I have panic disorder and severe anxiety. I will going on my first trip with Amtrak because I will be moving out of state and felt safer traveling on ground. I will have a roomettee for both segments, to help with my anxiety.. watching your videos are helping me prepare and honestly just calm me. Thank you so very much for your videos
I think you made a good decision booking with Amtrak. While the train isn't always perfect it is (in my experience) a far more relaxing and stress free way to travel. I have anxiety troubles on planes as well and I have never had any trouble on a long haul train. The privacy of the roomette is really helpful. For me, the ability to choose to either interact with fellow travelers or to be alone really brings down anxiety and stress. I hope you have a great trip
Have a good trip. I will fly but don’t really like flying. I don’t mind the additional time that it takes you to get somewhere on the train. Plus with the airline industry being in disarray rn,the train is probably a better more dependable choice.
For those who feel anxious, I can tell you all as one who feels anxiety on planes and trains, I did the California Zephyr in March for my return back to the West Coast after celebrating my birthday with family. It was the best trip ever! From Chicago to Emeryville. I traveled alone in a roomette and I had my moments, passing thru the Moffet Tunnel, the Continental Divide, I prayed "please no earthquakes now, please" but it was amazing, I just marveled at the sheer engineering it took to blast thru these mountains and the scenery was to die for! I bought my sketching pad and enjoyed hours in the observation car, sketching, drawing, taking pictures, filming. The best gift I gave myself! I encourage everyone do the the California Zephyr, at least once, it is well worth it. I loved it so much that I'm taking my mom for her birthday on the Capital Limited from Chicago to DC, stay in DC overnight, and then DC to Newark in first class in November! And yes, I upgraded to the one bedroom so I'm very excited! I researched for months, watched this channel countless times, told everyone I know how terrified I felt and yes I was terrified! But I arrived in Emeryville, 51 hours later and on time! I would have kissed the ground but I didn't.😂😭🤣Thanks to all the great information here on this channel, my trip was very memorable!
I have flown everywhere since I was 18. Now at age 53 I've taken Amtrak for the 1st time last month and I loved it. This will be my preferred way to travel for now on
If you love trains, then you'll love highspeed bullet trains and maglev super train technology. The far more advanced countries of the far east and Europe, these modern marvels of transportation can get you from place to place in no time at all. With a maglev super train, you could board in Washington DC and be in your office in New York city in an hour or less. Try that in your car or in the slow and lethargic american trains called Amtrak. A maglev can travel at speeds of up to 375mph, the next best thing to flying. Unfortunately the mighty United States of America is to busy throwing billions and billions of dollars into space rather than trying to improve infrastructure. Highspeed bullet trains and maglev super train technology, the new american dream....
Hi. I've been flying since I was 12 or 13 & I'm turning to 59 soon ,but I still love flying !! Lol. Although traveling by train is my no.1 way because I get to see the sceneries/ views of different places. I'm originally from Tokyo, so you can imagine how I love train rides & our fast speed trains ( been around since 1964 ( invented in late 1950s !! ) all of my life !! We're spoiled by them ,especially Shinkansen ( bullet trains ) So,it is very hard for me to compare the U.S train systems & AMTRAK to ours ,as no comparison !! Ours is the best in the world .But I still enjoy Amtrak rides !! I highly recommend their Surfrider .San Diego is fun & beautiful !! Dining in the Little Italy won't disappoint !! I have visited there & dinned ,one of the best Italian dishes I've ever had if not the very best !! And looking forward to do long distance ,cross-country travels by Amtrak !! I am planning to doing that in the very near future with my mom !!! 💜🥁🐉🎤🎶🚈💕💞
Speaking from someone very familiar with Amtrak travel and especially the traditional dining car experience (smartest thing they did by bringing it back), the two of you did an outstanding job of presenting that experience and explaining how it works. Keep up the fantastic videos.
I've taken several train rides, but that was when my beloved was alive, and not since then. Now my youngest wants to go see his grandma in San Francisco, and we're planning on going around the end of the year. Your videos are turning out to be invaluable! I hadn't thought of looking for reviews of the sleeper cabins until they suddenly appeared in my RUclips feed. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You've made this family just amazingly calm and actually looking forward to a trip that was getting to be anxiety producing.
