I am repeating this notice again in case you had not got the emails last week so here we go: I know that people are anxious and waiting to see if the doctors who are scrambling to find a cure sooner than later for the Coronavirus. We at The Irish Examiner USA ask you to stay indoors for your health and safety. We will support any organization who needs to get the word out. Take a breather, and have a read of The Irish Examiner USA’s website that will put your mind at ease.
This news came to me from the Hospitality Alliance here in New York and it is very sad: “Covid-19 has devastated New York City’s restaurant and nightlife industry. Unfortunately, many of these businesses may shutter forever, and the road to recovery for others will be challenging. We will always remember those haunts we lose, and we will cherish those that survive. As a collective hospitality community, we will persevere. These amazing establishments take on a life of their own, but it is the people behind these businesses who truly bring them to life.
“This past week, our industry lost at least two precious lives due to Covid-19, which we were informed of. Chef Floyd Cardoz and Andreas “Andy” Koutsoudakis breathed life into New York City’s restaurant community and they will be dearly missed. First, renowned Chef Floyd Cardoz died of the coronavirus pandemic. Chef was beloved by so many who were fortunate enough to know him, and he inspired so many more through his love for cooking. Later in the week, we lost, Andreas “Andy” Koutsoudakis Sr.
“In 1989, just 14 years after coming to NY without knowing a word of English, Andy opened his first restaurant, Gee Whiz Diner, which survived 9/11 while serving the community at Ground Zero. Although still open today, Andy sold the diner in 2015 after he opened Tribeca’s Kitchen at 200 Church Street, where he has worked tirelessly to serve Tribeca since. On March 12 Andy became ill from Covid-19 and on March 21 was rushed to the hospital and placed in ICU on a mechanical ventilator. Sadly, he left us on March 27.
“The New York City Hospitality Alliance family sends love and strength to their families and all who knew and loved them. May their memory live on in our hearts and stomachs forever.”
These to great gentlemen are so very well know in New York City and we here at The Irish Examiner USA send our condolences to their families, and may they rest in peace.
This came in to me from Mary O’Dowd and the fundraising Gala dinner that I attended myself as a guest thanks to James Houlihan. A lot of the guests that were there to support this great event were very well known in the Irish community. You had John Mahon, Frank Dwyer, Eamonn Maher, Garret Doyle, Greg Harrington, Pat Burke, Ed Fitzmaurice, John Tully, Ed Downing, Charlotte Moore, Ciaran O’Reilly, Eugene Wilson, Cormac McCormack, Pauline Turley and believe me lots more as this event was sold out, so from The Irish Examiner USA, congratulations to Mary O’Dowd and all the volunteers who made it a roaring success.
Mary sent special thanks to their Honorees, Des O’Brien and Pat Houlihan: “It was a different world 3 weeks ago, and we at The Frances Pope Foundation feel very lucky that we were able to celebrate with our circle of friends before the world went quiet. Also, a very special thanks to our volunteers, now it’s time to stay home and stay well.”
Dan Dennehy mailed to let us know of an Irish American Meitheal in Support of Healthcare started by Irish American community leader Brian McCabe. “This Irish American Meitheal is taken from the Irish tradition of the gathering of folks to help save the harvest, each helping the other, and then reciprocating,” he said. “In this traditional spirit, we gather together as a community in this effort to support our sisters and brothers in Healthcare as they struggle on the frontline against Covid-19 in the NY metro area.
“All funds raised will be used to provide material support and comfort to those in healthcare facing this crisis. These are immediate needs, and we request all to join in this effort. This support can protect and bolster our frontline staff in their struggles through direct assistance and by showing the appreciation and admiration we all share. This is also an opportunity for all to actively participate in this struggle.
“As many are isolated at home, let us join together in solidarity with those on the frontline. Let us actively engage rather than passively watch this crisis unfold. Any donation, big or small, will be accounted for and sent where needed.”
Visit www.gofundme.com/f/irishamerican-meitheal-in-support-of-healthcare?teamInvite=gqBDZWhR0vYGDGvBwIxjrkGCgzpdTk1nN1Xd0bh29P9m42O6zRs9WUNhaq7XvYeb to donate today!
From my desk at home, I hope very soon that by listening to the experts, and I do mean in a positive way that as they are working very hard for a cure for this horrible sickness which is infecting the vast majority of the population of the world, we can all get back to our normally way of living.
See you all again WHEN I am Out&About again.