JOANN MAKOVITZKY- WITH PRIDE AND EXCITEMENT
Tocqueville, 15 East and Catering by Tocqueville are about to begin a new era:
this December I will be departing the company that I started in 1996. I am confident that Tocqueville and 15 East are in great hands with Marco Moreira, and the dedicated and talented staff that run them day to day.
I am planning to move in somewhat different directions, charting new territory for myself.
My journey started in 1987 when I graduated CIA and took my first cooking position: at the age of 19 I became the first female cook at La Caravelle. That would not be my last bold move. I had dreams of creating my own restaurant, in my own little corner of New York City, offering a unique dining opportunity to clientele from around the world. My dream became reality in 2000, when I opened Tocqueville in a small trapezoidal dining room off Union Square with my partner Marco Moreira.
A restaurant is all about giving and receiving; the employees and customers together create a special event. Our places on 15th Street were certainly labors of love, ones for which I will be eternally grateful. They provided me the opportunity to serve you. In return, I received your wisdom, friendship and encouragement over these past years.
The experience with all of you sustains and energizes my passion and increases my desire to continue to work in this industry. I hope now to create memorable moments in different ways, challenging myself anew, just as I did in what seems a lifetime ago.
Before I head down a fresh path, I feel compelled to acknowledge those who have given me so much and, indeed, contributed to my desire to embark on this new journey.
First, of course, I am indebted to the thousands of customers who dined at my
establishments: thank you for trusting us with so many of your special
occasions.
In addition, I extend my heartfelt thanks to the hundreds of inspiring colleagues with whom I have had the good fortune to work with – from chefs and cooks to porters, waiters, sommeliers, assistants and managers. It was an honor to work with all of you, I truly learned something from each of you. I also want to thank the press, who recognized the exceptional experience we strove to provide. I don't recall one word that wasn’t helpful.
Naturally, in any great endeavor, it’s family that really makes the difference. My parents, sister and brother in-law have been supportive through all the curves in the road. They never realized what an important role they too
would play in this restaurant journey. My daughter Francesca, who put up with my erratic work schedule from such a young age, is a huge part of the tapestry that we all wove together. I believe this community has enriched her. Just as she contributed her warmth and charm to everyone she saw walk through our doors.
As I begin this new chapter in my life, I look back with pride to all we accomplished together. I look forward with excitement to new challenges that beckon. I am thrilled to have this opportunity to continue to evolve, and I hope that all I have learned will lead me forward with proficiency and grace.
May we meet again along whatever paths we find ourselves on.
I hope you will follow me at joannmakovitzky.com. You can also email me at Joann@joannmakovitzky.com
