Dutchess Tourism, Inc., the official destination marketing organization for Dutchess County, launched the “CIA Chef Finder™,” a new program in collaboration with The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) that aims to celebrate CIA-trained chefs who create world-class cuisine and dining experiences in the heart of New York’s Hudson Valley. Using Bandwango’s Destination Experience Engine (DXE), this free, mobile-exclusive passport is a collection of 35 curated restaurants, bakeries and more — including the CIA’s campus restaurants.
“We’re a foodie destination!” said Dutchess Tourism President & CEO Melaine Rottkamp who noted that in 2021, visitors spent $185.5 million on food and beverage in the county. “Dutchess has the privilege of being home to The Culinary Institute of America—the world’s premier culinary college,” she added. “We’re proud to team up with the CIA to showcase the tremendous contributions their alumni have made to the dining scene here in Dutchess.”
With this free pass, Dutchess Tourism invites visitors and residents to check in at participating locations to earn points and win prizes from The CIA. When people sign up for the pass at www.dutchesstourism.com/cia-chef-finder, a link, which opens the passport, will be sent to their mobile phone. They can then add a shortcut to their home screen, for easy access at any time. There is never anything to download and no apps to take up space on a user’s phone. Prizes include a CIA Experience Tour for two, a gift certificate for use at the CIA’s Apple Pie Bakery Café, and entry into a drawing for one free single-day cooking class at the New York campus, located in Hyde Park, NY. A selection of businesses are also offering deals and discounts to redeem during your visit, which earn passholders bonus points.
"Bandwango is thrilled to partner with Dutchess Tourism in showcasing the Hudson Valley's culinary excellence through their innovative CIA Chef Finder™ passport program,” said Erin Griss, director of marketing for Bandwango. “We believe that their collaboration with The Culinary Institute of America and their alumni will not only elevate the region's dining scene but also inspire visitors to explore and savor every moment of their journey."
CIA Chef Finder Businesses Highlighted:
The CIA: American Bounty Restaurant, Hyde Park
The CIA: Apple Pie Bakery Café, Hyde Park
The CIA: Post Road Brew House, Hyde Park
The CIA: Ristorante Caterina de’ Medici, Hyde Park
The CIA: The Bocuse Restaurant, Hyde Park
Amanda’s Macaron Shoppe, Poughkeepsie
Babette’s Kitchen, Millbrook
Bluestone Kitchen + Bar, Poughkeepsie
Bread Alone Bakery & Café, Rhinebeck
Buns Burgers, Rhinebeck
Crew Restaurant, Poughkeepsie
Emy’s Delights & Bites, Hyde Park
Essie’s Restaurant, Poughkeepsie
Gino’s Pizza and Restaurant, Poughkeepsie
Heritage Food and Drink, Wappingers Falls
Hudson & Packard, Poughkeepsie
Il Figlio Enoteca, Fishkill
Kelly’s Bakery, Poughkeepsie
Kips Tavern, Rhinecliff
Le Petit Bistro, Rhinebeck
Lola’s Café and Gourmet Catering, Poughkeepsie
Lolita’s Pizza, Poughkeepsie
McKinney & Doyle Fine Restaurant and Bakery, Pawling
Midnight Munchie Company, Poughkeepsie
Milea Estate Vineyard, Staatsburg
Mill House Brewing Company, Poughkeepsie
Reconnect Foods, Poughkeepsie
Reserva Wine Bar, Beacon
Tasting Room at Gendron Catering, Rhinebeck
Tavern 23, Poughkeepsie
The Amsterdam, Rhinebeck
The Crafted Kup, Poughkeepsie (all locations)
Twisted Soul, Poughkeepsie
Uncle Sam’s Canteen, Hyde Park
Zoe’s Ice Cream Barn, Lagrangeville
This special promotional program is open to any Culinary Institute of America alumni who own, or work as an executive chef or general manager at a Dutchess County eatery. The location must be regularly open to the public. Any alumni who wish to be a part of the pass should reach out to colleen@dutchesstourism.com to be included.
