I was joined for a festive, light supper at Tony May's San Domenico NY by Julienne Viola of Freed of London, Shoemaker to the World of Dance. We were tight for time, with a Carnegie Hall curtain at 8 PM, and decided on two appetizers and a generous presentation of risotto and assorted mushrooms, which we shared, plus excellent Chardonnay. We began with cubed tuna tartar for me, with crispy oysters, dusted in polenta. Julienne chose cannoli made of polenta with salt cod and capers.

The risotto was a rare treat, as were all three dishes, as Tony May's kitchen is fine-tuned for perfection, and the visual image of each appetizer or entrée is as enticing as is the delectable taste. Tony May, owner and restaurateur, is a specialist in Italian cuisine. Mr. May owned and managed New York's Rainbow Room in Rockefeller Center (1968-1986) and later San Domenico NY, which is internationally renowned.

Supervising Chef Odette Fada was recently nominated by the James Beard Foundation as one of the best Chefs in New York. Chef Benny Bartolotta is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners, in Costigliole D'Asti (Piedmont). San Domenico NY, open for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch, faces Central Park and is steps from the Time Warner and Lincoln Center complexes. This is the ideal, before-ballet dinner venue, with Lincoln Center and City Center so very close. Stop by Tony May's San Domenico NY and say hello to Mr. May and Marisa May, his chief executive. Together, with Stefano and the staff, they warmly welcome those who are dining for the evening and those who have a curtain to catch. Tell them you saw them on ExploreDance.com.

Roberta and Guest, Julienne Viola, of FREED of London Photo © & courtesy of Dr. Roberta E. Zlokower

Risotto and Assortment of Mushrooms Photo © & courtesy of Dr. Roberta E. Zlokower

Cubed Tuna Tartar with Polenta-Dusted Fried Oysters Photo © & courtesy of Dr. Roberta E. Zlokower

Polenta Cannoli with Whipped Salt Cod and Capers Photo © & courtesy of Dr. Roberta E. Zlokower

Marissa May, San Domenico Executive Photo © & courtesy of Dr. Roberta E. Zlokower