Culinary Vision
Creativity is balanced by structure. We take a disciplined approach to process and measurement without sacrificing character, allowing the cuisine to evolve while remaining grounded.
Above all, the focus is on the guest experience. Thoughtful, balanced, and memorable dishes take precedence over rigid definitions of authenticity, offering flavors that feel both familiar and reimagined—inviting curiosity, openness, and connection.
Behind the Name
Team
Chetan Shetty
Executive Chef Chetan Shetty is a revered figure in Indian cuisine, renowned for his innovative take on the country’s cuisine. He has left an indelible mark on top restaurants in both the United States and India, continuously pushing the boundaries of Indian gastronomy and its perception.
His culinary journey began with an education in hospitality and hotel administration, earning a Bachelor’s degree from the Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology. After graduating, he worked in kitchens around the world – first as a sous chef at New York City’s acclaimed Indian Accent where he went on to oversee the kitchens in both New York & New Delhi for nearly ten years.
After more than a decade at Indian Accent, Chetan moved to Washington D.C. for the role of Executive Chef at Rania. Under his purview, the restaurant was awarded a Michelin star in 2023 – one of only three Indian restaurants in America to gain the distinction.
Chef Chetan returned to New York City in 2024 to lead the culinary team at Passerine. Here, he has created a menu anchored by spice blends ground by his mother in his hometown of Pune.
Maneesh K. Goyal
Maneesh K. Goyal is a passionate entrepreneur, including the owner & restaurateur behind Passerine and New York’s iconic Temple Bar. He firmly believes that risk makes life remarkable.
He founded event marketing company MKG in 2003 which went on to become one of the industry’s most highly sought-after creative agencies. In the Fall of 2019, MKG was wholly acquired by holding company Acceleration.
Since 2019, Maneesh channeled his love of both people and entertainment into the opening of contemporary Indian restaurant SONA, which opened in late March 2021 to rave reviews. The following October, he expanded his footprint in hospitality by reopening one of New York’s most iconic cocktail dens, Temple Bar, and then broadened his accomplishments even further with the debut of homeware collection SONA Home in June 2022.
Through his work with Pineapple Co., Maneesh is an active angel investor, advisor and board member, working with a variety of start-ups and mid-size companies including NYC&Co, New York City’s dedicated tourism company and is currently a City Harvest Council Member.
Goyal grew up in Texas and went on to earn an undergraduate degree from Duke and a graduate degree in Public Health from Yale. He lives in New York City with his husband Andrew and two children
Alvina Patel Buxani
Alvina Patel Buxani is an unrivaled specialist in the métiers of luxury branding, communications and marketplace strategy, having established an impressive portfolio of success over 25 years. Global powerhouses such as Christian Louboutin, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston, Hermès and Bulgari are among the venerable brands whose stories she has crafted and marketed to enduring resonance throughout her career.
Most recently, she was an executive leader at Farfetch where she oversaw Brand Marketing, Commercial and Communications through the company’s IPO; worked on strategic acquisitions with brands including Stadium Goods and Violet Grey.
In 2024 she partnered with Maneesh K. Goyal to conceive and develop Passerine, her first foray into the hospitality industry.
Alvina is also an investor and advisor to several companies in the marketplace and luxury ecosystem and a proud member of the Associate Board of Madison Square Park Conservancy. She is a proud New Yorker, having moved here after graduating from Boston University. She enjoys living in the heart of New York City with her husband and two children.