Skip to Content
Features

Inside a Tony Bennett “Family Dinner” with De Niro and Scorsese

The Tony Bennett "Family Dinner" event in Manhattan raised funds for his NFP that provides arts' funding to public schools in NYC.

The place setting at the "Family Dinner" in NYC hosted by Tony Bennett's Exploring the Arts foundation.

The place setting at the “Family Dinner” in NYC hosted by Tony Bennett’s Exploring the Arts foundation.

I’m attending an Italian dinner in honor of Tony Bennett where the fellow guests include the likes of Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro. Could this be a red sauce-soaked fever dream? Did I overdo the Sambuca? 

No, this was all real. Or as Mr. Bennett would sing, I’m living “The Good Life.” 

The event, hosted at the Angel Orensanz Foundation on Manhattan's Lower East Side, was to support the nonprofit, Exploring the Arts, founded by the late singing legend, which partners with 55 public middle and high schools throughout the city to bolster their arts' programs. 

“Tony had gone to an arts school when he was younger, and it had such an impact on his life," said Kelsey Bennett, Tony’s granddaughter and organizer of the event. Bennett even founded such a school in Queens, though he slyly named it the Frank Sinatra School for the Arts. Hence their regular fund-raising events, including the "Family Dinner" of which I attended.

The "Family Dinner" shared at the Exploring the Arts event. Photo credit: Yvonne Tnt & Benicia King for BFA.com.
The "Family Dinner" shared at the Exploring the Arts event. Photo credit: Yvonne Tnt & Benicia King for BFA.com.

“In our family, we love food and our Italian heritage,” Kelsey told me. "So, we really wanted to bring people together for a family-style Italian dinner as opposed to a sit-down typical benefit or gala setting. And if the white tablecloths are not covered in red sauce by the end of the night, we have not done our jobs."

To plan the "Family Dinner," Kelsey collaborated with Marcey Brownstein Catering.

The room twinkled in sparkling lights. The guestlist was eclectic. Among those at my table were a film director and a psychic medium. The lofted area was full of art, a prolific visual artist, created by Tony himself. 

After opening music performed by frequent Tony collaborator, Trumpeter Brian Newman, it was time to enjoy our dinner. 

The Exploring the Arts event took place at the Angel Orensanz Foundation on Manhattan's Lower East Side.
The Exploring the Arts event took place at the Angel Orensanz Foundation on Manhattan's Lower East Side. Photo credit: Yvonne Tnt & Benicia King for BFA.com.

The antipasti consisted of tomato and garlic bruschetta as well as a Caponata made with artichokes and Calabrian olives soaked in chili peppers and fennel. 

The main courses, appropriately served family-style, consisted of an overflowing platter of Polpette Calabresi: pork and veal meatballs swimming in tomato sauce, Calabrian chili and parsley. As for pasta, we were served a steaming bowl of bucatini tossed with zucchini and ricotta salata. Ingeniously, there was also an eggplant involtini tied with strips of spaghetti.

As we feasted, and I tried desperately to pass these massive dishes without the contents pouring out onto my neighbor’s laps, the likes of De Niro, Rosie Perez, Marisa Tomei and Steve Buscemi recited passages from Tony’s autobiography Just Getting Started. Scorsese spoke about Bennett’s indelible legacy. 

At the end of the night, dessert came in the form of an array of pastries from Manhattan staple Veniero’s. 

“Tony had so many different ways to connect with people,” Kelsey told me. "There was never a time that opportunity was missed.”

Even in death, it appears.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Appetito

Sunday Shop: Portugal Packing Guide

Morgan Hines seeks out the best in not only food and drink but style, housewares, and more. Welcome to Appetito’s Sunday Shop!

August 17, 2025

The Standard Grill Collabs with Italian Sauce Brand Sauz

An iconic NYC home of New American cuisine has partnered with an Italian sauce brand for a limited-edition menu this August.

August 15, 2025

Joanne (Giovanna) Mosconi on “The Chef of Greenwich Village”

Joanne Mosconi writes about "The Chef of Greenwich Village," a love letter to the food and accomplishments of her beloved father.

An Italian State of Mind in the Heart of Texas

A relaxed weekend in Austin turns into a flavorful tour of Italian-inspired spots.

August 13, 2025
See all posts