Amtrak Diner and Food Service Discussion

[STrRedWolf]

One thing the summaries didn’t mention was that after saying he “appreciates that” he said something like “and I think we should invest in that on a few stellar routes.” Maybe that means it’ll stay on at least a couple western long distance routes. I’m guessing this alludes to the “experiential service level” they’ve hinted at in the 5 year plans.

Builder, Zephyr definitely; you could make a case for any of the others too, but I’d guess the Chief.

I can make the case for trains that span three days. Overnight trains, through, are the issue.

[gokeefe]

I would agree with this interpretation. I think this is especially so given the recent service improvements on the Auto Train.

[TCurtin]

This is an item I put on another thread. I am intentionally "quoting myself" here, since this discussion evidently has a large following:

This sounds interesting. The email is quoted verbatim.............

(Note, the trip we are taking is correctly stated)

"We have exciting news to share with you about your upcoming trip on [Trains 51 and 50] to White Sulphur Springs WV.

"Starting October 1 we will be debuting a new dining experience aboard your train --- made exclusively available for Sleeping
car customers. Here is what you can expect when you are onboard:

" - A new dining menu with hot, ready to serve choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner
- A wide selection of wine, beer and spirits (The first one is on us) plus unlimited soft drinks
throughout your journey
- Complimentary room service provided by your sleeping car attendant
- Exclusive onboard lounge space for sleeping car customers to dine and socialize 24x7
- Flexible dining times without the need for reservations

" Sample menus can be found at Amtrak.com/flexdining.

" We look forward to seeing you on board."

Well, should we be as excited as the email says? Also, I was wondering, is this service upgrade unique to The Cardinal ?

[Rockingham Racer]

Well, they changed their minds and decided not to put a new "sleeper lounge" on this train. So you can go from there as to how excited you should get.

[bostontrainguy]

For what it's worth, House T&I Chairman Defazio states he intends to strip Amtrak's profitability mandate from the 2020 Surface Transportation re-authorization.

[gokeefe]

Interesting choice given the circumstances.

[Gilbert B Norman]

Somewhere, Col. Perkowski started a topic regarding railroad recipies, and if appropriate, to merge this posting with such:

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/dining-car-food

A gentleman, Ira Silverman, whom I have met "along the way", has donated an extensive collection of Dining Car menus to Northwestern University, and which has "digitized" such.

Should make for an interesting reference source.

[lordsigma12345]

There's a new menu for the western trains:

https://www.amtrak.com/content/dam/proj ... u-1119.pdf

No changes to the meal choices - this change is exclusively to reflect the coke and wine vendor change.

[superstar]

There's a new menu for the western trains:

https://www.amtrak.com/content/dam/proj ... u-1119.pdf

No changes to the meal choices - this change is exclusively to reflect the coke and wine vendor change.

"Coke-Cola" soft drinks

They had one job!

[lordsigma12345]

I saw that too but forgot to mention it in my post. Gotta love the proofreading skills!

[gokeefe]

Agreed, that's a ridiculous typo.

[David Benton]

Why does the garden salad have the note it is complimentary for sleeping car passengers? Aren't all dishes complimentary for sleepers? I can only think they mean they can order it in addition to their main dish for free?

[mtuandrew]

Why does the garden salad have the note it is complimentary for sleeping car passengers? Aren't all dishes complimentary for sleepers? I can only think they mean they can order it in addition to their main dish for free?

I think you’re exactly right in that it’s a complimentary side dish for sleeper passengers along with their prepaid entrée. That’s normal in American sit-down restaurants, where you’re usually offered a choice between “garden” salad (small, no protein and few toppings), french fries (chips in British parlance), and possibly mixed warm vegetables or a baked potato. An entree (large) salad may or may not offer side dishes, often bread.

I guess coach passengers need to buy their own sides.

[JimBoylan]

I think the need for the Garden Salad note is because it is not complimentary for coach passengers, but a separate charge for them. Of course, they could have said the same about non alcoholic beverages.

[STrRedWolf]

There's a new menu for the western trains:

https://www.amtrak.com/content/dam/proj ... u-1119.pdf

No changes to the meal choices - this change is exclusively to reflect the coke and wine vendor change.

"Coke-Cola" soft drinks

They had one job!

To be honest, I saw "coke and wine vendor change" and thought "Wait, I can get illegal drugs on the train?!? They really must be baaaaaaaaaad..."