Looking for recommendations on which of the CIA restaurants to book this summer. Its another freezing winter day and I'm dreaming of our summer driving trip where we end up in Rhinebeck, NY.
thanks for your suggestions!

When I first saw the title, I thought Leon Panetta must be making some major changes...

So what you are asking is

Which CIA restaurant in Rhinebeck, NY?

All of the restaurants at the CIA in Hyde Park (NY), are well appointed, and should please you (if you're not looking for a 5 star experience for a 2 star expenditure).

I've enjoyed meals at the Escoffier Room and the American Bounty Room. Well worth the aggravation of the reservation process.

althom--very funny & u just never know!
vjb, yes, looking to hear recommendations for the various CIA restaurants which are in Hyde Park, NY.
gb944 -- do u have to call exactly 3 months to the day in advance? I'm going to be in Italy exactly 3 months prior so was planning on doing it later. Is that not a good idea? when u call for the reservation, do u call the same # for all the restaurants? thanks

Go on the website at http://www.ciachef.edu/restaurants/default.asp or the main page at http://www.ciachef.edu/. It describes all the restaurants. I like American Bounty. You can make reservations online. That means you can do it from Italy. I think that whether you make reservations on line or by phone, you will have to give them credit card information.

Buon Appetito!

waterboarding's out, fine dining's in.
(sorry, couldn't resist.)

I spent several day there some years ago and sample all restaurants. They are all pretty good.

If I were you i would do the American Bounty since you are going to italy.

CIA is a great dining experience because for what they offer, they are less expensive than NYC. Also it was interesting to chat to the waiters and waitresses who were the graduautes of cia. They all seemed to love the place.

If you go early you can watch the cooking classes through the window.

The bakery is pretty good too.

I like Caterina di Medici best myself. It's Italian, as you can guess. You can't go wrong with L'Escoffier (sp) or American Bounty. L'Escoffier used to have a more stringent dress code than the others - be sure to check before hand if that's still the case.

Thanks -- didn't realize u can make reseravtions online, that's great. Hard to decide at which one to eat.

I also like Caterina de Medici. I had a martini there that was really, really good.

Are you going to the Vanderbilt home?

Thin

Not sure what we will fit in for only 2 days, but its sure on the list. what do u recomend?

I would definitely tour the Vanderbilt home and walk around the grounds.

Thin

Well, we'll move it right on up to the top of the list....thanks

My DD is a grad of the baking and pastry program at the CIA. During her years there we ate at all the restaurants. I'd recommend either American Bounty or the Caterina. One time we did a progressive dinner which included one course in each restaurant -- not sure if they still do that, but it was lots of fun and gave a taste of each restaurant.

Definitely go to the Apple Pie bakery and take home some goodies!

A progressive dinner would be great -- a sampling of all of them. I will look and see if they do that. The bakery will be a must stop! thanks!