For the past 12 years, Verona resident Floyd Cardoz has been the chief at Tabla restaurant in New York City. That will all come to an end on December 30.
Cardoz announced that Union Square Hospitality Group has is closing the restaurant for economic reasons. “Despite our greatest efforts, its 283 seats have proved too many to sustain for a restaurant with such a specific culinary focus,” he said. “This has been an overwhelmingly painstaking decision for me, Danny Meyer and our partners, especially as we consider the incredible people who work here and you, our loyal guests. Tabla has enjoyed a magnificent 12-year run, and we plan to close this chapter on a high note in an uplifting way that celebrates our journey.”
USHG says there will be a series of events at Tabla over the next three months as the business winds down. If you want to be notified of them, sign up on Tabla’s Web site. Cardoz will remain with the company to develop a new restaurant, it says to develop “a new restaurant beyond the realm of Indian spices.” USHG left open the possibility that Tabla might re-open in a smaller space elsewhere.
Cardoz was ever gracious in his note to patrons. “Since opening in 1998, it has been an honor to bring you our pioneering cuisine, blending the flavors and spices of my native India with Western technique, all while remaining firmly rooted in the farm-to-table movement,” he said. “It was with immense joy that we watched as guests embraced this new culinary style, meal after meal. I am humbled by the fact that Tabla gave birth to an entirely new genre of Indian restaurants in the US and beyond, and has served as a training ground for some of our industry’s brightest talents, both in the kitchen and the dining room. I will remain forever in awe of the passion, grace, kindness and steadfastness of our brilliant Tabla family, and eternally grateful to Danny, our team, guests and purveyors for nurturing this very special place.”
