Lunch at American Bounty(CIA) 3-18-2010

Before you venture out to the Culinary Institute, in New Hyde Park New York, you need to call ahead or make a reservation on line. You will be required to give a credit card for a deposit of $10.00 per person. When you arrive at the CIA you feel the prestige and culture of the buildings and the grounds. There are four restaurants and 1 bakery/cafe to choose from.

American Bounty- the menu features regional specialties prepared with ingredients harvested from the Hudson Valley.

Escoffier Restaurant- French recipes with a modern touch from the principles of Chef August Escoffier.

Ristorante Caterina de'Medici-Authentic culinary creations of the various regions of Italy

St. Andrews Cafe- Fun and flavorful contemporary menu which emphasizes fresh seasonal ingredients

Apple Pie Bakery Cafe- Artisans breads, pastries and beverages, and luxurious confections

Since I have already eaten at St. Andrews and found it to be wonderful, I decided to go to American Bounty where the menu was easily adaptable for my father who isn't a fan of Italian or french cuisine. They did offer a Pre Fixe menu but we decided to order off of the Ala Carte menu where there was more of a selection. All of our entrees were picture perfect and came out hot and without any discrepancies.

We started out with:
little petite crab cakes with an avocado cream
butternut squash gnocchi/toasted pumpkin seeds
roasted parsnip, pear and celeriac soup

Then for our main courses:
roasted Long Island duck w/wild rice ragout, pumpkin flan and a Mexican cinnamon-berry Sauce
Marinated Hangar steak w/blue cheese, warm fingerling mustard potato salad
Sauteed chicken breast with a Lenz Merlot sauce, and Yukon Gold Has with Brussel sprouts

We shared a bottle of a California Merlot and then were ready for dessert.
I had a pecan pie tart w/wild turkey ice cream
My mother had a frozen hazelnut souffle
My father had a Brownie tart with a caramel glace

All of the desserts were decorated with fancy ornate edible pieces.

The lunch was unique and we had excellent service. I highly recommend a visit to the CIA, you do not need to have a student there like I do, it is open to the public as long as you have a reservation.