Poughkeepsie gift certificate-- ideas?

[i_eat_a_lot_of_ice_cream]

My boyfriend wants to get a retiree at his job a gift certificate. He lives in Poughkeepsie, and we're not too familiar with the dining scene up there. He likes a broad range of restaurants, including but not limited to Mexican and Indian. Help us out-- what's a good place for him to go with his wife? We're thinking nice, but not fancy-- "He's not an upscale kind of guy," says my bf, but he appreciates good food. Thanks!

[lbfoody]

Get a Culinary Institute gift certificate. They can pick from the restaurants there that run from fancy French to healthy casual food. Gorgeous location and good food.

[vanessaknows]

Did you consider a gift certiicate to the cia, they have some fun eating classes and restaurants. He'll have the time given he's retiring:)

[i_eat_a_lot_of_ice_cream]

Thanks for the recs so far, guys! We will take these ideas into consideration.

[Solstice444]

I have not tried La Puerta Azul, I hope to soon...but 2 friends of mine went there for dinner 2 nights ago and they raved about everything from the appetizers to the dessert. Aroma Osteria has delicious Italian in Wappingers Falls, it's pretty much right off Route 9, so easy to get to from Poughkeepsie, and the building and interior is very nice.

[honeyfarm]

The Busy Bee cafe in Poughkeepsie is a great restaurant they also have gift certificates there address is 138 south ave. I think on the first Saturday of the month they have a Jazz trio. There number is 452 6800. The Artist Palatte is on Main St. in Poughkeepsie is a nice place also.

[Feaster18]

La Puerta Azul is fantastic! Also, Beech Tree in Poughkeepsie is a pub-=by type place with great food!
If he likes Italian, Il Bariloto in Fishkill is wonderful!

[applesauce23]

I'm not sure if these restaurants have gc, but for Mexican, I would go for La Puerta Azul in Millbrook. It's nice, but not fancy, as you specified, but the food is wonderful. Busy Bee Cafe has wonderful dishes and is located right in Poughkeepsie. For a more upscale dining experience in Poughkeepsie, I would go for The Artist's Palette or 96 Main. For a fun evening out, I would probably go for The Dutch Cabin or Cosimo's.