Someone asked me for my recommendation on the best restaurant outside of Hudson, within an hour’s drive. They were taking their family on a day-trip.
People ask me where they should eat all the time. I have a list of follow-up questions, and a disclaimer. I’m not a foodie. I’m not a food critic. I like simple comfort food. However, when I give my recommendation about where someone else should eat, I try to learn more about them and their needs first.
In this case, they wanted to take their family to dinner, outside of Hudson, but in the Hudson Valley area. The restaurant had to be impressive with a comfortable atmosphere, and within a certain budget. The food could not be too unusual for picky eaters, but they also wanted interesting.
The person asking me for a recommendation had strong opinions on fine dining and I was not in the mood to have a lengthy discussion or argument. My response had to be a solid, “safe bet”.
It dawned on me. Send them to the CIA (Culinary Institute of America) – how could anyone argue that?
In Columbia County, we may sometimes forget that there is an amazing school of fine dining about forty-five minutes south of Hudson in Hyde Park. The Culinary Institute has three fine dining restaurants – American, French, and Italian – in addition to a brewery and café open during the daytime.
Eggless Cavatelli Pasta, Tofu “Ricotta”, Gremolata
Soba Noodles, Braised Bok Choy, Mushrooms, Umami Broth
Fingerling Sweet Potato-Kale Hash, Bacon Cheddar Waffle, Spicy Maple Syrup
I recently ate at the American Bounty Restaurant for lunch, and it was an excellent experience. The food is local, farm-to-table, all from scratch, and reasonably-priced. Entrees are within the $20-30 range. The bread is baked in house, fresh that morning. It’s standard American fare with some flare. The food will appeal to most palates from traditional – a burger and fries or shepherd’s pie – to something more exotic, like quail and waffles. There’s meat, fish, chicken and vegan dishes – something for everyone.
The atmosphere is elegant and classic, but also comfortable. For an afternoon lunch, you can wear jeans. There are souvenirs and cookbooks available in the gift shop, and classes available.
Students run the restaurant. They are warm and friendly and living their best life. The servers are not there just to pay the bills; they have a passion for food. They are from all over the globe and some left their hometowns and families to study and work in the Hudson Valley. One has to appreciate their level of commitment.
Sidenote: If you watched The Bear on Hulu, then you know that the character, Sydney, is from the CIA.
The Culinary Institute and the FDR Presidential Library and Museum are the perfect pairing for an out-of-Hudson day trip. If you have family from out of town, and by day three you need to take them somewhere, go to Hyde Park in Dutchess County. Everyone loves FDR. The museum was renovated several years ago and is a fascinating and educational full-day experience. You can break up the day with lunch at the Culinary Institute. Make a reservation well in advance or just stop into the Apple Pie Bakery Café open from 8am-2pm.
That’s my recommendation. Argue if you want, but the CIA restaurants are the gold-standard, and we are lucky to have them so close.