Bring the kids to St. Andy's Cafe

Why is this little boy so happy?

He's enjoying his very own personal pizza, just like the grown-ups in a very nice restaurant.

Actually, Nicolas, 7, and I had a date not too long ago at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park. St. Andrew’s Cafe, one of the college's award-winning, student-staffed restaurants, is offering a special kids menu for $9.95, and what better way to try it out than with a willing, well-mannered child.

"It's cool," Nicolas said about his first time dining at such a fancy restaurant. "It's nice; so far so good."

His grandma is a graduate of the culinary school and he had heard all about her training there and the many stories she shared with him about the great food and atmosphere.
Of course, Nicolas was probably more intrigued with the colorful computer screens the wait staff used to key in our order, but he was well behaved and definitely enjoyed his meal there.

The kids menu is one way to beef up business during the slower winter months, said chef/professor David Kamen. It also gives people the opportunity to dine with the whole family. Learning table manners is something that starts in the home, so it's nice to put them to good use when the opportunity arises to take the kids somewhere special.

St. Andy's Kids Menu is available Monday through Friday. Kids can select two courses from the appetizer, entree and dessert selections, and a beverage for $9.95.

(Nicolas enjoys dipping his fruit into the creamy yogurt sauce)

Choices include beef satay, barbecue grilled chicken, wontons and a personal pizza. Soup, salad, carrot and celery sticks, and a fresh fruit plate are some of the appetizer offerings. Desserts include ice cream, brownie a la mode and mini cheesecake with fresh berries.

Of course, the food and atmosphere at St. Andrew's Cafe are a treat for adults, too. It's more casual than some of the other restaurants, and the American cuisine served there emphasizes fresh, seasonal fare.
I enjoyed a stellar salad and my own wood-fired pizza.

Maître d' instructor Mauro Sessarego, who is an associate professor, made us feel welcome and special with his attention to detail and friendly manner.

If you've never been to the culinary school, which is a jewel in the Hudson Valley, this is a good time of year to sample the food at the CIA.

The school is offering special three-course, fixed price meals in four of the restaurants through March 31: $19.95 for lunch; $29.95 for dinner. The restaurants are actual classrooms for the students, who go out of their way when it comes to service.

It's also a fun way to rid yourself of cabin fever. St. Andrew's Cafe has a cozy fireplace and comfortable tables and chairs in a spacious, country club-like setting.

For information or to make reservations, call 845-471-6608 or visit www.ciachef.edu/restaurants.

(Nicolas is getting serious about diving into his first slice of pizza)

And don't forget to take the kids to St. Andy's Cafe.

The experience is likely to make them feel like grown-ups.