dinner in the diner...

[Anonymous]

Breakfast including eggs benedict on VIA Rail's The Ocean, going through New Brunswick's fall colours on the way to Sackville.

Andrew

[Anonymous]

Breakfast including eggs benedict on VIA Rail's The Ocean, going through New Brunswick's fall colours on the way to Sackville.

Andrew

[lvt1000]

What I remember....and Amtrak in the Rainbow days was a treat!

Roast Duck on the Amtrak Broadway in the early 70's
French Toast on the Silver Star in the late 60's
Last cup of coffee on the Montrealer before arriving in Montreal
Breakfast on the Broadway in the 60's....I discovered 'Finger Bowls'
Standing outside of any diner on a station platform!
Breakfast on the Pelican
Breakfast on the Crescent

[lvt1000]

What I remember....and Amtrak in the Rainbow days was a treat!

Roast Duck on the Amtrak Broadway in the early 70's
French Toast on the Silver Star in the late 60's
Last cup of coffee on the Montrealer before arriving in Montreal
Breakfast on the Broadway in the 60's....I discovered 'Finger Bowls'
Standing outside of any diner on a station platform!
Breakfast of the Pelican
Breakfast on the Crescent

[Anonymous]

My only "dining" experience was on the Southern's Birmingham Special from Baltimore to Roanoke, VA. I can't remember exactly where but after leaving DC the Southern conductor came through the car asking who wanted dinner. He scribbled down the tally and apparently phoned in the order to the next station. When we stopped they loaded the food on board and started handing out "dinner" which was a box lunch with a really thick ham sandwich, chips, apple and a slice of apple pie along with an RC Cola. It was great!

Roger

[Anonymous]

My only "dining" experience was on the Southern's Birmingham Special from Baltimore to Roanoke, VA. I can't remember exactly where but after leaving DC the Southern conductor came through the car asking who wanted dinner. He scribbled down the tally and apparently phoned in the order to the next station. When we stopped they loaded the food on board and started handing out "dinner" which was a box lunch with a really thick ham sandwich, chips, apple and a slice of apple pie along with an RC Cola. It was great!

Roger

[Anonymous]

and he notes -

In my youth, I accompanied my mother from our home in New Hampshire to Flint, Michigan to visit my grandmother. It was my first trip on a train and it was during the War and space was limited to coach travel. I don't recall if we couldn't get in the diner or if my mother was just frugal but we ate our meals from the "Candy Butcher".

I remember that we traveled from Nashua, NH to Lowell, Mass. to catch the train to Worcestor and then the B&A and NYC to Buffalo and then across Ontario to Detroit where my uncle picked us up for the last leg to Flint.

To a youngster a train ride was an exciting experience and that trip was even more so as it was packed with military personnel. I was adopted by a WAC and a couple of Army men who watched over me when my mother dozed off or went to the lady's lounge to smoke.

When mealtime came, the "Candy Butcher" would come through the coach with hot and cold drinks and then return with sandwiches and then a final trip with ice cream or candy. He had cigarettes, cigars, playing cards and just about anything a passenger needed. He was employed by one of the food concessions such Saverin or those as were found in city railroad stations. He would get on in the morning with fresh supplies and get off at a prescribed spot and take a train back with fresh supplies for that trip. Further own the line, another "Butcher" would supply the noon meal and another the evening.

I recall having my first egg salad sandwich on that trip and have always been fond of them since. The soldiers kept me supplied with snacks and Coca Cola, something I never got at home.

I've eaten many fine meals on trains and before the airlines went to hell, good meals there too but none compare to that first trip and the "Butcher's" fare.

[Anonymous]

and he notes -

In my youth, I accompanied my mother from our home in New Hampshire to Flint, Michigan to visit my grandmother. It was my first trip on a train and it was during the War and space was limited to coach travel. I don't recall if we couldn't get in the diner or if my mother was just frugal but we ate our meals from the "Candy Butcher".

I remember that we traveled from Nashua, NH to Lowell, Mass. to catch the train to Worcestor and then the B&A and NYC to Buffalo and then across Ontario to Detroit where my uncle picked us up for the last leg to Flint.

To a youngster a train ride was an exciting experience and that trip was even more so as it was packed with military personnel. I was adopted by a WAC and a couple of Army men who watched over me when my mother dozed off or went to the lady's lounge to smoke.

