For all of you current and future foodies, The Culinary Institute of America is located on the east bank of the Hudson River in scenic Hyde Park, NY. The campus is 170 acres and conveniently located just an hour and a half from both New York City and Albany.  It is a must see with breathtaking views of the Hudson River.

I would suggest you call in advance to schedule a tour as this is a fully functioning campus. You can enjoy fabulous meals at anyone of their four award winning restaurants located on campus, however, you are required to make an advance reservation at the American Bounty Restaurant, Ristorante Caterina de’ Medici and The Bocuse Restaurant. The Apple Pie Bakery Café is open daily and does not require reservations. It is a nice venue to enjoy a cup of coffee, cappuccino, delicious pastry or a light breakfast prepared and served by the students of the institute. It is a spectacular venue which is enjoyed by students, restaurant patrons, and tourists alike.

As the well known Chef Julia Childs stated, The Culinary Institute of America is the Harvard of cooking schools. So when you are in the New York City area just know that the Institute is straight up the Hudson River and just under a two hour drive from the city.  If you opt to take the Metro-North train from New York City once you arrive in Poughkeepsie you are a five minute taxi drive to the institute.

As a meeting planner I was anxious to know if the institute had space where you could hold an off-site or special event. Unfortunately space is limited! They can accommodate a small dinner group but most of the facility is used for teaching purposes. I enjoyed looking in on the classes and observing students and instructors alike. Could not help but visualize where these students will be in ten years.

Bon Appetite!

By Rosa L. McArthur, CMP