the culinary institute of america

On 2/11/15 we were privileged to attend a special champagne tasting on site @ the Culinary institute of America, in Hyde Park New York. We have been to this area in the past ( perhaps 8-9 years ago)- and twice before that. A representative from one of the premier French champagne houses, did the tasting of 6 champagnes from 2 different wineries.This was followed up by dinner in the restaurant Bocuse, on site.Not many set menus include dishes such as: Blue Point oysters in a local sparkling seyval wine /mignonette- Butter poached lobster macaroni with brie, infused cream, and loads of shaved truffle.Sauteed filet of fluke with caviar, salsify and melted leeks, to mention a few.All paired the afore tasted champagnes.There were approximately 80 people- and it was one of those very memorable dinners. If you should get the chance to eat there- you wil be well rewarded.

Anyone who hasn't tried CIA should put it on their Must See list. Beautiful experience and delicious food. Go in the spring when everything's in bloom and looking lovely.

Everyone who loves cooking dreams to be one of the students here, having a job is a sure thing when you got a degree here, a very prestigious school, a non profit organization that the likes of Paul Bocuse that institutionally created and founded one of their famous restaurants - The Bocuse. Planning to go back here in Fall as we just experienced the Hearts Day special event.

The CIA has something new: a pop-up restaurant called Pangea! It will be around only for a limited time with a menu that will vary slowly over time. After experiencing it - and loving it - I believe it is something like an eclectic tapas place. The menu is fixed price and fixed courses except you can chose vegetarian. Overall you get 10 small dishes in groups of 2 at a time. And 9 of the 10 were delicious! Our group of 4 wasn't crazy about a couscous but the rest was truly excellent! Surprisingly good were also the cocktails and the short list of red wines from places like Morocco, Greece, and Lebanon. We had a syrah from Morocco which was excellent. Finally the student staff was wonderful! So if you are in the area and you love tasting something extraordinary give them a call. You do need to make reservations well in advance, though.

This is a new pop up restaurant that I hope stays open permanently! Excellent 5 course menu that was as beautiful to look at as to taste! The service was attentive and the room was nice too. I can't wait to return!

It's difficult to believe that everyone is in training. The service and cuisine are excellent. Wines are nicely paired with dinner. The restaurant is a well oiled operation with very friendly, attentive, professional people. Pick any restaurant. You will not be disappointed. Take home something from their bakery.

I have eaten a number of times in each of the restaurants including the Apple Pie Bakery Café and have never been disappointed in the quality of the food, its presentation, the price and the service. It is the standard by which I judge the other restaurants I have been to. Very few have been as good as the CIA. None better.Check the website to make sure the CIA is open and get a reservation. The Apple Pie Café does not take reservations but can be quite busy at lunch time.For the last three times I have eaten in the Bocuse, the French Restaurant. It has been remodeled and the food preparation is not the old style of heavy cream sauces. I believe you will be very happy if you give Bocuse a try.

We were very impressed by the professional culinary environment that the institute offers for the visiting guest. The restaurants are staffed by the student, who are fine examples of the American's future chefs etc. Our lunch was exceptional and eloquently prepared. The staff friendly and eager to please. The gift shop was full of unique kitchen gadgets and gift baskets. The best time to visit, Spring or Fall.

I didn't travel up here to visit CIA. I was in the area and though I would come by.School was out. Everything was closed. Check the Web Site, there is a detailed listing of dates things are closed.All the restraunts require reservations, EXCEPT, the Apple Pie Bakery which is what I wanted. But it was closed too.No worries, I'm not complaining, it was a one off. Check in to the web site is what I'm saying.

I attended the play "It's A Wonderful Life" at the CIA in Hyde Park last night with friends. The campus was beautiful, the staff friendly and helpful and play well done and very enjoyable. What was amazing to me was that, in the lobby, they would not accept cash but rather forced anyone buying anything to use some form of credit. I don't know about you but I have had my debit card replaced three times this year already due to security breaches at Target, Home Depot and now Staples. Paying cash for rather small transactions is now my preferred method as I don't want my credit information out there, if I can help it. So the CIA actually FORCING us to use credit now is not only bizzare but something I consider borderline illegal. If this is their normal and future practice, me and my friends and family will no longer be frequenting your school. Who ever made this truly bizzare policy needs to have their head examined, get a clue!!!

Went in for anniversary lunch with wify at the French Restaurant. I have been here 6 yrs ago? As a good friend had graduated here n I was always impressed w their service n the quality of food. Food is still the best and presentation is still top notch but it did not differ from any fine dining. I was really here for the excellent service such as students placing your plate at the same time. Placing butter coiled inside a chilled metal plate. More choices of bread, dessert cart with so many choices. Your coat being assisted on you. A dining room chief checks on you n greets you. They also modernized the place itself without that cozy French style atmosphere. Very disappointed and not planning to drive another 2 hrs from NYC. If this was my expectation I would had gone to a French restaurant in NYC instead. The best part after a 3 course meal worth $98 for a couple; my wife who gets full easily, asked me to stop by McDonald's for a chicken wrap. She complained that her food never got down to her belly.

I recently took my second cooking class there and again, it was a great experience. This one was Spanish cooking and was a great complement to a recent vacation there. The hands on experience and personal advice from the instructor was excellent. I will certainly do it again!

No matter what eating option you choose here, no matter the price level, all options are worth the stop. Lovely campus, just down the road from National Park Service's FDR's museum and library.

All of expectations about this experience were exceeded when we dined at The Institute last night. The service and food were presented in a fashion that pleased the eye and the palate, i was overwhelmed by the flavors and aromas, the men and women training here provided us with an excellent meal and lively conversation about their background and dreams of the future withe the training they have received. We were very pleased with our experience here and look forward to returning for another excellent meal. a brief tour of the kitchen was the topping on this wonderful event! Make a reservation and dine here, it is worth the drive!

Everything about the Culinary Institute is top notch. From the campus to the restaurants to the staff. All the restaurants are amazing. The utmost dining experience! The bookstore is full of interesting and exciting gifts.