Join fellow alumni and friends for a private tour of the Culinary Institute of America with a behind-the-scenes look at the campus followed by an à la carte lunch in a private dining room at their American Bounty Restaurant.

Optionally, on your own, after the tour/lunch you might continue your outing with a visit to the nearby Franklin Roosevelt Presidential Library, the Vanderbilt Mansion and/or the Walkway Over the Hudson (or, anything else that suits your fancy).  All are highly regarded. 

The Fall colors should be upon us and the campus, Hudson River and surrounding area are stunning for their beauty.

If the tour/lunch fill up (we have capacity for 15 people), email [email protected] to be put on a waiting list (or for any questions). 

More Details:

Unfortunately, there are no refunds unless a person off our waiting list replaces you.

Registrants will be sent details for the CIA campus meetup location and parking. 

Arrive at the meetup location no later than 10 am.  The tour starts promptly at 10:15 am and finishes in time for the 12 noon lunch at the American Bounty Restaurant. 

This is a walking tour so please wear comfortable shoes. 

Per Google Maps, typical travel times that morning, to arrive by 10 am, vary:

-- from Ridgefield, Conn. to Hyde Park: 1 hour to 1 hour 30 min.

-- from Westport, Conn. to Hyde Park:  1 hour 20 min. to 2 hours

Your time will depend on traffic conditions that morning.  Please allow extra time.

Interested in car-pooling?  Email Charlie ([email protected]) to let him know and he’ll share the list so attendees can connect with each other.

Here is the CIA description of their tour:

You’ve watched aspiring chefs battle it out in our kitchens on Netflix’s Next Gen Chef. Now, you can walk the halls guided by CIA students who are ready to share a behind-the-scenes look at our campus!

Every hallway at CIA has a story. Legendary chefs cook in our kitchens, new creations are shared over meals in Farquharson Hall, and young culinary hopefuls seek inspiration at our restaurants. Be where the magic happens!

During the tour, you’ll also participate in a sensory tasting exercise in our Wine Spectator Classroom to see if you can taste like a chef.

https://www.ciafoodies.com/cia-new-york/

Here is their description of the American Bounty Restaurant:

With a focus on the seasons and products of the Hudson Valley, contemporary and traditional regional dishes are brought to life at the American Bounty Restaurant in an honest and flavorful way. Rounded out with a first-class American wine list and comfortable warm service, this casually elegant restaurant sets the stage for an unparalleled dining experience in New York’s Hudson Valley.

Lunch menu (subject to change): https://www.americanbountyrestaurant.com/menus/#lunch

After lunch, if you wish to continue your day with a visit to another nearby attraction, you should have ample time before they close.  Here are links to websites for more information:

-- Franklin Roosevelt Presidential Library (admission)   https://www.fdrlibrary.org/home 

-- Vanderbilt Mansion Historic Site (admission or National Park Pass; note: must purchase tour tickets at their Visitor Center, recommended that morning for an afternoon tour)  https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/tour-vanderbilt-mansion.htm 

-- Walkway Over the Hudson (free; but, possible parking fee)   https://walkway.org/ 

-- Dutchess County Tourism:  https://destinationdutchess.com/