Aurora: Unmask the Magic of Winter - Student Charity Dinner

Aurora: Unmask the Magic of Winter

A CIA Student-Run Charity Dining Event

Saturday, December 6, 2025 | 5 p.m.

With elegance, mystery, and prestige, the Culinary Institute of America wishes to transport you into a night of winter magic. Aurora: Unmask the Magic of Winter showcases the cultivated skills of the Food Business Management bachelor’s degree seniors. A colorful and whimsical four-course meal, cocktails, and decor created by students will represent a winter wonderland and make you feel like you’re inside a snow globe. With locally sourced products, Aurora will feature the unique winter flavors of the Hudson Valley. All proceeds will be donated to Stand Up to Cancer and the Seth Ian Schumberg Memorial Scholarship.

Designed with creativity and adventurous spirits, Aurora wishes to support future students with the same dedication. That is why proceeds from the event will go toward the Seth Ian Schumberg Memorial Scholarship. Seth was a CIA alumnus who embodied humor, passion, and dedication to the fullest until his passing in 1999.This scholarship honors both Seth and his approach to life centered around food and his love for travel.

Aurora will also dedicate a portion of proceeds to Stand Up to Cancer. The Stand Up to Cancer Foundation provides support for families standing against cancer and pushing for a future where millions of people can win the fight.

Charity: Stand Up to Cancer.
Scholarship: Seth Ian Schumberg Memorial Scholarship.
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025.
Time: 5–8 p.m.
Location: Post Road Brew House, CIA, 1946 Campus Drive, Hyde Park, NY 12538.
Dress Code: Aurora is a masquerade, so we ask you to please dress your best. This includes business and cocktail attire. Please, no jeans, sneakers, t-shirts, or hoodies.
Entertainment: TBD.
Price: $125, including beverage, food courses, tax, and service.

 

This event has sold out. For questions about the event or to be added to the wait list, please call 845-905-4372. Messages are checked daily.

 

Menu

Amuse:

candy cane beets, cider gel, dehydrated pear

First Course:

Arctic char gravlax sunchoke chips, sweet and purple potato medley, smoked trout roe, horseradish powder

Second Course:

porcini crusted venison loin persimmon sauce, sunchoke crumble, Brussels sprout salad, sliced persimmons, and a sorrel dressing

Third Course:

dry aged and smoked duck breast, pave, foie gras sabayon, sauce l’orange, Romanesco broccoli, roasted chestnut mushrooms

Dessert:

white chocolate cheesecake, cranberry compote, smoked cinnamon ice cream

This event is presented by CIA bachelor’s degree students. These future stars in the hospitality industry are responsible for all of the evening’s planning and execution, from menu development to the overall ambiance and design of the event.