West Point and Hyde Park, NY

We mentioned that last week we were in West Point, NY for a business meeting Mike had. We really enjoyed seeing the campus and the way the cadets live. Since we were going onto a military base, security was high. We had to go through two checkpoints before being admitted to the academy grounds. At the first we showed our ID, at the second we showed our ID and went through a vehicle search. I even got a random vehicle search when I entered on my own once... A MP searched through everything in the truck, requested my license, registration, and proof of insurance. Then he called everything in and waited while I was checked out.

This gate is beyond the second checkpoint. It is lowered for each guest after the check.

Other sites around the academy...

The Presbyterian chapel.

Trophy point commemorates those who have died in various battles. This is a monument to the Civil War. Each cannon represents a battlefield.

We saw the freshman (Plebes) cadets do maneuvers around 5:20 pm.

While we were taking photos around Trophy Point the USMA helicopter arrived with the superintendent. It touched down in the field in front of his house. Cool...

At 6 pm (in the summer) a cannon is fired while...

A bugler plays a song, and...

The American flag is taken down for the night. Anyone within sight of the flag stops what they are doing and salutes. Those in cars stop, get out, and salute.

We went to Newburgh for dinner Thursday night. Torches was a nice place.

Hyde Park

We spent Friday in Hyde Park, NY. Hyde Park is the home of FDR, many mansions and the Culinary Institute of America. We arrived at the FDR library/mansion just after a tour left, so we didn't get to explore that venue. Instead we visited the Vanderbilt mansion. Built by Frederick and Louise Vanderbilt (son of the Vanderbilt that built the Breakers in Newport, RI), this mansion was cozy and intimate -- for a 44,000 square foot mansion. We greatly enjoyed the tour.

Next on our adventure was lunch at the CIA. We chose Escoffier Restaurant for lunch. Though we didn't have reservations (recommended) they were able to seat us. It was absolutely fabulous. The chef sent out a scallop Amuse Bouche for each of us. It was most excellent.

I started with Tartlet Filled with Escargots, Mushrooms and Ham and Mike had Warm Salad of Shrimp and Artichokes with Basil. The servers brought our dishes and presented them at the exact same moment. And it was yummy....

For my entree, I chose Grilled Tri-Tip Sirloin, Shallot Sauce, Straw Potatoes and Broccolini. Mike had Red Snapper Fillet over a Spring Pea Risotto. We were both very pleased. Again, presentation was phenomenal.

We finished the meal with coffee and I had Hot Mocha Cake with Coffee Sauce.

This was the best prepared and presented meal (never mind lunch) that we have ever had. If you have the opportunity to go the CIA, you should!!! This is the training ground for many of America's top chefs, including: Anthony Bourdain, Todd English, Harold Dieterle, Rocco DiSpirito, and more... And if you are a top chef fan, add Ilan, Hung, and at least 6 of this season's chefs. I could go on and on about the CIA, but this post is stretching and I am getting sleepy.

Our week was so wonderful! I hope I've share at least a little of that with you...

Smiles!