I took this train ride from Cali to Washington & it was soooo amazing! The dining experience was fantastic. Very elegant & delicious. We had an option to share a table with others & I wasn’t sure about that, but it turned out to be a wonderful experience.( comparing this to airline travel- the train is the BEST way to go!) My favorite part was riding in the observation car.. it was Autumn & the scenery was simply breathtaking! Golden aspens, crystal clear water & even wildlife( deers & I saw a bear). Also you meet so many interesting people(I was traveling alone). There was a Bistro car, u could get coffee & donuts, etc.( I can’t remember what all). It was fun to walk around & move during traveling. The staff were very courteous & helpful & professional.I had an older seating area, but it was FABULOUS! It was like sitting in my living room! The seats were very cushy & roomy & comfortable. The windows were huge & perfect for sightseeing. Plus there was plenty of privacy… Riding on the train was very calming & relaxing. I don’t know much about the bathroom facilities. But everything was very clean, that I saw! WAY, WAY, WAY beats flying or driving! An all over EXCELLENT experience!
I love Amtrak. My first experience, I traveled to boot camp in the Army. It was fantastic. The food, sleeper cars, and service were phenomenal. That was many years ago. I cannot wait to do it again.
Two things: 1) I've said this before, but you two are so adorable. 2) Thanks. I'm on the Zephyr in Nov and I was getting nervous about the microwave meals. But, this looks so much better. I'm already craving that train french toast!
As memory serves Santa Fe historically served a very tasty French Toast on the Super Chief and likely also on the El Capitan (the double decker coach train that followed the Super Chief).
I’m glad Amtrak is returning the Traditional Dining Car. I am a former Amtrak Employee. I worked for Amtrak from October 1995 until November 2002. As an Onboard Service Attendant. I started working on AutoTrain then transferred to Washington DC. When I started on AutoTrain they were transitioning from the older Heritage single level equipment to the BiLevel Superliner Equipment. Sleepers and sleeper Diner was already Superliner and Coach was still the older equipment and it still had the dome car as well as the Buffet Car.
They are a cute couple and I always find them entertaining. This video and they way she read every detail on the menu made me laugh like it was a 5-star restaurant
I have a happy memory as a kid with my little brother eating in a dining car on a train in Europe. They served peas with the dinner but the train was rocking and peas were rolling all over our table. We got in trouble for laughing so loud but then the well dressed gentleman across from us started laughing too, Lol. I look forward to traveling on Amtrak out west now but don't serve peas! 🤣
I rode the SantaFE from Gallop New Mexico to Topeka, Kansas. two and 1/2 day trip. The dining car had a small kitchen at one end and then full size tables the rest of the way to the end of the car.
Reminds me of a trip we did over 25 years ago. The food was great, the service was great, but best of all was the shared tables. The staff tried to make sure you shared with different people at each meal. For us tourists it was a great opportunity to meet a cross section of American life.
Rob and Allie, I can't thank you enough for your entertaining and informative videos. My wife and I took the Coast Starlight from LA to Oakland. We really enjoyed the dining experience, but then, the pandemic hit. On our next two trips, it was pre-packaged microwaved food. The difference is fast food vs. a fine steakhouse! We're planning a 5-day, 4-night train trip from LA to Tampa one week before Thanksgiving. We're absolutely thrilled that the Chief has brought back traditional dining! I don't know if the Capital Limited has reinstated traditional dining, but as I understand it, the Silver service trains (NY to Miami) are continuing their pre-packaged heat-n-serve meals for the foreseeable future.
Hi Rob and Allie. I get so excited when you post new videos to your channel. Your videos are so informative. Thanks for taking us along to check out the traditional dining. The food looked delicious! Happy travels!
We absolutely love you two! Thanks to you we planned a two week trip from SF, to Niagara Falls, to NYC, to Boston (Martha's Vineyard) to Washington DC. Wish us luck...it will be our first time traveling by train. I plan on vlogging on it hopefully. Thanks for your inspiration.
I'm doing the same thing and I also suffer from extreme anxiety and these videos have helped me I'll be going on my first train ride and leaving my State for the first time on Sunday going from Louisiana to Washington
I was a server on Amtrak dining car. Hardest job I ever had the hours are crazy and physically it’s so hard on the body. Be generous with your tips…it makes the servers day.
It looks like they really upped their dining game from the last time I took Amtrak -- and that was before the pandemic. Really looking forward to taking a train for my vacation next year.
