Culinary Institute of America

The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y., turns out some of the country's best chefs, who learn cooking and baking as well as food service and presentation. The students, naturally, need an outlet for their classwork, much to the delight of those who travel to dine at one of the restaurants on the campus. For classic French cuisine, the Escoffier Restaurant would be the choice. For the regional flavors of America, try American Bounty Restaurant, where one might sample House Cured Pork Belly or a Maine Lobster Burgoo. Ristorante Caterina de’ Medici is the place for a grand Italian meal, perhaps starting with Frittelle di Baccala con Salsa All'Arriabbiata? St. Andrew’s Café offers farm-to-table cuisine in a casual atmosphere. Al Forno, within Ristorante Caterina de’ Medici, offers a lighter menu and The Apple Pie Bakery Café provides the best in sandwiches, pastries and breads.

Reservations are recommended for all but the Bakery Café (closed weekends) and Al Forno, and for busy months (May onward), they’re taken up to three months in advance. The reservation line is 845-471-6608, staffed Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Reservations may be made online. Tours ($6) may be arranged by calling 845-451-1588 weekdays.

Details

Take I-84 west to Exit 13 in New York State; then Route 9 north for 16 miles. The CIA will be on the left. The CIA Web site is www.ciachef.edu.

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