While Boston continues to gain national recognition for its culinary scene, Executive Chef and owner Manuel Sifnugel has been on the forefront - rising up the ranks of the Boston culinary scene alongside other notable chefs. Driven by his passion for innovative cuisine, Sifnugel has been the creative energy behind some of the city's most well-liked restaurants, including his current endeavor, Masona Grill in West Roxbury.

Born in Peru, Sifnugel left his homeland to pursue a bachelor's degree in Hotel & Food Management from Boston University, graduating in 1986. Having discovered that his interests were primarily in the culinary field, he enrolled in a special Culinary Arts program at Boston University in 1988 where he worked alongside several world-renowned chefs: Jacques Pepin, Marcella Hazan and Roger Verge. Having honed his culinary skills with these top chefs as his mentors and working in many of Boston's finer eateries, he was ready to open his own restaurant.

In 1992, Sifnugel opened The Claremont Café, a trendy and acclaimed South End hotspot. He achieved a great deal of success and received a national award for Best Neighborhood Restaurant. Three years later he opened Café 300 in Fort Point Channel where the Boston Convention Center stands currently.

Sifnugel soon brought his culinary experience, passion and skills to West Roxbury with the opening of Masona Grill. Named for his three daughters - Ma for Marcella So for Sofia and Na for Natalia - the restaurant serves a new American menu accented with Peruvian flavors and ingredients.