I've usually enjoyed sharing train tables. I have met some very interesting people that way. Also, if you don't hit it off, you know it's a meal of limited duration. The food looks good; I did have good meals a few years ago on the Crescent. Looking forward to retirement when I hope to take a few months and just ride trains around the US.
I used to take Amtrak from Penn Station in NYC to West Palm Beach several times a year. Loved it. I always met the most interesting people. Thanks for bringing back some great memories.
This has been on my bucket list for years. The videos provided so much information which will be important in planning a solo vacation. Really looking forward to enjoying a sleeper car for my trip. The menu really makes it easy to select appropriate dietary choices
@@GroundedLifeTravel I enjoyed watching you show the rooms but mostly the dining and the menu . I like the down-to-earth style you have here on this channel , none of the shenanigans of some of the other travel ones where people are showing off and flirting with the camera .
I just discovered your channel yesterday! I shall live vicariously through your many Amtrak trips! I’m located in Orange County, CA maybe 5 minute drive from two Amtrak trains, Pacific Surfliner and I believe Southwest Chief that runs all the way to Chicago. I thought about going on the cheap and coaching it from Orange County to Chicago since it’s just me but many people are like nooooo that’s way too long on coach, you need a roomette. So for now I’m content doing a scenic day trip to San Diego or Santa Barbara. Luckily you can’t go wrong if you live in California.
Thank you so much for these videos! New subscriber here and enjoying your info :) Doing my first “long” Amtrak travel in roomette this Nov, from NY to CA! So excited!! These videos are so helpful!
My wife and I are taking our first Amtrak trip on the California Zephyr from Sacramento to Chicago for our fiftieth wedding anniversary. We actually will be celebrating while on the train. Your videos are very helpful, as we prepare. I wondered what the appropriate tipping is for the car attendant and dining. Take care.
I traveled Amtrak from San Antonio tx to Tucson Arizona. Omg the views on the observation car is beautiful. You get to see scenes you would never see in a vehicle. I loved it would like to ride again!
@@mrc6182 all trains now have dinning cars except for 1 train and most trains still serve flexible meals for the sleeper passengers and a few trains have the tradional dinning meals. Both of those meals are only for sleeper passengers for now.
Love your videos! My wife and I have reservations on the Amtrak California Zephyr for later next year and have never taken an overnight train ride before. It was one of those things on our bucket list so we are very excited! You have helped answer a lot of questions we had and ones we didn't know we had lol! Thank you. Keep the videos coming!!
You guys are a great couple, appreciate your work and guidance. My wife and I just experienced the roomette on capital, DC to Chicago and started from Berlin, Connecticut , business class to DC. Now on long road trip(rented Avis car from Chicago) across country to LA to visit daughter. Next week will travel Amtrak South West Chief in bedroom to Chicago, capital in roomette to DC and last New England train, business class home to Berlin, CT Station. Ten minute car ride back home. Car parked at Berlin train station is only $2.00 per day. So far a great trip. Not sure about Soutwest chief full dining meal? Just received email about selecting what seemed like covid meal selections which we got on the Capital run the other day. Either way a great trip. Thanks again , your suggestions really helped us have a pleasant trip.
I'm sooo excited for the return to traditional dining!!! Have been holding off on making my fall reservations until I knew it was back. I'm not spending 3 days eating microwaved deli food. Rob & I are culinary kindred spirits. 😁
Holy smokes! That was a LOT of food. I would have had to go back to bed after those meals...or run up and down the train to work it off. All looks delicious.
Glad to see the Dinning Car come back. The guy who ran Amtrak (into the ground) under Il Douchebag was an airline exec. Miss the 'coffee urns' in the mid sections of the sleeper cars.
@@GroundedLifeTravel Had to be about the best microwave food. Obviously there was lots of research and testing on what would work given the circumstances.
They posted this video in July, I took Amtrak from Washington, DC to Florida in August. They did not have the dining car service. Maybe that is something reserved for passengers who purchased rooms. Or, maybe it depends on which corridor you are traveling. It was not on the Northeast corridor. I was very disappointed.
You all have a nice channel. LOL, years ago, the dining tables sported starched white fabric table clothes and napkins for every meal. Still, it’s good to know the dining car is back. I heard that the reason the dining car was eliminated was that young people didn’t like sharing a table with strangers. Back in the starched linen days, one elderly lady, that was seated at our table was a genuine Sooner, who participated in the Oklahoma land rush. Listening to her stories was pretty thrilling! Remember the old saying: “A stranger is friend you haven’t met yet.”
