Barry Podwell, sole proprietor of Firenze Trattoria
restaurant in Encinitas, started his professional career
as a rock ‘n roll drummer. A native New Yorker,
Podwell enjoyed performing as a freelance drummer with
musical groups at posh resorts in upstate New York’s
Catskills Mountains. For a short time, he also played
drums with the Manhattan Transfer.
Podwell moved to Los Angeles and dabbled in real estate
sales, renovation and remodeling. His entrepreneurial
skills led him to the novelty business where he and
his wife partnered to develop and sell “liquid
light” – the vials of a green substance
that can be seen waving around at rock concerts. After
five years of selling promotional items and real estate
in Los Angeles, Podwell grew tired of the big city,
“L.A. reminded me too much of New York City.”
So he floated southward to San Diego to begin his next
adventure.
Podwell’s entrepreneurial fantasy had always
been to open a restaurant. His knowledge of real estate
served him well as he researched the restaurant business
in north San Diego County. After a year and a half,
he landed on a vacant site in east Encinitas that included
a charming patio area. Here, Podwell created the love
of his life, Firenze Trattoria, an elegant but homey
Italian eatery reminiscent of a Tuscan villa. Firenze
Trattoria became an immediate local success.
“I have always had a passion for great Italian
food,” said Podwell. “To have a place that
locals feel as comfortable in as their own living room,
where they celebrate occasions or stop by for a good
meal after a busy day, that’s my great joy.”
Today, Podwell spends his days playing host to the
neighborhood restaurant patrons. He, his wife Vicki
and his three step-children reside in Olivenhain, a
community adjacent to Encinitas. |
