By KAT Lini Falcey
originally published: 08/24/2025
When someone puts passion into their career it moves me. I always told my children, DO what you Love and Love what you DO! So many people become bored when they choose a path that either leads to a dead end or they loose interest. When you innately strive towards a calling that moves you in the direction of success, you thrive and your Passion becomes your Life. If you make it your Career, you are a winner!
Singing to the choir, here is a musician/ chef/entrepreneur, that Dances to the Beat of his very own drum. He goes by, Tod the Mod and when meeting Tod Ellis, you will see why this name sticks.
Tod was born and raised in Bordentown, New Jersey, a homeboy, and a Hungarian, who has had interest in food and food prep, at an early age standing along side his Hungarian mother and Italian grandmothers. Beginning washing dishes and spending time in the kitchen, the old school way of learning, hands on. Spending years researching with the simple loves of pastas, stuffed fancy roasts and Rustic Italian and American Bistro. I call his dishes, Eye Candy, because they are SO colorful and delish ish.
Along with Tod’s love of food and cooking, he is also a self trained musician and just over a year ago, Tod opened his very first restaurant in Stockton, New Jersey, The Starving Artist Cafe.
Not only does Tod prepare all his entrees, he personally books local musicians to showcase their talent in his cafe. With local Lambertville Legends like JB Kline, every Friday morning Live Facebook show featuring a local act, with Tod preparing your orders in his kitchen.
Tod loves showcasing Trenton greats like The Bishop of the Blues, Paul Plumeri. Including Jerry Monk and son, Frank Pinto and Richie Ziegler and even greats like Jeffrey Gaines and Tommy Conwell out of Philly. The assortment of musicians matches the assortment of entrees Tod offers, an endless supply of music and food!
Recently I interviewed Tod and here are his colorful candid replies…
How did you get started in being a chef and share the jobs you held in the past?
My very first job was at the Bordentown Elks as a dishwasher, prep cook. I worked as a Meat Cutter in the early 80’s-with an Italian Meat Business. I was Executive Chef at Trenton’s Bond Street Club in the early 90’s. Catering Executive Chef for Marrazzo’s Market in Robbinsville. Sous chef at Whole Foods Market in Princeton and Wholesale Fish monger in the late 90’s- early 2000’s. And spent years in the food biz, in mom and pop Italian restaurants.
Have you had Chef Training?
No formal Chef Training.
Have you ever owned a restaurant before?
This is the very first restaurant.
Were you raised in a family that cooked and ate out often?
Stood beside my Hungarian mother and Italian grandmothers at a very early age. I prefer Italian Restaurants.
How did you come up with the concept of Starving Artist Cafe?
Came up with Starving Artist Cafe to promote area musicians trying to get exposure. My menu is a collaboration of 40 years of my favorite dishes. Simple not Pretentious.
How long have you been a chef/musician?
For over forty plus years.
What is your favorite meal to cook and eat?
Love to cook soups, pastas and sauces. Sautés.
Where do you see yourself in five years? Your future goals?
I want my restaurant to be a “Must Visit”, in the Rivertowns and become not only an “Old Fashioned, Small Town” place but also to keep promoting the local Art and Music scene.
Do you have plans to open another restaurant, in the future?
This place is my baby in Stockton… it will be the only one!
What do you enjoy the most about Stockton?
Stockton neighbors have embraced us as family and the neighborhood place where Hunterdon counts us as the Best Kept Secret.
Is there anything you would like to share additionally with me?
Thanks so much for supporting a true little Chef owned and operated business.
We also offer catering for either pick up or you can rent out the restaurant. We can drop off food and set up. We can build the menu to needs of customer. Anything from BBQ to pasta dishes, charcuterie boards, grilled veggie platters, desserts and fish and chicken dishes.
On Saturday, November 1 - I booked Mike Montrey and Jen Augustine, with a special artist to open,to be announced soon.
Check out the website at www.thestarvingartistcafe.org - just take a leisurely drive just a little past Lambertville and ENJOY the Music while ordering the Best of the Best in cuisine. And tell Tod, Kat sent ya!
About the author:
KAT Lini Falcey ~ daughter, sister, mother, wife, Grandmother, music enthusiast, Promoter, Hotel Management, Travel and Tourism and booking agent for over 25 years. Recently retired with SO many stories to share.
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