For Rita Sodi, cooking isn’t so much an art or a science, but rather an intuitive way for her to channel her Tuscan roots and provide a profound sense of home. Following a 15-year career in the world of fashion as a self-described “denim guru” for Calvin Klein Jeans, Sodi transitioned into the realm of restaurants in 2008, when she moved to New York City from Bagno a Ripoli, Italy, and opened the West Village establishment I Sodi. Soon after, Sodi serendipitously met her life and work partner, Jody Williams—the chef-owner of the French bistro Buvette—and the two went on to found the restaurant group Officina 1397. Now, in addition to I Sodi and Buvette, they also operate Via Carota, The Commerce Inn, and Bar Pisellino. Across all of Sodi’s undertakings, her motive is clear: to create dishes she loves with great care and rigor, and, at least in the cases of I Sodi and Via Carota, to share an abiding passion for Tuscan cooking.

On the episode, Sodi discusses learning to cook from her mother, her atypical journey from fashion to food, and some of the stringent rules she follows in the kitchen and in life.

Special thanks to our Season 10 presenting sponsor, L’École, School of Jewelry Arts.

Show notes:

Rita Sodi

[25:50] Tuscany

[4:50] West Village

[5:58] I Sodi

[6:47] Calvin Klein Jeans

[8:31] Jody Williams

[8:31] Via Carota

[8:31] Officina 1397

[8:31] Bar Pisellino

[8:31] The Commerce Inn

[8:31] Buvette

[20:29] Pete Wells

[23:22] “An Ode to I Sodi”

[23:22] “The 100 Best Restaurants in New York City 2024”

[23:22] “When I Want to Be Alone, I Eat Dinner at the Bar at I Sodi”

[25:50] Bagno a Ripoli

[29:35] “The Laws of Tuscan Eating at I Sodi in the West Village”

[48:26] Emilia-Romagna

[53:53] Jeff Gordinier