ScottC4746
OBS Chief
I have an idea of what is served going into Portland, probably continental breakfast. What is the cold service like for dinner coming out of Portland? A sandwich?
Empire Builder Meal Question
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I made that trip last year. They have a gourmet restaurant in Portland that prepares cold dinners. I had the salmon which I have to say was one of the best meals I had the entire 6 day trip on three different trains. Very high quality for a cold meal.
:hi: Cant Post the nice Pic that Mr. FSS did, but when I've ridden the EB from PDX-CHI We had Choices between Shrimp/Roast Beef and Veggie Dinners. Ive had the Shrimp and Beef, not a Vegetarian, and Agree with Mr. FSS, they were Outstanding for Prepared Food! :wub: If the PDX-CHI Section Ever gets the Planned CCC Regular Meals will be Served which might be a Comedown!! :unsure:
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ScottC4746
OBS Chief
WOW! The dinner sounds very nice even considering it is cold.
I assume since the real diner goes on to Seattle instead of Portland this is served in a lounge car or is in served in your sleeper?
I assume since the real diner goes on to Seattle instead of Portland this is served in a lounge car or is in served in your sleeper?
Ryan
Court Jester
Yep, the breakfast was pretty good (although I know that's not a universally held opinion).
Yes - the diner goes to Seattle.
The meal was served right in the sleeper room. There was a choice of a small champaign or sparking apple juice.
the_traveler
Engineer
When I was on the EB westbound, the cold breakfast (which was good, but not railroad French Toast) I had to get from the cafe. When I went eastbound, the cold dinner (which as said was prepared by a gourmet restaurant) was one of the best meals I had on Amtrak, and was brought to my room.
OlympianHiawatha
Engineer
Fully agreed on the Cold Dinner! And as "aggressive" as I can be about eating a meal, this was enough to get me full. In my case it was a Chicken Breast Meal.
Cristobal
Lead Service Attendant
This brings up an interesting question (interesting to me at least since I'll be on the e/b EB from PDX late next month, god-willing and the 'creek' don't rise 
).
Do they actually load enough of all the dinner options on the train to account for the sleeper pax choices or do they take dinner orders in the lounge at PDX and load accordingly? It seems that it could either be a waste of food (loading all choices for all sleeper pax) or no choice at all for the last sleeper pax served.
).Do they actually load enough of all the dinner options on the train to account for the sleeper pax choices or do they take dinner orders in the lounge at PDX and load accordingly? It seems that it could either be a waste of food (loading all choices for all sleeper pax) or no choice at all for the last sleeper pax served.
We had cold salmon on our last trip out of Portland, and it was marvelous. We brought along a bottle of Oregon pinot noir to go with it, and had a lovely meal as we went up the Columbia River Gorge at sunset in a light rain.
They do not take orders in advance (at least not on our trip), and I'm sure the last room visited by the attendant gets whatever choice is left. But if the salmon dinner is any example, I'm sure they're all excellent.
They do not take orders in advance (at least not on our trip), and I'm sure the last room visited by the attendant gets whatever choice is left. But if the salmon dinner is any example, I'm sure they're all excellent.
the_traveler
Engineer
Maybe they know who I am
There was a long line at the cafe when I went for mine! And I went to the front of the line to get my boxed meal.
hello
Lead Service Attendant
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We had to show our tickets for breakfast, also.
We've been lucky, and have always received our first choice ... not sure if they have ever run out of a boxed dinner entree ... and I can not believe that there is any way they would ever run out of the boxed breakfast.
The Metropolitan Lounge at PDX is wonderful ... very quiet, relaxing and friendly attendants ... be sure to make time to enjoy it!
We've been lucky, and have always received our first choice ... not sure if they have ever run out of a boxed dinner entree ... and I can not believe that there is any way they would ever run out of the boxed breakfast.
The Metropolitan Lounge at PDX is wonderful ... very quiet, relaxing and friendly attendants ... be sure to make time to enjoy it!
I agree that the lounge in PDX was pretty nice...and there is a little market in the station too that has some soups and sandwiches.
I don't recall showing a ticket stub, but then again, my neighbor across the hall brought my breakfast back for me as i got violently ill on that EB run (and my attendant went above and beyond, but that's another story.....) Incidentally i went to the cafe for that ramen noodles stuff one day and the nice attendant asked for my reservation # and didn't charge me as i was in a sleeper (and i explained that i didn't think eating the diner food was smart at that point...) i do not think this is the norm, but i did call and compliment her, and my attendant for doing the right thing....
I don't recall showing a ticket stub, but then again, my neighbor across the hall brought my breakfast back for me as i got violently ill on that EB run (and my attendant went above and beyond, but that's another story.....) Incidentally i went to the cafe for that ramen noodles stuff one day and the nice attendant asked for my reservation # and didn't charge me as i was in a sleeper (and i explained that i didn't think eating the diner food was smart at that point...) i do not think this is the norm, but i did call and compliment her, and my attendant for doing the right thing....
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