01.08.08
Posted in Manhattan, People, Restaurant at 3:52 pm by Todd
For some time, Noah Reagan has been busy learning all he can about running a great restaurant. Even when we were young he used to grill some pretty fantastic dinners when his parents were out of town (and we had the run of the house – sorry Mom and Dad Reagan). He attended school at K-State and studied Hotel and Restaurant Management. While going to school he worked at Dean’s Liquor learning about wines and spirits (which served us well in college).
During his time at K-State he had the opportunity to do an internship in Paris, France. Internships like this are great chance to see the world as well as develop a real sense of working at an up-scale establishment.
After graduating he packed-up his bags and headed for the Turks and Caicos Islands where his cousin put him to work at his restaurant. What a great chance to hone his skills. And based upon my visit, the place was fantastic (Noah picked Kari and I up from the airport when we went on our honeymoon to the islands and treated us to dinner at his place).
Over the next couple of years he spent time in Boston, Costa Rica, and another tour on the islands before he finally decided to pursue his own dream. He decided to open a new restaurant here in Manhattan, KS. It seemed like it took forever to go from idea to opening day (I am sure it felt a lot longer to Noah). I recall many conversations about location, menu, the market, and technology (technology being the only one I could speak intelligently about). I also recall a great evening of food at his parent’s house trying out some items for his menu (wow, he has really become quite the chef).
He is now open and running a great establishment named della Voce (I wrote about it here and here). It is a fantastic place to relax and enjoy some great food (way to go Melvin and the rest of the kitchen folk).
I am so proud of Noah for all he has accomplished and thankful that I get to enjoy the fruits of his labor. He has come a long way from that skinny, annoying neighbor I used to fight with over basketball games. I am truly blessed to know him and call him my friend.
Now go make your reservation at della Voce (subtle aren’t I)!
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10.23.07
Posted in Manhattan, Restaurant at 9:10 pm by Todd
Tonight was my first real experience at Della Voce (I have been in and out of that place over the last couple weeks helping to get the computers setup). Kari and I were invited to a private dining experience at the restaurant that was part marketing and part practice (for the staff).
Overall, it was great! The food was fantastic. The atmosphere was wonderful. And the service was very good.
I should warn everyone that this is not your normal Manhattan restaurant, although it is very typical of high-end restaurants in other large markets I have been to. What I mean to say is that most places in town are like Applebee’s, Chili’s, or Carlos O’Kelly’s (funny that I picked out three chains that have apostrophes in the name). Noisy, bland, and adequate service is the best way to describe them. When I go to these types of restaurants in town, the staff usually means well, but they aren’t trained as professional wait staff (usually high school and college students just trying to make a buck). For example, I really get annoyed when I am having a discussion and the waiter interrupts to ask how everything is going. Or when I have to try to find our waitress for 10 minutes just to get a clean fork. Those are signs that the staff is not as professional as they should be.
Della Voce is much different. The style is eclectic and modern, the music was fun and soothing (odd combination when I write that out), and the service was professional. Kari and I could carry on a conversation and not be interrupted constantly. I never had to ask for more water and when we had made our selections on the menu, the waitress was there waiting to take our order. Kari was also very relieved that when she made requests to leave things off, the waitress didn’t act like it would be a big hassle (she actually smiled and said sure). Big bonus points in Kari’s book.
Just in case you wanted to know, I had a crab cake, mozzarella, and tomato appetizer, the Italiana pizza entree, and a chocolate cake with vanilla gelato for dessert. Kari had a spinach salad for an appetizer, a stuffed trout entree, and peach cobbler with cinnamon gelato sans cobbler for dessert. Can’t wait to try more of the menu.
Noah and Melvin, you have created a great restaurant that will soon be a favorite to many in Manhattan. I know it is my favorite already.
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10.22.07
Posted in Manhattan, Restaurant at 9:30 am by Todd
This week will mark the opening of Manhattan’s new restaurant, Della Voce. It is an italian bistro started by two K-State alums, Noah Reagan and Melvin Watson. They will be opening their doors on Wednesday, October 24th 2007.
I have been friends with Noah for more than 15 years. He has had an amazing professional career so far at restaurants in Paris, Boston, and Houston. He has also worked in the Tiki Hut and the Four Seasons in Costa Rica.
I am very proud of him and know that his restaurant will be very successful. And I am not just saying this to get free food (which is always a nice gift, Noah).
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