Capitol Limited and City of New Orleans

[TVRM610]

Just got off the Capitol today (August 23 - 2010). Rode the entire length from CHI-WAS in Sleeper. Great trip... pretty much on time, we got in around 25 minutes late. I was in the Trans-dorm car and it was fine. Had one of the best sleeper attendants ever, Nathan. He was extremely friendly, informative, and even though we were in the dorm, he was always there at the right time it seemed.

As for the dining car, this was just down right sad. The LSA and one waiter were horribly slow and un-organized. The food was not well prepared, and the service was beyond slow. For breakfast... they took names and called them over the PA cause "they were just too busy (while tables sat empty). I will say, they were at least friendly and did apologize for the delays.

Other than that.. a fairly uneventful trip. The Conductor notified us of delays (both on CSX track of course) and the trip was great.

City of New Orleans. (August 21 Departure). Rode the City of New Orleans the entire length from New Orleans to Chicago. Loved the views of the swamps and Lake Ponchatrain leaving the city. Saw lots of birds including a Bald Eagle. Had 2 great ladies as part of the Trails and Rails.... told us great history. Rode in the Sleeper had a fine sleeper attendant. Nothing remarkable though... but was always there when I needed him. Train was running on time until North of Memphis when tree's were down along the track from a storm. The tree clearing delayed us by about 2 hours when all was said and done.

Now for the Diner. The LSA was absolutely fantastic... as was the chef. The LSA.. i forget his name but he was a younger black man with dreads... and he was wonderful. As friendly as can be and explained the menu VERY well. Made sure the sleeper guests understood what all comes with the meal and everything. I had the Catfish with Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans and it was honestly one of the best meals of my life. It was unbelievable (and all this from one of those "cursed" CCC cars!)

The CCC was running as a diner only, as a SSL car was in the train and open as the lounge.

 

[had8ley]

As for the dining car, this was just down right sad. The LSA and one waiter were horribly slow and un-organized. The food was not well prepared, and the service was beyond slow. For breakfast... they took names and called them over the PA cause "they were just too busy (while tables sat empty). I will say, they were at least friendly and did apologize for the delays.

City of New Orleans. (August 21 Departure). Rode the City of New Orleans the entire length from New Orleans to Chicago. Loved the views of the swamps and Lake Ponchatrain leaving the city. Saw lots of birds including a Bald Eagle. Had 2 great ladies as part of the Trails and Rails.... told us great history. Rode in the Sleeper had a fine sleeper attendant. Nothing remarkable though... but was always there when I needed him. Train was running on time until North of Memphis when tree's were down along the track from a storm. The tree clearing delayed us by about 2 hours when all was said and done.

Now for the Diner. The LSA was absolutely fantastic... as was the chef. The LSA.. i forget his name but he was a younger black man with dreads... and he was wonderful. As friendly as can be and explained the menu VERY well. Made sure the sleeper guests understood what all comes with the meal and everything. I had the Catfish with Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans and it was honestly one of the best meals of my life. It was unbelievable (and all this from one of those "cursed" CCC cars!)

The CCC was running as a diner only, as a SSL car was in the train and open as the lounge.

Glad the City gave you a delightful meal. With the City and Texas Eagle swapping into each other in Chicago the SSL will remain for the time being. Glad it was manned as there have been trips that it was not.Now if only we can get Chicago to change the number boards on the cars...

 

[Steve4031]

I know all about that. LOL. I'll be on the Eagle in September.

 

[AlanB]

Now if only we can get Chicago to change the number boards on the cars...

I was under the impression that it was the job of the OBS people to change the number boards on the cars.

 

[AlanB]

As for the dining car, this was just down right sad. The LSA and one waiter were horribly slow and un-organized. The food was not well prepared, and the service was beyond slow. For breakfast... they took names and called them over the PA cause "they were just too busy (while tables sat empty). I will say, they were at least friendly and did apologize for the delays.

While I'm not trying to suggest that the crew wasn't lazy, please keep in mind that some empty tables do not indicate that the crew wasn't busy. You can walk into any land based resturant and find a line to be seated, yet upon actually being taken to your table, you'll pass empty tables. Those empty tables can be in various states, totally dirty, in the process of being cleared, or ready for guests. But on average, a waiter can handle 5 to 6 tables maximum. And generally those tables are at various points in the meal process, just seated, ordered, got drinks, got food, almost done eating.

In my experience, seating people that you cannot possibly wait on in a timely fashion is worse than allowing tables to go empty because you cannot provide timely service.

And again, I'm not suggesting that the crew couldn't have been doing a better job than they were. Just that empty tables doesn't indicate that the crew is lazy.

 

[guestlsa]

thanks alan for that understanding.

As for the dining car, this was just down right sad. The LSA and one waiter were horribly slow and un-organized. The food was not well prepared, and the service was beyond slow. For breakfast... they took names and called them over the PA cause "they were just too busy (while tables sat empty). I will say, they were at least friendly and did apologize for the delays.

While I'm not trying to suggest that the crew wasn't lazy, please keep in mind that some empty tables do not indicate that the crew wasn't busy. You can walk into any land based resturant and find a line to be seated, yet upon actually being taken to your table, you'll pass empty tables. Those empty tables can be in various states, totally dirty, in the process of being cleared, or ready for guests. But on average, a waiter can handle 5 to 6 tables maximum. And generally those tables are at various points in the meal process, just seated, ordered, got drinks, got food, almost done eating.

