Journalism of Courage
Actor Priyanka Chopra's new Indian restaurant Sona opened on March 26, 2021, in New York City. Calling it a “labour of love”, the international icon shared a series of posts on the restaurant's big opening day, and how she cannot wait to give the world, a taste of timeless India. (Source: Priyanka Chopra/Instagram)
"Today is opening day @sonanewyork! What started as a simple craving for great Indian food has become this labour of love, and I can’t wait to welcome you all in, and for you to experience timeless India in the heart of NYC!" she mentioned in an Instagram post. (Source: Priyanka Chopra/Instagram)
Priyanka credited her team for the efforts. "This has been a team effort all the way... from the many many menu deliberations, food tastings, and decor decisions with @maneeshkgoyal, @davidrabin8, Chef @harinayak, and @mabowersinc, to landing on the perfect name, all thanks to @nickjonas - yes! Hubby came up with the name at an early tasting with the team, as Sona means “gold,” and he had heard that word in India, well..a lot, throughout our wedding!" (Source: Priyanka Chopra/Instagram)
She also shared information about the safety guidelines put in place for guests to enjoy amid the pandemic. "We’re opening following all NYC and NY State safety guidelines to ensure you have a night to remember," she mentioned. (Source: Priyanka Chopra/Instagram)
The restaurant will serve dinner every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, according to its official website. (Source: Jobros News)
"We can’t wait to serve you! Yes team, We did it!" a very happy Priyanka wrote while expressing disappointment for not being there on Sona’s big day, in person, but in spirits. (Source: Priyanka Chopra/Instagram)
Maneesh Goratyal shared this photo with Priyanka earlier in March and wrote, "Opening a restaurant is a team effort for sure. I’m gonna spend the next few posts proudly sharing the people who brought SONA to life. First, my kind friend @priyankachopra, who has been the creative force behind SONA. There is no one who better—and more boldly—personifies “global Indian” than Pri. SONA is so lucky to have her in our corner." (Photo: Maneesh Goratyal/Instagram)
Priyanka also shared glimpses into the desi cuisine that the restaurant offers, prepared by chef Hari Nayak. In fact, the restaurant also gave us a sneak peek into its signature dishes on social media. (Source: Priyanka Chopra/Instagram)
The fine dining restaurant also celebrates the richness of Indian art, grabbing the attention of one and all. Envisioned and designed by Melissa Bowers, the decor is reminiscent of the Art Deco period of Mumbai in the 1930s, according to architecturaldigest.in. (Source: Priyanka Chopra/Instagram)
On the walls of the restaurant hang magnificent artworks by renowned Indian artists, including contemporary and modern artists. For this, Sona has partnered with advisory Sunderlande to showcase exclusive art from India. The art pieces are also available for private acquisition. (Source: Priyanka Chopra/Instagram)
Sona has many Indian desserts too on its menu. (Source: Priyanka Chopra/Instagram)
The inauguration of Sona comes days after Priyanka, restaurateur Maneesh Goyal and their team held a prayer ceremony for the new venture. (Source: Priyanka Chopra/Instagram)