When mealtime came, the "Candy Butcher" would come through the coach with hot and cold drinks and then return with sandwiches and then a final trip with ice cream or candy. He had cigarettes, cigars, playing cards and just about anything a passenger needed. He was employed by one of the food concessions such Saverin or those as were found in city railroad stations. He would get on in the morning with fresh supplies and get off at a prescribed spot and take a train back with fresh supplies for that trip. Further own the line, another "Butcher" would supply the noon meal and another the evening.

I recall having my first egg salad sandwich on that trip and have always been fond of them since. The soldiers kept me supplied with snacks and Coca Cola, something I never got at home.

I've eaten many fine meals on trains and before the airlines went to hell, good meals there too but none compare to that first trip and the "Butcher's" fare.

[Anonymous]

I've got lots of dining experiences...
...horrid lazagna on the Coast Starlight (the only bad meal I've ever had on Amtrak).
...riding second class through Australia on the Indian Pacific, and eating some of the worst food I've ever had (lesson here--ride first class, where they have a dining car). Other than that, the train trip was wonderful (being a railfan, train riding easily makes up for bad food).
...Amtrak French Toast on the Southwest Chief between Gallup and Grants, New Mexico (I've done this routine more times than I can count, but that French Toast of theirs sure is good).
...Chicken L'Orange on the Southwest Chief after departing Los Angeles Union Station. Wdlgln005 is right--the best crews no who to seat with whom, in this case with a New York school teacher; I learned what velocipedestrianarianologist means!!!!
...Filet Mignon on the menu, with choice of done-ness. Unfortunately, they were all precooked (my parents were with me, and my father was foced to undergo this--I followed my railroad dining rules listed below).
...Amtrak Danishes in a beautiful lounge car on sea cliffs above rolling surf on Amtrak's Surfliner on the way to Santa Barbara. Those Danishes were great!!!! But now they have changed the company they buy Danishes from, and the new ones aren't as good.
...Cherry pie on the Monon in 1947 in Indiana (oh...sorry, day dreaming. I wasn't lucky enough to have that experience: I was born into the Amtrak era).

Daniel's rules for succesful railroad dining:
1.) Always order the chicken dish (I don't know why, but I've never gone wrong following this).
2.) Just get water (except for hot chocolate--that's always good).
3.) Ask the waiter's opinion on the food.
4.) Always order dessert.
5.) Don't talk about Alco and EMD manifold pressure during dinner, unless everyone with you is a railfan.
6.) Do talk about the good old days of steam locomotives, even if you're eight years old.
7.) Absolutely do not mention railroad horror stories (i.e. firebox blowbacks blinding your great-grandfather), as it tends to make non-railfans lose their appetites.
8.) Have the railfans sit at one table, and the others at another, so the railfans can talk their hearts out about B&O signals.

Bon apetite!
Daniel

[Anonymous]

I've got lots of dining experiences...
...horrid lazagna on the Coast Starlight (the only bad meal I've ever had on Amtrak).
...riding second class through Australia on the Indian Pacific, and eating some of the worst food I've ever had (lesson here--ride first class, where they have a dining car). Other than that, the train trip was wonderful (being a railfan, train riding easily makes up for bad food).
...Amtrak French Toast on the Southwest Chief between Gallup and Grants, New Mexico (I've done this routine more times than I can count, but that French Toast of theirs sure is good).
...Chicken L'Orange on the Southwest Chief after departing Los Angeles Union Station. Wdlgln005 is right--the best crews no who to seat with whom, in this case with a New York school teacher; I learned what velocipedestrianarianologist means!!!!
...Filet Mignon on the menu, with choice of done-ness. Unfortunately, they were all precooked (my parents were with me, and my father was foced to undergo this--I followed my railroad dining rules listed below).
...Amtrak Danishes in a beautiful lounge car on sea cliffs above rolling surf on Amtrak's Surfliner on the way to Santa Barbara. Those Danishes were great!!!! But now they have changed the company they buy Danishes from, and the new ones aren't as good.
...Cherry pie on the Monon in 1947 in Indiana (oh...sorry, day dreaming. I wasn't lucky enough to have that experience: I was born into the Amtrak era).

