ONCE UPON A TIME...
...in the bustling city of dreams, there came a trio of pals - our Veerays. A merry band of merry-makers dancing through the streets of flavor, armed with spatulas and dreams as big as the moonshine barrels of yesteryear. But these cats weren’t your average Joe's, oh no siree, they were the crème de la crème of gastronomical aficionados. They had a vision, a dream to share a slice of the good life. A taste of adventure served on a platter. Picture it, old sport, the rebellious and iconic years of old New York City; where the clink of glasses and the aroma of delectable delights filled the air like a sweet melody. And thus, Veerays was born fueled by friendship, laughter, and the insatiable appetite for good grub.
Pull up a chair, grab a napkin, and get ready to step into our world of prohibition-era charm. Paired with exotic Indian fares and cocktails that nod to the era's notorious gangsters, this is indeed going to be a grand affair!
the don
Owner-Executive Chef Hemant Mathur
The latest culinary venture by Chef Hemant Mathur, the first Indian chef in the U.S. to be awarded a Michelin star and retain it across two New York City restaurants. With his unparalleled expertise in Indian cuisine, Chef Hemant has captivated the taste buds of food enthusiasts around the world. Veerays is set to bring his culinary mastery to the heart of New York City, making this venture his fifth restaurant in the New York/CT area and the third in New York City.
the underboss
Owner Sonny Solomon
The esteemed restaurateur Sonny Solomon is renowned for his innovative concepts that continually redefine the dining experience. With an extensive background in upscale dining and service garnered from esteemed Chefs such as Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Daniel Orr, David Burke, Terrance Brennan, Paul Liebrandt, and Geoffrey Zakarian; Solomon brings decades of expertise to the table. Together, Mathur and Solomon have envisioned Veerays, a culinary venture that harmoniously merges tradition with contemporary flair, ensuring an unparalleled dining odyssey for all patrons.
the consigliere
Chef de Cuisine Binder Saini
Immersed in the rich tapestry of Indian flavors from a young age, Chef Binder honed his craft in finest Indian restaurants like Dawat, Amma, Saffron and Tulsi under the mentorship of renowned chefs like S. Giridhar and Hemant Mathur. At Tulsi and Kurry Qulture, he rose through the ranks, ultimately becoming known for his flair and expertise in Indian cuisine. In 2020, Chef Binder brought his culinary mastery to Veeray Da Dhaba in Manhattan's East Village. Now, he is thrilled to continue delighting patrons at Veerays with his passion for authentic Indian cooking.
madame queen
Chief Executive Officer Reba Browne
The creative wizard and behind-the-scenes maestro of Veerays. Think of her as the director of our whimsical show, orchestrating a symphony of innovation and imagination. As the unofficial head honcho, she infuses Veerays with a dash of quirkiness and a sprinkle of magic, steering the ship with her vibrant energy and boundless creativity. From dreaming up captivating concepts to juggling the back-office chaos with finesse, Reba is the driving force propelling the Veerays to new heights.
the capos of creation
At the helm of the architectural design is the visionary Vinciane Albrecht, co-founder with Anne Carcelen of the renowned OulipO architecture studio based in Paris and New York City. OulipO’s expertise in creating immersive spaces transports guests back in time to the enchanting era of prohibition. With speakeasy vibes and a touch of mystery, the design of Veerays' promises to be an experience in itself.
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Each lamp in Veerays was designed and fabricated by the esteemed French lighting designer and leather craftsman, Maison Paul Bonnotte. He blends noble materials like stone, brass, and leather to evoke the luxurious ambiance of the 1920s. His unique approach to lighting creates an atmosphere that enhances the dining experience, immersing guests in an environment of warmth and sophistication.
Veerays vibrates with old-world elegance, its aromas revealed through a blend of noble materials such as brass, cognac leather, smoky glass, antique mirror, spectacular quartzite, alabaster, marble, mahogany, and theater red velvet. The craftsmen have distilled the essence of Art Deco through a contemporary lens, creating a space that embodies both beauty and uniqueness.