I'm going to be in Fishkill, NY for 2 days and would like to know what's of interest or if anyone has been there before. I'm also spending a couple of hours at the Culinary institute in Hyde Park.

By Yankee on Thursday, March 15, 2001 - 09:03 pm: Edit

West Point is not that far from Fishkill and an interesting stop. FDR's house is just North of the CIA, but a bit dull. There is another mansion a bit farther up Rt. 9, I think it's one of the old Vanderbuilt (sp?) places, that is really nice, that is, if you are into old houses. There is a also a great airplane museum farther North of the CIA, but it may still be closed this time of year.

There are also a lot of fun places to eat up there, check with the people at the school for recommendations.

Take a walk back behind the school and check out the president's house and Jesuit cemetary if you get board between sessions.

Have fun.

By W.DeBord on Friday, March 16, 2001 - 07:03 am: Edit

Fishkill...what a funny name!! Catering slow too d.? I can't figure out if I like this slow time or hate it....I'm sooooo bored!

Hope you have a nice time! Tell us about your visit to the CIA?

By Yankee on Friday, March 16, 2001 - 12:21 pm: Edit

Fishkill is the English translation of an Indian name for the area.

Also, if you are taking the train out of Grand Central Terminal, look for Bantaman (sp?) Island in the Hudson just after you pass by Sing Sing prison.

There is not much left of the place, but it makes for a interesting sight.

By d. on Friday, March 16, 2001 - 06:13 pm: Edit

Thanks Yankee.
Yeah, it is a bit slow but we do have steady work. I won myself a trip sponsored by Rich's corporation and Alliance Food Service based on an dessert recipe contest I entered. I'm 1 of 10 finalists and bake off will be at the CIA. Will post back next week with the results, but I'm just excited to be going on this little adventure!

By W.DeBord on Friday, March 16, 2001 - 07:23 pm: Edit

Excellent d. I hope you do great!!!!!! Making the top 10 is something to be proud of. Did they pay for your husband too? That would be nice.

Have a GREAT time and GOOD LUCK!!!!!

By Yankee on Friday, March 16, 2001 - 10:37 pm: Edit

That's great!

Funny, come to think of it, the only way I'd head back up there was if they paid me...

Have a great time, best of luck!

By bratgirl on Wednesday, March 21, 2001 - 01:08 pm: Edit

drop by Rhinebeck (sp?) it's a real cute town...there are a couple of nice B&Bs that we like to veg out in..isn't it nice to be pampered!!

Have fun!

By d. on Thursday, March 22, 2001 - 05:13 pm: Edit

So I'm back and didn't see much of the area because our itinerary was full and hectic. Just getting to the East coast was such a major hassle, because of all the delays and cancellations. Took me 12 hours! But both days were absolutely amazing even though I did not win the grand prize, I won a $750 scholarship for continuing education at the CIA. Getting to know the finalists at dinner was really cool and the school is really beautiful and huge.

By Yankee on Thursday, March 22, 2001 - 08:49 pm: Edit

Congrats!

By W.DeBord on Friday, March 23, 2001 - 07:00 am: Edit

Ditto, Congradulations d.!

By George (George) on Friday, March 23, 2001 - 09:07 am: Edit

Ditto Congrats! Do you have any pics? I could put them up is you wish.

By d. on Friday, March 23, 2001 - 08:42 pm: Edit

I took some pictures but do not have a scanner yet. I will be contacting the school because they had professional photographers taking our pics. An article may come out in Chef magazine, but I am not sure as of yet. Thanks everyone. Definitely a good experience I won't forget and everyone my work is very proud.

By W.DeBord on Wednesday, March 28, 2001 - 07:10 am: Edit

Hey d., are you ever going to tell us what you made? How you presented it, challenges, what the winner made etc....????? What you learned about this type of competition?

I'm curious...(since I'm too chicken to try) I'd still like to know what it was like?

By d. on Wednesday, March 28, 2001 - 06:15 pm: Edit

We got a little pamphlet in the mail at work informing us of the contest and the guidelines. We pretty much receive all the trade magazines out there, so I'm assuming that's were they got the info. It seemed really easy and simple, hence "Sweet and Simple". Use only 10 ingredients and included in those 10 it had to be a Rich's non-dairy product. Send the recipe and a photo of said dessert. I made a dark chocolate mousse with the Rich's whipped topping perched on a chewy fudge brownie and garnished with crunchy hazelnut rice krispy cookies with chocolate and caramel sauce. The guy that won made an apple caramel mousse molded in a demisphere with a cookie underneath, garnished with apple chip and chocolate roll, and some of the other desserts were grasshopper souffle, oreo pie, banana tarts, almond cakes, lemon cream in phyllo cups and strawberry pizza.

By d. on Wednesday, March 28, 2001 - 06:15 pm: Edit

Paring down the dessert components to 10 items was the toughest part. I have to say I completely forgot about the contest and when I got the call to come to NY, it was very cool. 2 CIA teachers were in charge of the selection of the 10 finalists based on the dessert. There were about 400 entries, so all of us are pretty proud about that.
There was definitely a camaraderie among us 10 and the day of the competition it was very laid back and relaxed. We had 3 hours to complete our 10 plated desserts, and most of us finished on the first hour, so we got to check out each others plates and trade info. on it. I was so impressed with the CIA, they had a chef instructor and 2 students help with whatever equipment we needed and dishes that needed to be washed. Very very clean and professional. I even forgot to take out my knife kit out of my luggage so the chef lent me his. I was only nervous when it was the awards luncheon and they were calling out the winners name.

By d. on Wednesday, March 28, 2001 - 06:16 pm: Edit

I learned that flying to the East coast in winter really sucks, and that for most competitions one has to bring their own equipment and supplies. But I had the best time and it really was nice to meet people in the same field coming from so many different states.

By MarkG on Thursday, March 29, 2001 - 10:17 am: Edit

Congratulations d.! Anxious to see the pictures.

Mark