By Judy Antell
The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park,
New York, has four student-run restaurants that suggest reservations: St. Andrew's Café, Ristorante Caterina de' Medici, the Escoffier Restaurant and American Bounty Restaurant, specializing in local Hudson Valley cuisine, plus the Apple Pie Bakery Café. You can also take a campus tour on a weekday.
Wows and Woes
You can bring kids here, particularly to the casual St. Andrew's Café, which has a rather inspired children's menu.
The food is truly excellent; but if you just don't care for a particular dish, you might feel guilty admitting this to the students, who work so hard.
Insider Tips
The breads are a good deal from the bakery. Buy extra to take home and freeze (or eat in the car).
Author's Most Memorable Moment
It's hard to recommend a single dish because the menus change seasonally, but if you are a soup person, they are excellent. And I have a sweet tooth; anything you try with chocolate is out of this world.
Bottom Line
You are getting top-quality food and chefs in training. Prices are much lower than top-ranked New York City restaurants but are not bargains, except for St. Andrews Café.
About the Author:
Judy Antell was the editor of Big Apple Parent for 13 years and continues to write for the monthly publication. Antell has been published in "The New York Times," "Parents" magazine and on numerous websites. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature and a Master of Arts degree in literature and drama from Washington University.
