Chef Floyd Cardoz dead at 59 from coronavirus complications

Floyd Cardoz, the man behind acclaimed NYC restaurants Tabla and Bombay Bread Bar, has reportedly died as a result of the coronavirus, according to Indian news site Scroll.in. The Mumbai-born chef was 59.

Cardoz was admitted to a New York hospital last week, according to a recent post on his Instagram account, following his return from a trip to India on March 8. He told his followers that a fever had prompted him to see a doctor. A statement on social media from his hospitality group, The Hunger Inc., confirmed the news of his hospitalization March 17.

The eclectic chef and Season 3 winner of “Top Chef Masters” made his name with the groundbreaking Tabla, opened in 1998, as one of the few Indian fine-dining establishments in the city. In partnerships with Danny Meyer and Union Square Hospitality Group, the restaurant enjoyed an instant buzz after receiving three stars in the New York Times. Tabla closed in 2010 but remains one of the city’s most groundbreaking restaurants to this day, known especially for its bread.

He also worked with Meyer in opening North End Grill, then went on to open several other eateries in India and New York. His Bombay Canteen as well as Goan-Portuguese fusion restaurant O Pedro remain popular in Mumbai today. Soho’s Paowalla, which was later transformed into Bombay Bread Bar, closed last year.

Cardoz’s friend and former business partner shared his sorrow today on Twitter.

“Love you so much @floydcardoz,” wrote Meyer.