Tony May
Restaurateur,
Italian Cuisine -
U.S. Educational Support Milestones
Tony May, as one of the nation's most respected restaurateurs, has worked diligently for over four decades to elevate the image of Italian cuisine in America through education. Reaching acclaim as the owner of New York's Rainbow Room in Rockefeller Center, he followed by opening Palio and attracting critical acclaim throughout the world, he then opened San Domenico that garnered international praise for 20 years. In September of 2009 his restaurant prowess culminated with the opening of the highly anticipated SD26, a tri-level restaurant on Madison Square Park North showcasing contemporary Italian cuisine and the next generation in fine dining.
Throughout the years while working tirelessly on his businesses, Tony May continued to spearhead and develop projects supporting his belief and commitment that in order to elevate and enhance the image of authentic Italian cuisine in the U.S. it must be accomplished through education. These efforts included the following highlights:
1979 *Founded Gruppo Ristoratori Italiani, an association of professionals dedicated to improve the image of Italian Cuisine in the USA through Education.
1982 *Started, Organized and Coordinated yearly educational trips to Italy with GRI members and USA Food & Wine journalists.
1984 *Established the Caterina de Medici Restaurant at the Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY.
1986 Organized and coordinated the first Major Seminar on Italian cuisine in America. The participants to the Seminar were Italian food Journalist, American Press and leading Italian restaurateurs.
1991 *Founded the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners (ICIF) in Costigliole d’Asti, Italy. ICIF was the first Culinary school in Italy specifically designed to teach foreigners, Taste, Products & Culture.
1995 *Established the GRI - Giacomo Bologna Scholarship endowment fund program in partnership with the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation.
2001 *As a member of the Board of Trustees for the Culinary Institute of America, participated in the establishment of the program to build on campus the Colavita Center for Italian Food & Wine.
2006 *Established the Italian Culinary Foundation (ICF), a not for profit Foundation to create Educational programs for Culinary Schools in the USA.
2007 *Founded the first Visiting Chef Program facilitated by the Italian Culinary Foundation, in cooperation with the Apro/Barolo culinary school, to teach at culinary Schools in the USA a contemporary Italian Cuisine.
Today Mr. May is still the Chairman of GRI, a trustee emeriti of the CIA and the President of ICF.
* All events marked with an asterisk are still active. You may click on each subject to view more on each event. www.italianculinaryfoundation.com or www.sd26ny.com
Theresa Hopkins, Director, Italian Culinary Foundation:
As the Director of the Italian Culinary Foundation Theresa Hopkins has developed over the last 25 years a unique and extensive resume of hospitality industry experience coupled with a long tenure in culinary education. After graduating from The Pennsylvania State University she developed her passion for food and beverage operations at The Waldorf=Astoria hotel in New York followed by the Five Star/Five Diamond Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles. Having worked with chefs, educators and thousands of culinary students, Ms. Hopkins continues to broaden her commitment to culinary education beyond the United States through projects and initiatives that provide opportunities for students and chefs to study Italian Cuisine and Italian products. Also currently serving a three year elected term on the American Culinary Federation National Certification Committee.
Members of the Board:
Tony May, President
Theresa Hopkins, Director
Enrico Bazzoni - A chef with more than 35 years of experience including Executive Chef at Columbia University in New York. In addition he has been a restaurateur, food and wine author and culinary educator in the U.S. and Italy.
Gianfranco Sorrentino - Originally from Naples, Italy, Sorrentino carries more than 35 years of experience in restaurant management, including the Quisitana Hotel in Capri, the Dorchester Hotel in London, the Four Seasons Hotel in Tokyo, Bice Restaurant in New York, Sette MoMA restaurant at the Museum of Modern Art of New York and Union Bar & Grill in Great Barrington, MA. In September 2001, he opened IL GATTOPARDO, just across the street from MoMA, along with his wife Paula Bolla Sorrentino and his talented Executive Chef Vito Gnazzo.
Kevin Dyer - As the owner of the Dyer Law Firm PLLC, Kevin shares a passion for Italian culture and cuisine and supports the mission of the foundation. His firm specializes in immigration and visa law providing advice and counsel to the foundation as well as an extensive network of business clients in the international marketplace. Kevin is based in New York.
Advisors to the Board:
Matilda Cuomo - Through her extensive experience in fundraising programs and foundation development Matilda provides knowledge and advice in support of the ICF's mission.
Honorable Judge Michael Pesce - Providing us insight and guidance to further expand the scope of experience of the Board. He is very supportive of our mission and goals.