I fulfilled a dream that I didn’t even know I had.  I didn’t know what to expect when I planned a last minute trip to Hyde Park, NY with my foodie bestie.  I just knew it would be a trip that would help define my path.  We planned to visit the restaurant named after one of the most prolific French chefs of all times, Chef Paul Bocuse The Bocuse Restaurant.  Though this was not our first choice, of the Culinary Institute of America’s restaurants, I am so glad we went.

The school campus was so gorgeous and inviting.  If that day occurred maybe 5 years ago, I would have scheduled a full tour and enrolled in the degree program that Saturday afternoon.

Team greedy was in full form.  We ordered about 3 appetizers, an entree each and a dessert each, and we were not disappointed, in fact we were beside our selves with excitement. 

Seared Pork Belly with Pickled Watermelon, Farro Salad, Corn Purée, and Pork Vinaigrette

Sweetbread Roulade with Morels, Jambon, and Truffle sauce

Roasted Saddle of Lamb with Artichokes, Braised Spring Greens and a Potato Terrine

Modernist Lemon Bar with Crème Fraîche Cake, Lemon Curd, Coconut Ice Cream, and Tamarind Sauce

The meal was amazing followed up by a tour of the kitchen by our fabulous server (no photos, chef was not in the mood).  Natalia, our server from Colombia allowed us to ask her all sorts of questions about her educational experience at the CIA. She shared with us how she came to the school planning to cook, and fell in love with the front of the house.  I highly suggest you take a day trip from the tourist trap the New York City can often be, and visit The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY.  You can learn to cook in one of the bootcamps (I will be doing that soon for sure), or you can also visit one of their several restaurants on campus that are top of the line.  The students are running all parts of the show, from the kitchen to the front of the house.  We had a blast walking the halls and talking to students.  I can’t wait to go back.