NARP Blog

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Last month, I highlighted offerings from Amtrak’s improved Simplified Dining Service menu, which applies to most long-distance routes. The Lake Shore Limited is not one of them. In September, facing a crunch in Heritage Dining Car availability, Amtrak pressed into service the first of its converted former Amfleet II Lounge cars, now Diner Lite cars. The serving counter area is now flanked by steam tables and a large reefer; the disused smoking lounge was removed in favor of more seating, and a Steward’s office was installed.

I just arrived into Chicago on train 49 from New York, and had the opportunity to sample the Diner Lite offerings for the first time.

As you can see, half of the tables in this car have the view impeded due to misalignment with the windows, while half are properly aligned. The misaligned side is the one with the Steward’s office. As well, the table numbers were hand-written above each table, a very tacky touch.

This is the “good” side; note the far table being used for storage.

Modified serving counter, now diner galley.

Beverages Menu

All-Day Menu

Appetizers Menu

Dinner Entrees Menu, with slightly lower prices and less selection than in regular dining cars.

Dinner service was passable given the limitations of the setup. The spring rolls were prepared surprisingly crunchy, and the Salmon Filet with rice, corn, and beans was served piping hot. However, the salmon was somewhat rubbery and very salty, and could’ve used more diverse seasoning. It was served on a cheaper-looking plastic plate than usual that did not have the Amtrak logo.

Breakfast Menu

Breakfast was of sub-par quality: The Southwestern Omelet was not an omelet at all, but a spongy crescent of egg with a hard layer of cheese congealed on top, with “Southwestern” toppings served on the side in a cup. Everything, from the eggs, to the bland potatoes, to the turkey sausage and even the croissant, were all rubbery and tasted microwaved. If this meal was supposed to be prepared in a convection oven, it certainly was not done properly. I also noted that beverages do not appear on the menu to be included with breakfast as they customarily are (though I was not charged for my coffee and juice). Amtrak claims that the Diner Lite setup on the Lake Shore is temporary and that Heritage diners will return once the maintenance situation has stabilized. I certainly hope that’s the case. As the only daily train between New York and Chicago, this is supposed to be one of Amtrak’s key routes, but the current level of service does not live up to that expectation. I give Diner Lite service a D for ambiance and a C for food quality. —Matthew Melzer

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Dining with Amtrak’s Diner Lite

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Posted by NARP

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