Culinary Institute of America

Frommer's Review

The nation's oldest culinary arts school and only residential college in the world dedicated to culinary training, the CIA (chefs, not spies) and its lovely 150-acre riverside campus (a former Jesuit seminary) are open for tours (not to mention culinary "boot camps" for serious nonprofessionals). The institute has trained thousands of chefs and food-service-industry professionals, including some of the most prominent chefs in the country, since its founding in 1946, and you'll see students on campus in their chef whites, a parallel to the West Point cadets across the river in their dress blues. You'll also smell what's cooking in the 41 kitchens and bake shops. If you're a foodie, a tour of this culinary temple is a must; others, with perhaps less interest in the behind-the-scenes of cooking school, may just want to have lunch or dinner at one of the excellent restaurants. CIA operates four restaurants and a bakery cafe, all staffed by students, open to the public and a culinary bookstore and gift shop.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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