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When Cochava and Ken Dubin set out to open their first restaurant in 1989, it was originally intended as a café and bakery and Riverdale was not the first choice of venue. A friend who lived in the neighborhood implored them to reconsider, explaining that there were no ‘high-end’ dining establishments and Riverdale was a prime choice for their business model. After finding what appeared to be the right location, they set out to change the culinary dining map of one of New York City’s most affluent neighborhoods. In the space of a few short months, it appeared that Riverdale was pining for more than just a café and bakery. Having trained and worked in her native homeland of Israel, Cochava began expanding the menu adding fresh fish entrees, pasta, salads and sandwiches to the already existing fare. Combining Middle Eastern & Mediterranean as well as classic European dishes for an eclectic mix, Cochava sought to offer something for everyone from one end of the culinary spectrum to the other.
Before long Ken & Cochava expanded their following and their business, including catering small and medium sized personal and corporate events. Since 1989 they have made a name for themselves both in Riverdale as well as the Tri-State area and have even sent their goods to the West Coast, Florida, Europe and Israel. In 2010, after 22 years at their original location, they were presented with an opportunity they had sought for years and moved their business to a property that they had purchased a few blocks away. Elated that they could still continue to serve the community that they had for the past 22 years in a space of their own, they added a private outdoor al fresco dining terrace in the rear with gas heaters which they plan to use year in the colder months of the year. Live music has also been an added attraction twice weekly with appearances of classical harpist Mary Kate Boylan on the terrace.
With the Corner Café focused on fine leisurely dining, the couple decided to add a pizzeria next door combined with a juice bar serving all natural fruit and vegetable juices, smoothies, milk shakes, ice cream and frozen yogurt. While there are a few seats for a quick bite, PIZZA PLUS is geared primarily for take –out and delivery service but also caters to patrons dining next door in the Corner Café.
The couple look forward to serving the culinary needs of Riverdale and beyond for years to come.