"Tony May Scholarship for Italian Culinary Studies"

On the heels of SD26's Fifth Anniversary, Tony and Marisa May are set to launch a brand new scholarship dedicated to keeping the legacy of fine Italian cuisine alive!  In partnership with the James Beard Foundation, a fundraiser for the scholarship, aptly titled the "Tony May Scholarship for Italian Culinary Studies," will take place at SD26 on Tuesday January 20th from 6pm  11pm. Tickets are $95 (all inclusive) and $75 for James Beard Foundation members.  


“It feels like just yesterday that we opened the doors to SD26 but now with five years under our belts, we feel it’simportant to look forward to our industry’s future in Italian Culinary Arts. Promoting education has always beensomething close to my heart, whether through my work with the Culinary Institute of America or with my culinary schoolin Italy. With this new scholarship program I hope to ensure that the legacy of fine Italian cuisine lives on,” stated Tony May, founder and co-owner of SD26.


Guests can expect troves of delicious Italian fare by SD26’s longtime Executive Chef Matteo Bergamini, including housemade Porchetta, roasted suckling pig, Sorana Beans &

Shrimp Salad with rosemary and olive oil, Veal filled “Ravioli del Plin” with butter and sage

and Braised Beef Cheeks “Alla Vaccinara.” Their in-house pizzaiolo Alfonso Caruso will be

offering pizza-making tutorials in their kitchen all night long, giving guests unprecedented

access to the behind-the-scenes of SD26. Italian wines will be hand selected by their

sommelier to complement the evening along with top spirits and signature cocktails.


Dancing shoes are not required but are encouraged, as live music from Hoffman Basentini

Ensemble featuring Alice Ricciardi and DJ Leo from Rome will radiate all night long. A copy

of Tony May’s acclaimed book Italian Cuisine: The New Essential Reference to the Riches of

the Italian Table, will also be gifted to those in attendance and raffle tickets will be sold for

a variety of exclusive prizes.


A portion of all proceeds will be dedicated to this new scholarship program for students interested in pursing studies in Italian culinary arts through an accredited school. Donations can also be made directly to the cause by sending a check payable to James Beard Foundation c/o Tony May Scholarship. The James Beard Foundation is located at 6 West 18th Street, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10011.


To purchase tickets please call SD26 at 212-265-5959 or visit >>