M
Magnatripper
Guest
Does anybody know if Amtrak Coast Starlight will be replacing microwave meals with real on site prepared fresh food by July 2021?
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joelkfla
Lead Service Attendant
Probably ... but maybe not.
On the booking page, click on the small "Details" arrow under the train's arrival time. If you do this for a Coast Starlight in July, you'll see "Traditional Dining" listed under amenities. The current offering is called "Flexible Dining".
Most people on this board take this to mean Traditional Dining will be returning to all Western trains as of the return to the full schedule at the end of May.
However, one board member just reported that an Amtrak On-Board Staff member told him Traditional Dining will not return until late summer. The issue is currently being debated by the more active members of this board.
On the booking page, click on the small "Details" arrow under the train's arrival time. If you do this for a Coast Starlight in July, you'll see "Traditional Dining" listed under amenities. The current offering is called "Flexible Dining".
Most people on this board take this to mean Traditional Dining will be returning to all Western trains as of the return to the full schedule at the end of May.
However, one board member just reported that an Amtrak On-Board Staff member told him Traditional Dining will not return until late summer. The issue is currently being debated by the more active members of this board.
tim49424
Conductor
Whoops..
Guests can read any posts, except the members upcoming travel forum. What they can’t do is post anywhere except in the guest forum.
Tim, I’m not picking on you.
railiner
Conductor
Then perhaps the mod's can combine these identically named threads?Guests can read any posts, except the members upcoming travel forum. What they can’t do is post anywhere except in the guest forum.
Tim, I’m not picking on you.
But then the guest won't be able to respond...
railiner
Conductor
Oh. Okay, then, never mind...
tim49424
Conductor
I didn't realize that. I'd assumed that until they joined, they didn't have the ability to do anything but post in the guest forum. Of course, you know what they say about assuming things. LOLGuests can read any posts, except the members upcoming travel forum. What they can’t do is post anywhere except in the guest forum.
Tim, I’m not picking on you.
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But how would they learn how great the forum members are if they couldn’t read our posts.
Scanning through the heated debate that took place when posting by guests in the rest of the forums was discontinued (if still available online) can be quite illuminating regarding the issues involved. IIRC things got pretty heated at one point.But how would they learn how great the forum members are if they couldn’t read our posts.
Maverickstation
Lead Service Attendant
There remains a question as to when Traditional Dining will return to the Western Long Distance trains, however it is important to point out
that Traditional Dining Service does not mean all food is prepare on board. Many of the Lunch and Dinner Entrees are prepared off board (often Sous vide) and then reheated and plated in the diner kitchen. The Flat Iron Steak is grilled to order, as are the scrambled eggs, but all the breakfast meats are the pre-cooked, heat and eat variety. This is why Amtrak includes this note on it's webpage Amtrak does not offer meals specifically designated as low fat, low cholesterol, low sodium, gluten free, wheat free or peanut free. Most dinner entrees are not prepared on the dining car. The fat, cholesterol, sodium, gluten, wheat and peanut content may vary, and cannot be controlled or modified by the chef. Certain menu items are inherently low in fat, cholesterol and/or sodium and may be ordered from the regular menu. The waiter or lead service attendant can provide guidance.
Ken
