sde: Who We Are

Tony May Venerable restaurateur and culinary ambassador of Italy, Tony May is one of the most distinguished professionals in the hospitality industry whose career spans over fifty years. He opened Palio in 1986 & San Domenico restaurant in 1988 to critical acclaim after nearly two decades as owner and operator at New York’s famed Rainbow Room in Rockefeller Center. Tony May is also the author of “Italian Cuisine: Basic Cooking Techniques”, now in its second edition. One of the founders of the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners Professionals (ICIF) in Costigliole D’Asti, Italy, and the Chairman of Gruppo Ristoratori Italiani.		Odette Fada Executive chef Odette Fada has executed and perfected San Domenico’s modern Italian menu since 1996. Chef Fada trained in Italy with some of the most outstanding contemporary Master Chef’s like Vissani, Pianccio Alia, Alfonso Iaccarino, Walter Eynard, and many more. Chef Fada has garnered significant praise during her tenure including a James Beard nomination, winner of the White Truffle competition in 1999, and being named one of the best Italian chefs by Wine Spectator magazine. Just recently Alan Richman of GQ’s fame, wrote “Chef Fada is to Italian Cuisine what Daniel Boulud is to French Cuisine”.

Marisa May learned the business from the ground up working in her father’s celebrated restaurants from an early age and catered to the needs of the crème de la crème of New York. As co-owner of San Domenico, she demonstrated unique acumen and her sparkling personality are reflected in the restaurant’s signature style of hospitality and continue to set the standard for Italian luxury dining in New York. Her creative, attentive and sharp eye for details have earned her the incredible loyalty of her customers, particularly when organizing private parties for celebrities, rock stars, fashion icons and international heads of State.		Stefano Lombardozzi Consummate maitre d’, Stefano Lombardozzi starting working in the hospitality industry when he was 14 years old at a family-run restaurant in Emilia Romagna. Lombardozzi has traveled internationally to work in some of the finest restaurants including Capiolo in Rome and Toto’s in London as well as the head maitre d’ for the Renaissance cruise ship for six years. He moved to New York City in 2001 to join the San Domenico NY staff and was quickly promoted to his current position.

Sarah Denby For over two decades, Sarah Denby has been at the helm of trendsetting events for a range of entertainment, non-profit, and political clients such as Sheryl Crow, the Dixie Chicks, Women for Hire with Tory Johnson and the annual Rainforest Event for Sting’s Foundation and Coach. She has created dazzling celebrations at diverse venues including Lincoln Center, Madison Square Garden, and the Frick museum and is a seasoned expert at crafting sophisticated affairs that reflect the personalities and nuances of a diverse clientele.