Daniel's rules for succesful railroad dining:
1.) Always order the chicken dish (I don't know why, but I've never gone wrong following this).
2.) Just get water (except for hot chocolate--that's always good).
3.) Ask the waiter's opinion on the food.
4.) Always order dessert.
5.) Don't talk about Alco and EMD manifold pressure during dinner, unless everyone with you is a railfan.
6.) Do talk about the good old days of steam locomotives, even if you're eight years old.
7.) Absolutely do not mention railroad horror stories (i.e. firebox blowbacks blinding your great-grandfather), as it tends to make non-railfans lose their appetites.
8.) Have the railfans sit at one table, and the others at another, so the railfans can talk their hearts out about B&O signals.

Bon apetite!
Daniel

[Anonymous]

Scrod on the New Haven, Stuffed Trout on the C&O, PRR Coffee (Ellis brand, I believe, with probably some eggshells in the grounds), and I know this doesn't count, but the Pennsy took us to the Automat in Philly and New York. A really decent meal can be had even today on Amtrak's long distant trains. When working in Sunnyside I would sometimes deadhead home to Wilmington on the Silver Meteor and buy a fine meal in the diner.
One could, today, I believe, buy a ticket to a point beyond Washington, D. C. on that train (#97) and have a "Corridor Meal" (leaves New York at 7:05 P. M.) in style. The chef's special is something to inquire about, and the menu changes periodically. Just went to Kansas City and back last month on the Capitol Limited and the Southwest Chief, and was pleased with every meal. (Westbound you can have a great German lunch at the Berghoff in Chicago every day but Sunday, and Eastbound you can grab a Gold Coast hot dog between trains.) All this talk. Making me hungry. Must get food.

[Anonymous]

Scrod on the New Haven, Stuffed Trout on the C&O, PRR Coffee (Ellis brand, I believe, with probably some eggshells in the grounds), and I know this doesn't count, but the Pennsy took us to the Automat in Philly and New York. A really decent meal can be had even today on Amtrak's long distant trains. When working in Sunnyside I would sometimes deadhead home to Wilmington on the Silver Meteor and buy a fine meal in the diner.
One could, today, I believe, buy a ticket to a point beyond Washington, D. C. on that train (#97) and have a "Corridor Meal" (leaves New York at 7:05 P. M.) in style. The chef's special is something to inquire about, and the menu changes periodically. Just went to Kansas City and back last month on the Capitol Limited and the Southwest Chief, and was pleased with every meal. (Westbound you can have a great German lunch at the Berghoff in Chicago every day but Sunday, and Eastbound you can grab a Gold Coast hot dog between trains.) All this talk. Making me hungry. Must get food.

[Anonymous]

When I was growing up, good food on "The Texas Chief" was taken for granted. Of course, I was too young then for wine with my meals. The year 1978 was very good for me. Amtrak had a multi-course gourmet meal that was different on "The Lone Star" and "The Broadway Limited" and actually beat the superb meals on "The Southern Crescent" which was in its final year operated by the SR. Later that year I made a complete round trip on the "Rio Grande Zephyr" and remember their French toast and rainbow trout. On the westbound trip my vestibule and diner companions as far as Glenwood Springs were three cadets from the Air Force Academy. In Europe I've only eaten one meal in a diner, a good but overpriced meal between Zurich and Innsbruck. However, I have had many snack lunches of Bier, Brotchen,und Wuerst from the carts pushed by the German version of the News Butch.

[Anonymous]

When I was growing up, good food on "The Texas Chief" was taken for granted. Of course, I was too young then for wine with my meals. The year 1978 was very good for me. Amtrak had a multi-course gourmet meal that was different on "The Lone Star" and "The Broadway Limited" and actually beat the superb meals on "The Southern Crescent" which was in its final year operated by the SR. Later that year I made a complete round trip on the "Rio Grande Zephyr" and remember their French toast and rainbow trout. On the westbound trip my vestibule and diner companions as far as Glenwood Springs were three cadets from the Air Force Academy. In Europe I've only eaten one meal in a diner, a good but overpriced meal between Zurich and Innsbruck. However, I have had many snack lunches of Bier, Brotchen,und Wuerst from the carts pushed by the German version of the News Butch.

[Anonymous]

I have 2 fond memories which are about 35 years apart.

1. My Dad was a Dining Car Steward for the NYC with whom I travelled many times. The Highlight was dessert. It seemed their specialty was Hot Peach and Cherry cobblers with, of course, a scoop ofice cream on top. MMMMM.