In my experience, seating people that you cannot possibly wait on in a timely fashion is worse than allowing tables to go empty because you cannot provide timely service.

And again, I'm not suggesting that the crew couldn't have been doing a better job than they were. Just that empty tables doesn't indicate that the crew is lazy.

 

[guest]

I am not at all surprised about Nathan on the Cap. Four years ago we (husband and I) were coming to DC from Denver. We took the cap from Chicago. I had acquired a horrid sounding cough and sounded like a seal barking. Nathan was our attendent. I asked him to please serve our meals in the room as I was sure my coughing would upset the diners. He was absolutely terrific. He brought me hot tea. extra pillows and blankets, helped me set up the chair for sleeping as I couldn't lie down. He kept coming in to see if I needed anything. When I asked him if he knew Larry Picard, our all time favorite ca, on the Cap he said that is who trained him. Then I understood. Larry is one very terrific CA. We have traveled with him for years. Nathan wads certainly a good student . He couldn't have been better and you can be sure I called Amtrak and informed them of such.

 

[rrdude]

Just got off the Capitol today (August 23 - 2010). Rode the entire length from CHI-WAS in Sleeper. Great trip... pretty much on time, we got in around 25 minutes late. I was in the Trans-dorm car and it was fine. Had one of the best sleeper attendants ever, Nathan. He was extremely friendly, informative, and even though we were in the dorm, he was always there at the right time it seemed.

As for the dining car, this was just down right sad. The LSA and one waiter were horribly slow and un-organized. The food was not well prepared, and the service was beyond slow. For breakfast... they took names and called them over the PA cause "they were just too busy (while tables sat empty). I will say, they were at least friendly and did apologize for the delays.

Other than that.. a fairly uneventful trip. The Conductor notified us of delays (both on CSX track of course) and the trip was great.

City of New Orleans. (August 21 Departure). Rode the City of New Orleans the entire length from New Orleans to Chicago. Loved the views of the swamps and Lake Ponchatrain leaving the city. Saw lots of birds including a Bald Eagle. Had 2 great ladies as part of the Trails and Rails.... told us great history. Rode in the Sleeper had a fine sleeper attendant. Nothing remarkable though... but was always there when I needed him. Train was running on time until North of Memphis when tree's were down along the track from a storm. The tree clearing delayed us by about 2 hours when all was said and done.

Now for the Diner. The LSA was absolutely fantastic... as was the chef. The LSA.. i forget his name but he was a younger black man with dreads... and he was wonderful. As friendly as can be and explained the menu VERY well. Made sure the sleeper guests understood what all comes with the meal and everything. I had the Catfish with Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans and it was honestly one of the best meals of my life. It was unbelievable (and all this from one of those "cursed" CCC cars!)

The CCC was running as a diner only, as a SSL car was in the train and open as the lounge.

I was on the Cap leaving CHI on the 22 and also had a fine trip. Only other thing I noticed was that many of the coach cars had incorrect car numbers on them, looked the numbering began with "4". Since we were rushing to make the connection from the EB, I wanted to MAKE SURE we were getting on #30, which of course we did.

I was in the 3001 car with my son, and the SCA was pleasant and helpful. I was informed upon entering the diner that "there is only two of us this trip, two upstairs and two downstairs". I politely informed Kevin (server) that I'd really like not to be seated in one of the sideways facing booths, and he promptly put me at a four-top. Kevin and the female LSA were pleasant enuff.

I honestly can't remember what I ate for dinner,

, but I know I had the Veggie Chipotle Burger for lunch, like I did on the EB. And it was just as delicious. WAY, WAY, WAY better than the hockey-puck Angus burger I'm swearing off........

 

[TVRM610]

As for the dining car, this was just down right sad. The LSA and one waiter were horribly slow and un-organized. The food was not well prepared, and the service was beyond slow. For breakfast... they took names and called them over the PA cause "they were just too busy (while tables sat empty). I will say, they were at least friendly and did apologize for the delays.

While I'm not trying to suggest that the crew wasn't lazy, please keep in mind that some empty tables do not indicate that the crew wasn't busy. You can walk into any land based resturant and find a line to be seated, yet upon actually being taken to your table, you'll pass empty tables. Those empty tables can be in various states, totally dirty, in the process of being cleared, or ready for guests. But on average, a waiter can handle 5 to 6 tables maximum. And generally those tables are at various points in the meal process, just seated, ordered, got drinks, got food, almost done eating.

In my experience, seating people that you cannot possibly wait on in a timely fashion is worse than allowing tables to go empty because you cannot provide timely service.

And again, I'm not suggesting that the crew couldn't have been doing a better job than they were. Just that empty tables doesn't indicate that the crew is lazy.

I totally agree Alan. I didn't think the crew was "lazy" as much as completely unorganized. I probably had a harsher look due to my excellent experience on the City the day before.

 

[Rail Freak]

I took the CITY in May to CHI. I complimented the Conductor, as he came thru the lounge car just before breakfast, for the entire crew's service & attitude. He thanked me and said The CONO polices it's own!!! Sounds & seems as though they run a tight ship, I mean Train!!!