In recent years, Diwali, the South Asian festival celebrating the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, has become an increasingly visible part of the fall social calendar in New York City. Rounding off this year’s slate of Diwali galas and parties, Flatiron restaurant Passerine staged a joyful dinner party on Tuesday evening.
Hosted by the fine Indian dining restaurant’s Maneesh K Goyal and Alvina Patel Buxani alongside author Mira Jacob, the fete supported the Asian American Writers’ Workshop and was presented by the Asian American Foundation, Dewar’s, and Warner Bros. Discovery.
“Diwali is known to be a triumph of light over dark, but in today’s day and age, we also find it to be the triumph of connection over distance, and of kindness over fear. More than ever, it really means for us to be guided by positivity and to look towards the positivity that comes out during Diwali,” Goyal told Vogue.
Passerine, which debuted to fanfare a year ago, has earned a reputation for its elevated interiors, vibrant bar, and chef Chetan Shetty’s seasonal-inspired traditional cuisine. It’s a true New Yorker’s restaurant. Suitably, Tuesday’s guest list reflected that sensibility. Jenna Lyons shared a table with Veronica Webb. Tamron Hall, Padma Lakshmi, Batsheva Hay, and Isolde Brielmaier mingled in the cocktail lounge. Darren Criss, Mira Nair, Jonathan Cohen, Sara Grace Wallerstedt, and Bibhu Mohapatra also all joined to celebrate Diwali in style.
The party’s “radiant glamour” dress code was embraced by all. South Asian fashion was on proud display, including a mélange of textured silks, saris and lehengas, tiny embroidered mirrors, and dangly statement jewels. As the dinner party progressed, elegant details stole the show. Think: tablescapes with lambent candles and vibrant blooms of marigolds, fuchsia cockscomb, and pink snapdragons. Guests enjoyed Dewar’s scotch whiskey cocktails accented by South Asian flavors like mango and cardamom bitters. “We are so proud to bring together the music, fashion, food, literature, and spoken word for everyone. It’s so important to us,” Patel Buxani told Vogue.
Chef Shetty’s feast was served family style, with flavorful dishes plated with precision: chicken kofta with truffle and mushrooms, velvety Konkani monkfish curry with trout roe, spiced ghee roasted tofu, and cocoa husk tea ice cream sandwiches. Guests reached for seconds, then thirds.
While the food was a crowdpleaser, the heartbeat of the soirée was its meaningful storytelling. Goyal emceed with theatrical showmanship, allowing authors Mira Jacob and Suketu Mehta and AAWW’s executive director Jafreen Uddin to share poignant and moving remarks.
