134 JUNE - JULY 2019“New York is about embracing new cultures. It’s a city where you can try
your hand at whatever you want. Here, you can bump into a celebrity
while walking on the street. I walked into Paul McCartney outside my
restaurant one night. Where else on earth would you find McCartney
roaming the streets? I’ve also run into Will Smith and Madonna.”
FLOYD CARDOZ, CHEFGoa —> New York“My first day in New York, my brother
and I ate a hot dog from a street cart in
Manhattan, which was a first for me since
I grew up in India. Being able to eat that
on my first day, surrounded by men in
suits and ties, was pretty memorable...
When I arrived in New York, I distinctly
remember being moved by the way that
food is celebrated here — it could be
from a local street food joint or a fine-
dining restaurant. That convinced me
that anything is possible in this city.”“I love that I’m able to call two cities my home, both of which are fun and vibrant. I try
not to lose out on anything and live in the moment. When I’m in Goa, I enjoy going to the
market and finding mangoes, coconuts and chillies whereas when I’m in New York, I visit
the farmers’ markets and shop for strawberries, asparagus and tomatoes. If I’m thinking of
the mangoes and jackfruits in Goa while in New York, then I would be missing out on what
the Big Apple has to offer — and I try not to do that as it would dilute the experience.”