I recently watched a video of the horrible food that was served on Amtrak during the pandemic. I’m really happy to see the food service done well! Someday, I hope to take a trip on the train. Thanks for your video!
Oh my goodness. Seeing the actual meals now available on the Western routes makes me want to book a trip. This is such a big plus. Thanks for the info and visuals, y’all.
I've never traveled by train and I've been looking into it for the experience. Thank you for your review. Food is an important part of travel to me, so it's nice to see they have brought back full service dining!
Allie, you and Rob are great together. You both can choose food from the menu for each other and you explain to us, very thoroughly how to order etc.. I’m new at train travel and you guys help very much on what to do and what to expect. Thanks very much for this and keep up your good work. You and Rob.
Thanks! For some reason we had over an hour there, many people went to a local grocery store, but we had plenty so we just toured the Amtrak station there!
So excited to hear that sit down, served dining with real china and silverware is back! And to hear your review! I have always loved train travel and can't wait for my next trip.
Glad to see the traditional long-distance dining car is back! Makes the cost of a room or roomette more palatable as meals are included (still?) Prices for coach passengers, when this amenity was available to them, were outrageous - like airport eateries.
W0W! Thanks for this, everything I wanted to know, Starbucks??? Food looks awesome! and this vid is the best! lunch looked fantastic! and its cool to see you two talking next to the window landscape moving by! Lobster Crab Cake??? WOW! Great menu! Go Rob!
Thank you for your videos! I just did the California Zephyr, Empire builder and the coastal starlight back to back! Your videos were really helpful in helping me plan my vacation.
Travelling on the Zephyr in August - Can't wait! This all looks so yummy!! Glad they have gone back to Traditional Dining and all these Amtrack people are back to work - It's a challenge to prepare all this on a train I'm sure, takes some skils!!
Have fun! I was supposed to go on my first Amtrak train ride on the Coast starlight today, but it got cancelled because of the wildfires. I had planned this since the beginning of the year, so it was disappointing. But I plan to rebook it sometime. Have fun on the Zephyr and be safe!
@@Friends46488 - I did it last weekend. I was disappointed that it was cancelled north of Sacramento. I ended up taking the trip to Emeryville, since I already had flights out to California and hotels booked. It ended up being just a 12 hour trip, so I didn’t get to sleep overnight, but it was still a good experience.
It's good food! We are supposed to be on the Coast Starlight in a few weeks also, I think we are just going to get off in Emeryville as well, which is before the bridge that is out.
I travelled on Southwest Chief last week to and from Chicago. Only the roomed passengers had access to the restaurant car. So sad. That’s the best part of train travel!
New sub here and enjoying the info. Took train from New Orleans to Los Angeles when I was 10. Just retired and planning on doing Jacksonville to Miami soon. Looking forward to riding Amtrak again. You 2 are a nice looking happy couple👍🏿
I made the mistake of watching this video at 4am. I'm just starting to travel more outside of Chicago and it's suburbs. So I've been watching alot of different travelling videos such as your videos descibing the sleeping arrangements on a train. And I tapped the video thinking "It's a train. It's food is probably ehhhh". But you guys are eating like KINGS. Now I can't wait for breakfast in a few hours. I think I've found another reason to travel by train...
So pleased that traditional dining has returned! I hope it will eventually return to the Atlantic Coast trains too. Very disappointed with the current situation of the *heat and eat* dining for sleeper car passengers. I always order the steak for dinner! My tipping guideline has always been $5 USD pp for breakfast and also lunch, and $10 pp at dinner. I always tip the porter when I board the train, and then again at the end of my journey. The Amtrak crew are very hardworking and also many are railfans as well! Thank you for sharing your onboard dining experience!
I am So Glad that I Found Your Channel! I Subscribed.... I think that You Are Such an Adorable Couple!! I Enjoyed Your Documentary!!! Happy Travels!🙏💗✌🙋😋
I have panic disorder and severe anxiety. I will going on my first trip with Amtrak because I will be moving out of state and felt safer traveling on ground. I will have a roomettee for both segments, to help with my anxiety.. watching your videos are helping me prepare and honestly just calm me. Thank you so very much for your videos
Have a great trip!
