About Floyd

A man who took the road less traveled… and a life that made all the difference.

Floyd Cardoz was a celebrated Indian-born American chef, beloved for the warmth and spice he infused into ingredients, his ardent love for sustainable fish and peak-season produce, and the genuine care and compassion he bestowed on his staff and guests alike. 

In his over 30-year career, Floyd helmed kitchens in the United States and India, penned two cookbooks, won a national television cooking competition that helped to found The Young Scientist Foundation, and contributed his time and talent to countless charitable events and media appearances worldwide.

Born in Bombay, India, Floyd graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and was en route towards a medical career before he turned his talents and attention to the culinary world — a decision not made lightly. Of how this changed his personal and professional trajectory evermore, Floyd was fond of quoting Robert Frost’s The Road Not Taken:

“…Two roads diverged in a wood, and I —

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.”

Floyd passed unexpectedly from the Covid-19 virus March 25, 2020. We invite you to explore Floyd’s life and legacy below through articles published in his own words and photographs taken over the years. Then, peruse his restaurants, cookbooks, media appearances, recipes, and tributes to Floyd from friends and colleagues around the world.