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I am headed out this Friday for a getaway to New Orleans (Jeff City to St. Louis on the Mule, thruway to Carbondale, IL, and the City of New Orleans south to N.O.). I booked business class on the Mule (a route I've run several times) and a roomette for two of us on the "City".
Has anyone ridden the "City" lately and can give me advise, tips, etc.? How's the food these days? I'm really looking to this trip!
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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My most recent ride was Feb 2004 with previous rides Aug 2003 and Feb 2002.
I believe that Amtrak's New Orleans based on board service crews are some of the "best out there". Their New Orleans chefs "have their own special way' of preparing the standard dishes. One chef, Eddie Frick, even makes his own steak sauce using his own spices. You will quickly ascertain, that these folk really care, with same applying to New Orleans station personnel.
The daytime ride through Mississippi gives you a "feeling' for rural America that you will not get from any other source i.e. from I-55 or "Flight Level 33".
NB trains from New Orleans can be counted on to be spotless and in good repair, SB I can't be that sure of as the equipmenmt has originated at San Antonio two days earlier.
Enjoy; the "City" is one of my favorites.
notelvis Member # 3071
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quote:Originally posted by Robkno: I am headed out this Friday for a getaway to New Orleans (Jeff City to St. Louis on the Mule, thruway to Carbondale, IL, and the City of New Orleans south to N.O.). I booked business class on the Mule (a route I've run several times) and a roomette for two of us on the "City".
Has anyone ridden the "City" lately and can give me advise, tips, etc.? How's the food these days? I'm really looking to this trip!
The best steak I have ever eaten was in the diner of the 'City of New Orleans' northbound from the namesake city back in 2003.
I told the folks at the table with me that as well. A few minutes later this gargantuan man in a white chef's smock....easily 375 pounds.....hoisted himself from the lower level. One of my table mates called to him "Did you cook the steak?" He answered "What about it?"
Table mate points to me and says "Well this guy says it's the best steak he's ever had on an Amtrak train."
The chef breaks into a million dollar grin and says "Whaddaya expect? I'm from N'awlans!"
I'd give the City one or two thumbs up still.
David Pressley
Boyce Member # 2719
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Cant give any advice as I've never rode the "City of NewAwluns" but I am green with envy!
Kairho Member # 1567
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I've ridden the CoNO several times and service was excellent. A little delay on one trip, but that was due to a freight derailment the previous day.
The only negative is the rails are very uneven, resulting in a bumpy ride for a large portion of the run.
(I have returned from a vacation in SE Asia and had an opportunity to take the train from Kuala LUmpur to Singapore. Will write about it in the other forum.)
mrhall53 Member # 1580
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We were eating dinner on the City once and I complimented the waiter on something -- the corn, I seem to recall, which was drenched in butter. This was back before standardized menus. Anyway, I told him how well seasoned the corn was, and he drew himself up and said, "Sir, this is the City of New Orleans. We season EVERYTHING!" And they do.
On the other hand, I've had one of the worst breakfasts I've ever had from Amtrak on that train. That which should have been cold was hot; that which should have been hot was cold. We were headed into Chicago, and the staff was more interested in getting rid of us than serving us. Totally unpleasant.
royaltrain Member # 622
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I'm considering taking the City of New Orleans s/b from Chicago. The timetable shows it leaving Union Station at 8:00 pm. Since the train arrives in N.O. the next day at about 3:40 pm, am I right in assuming there will be no dinner in the diner just breakfast and lunch?
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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As of August 2003, they DID serve dinner after departing Chicago.
Robkno Member # 3722
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Can any of you recent "City" travelers tell me how many cars the train is currently (or recently) pulling and whath they consist of? Thanks!
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