Acela questions: Cycle 1 and Cycle 2 menus in lounge car plus using first class seating seat assignment system

[Steve4031]

I am planning a trip on the Acela for August. Is there a way of telling which cycle menu is used in the lounge car? The website states that it is rotated monthly. So is it logical that cycle 1 is January, cycle 2 February, etc to conclude that August would be cycle 2?

The second question regards seat selection. Does the diagram indicate direction of travel so that one could pick a seat on the right side vs left side to ensure seeing what one wants to see? IIRRC First class is usually on one end or the other of the train and this is consistent. For example, first class is always on the Washington end of the train, or first class is always on the Boston end of the train.

Thank you.

 

[Acela150]

As it stands now, First Class is serving boxed meals. On Boston trains FC is on the southern end of the train. NYC trips it varies, and yes the seat map indicates travel direction.