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When did Amtrak start charging sleeper passengers for appetizers? This came as a surprise at the end of our evening meal. There is no advisory on the printed menu, and no verbal warning given by the attendant.
The ride has been good. We are about an hour late headed into Chicago. The family bedroom is fine, but I miss the convenience of the bathroom en suite. The ride in said bedroom has been smooth when compared to our travels in a Viewliner on 97/98 through North Carolina.
Pray for us - we are headed out this afternoon on the Texas Eagle....
notelvis Member # 3071
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The appetizers are a relatively new addition to the menus......part of the experimentation with 'what the market will bear' in dining services. I don't believe that there was ever a time when appetizers were offered as a complimentary item for sleeping car passengers. I am guessing that it was on the Capitol Limited that you encountered appetizers on the menu.
I first encountered them last month in the diner on the 'City of New Orleans' and we were advised by the attendant that appetizers were not complimentary for sleeping passengers.
I agree with you that it is confusing and I agree with you that it ought to be CLEARLY printed on the menus (which it is not). Otherwise, it is totally up tothe person serving you to make that clear up front and not all of the servers are as good about doing that (or at least doing that in a way that doesn't put the customer off) as others.
Have a great trip on the Texas Eagle.
sojourner Member # 3134
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I rode a lot of long-distance trains since last fall: the LSL RT in Oct; the Crescent RT NY to Atlanta in Nov; the southbound Silver Meteor, northbound Silver Star, westbound Cap Ltd, westbound SW Chief, eastbound Sunset Ltd, northbound TX Eagle, and eastbound LSL in Jan, and the 2 FL trains again in Feb. I cannot remember if the appetizers were on the menu for all the other trains but know they were on the menu for most of them, and definitely th Cap Ltd, LSL, and FL trains. Each time I asked about the appetizers as a sleeper passenger, the dining car attendant told me they were extra; but I suppose if they are very busy, they might forget. I also tried getting some guacamole from the appetizers for my (free) gardenburger at lunch and was told I could not.
train lady Member # 3920
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In the '70s an appetizer and small glass of wine were served automatically for sleeper passengers. There was no choice,it was just served at least on the Capitol.
RRRICH Member # 1418
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???????????? That's news to me about AMTRAK now charging for appetizers -- thanks for the info. We will keep that in mind on our trip this summer.
The new dinner menu features a selection of appetizers for the first time, including Chips and Salsa, Chicken Wings and Dip, and Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail. For entrees, passengers can choose from a cooked to order Flat Iron Steak, a Seafood selection, Oven Roasted Half Game Hen, enhanced Vegetarian Selections, and a rotating Chef's Marketplace Special such as Slow Cooked Braised Beef, Italian Meatballs, and Roast Pork Tenderloin. A rotating variety of scrumptious Sweet Street® desserts including cakes, pies and tarts will be available. Haagen Dazs® ice cream will also be featured.
The cost of Dining Car meals and soft beverages is included in the surcharge paid by sleeping car passengers, while Coach passengers are welcome to purchase some or all of their meals in the Dining Car. Appetizers, wine, beer and cocktails are not included and can be purchased separately.
notelvis Member # 3071
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Although it's a true statement, the portion which reads "while coach passengers are welcome to purchase some or all of their meals in the Dining Car" causes confusion by being BETWEEN the section about meals included for the sleeping car passengers and the end section about purchasing appetizers, wine, beer, and cocktails separately.
The statement about coach passengers maybe could have come later to avoid confusion.
RRRICH Member # 1418
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Thanks, Gil! I don't routinely read those features on the AMTRAK web site, unless I am looking for specific information for some reason.
I agree with David that the statement about coach passengers between the parts about sleeping car passengers is a bit confusing.
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