San Domenico Palace in Taormina will host the fourth Gran Galà d'Autunno on 19 October 2026, bringing celebrated Sicilian chefs into one dining room. The proceeds will support WonderLAD, a Catania organisation assisting children affected by cancer and their families.
The gala was founded around chef Massimo Mantarro's wish to connect the island's gastronomic talent with community fundraising. This year's event uses the former Dominican convent's Chiesa Ballroom for a dinner built course by course.
Several chefs, one Sicilian menu
Mantarro, who leads the Michelin-starred Principe Cerami, hosts a team including Ciccio Sultano of Duomo and Roberto Toro of Otto Geleng. Francesco Patti and Domenico Colonnetta of Coria join them, with pastry chef Giovanni Marco Carandino handling dessert.
The multi-chef arrangement lets each cook contribute a distinctive interpretation of local ingredients. It is a special event rather than the regular Principe Cerami dining menu.
Aperitif and seafood-led courses
The evening begins with canapés and Etna sparkling wine or a local gin-and-tonic. Sultano's red snapper uses Sicilian caponata and tuna bottarga to open the plated menu.
Toro follows with Carnaroli rice, Etna porcini mushrooms and star anise. Wines from the island accompany the individual courses.
Main course and dessert
The Coria chefs are preparing a saffron-coated red mullet dish with broccoli and seafood sauce. Dessert is a pomegranate babà created by Carandino with Mantarro.
The menu reflects Sicilian ingredients and technique instead of imposing a generic hotel banquet format. Live entertainment forms part of the evening in the ballroom.
Proceeds support WonderLAD
WonderLAD provides services and support to children experiencing cancer and the families around them. The hotel identifies the organisation as beneficiary of the gala's proceeds.
The 19 October event requires its own booking; it is not included in ordinary hotel accommodation. Guests should obtain confirmed pricing and any fundraising details directly from San Domenico Palace.
