World-renowned Indian-origin chef Floyd Cardoz died Wednesday in New Jersey at the age of 59. Cardoz had recently tested positive for COVID-19.
"It is with deep sorrow that we inform you of the passing away of Chef Floyd Cardoz (59 years), Co-Founder, Hunger Inc. Hospitality, on 25 March, in New Jersey, USA. He is survived by his mother Beryl, wife Barkha and sons Justin and Peter. Floyd tested positive for Covid 19, in USA, on 18 March and was being treated for the same at Mountainside Medical Centre, New Jersey, USA," Hunger Inc. Hospitality, where Cardoz was the culinary director, said in a statement.
Cardoz started feeling feverish on March 17 and admitted himself into hospital. On March 18, he put up a message on Instagram, saying, "I was feeling feverish and hence as a precautionary measure, admitted myself into hospital in New York."
Cardoz was raised in Mumbai and trained as a biochemist before discovering his real passion. He subsequently went to the Les Roches culinary school in Switzerland before moving to New York City. He was the executive chef at Tabla, an Indian restaurant he opened with Danny Meyer in 1998. He also opened Pao Walla in New York City's Soho neighborhood, and Bombay Bread Bar, which shut down last year.
He also had a few restaurants in Mumbai – Bombay Canteen, O Pedro and Bombay Sweet Shop.
Many people took to social media to express shock and sadness at his death: