We are so excited to be downtown and given the opportunity to serve you. Our goal is simple - Make people happy.
ODE to Food & Drinks' concept is “gourmet in blue jeans”. Chef Bob's food is full of flavor that is sophisticated, but refreshingly simple so it appeals to a wide-range of palates. We will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Chef Bob is a personality you’ll get to know because he loves to interact with the diners. And because of that, we are hoping to open up the kitchen. The additional renovations will mostly be cosmetic (paint colors, lighting fixtures, artwork, etc). A graduate from the internationally acclaimed California Culinary Academy, Chef Bob put his talents to use at many top-tier restaurants over the past 20 years including world-renowned Roy’s in Maui and Postrio in San Francisco. Additional career highlights include prepping behind Wolfgang Puck on his show for the Food Network and cooking for a slew of celebrities including President Clinton. Twice. After moving to Sioux Falls he became the Executive Chef at the Washington Pavilion, Saucier at the Westword Ho and he is currently the Executive Chef at Hy-Vee. Additionally, he introduced Sioux Falls to his in home Private Chef services, cooking classes & interactive, one-of-a-kind, Chef Bob parties.
You’ll also be getting to know Frank Gajardo who will be your friend behind the bar and in front of the house. He’s relocating here from New Jersey because it’s been a lifelong goal of his and Michael Flannery’s (the GM) to open a place, and ODE is it. Theresa Flannery will be your morning sunshine and your go-to for all things events and catering.
We named the restaurant ODE because an ode often expresses a deep feeling about something. And we couldn’t be more passionate about this restaurant. We are serious about food, but don’t take ourselves too seriously.
There’s a lot of fun and flexibility in a name like “ODE” and we will be changing the menu throughout the year. We will have our staples, but then get creative with categories like an Ode to Napa Valley, Ode to Grandma’s Kitchen, Ode to Bacon, Ode to Spring…etc. You see where we’re going here. It can go on and on and we can’t wait to get the ball rolling.
We will have a soft opening on St. Patrick's Day and plan to open the restaurant in April. We are currently booking catering events. We promise to keep you informed of all the details as they unfold.
A couple of other things you might be interested in. We will be open for all downtown events. We will be utilizing the fabulous patio to its full potential. Also, Chef Bob loves, adores, and lives for BBQing. So during the summer, we can look forward to his weekly Grill Out.
We have other exciting and community building ideas up our sleeves, but like our mom says, one thing at a time. (Yes, this is a family owned restaurant and whatever Grandma Marleen says – goes!) So for now, prepare your taste buds for some of Chef Bob's best! Ode to happy bellies!
To book a catering event, contact Theresa 908-723-3273 or [email protected]