Food Friday – Paowalla – NYC

As I strolled along the path early this morning, I reflected back on all of the amazing meals we’ve had in New York City, and around the world. Since my walk was before breakfast I had visions of gustatory delight in my head as I walked and decided that I wanted to begin to recall those places where we have been lucky enough to feast.

When I returned to my computer I sifted through my photos going back as far as I had them online and the first restaurant that came up was Paowalla, which is now sadly closed but was located on Spring Street on the lower west side near 6th Avenue. The restaurant, owned by Floyd Cardoz, was open only from summer of 2016 to spring of 2018 at that location, and that is where we dined in the summer of 2017. The New York Times review of it was not 100% flattering but it had enough good to say that we decided to try it.

We didn’t opt for the tasting menu, rather we decided to sample a few a la carte items. Delightfully spicy roasted chick peas came out with our drinks.

Next, we chose two stuffed breads that were accompanied by mango, tamarind and mint cilantro chutneys.

Our final dish was…I don’t actually know. I don’t see anything on the menu that this item could be and since it was almost eight years ago I simply can’t remember. No matter, whatever it was I know it was delicious as was every dish we had at Paowalla.

And here I have to share the sad news that the chef owner of Paowalla passed away in March of 2020 from COVID at the young age of 59.

Chef Cardoz was a shining star on the NYC dining scene and it’s certain he would have continued to share his culinary skills with New Yorkers had he lived. We’re fortunate to have this wonderful memory of a fine Indian meal shared one hot summer afternoon in New York.