Food & Drink Acela First
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: PHL
Programs: UA 1P
Posts: 59
Food & Drink Acela First
We're about to move from Washington, DC to Philadelphia. I'm thinking of splurging on Acela First on an upcoming weekend trip, one of the last of many we've taken in preparation for the move (all previous trips were on Regional Coach or Business).
My question is, as the included meal seems like a big part of the experience, won't you get more for your money on a dinnertime trip? Is the food really any good? How does it compare to domestic First airline fare? And, there's no mention (that I can find) of alcoholic drinks on Amtrak's site. I assume they're not complimentary.
Now that PHL will be our new home, I anticipate many future trips on Amtrak. I'm glad to find that FT will continue to be a resource, as it has been for me for years in regard to travel on UAL.
My question is, as the included meal seems like a big part of the experience, won't you get more for your money on a dinnertime trip? Is the food really any good? How does it compare to domestic First airline fare? And, there's no mention (that I can find) of alcoholic drinks on Amtrak's site. I assume they're not complimentary.
Now that PHL will be our new home, I anticipate many future trips on Amtrak. I'm glad to find that FT will continue to be a resource, as it has been for me for years in regard to travel on UAL.
#2
In Memoriam
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: New York, NY, USA
Programs: HH Diamond, Amtrak Exec
Posts: 3,262
Here's a link to the new menu currently in use on Acela in the First Class car. IMHO the food is decent, but it's also not the Ritz either.
Breakfast is probably gets you the least bang for your buck, lunch and dinner are better IMHO.
And the alcohol is complimentary, pretty much all you can drink until either they run out of your drink of choice or you become unruly or unconcious. They have selected beers, white & red wine, and a fair selection of hard liquors too, and again all complimentary.
Breakfast is probably gets you the least bang for your buck, lunch and dinner are better IMHO.
And the alcohol is complimentary, pretty much all you can drink until either they run out of your drink of choice or you become unruly or unconcious. They have selected beers, white & red wine, and a fair selection of hard liquors too, and again all complimentary.
#3
Join Date: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,473
Here's a link to the new menu currently in use on Acela in the First Class car. IMHO the food is decent, but it's also not the Ritz either.
Breakfast is probably gets you the least bang for your buck, lunch and dinner are better IMHO.
And the alcohol is complimentary, pretty much all you can drink until either they run out of your drink of choice or you become unruly or unconcious. They have selected beers, white & red wine, and a fair selection of hard liquors too, and again all complimentary.
Breakfast is probably gets you the least bang for your buck, lunch and dinner are better IMHO.
And the alcohol is complimentary, pretty much all you can drink until either they run out of your drink of choice or you become unruly or unconcious. They have selected beers, white & red wine, and a fair selection of hard liquors too, and again all complimentary.
I agree that Lunch and Dinner is better value than Breakfast on Acela First.
I once witnessed a group of 3 who drank and drank and drank and drank...
finally they were cut off, even though they were still coherent and behaved (if not a tad loud (as in cell phone talker loud; not unruly)). So they sauntered off to the cafe in search of more libations.
#4
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: NJ
Programs: UA LTG, AA LTG, Bonvoy LTP, IHG Plat, LHW Sterling
Posts: 2,403
While it may cost Amtrak more to provide these 2 meals… they are a far cry from the dinning car meals of lore. If you are a fussy, finicky or presumptuous eater… you will quiet likely be disappointed. If you are happy with a Stouffers frozen meal… there is a chance you will enjoy your Amfood. To be honest, I rather prefer a Stouffer’s frozen lasagna to the pasta I have had on Amtrak. If you have cereal, fruit and yogurt for breakfast on Amrak... it is more difficult to ruin.
Last edited by schriste; Mar 20, 2008 at 7:48 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SGF
Programs: AS, AA, UA, AGR S (former 75K, GLD, 1K, and S+, now an elite peon)
Posts: 23,192
While it may cost Amtrak more to provide these 2 meals… they are a far cry from the dinning car meals of lore. If you are a fussy, finicky or presumptuous eater… you will quiet likely be disappointed. If you are happy with a Stouffers frozen meal… there is a chance you will enjoy your Amfood. To be honest, I rather prefer a Stouffer’s frozen lasagna to the pasta I have had on Amtrak. If you have cereal, fruit and yogurt for breakfast... it is more difficult to ruin.
#6
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE, AA EXP MM, UA Gold MM, Hyatt Glob, Marriott Titanium, HH Dia, IHG Plat
Posts: 4,775
It doesn't compare favorably with a contemporary meal in most Amtrak long-distance dining cars. There's no dessert save a chocolate square, and only a small appetizer and roll to accompany the entree. All placed on a small tray.
Though first class transcon airline meals have deteriorated (2-class aircraft, that is), they are generally superior to the Acela First offering. I would rate Acela First fare as somewhat better than a midcon FC meal on United.
The attendants are generally less attentive than flight attendants, and there's no call button. I often have to personally get up to request a drink. Attendants don't smile often, yet they expect a tip.
On the positive side, you generally get a New York Times, even on Sunday. And the windows afford a generous view of the scenery. It's fast.
Though first class transcon airline meals have deteriorated (2-class aircraft, that is), they are generally superior to the Acela First offering. I would rate Acela First fare as somewhat better than a midcon FC meal on United.
The attendants are generally less attentive than flight attendants, and there's no call button. I often have to personally get up to request a drink. Attendants don't smile often, yet they expect a tip.
On the positive side, you generally get a New York Times, even on Sunday. And the windows afford a generous view of the scenery. It's fast.
Last edited by Explore; Mar 21, 2008 at 11:21 am
#7
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 92
My wife and I had a wonderful experience on a BOS-NYP trip to celebrate our first wedding anniversary (this was in 2004). The food was ok, but the attendants gave us prompt attention and were courteous and friendly. When we arrived in NY, one attendant sent us off the train with 6 nips of scotch so we could celebrate when we got to the hotel.
On a more recent trip from BOS-WAS, the attendant was less attentive (though I did have my breakfast on my tray by the time we pulled out of BOS) but I still didn't have any problems getting additional sodas, etc. The food was still "ok" but nothing close to the long-distance dining cars.
On a more recent trip from BOS-WAS, the attendant was less attentive (though I did have my breakfast on my tray by the time we pulled out of BOS) but I still didn't have any problems getting additional sodas, etc. The food was still "ok" but nothing close to the long-distance dining cars.
#9
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Baltimore/Washington, USA
Programs: AA LT Platinum, Hilton LT Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 3,076
Do they ever rotate the menus in different directions? I am getting tired of the same menu choices on my last few recent upgrades.
I am curious if it is worth upgrading my return tomorrow evening.
I am curious if it is worth upgrading my return tomorrow evening.