef Masters and author of two cookbooks, “Flavorwalla” and “One Spice, Two Spice.” He also was the chef owner of India’s celebrated Bombay Canteen and O Pedro and recently launched Bombay Sweet Shop in India.
I first met Floyd back in 2004 when he was featured in Bibi’s Sexy Seven Issue, an annual list we used to publish of seven South Asian men who were making strides in their chosen fields. At the time Floyd was the Executive Chef at Danny Meyer’s Tabla and under Floyd’s direction, the restaurant won numerous awards including three stars from The New York Times. Whenever I would visit his restaurants, later El Verano Taqueria, North End Grill, Paowala and Bombay Bread Bar, he would always come out to say hello and send something delicious to the table. He was by far, my favorite Indian chef who just had a way of marrying spices and flavors in unexpected ways resulting in elevated Indian cuisine. He would make dishes like Upma Polenta with wild mushrooms (the dish which won him Top Chef Masters) and fun breads like rosemary-infused naan. The taste of his spiced sunchokes still lingers in my memory.
Last year, Bibi PR was hired to handle the launch of his collaboration with caterer Neuman’s Kitchen to cater elite South Asian weddings and events. During this time, we were in regular communication and I learned what a hardworking, creative and passionate man he was. He was a natural in front of the camera and a gentleman in the kitchen. Beyond being named “Humanitarian of the Year “by the James Beard Foundation and donating his winnings from Top Chef Masters to the Icahn School of Medicine for cancer research, Floyd will always be remembered as a kind and decent person. He was an inspiration to me and many in our community.
We are sending all our prayers and thoughts to his wife Barkha and their children. As we move forward with this pandemic, I just wanted to take a moment to remember Floyd. Rest in love and peace my friend.
Ayesha Hakki
