As a former nationally-acclaimed restaurateur, I feel totally qualified to recommend this dining experience as one of the premier dining experiences one can find, rivaling the finest NYC restaurants. Buttermilk fried oysters, Mussels in Coconut-Curry broth, Red Wine Braised Short Ribs, poblano shortbread biscuits, every dish presented is a work of visual art. It had been my impression over the years before I called the evening before my anticipated visit that it was impossible to obtain a reservation. Fortunately, although they were quite busy, I was able to get the reservation. The wholesome, enthusiastic, welcoming attitude of the students who handle every aspect of the experience in the most magnificent of settings transports you from the moment to some sort of parallel reality. This is a don't miss dining experience, presented with generosity, class, and quality. The food is unimaginably delicious, ultra fresh, prepared and served with elegance and non-intrusive attention to every detail - so spectacularly proffered - generous and beyond excellent. Easy to get there - can do it with a MetroNorth Railroad out of Grand Central Station in NYC to Poughkeepsie Station - taxis for $7 await the trains and take you the short distance to this gorgeous, picture postcard location where you will feel as if you are in the Twilight Zone, because every single person is so very lovely and friendly and everything is perfection. Stop in the Apple Pie Bakery Cafe after dining at the American Bounty Restaurant and make sure to have a Lemon Meringue Tart - do not leave without experiencing that! My lunch - with two - not one - appetizers, the short ribs, a glass of Roederer Estate Sparkling Rose and a glass of Port and homemade cranberry soda from a rolling cart - with tip and tax was $71.00.

I have dined at various CIA restaurants since 1978. Until our most recent trip, we always enjoyed the cuisine, talking with the students and staff, and trying new foods. When we dined at the American Bounty Room in September 2012, however, we were quite disappointed with the food, the preparation, and the attitude of the wait-staff (students). I ordered a hanger steak, and requested that it be cooked well done – cooked all the way through. The waiter, a CIA student, instructed us that the designation was called "medium well push." My spouse ordered the swordfish. When the servers brought the various courses, they failed to space the flatware far enough apart, so they set the plates for each course down ON the flatware, then fumbled with the flatware and the dish to correct the problem. The steak came out rare. When I cut into the meat, with blood running onto the plate, I asked if that was considered well done. The server gave some mumble-mouthed excuse about that is how an aged hanger steak looked well done. Believe us, it was RAW. We took it home to cook it the next day. One course, a selection of cheeses, was not brought to our table; we felt we were being rushed through the meal for the next seating. The molten chocolate cake was fairly ordinary. I ordered a hazelnut espresso and got a plain coffee instead, which also required a correction. The meal was definitely not worth $200. It was poorly presented, the staff was klutzy, and they did not want to hear any complaints. Since my husband did not retain the comment card, I emailed the restaurant requesting they send me one, and there was no response to my request. We have noticed this type of attitude recently at places we have dined run by CIA grads, which makes us begin to wonder what the CIA faculty is teaching or about the character of the students they accept. Now when we see a restaurant where they tout the chef’s CIA credentials, we are quite wary. A note about dress code: we were advised “Business casual (collared shirt and dress or chino-style slacks) attire is preferred.” The person at the next table had long hair, which he continually “flipped” through the meal, and he was dressed in grubby short-short pants, leaving little to the imagination, a tank top displaying a considerable amount of body hair, and cowboy boots. The odor from that table was not food related. We hope in the future such displays of unsanitary dress will be seated elsewhere.

The companion and I dined at this CIA restaurant last week for my birthday dinner. Service and food were exceptional. We were offered an assortment of freshly basked breads to start. The companion chose PEI mussels for his appetizer, which he thoroughly enjoyed. I ordered a goat cheese tart that was delectable (see uploaded photo). The companion chose their 30th anniversary special strip loin for his entree. He loved it. I tasted it and agreed it was the best strip loin either of us had ever had. The compound butter atop the strip loin was to die for. My entree was the Hudson Valley duck breast. It was perfectly cooked, and I loved the green peppercorn sauce. Portions were generous. I finished with a cheese plate, and the companion had a scoop of pistachio ice cream. We could not have asked for a better experience! Our server even arrived at the end with a plate of cookies as a birthday surprise.

We went with a bus trip for a tour of CIA and lunch. We started with butternut squash soup which was excellent and I am not a fan of butternut squash anything. Our entree was braised short ribs, garlic mashed potatoes and spinach. Again it was very good. The short ribs were able to be cut with a fork and melted in your mouth. I could have eaten another portion.. Dessert was an apple cobbler which was just OK. I think mine is better and I am not a cook. Several people ordered their speciality homemade sodas and they did not think they were worth the price. Multiple servers came and went. Some were good some were OK. The poor man delivering the drinks had a slight tremor in his hands so we all held our breath as he put the drinks down. Not sure if it was a physical problem or nerves. Bread is baked on site and is sold in the bakery if it is open. Disappointed in the bakery. The chocolate chuck cookie was awesome but the apple turnover could be found in any grocery store.