We recently had the chance to connect with Vlado Kolenic and have shared our conversation below.
Vlado, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Breakfast with Giga my better half and partner then off to Blue Tuba our restaurant. Checking reservations, what has to be done, making preparation for the dinner menu. At 2:30 afternoon we’re having coffee and cookies. Happy hour starts at 4:30
Usually we are greeting guests and if the night is busy I play piano.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I was born in Czechoslovakia behind the Iron Curtain. I study classical music, piano and composition. In the late 70’s my band TAKTICI topped the charts passing Bee Gees and ABBA. When the Government canceled our England’s tour I defected to the US leaving everything behind. I lived in New York City, Los Angeles, Florida, Las Vegas and now Houston. I wear many hats, you can say I am a renaissance man. First and the most of all I am a musician and songwriter/composer producer, then writer and now an executive chef at Blue Tuba. The restaurant I owned with my partner and love of my life Giga Leszay.
We have met in NYC where we had a successful German/Italian restaurant Bettola on Upper West Side of Manhattan.
In 2023 after our lease expired we decided to move. There was only one place on my mind I wanted to go and that was Texas. I performed here a few times and I love the people. We end up in Houston where Giga’s childhood friend lives and because it is so diverse.
There are many restaurants in Houston but none of them offer what we do. We are uniquely European. Not just your typical Italian, French, German or Greek but also Slovak, Polish, Czech, Serbian, Hungarian, Croatian, Bulgarian, Spanish and something really different – live music by the rockstar chef.:))
During the Covid I wrote my memoir “Sacrificing Fame for Freedom” about my life behind the Iron Curtain. Even though I’m busy with the restaurant I still write music.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
Other kids always followed me and even my professors if they wanted kids to do something they asked me to tell them. That happened in 5th grade. I guess you can say I am a leader not follower. I think it’s just sheer enthusiasm. I believe in what I do and that’s infectious.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
NEVER!
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
I am an open book. What you see what you get. Giga tells me many, many times to be quiet but that’s not me. I don’t care what people think about me. Who cares? In the big picture nothing really matters but family and friends
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
10 years it’s a long time. I would not stop anything. If you tell me I had 6 months to live then I would spend as mich time as I could with people I love but still would not stop doing anything.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bluetubatx.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram/bluetubatx
- Linkedin: Vlado Kolenic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook/bluetubatx
