We are running our ’soft’ opening for friends and family this weekend, getting feedback on our physical plant, our food and everything before our ‘hard’ opening in just a couple of weeks. We started infusing our vision into The Coda just three months back–and it’s been a great experience. Cleaning, painting, installing lighting, my flying off to cater the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness, the Belmont and who knows how many other events, my wife doing double duty in a Master’s Program by day and on top of the ladder at night—and relentlessly learning more and more about how being the owner is akin to being the chef, but the owner has to worry about the garnish being right on the dining room as well.

Food is just as important. It’s been great to see how preparing and eating really great food has moved into such a prominent place in our city.

During my time in Manhattan, I had the chance to experience all aspects of the restaurant business; preparing meals in some of the best kitchens, leading liquor promotions in some of the best bars, and eating in some of the best restaurants(although not as often as I would have liked.)

My wife Keren and I decided to open The Coda because we love to eat really great food. If you are into arresting, delightful dinners that respect the ingredients and respect traditions while pushing at their edges, you’ll love The Coda.

We’d like to thank our families and investors, and all of the friends who support us in our lives, especially Dr. Susan Persico and her charge-d’affaires, Enzo.