EP #59 Step Aside Lola, Cordelia is in The House. My Conversation with Andrew Watts and Vinnie Cimino.

While the pandemic limped towards a final end, a quiet transformation was happening on East 4th street.

Andrew Watts and Vinnie Cimino were reimagining the look and feel of the iconic address on East 4th Street—the one formerly occupied by the legendary Lola, the flagship owned by Michael Symon.

Coming out of a pandemic to start a restaurant is hard...perhaps harder when you are stepping into a spot so identified with a beloved native son who is a famous TV chef and personality. But these guys were bold enough to do it. And it is spectacular and, intentionally and thoughtfully different. It was worth the wait.

I talk to them about stepping into this space, the major renovations and the family influences that found their way into this sleek and modern restaurant that is friendly more than fussy or fancy.

I think you'll enjoy hearing the backstory of how Cordelia—from the meaningful name to the "modern grandma-inspired "menu—came to be.

This episode is presented with support from Chef Douglas Katz and Cookin Genie.