2. I took the Texas Eagle from Chicago to Ft. Worth several years ago. What made it memorable was that lunch going was Texas Barbecue. The waiters wore bandanas and there were checkerboard tablecloths used. Put you in the mood entering Texas.
Don't know if they still do it

[Anonymous]

I have 2 fond memories which are about 35 years apart.

1. My Dad was a Dining Car Steward for the NYC with whom I travelled many times. The Highlight was dessert. It seemed their specialty was Hot Peach and Cherry cobblers with, of course, a scoop ofice cream on top. MMMMM.


2. I took the Texas Eagle from Chicago to Ft. Worth several years ago. What made it memorable was that lunch going was Texas Barbecue. The waiters wore bandanas and there were checkerboard tablecloths used. Put you in the mood entering Texas.
Don't know if they still do it

[randybc2003]

At the age of 7 years, I got around TWO ears of corn on the Rock Island Rocket.

[randybc2003]

At the age of 7 years, I got around TWO ears of corn on the Rock Island Rocket.

[Anonymous]

Prorably the Steak on the Coast Starlight

[Anonymous]

Prorably the Steak on the Coast Starlight

[slotracer]

One of the perks when I worked for Uncle pete, was some nice meals in the DRGW prvate cars on the ski train, breakfast with Steven Ambrose (Nothing else like it in the world) in the obs car on the double headed steam special from Cheyenne to Sacramento to open up the new Davis yard. Lunch with UP china and silver, using old UP dining car recipes with Mr Davis himself and a chemical customer several years back on the top floor of the UP Dodge st Headquarters in the Lincoln room.

[slotracer]

One of the perks when I worked for Uncle pete, was some nice meals in the DRGW prvate cars on the ski train, breakfast with Steven Ambrose (Nothing else like it in the world) in the obs car on the double headed steam special from Cheyenne to Sacramento to open up the new Davis yard. Lunch with UP china and silver, using old UP dining car recipes with Mr Davis himself and a chemical customer several years back on the top floor of the UP Dodge st Headquarters in the Lincoln room.

[passengerfan]

CN Prime Rib Au Jus superb! GN Baked Whitefish Succulent! NP Great Big Baked Potato with all of the fixings Excellent! Santa Fe French Toast Mouthwatering! Union Pacific Broiled Lamb ChopsTasty! CP Pancakes with real Maple Syrup delicious! IC Red Beans & rice very good! New Haven Scrod delectible! Milwaukee Road grilled Cheese Sandwich Best I ever ate! Rio Grande Zephyr fre***rout delectable! Time to quit making myself hungry.

[passengerfan]

CN Prime Rib Au Jus superb! GN Baked Whitefish Succulent! NP Great Big Baked Potato with all of the fixings Excellent! Santa Fe French Toast Mouthwatering! Union Pacific Broiled Lamb ChopsTasty! CP Pancakes with real Maple Syrup delicious! IC Red Beans & rice very good! New Haven Scrod delectible! Milwaukee Road grilled Cheese Sandwich Best I ever ate! Rio Grande Zephyr fre***rout delectable! Time to quit making myself hungry.

[espeefoamer]

Several come to mind
1.Dinner on the Southern Crescent.(before Amtrak) Prime Rib with parsley potatoes,and lemon icebox (merrangue) pie.[:D] All following are on Amtrak.
2.Sole on Broadway Limited.[:)]
3.Duck in orange sauce on the Empire Builder.[:)]

[espeefoamer]

Several come to mind
1.Dinner on the Southern Crescent.(before Amtrak) Prime Rib with parsley potatoes,and lemon icebox (merrangue) pie.[:D] All following are on Amtrak.
2.Sole on Broadway Limited.[:)]
3.Duck in orange sauce on the Empire Builder.[:)]

[Anonymous]

I enjoyed a nice excurision from Roanoke to Blue Field WV on a Superliner. Had a pack of Lance crackers and Coke on the way up,don't think that would count. But did get a great meal once in Blue Field during 2hr. turn around.[dinner]

[Anonymous]

I enjoyed a nice excurision from Roanoke to Blue Field WV on a Superliner. Had a pack of Lance crackers and Coke on the way up,don't think that would count. But did get a great meal once in Blue Field during 2hr. turn around.[dinner]