I think you made a good decision booking with Amtrak. While the train isn't always perfect it is (in my experience) a far more relaxing and stress free way to travel. I have anxiety troubles on planes as well and I have never had any trouble on a long haul train. The privacy of the roomette is really helpful. For me, the ability to choose to either interact with fellow travelers or to be alone really brings down anxiety and stress. I hope you have a great trip
Have a good trip. I will fly but don’t really like flying. I don’t mind the additional time that it takes you to get somewhere on the train. Plus with the airline industry being in disarray rn,the train is probably a better more dependable choice.
For those who feel anxious, I can tell you all as one who feels anxiety on planes and trains, I did the California Zephyr in March for my return back to the West Coast after celebrating my birthday with family. It was the best trip ever! From Chicago to Emeryville. I traveled alone in a roomette and I had my moments, passing thru the Moffet Tunnel, the Continental Divide, I prayed "please no earthquakes now, please" but it was amazing, I just marveled at the sheer engineering it took to blast thru these mountains and the scenery was to die for! I bought my sketching pad and enjoyed hours in the observation car, sketching, drawing, taking pictures, filming. The best gift I gave myself! I encourage everyone do the the California Zephyr, at least once, it is well worth it. I loved it so much that I'm taking my mom for her birthday on the Capital Limited from Chicago to DC, stay in DC overnight, and then DC to Newark in first class in November! And yes, I upgraded to the one bedroom so I'm very excited! I researched for months, watched this channel countless times, told everyone I know how terrified I felt and yes I was terrified! But I arrived in Emeryville, 51 hours later and on time! I would have kissed the ground but I didn't.😂😭🤣Thanks to all the great information here on this channel, my trip was very memorable!
Take a smoke in the bathroom. That will calm you.
For dinner, the tablecloths and flowers are back! and real platwes and silverware!
I have flown everywhere since I was 18. Now at age 53 I've taken Amtrak for the 1st time last month and I loved it. This will be my preferred way to travel for now on
Awesome!
If you love trains, then you'll love highspeed bullet trains and maglev super train technology. The far more advanced countries of the far east and Europe, these modern marvels of transportation can get you from place to place in no time at all. With a maglev super train, you could board in Washington DC and be in your office in New York city in an hour or less. Try that in your car or in the slow and lethargic american trains called Amtrak. A maglev can travel at speeds of up to 375mph, the next best thing to flying. Unfortunately the mighty United States of America is to busy throwing billions and billions of dollars into space rather than trying to improve infrastructure. Highspeed bullet trains and maglev super train technology, the new american dream....
Hi. I've been flying since I was 12 or 13 & I'm turning to 59 soon ,but I still love flying !! Lol. Although traveling by train is my no.1 way because I get to see the sceneries/ views of different places. I'm originally from Tokyo, so you can imagine how I love train rides & our fast speed trains ( been around since 1964 ( invented in late 1950s !! ) all of my life !! We're spoiled by them ,especially Shinkansen ( bullet trains ) So,it is very hard for me to compare the U.S train systems & AMTRAK to ours ,as no comparison !! Ours is the best in the world .But I still enjoy Amtrak rides !! I highly recommend their Surfrider .San Diego is fun & beautiful !! Dining in the Little Italy won't disappoint !! I have visited there & dinned ,one of the best Italian dishes I've ever had if not the very best !! And looking forward to do long distance ,cross-country travels by Amtrak !! I am planning to doing that in the very near future with my mom !!! 💜🥁🐉🎤🎶🚈💕💞
This woman is so very nice, and her eyes are so warm and honest.
Speaking from someone very familiar with Amtrak travel and especially the traditional dining car experience (smartest thing they did by bringing it back), the two of you did an outstanding job of presenting that experience and explaining how it works. Keep up the fantastic videos.
Oh my god!!! The Amtrack French toast is back. I took the train 2 years ago and it wasn’t offered Glory be!!
Haha, yes it was good!
I've taken several train rides, but that was when my beloved was alive, and not since then.
Now my youngest wants to go see his grandma in San Francisco, and we're planning on going around the end of the year. Your videos are turning out to be invaluable! I hadn't thought of looking for reviews of the sleeper cabins until they suddenly appeared in my RUclips feed.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
You've made this family just amazingly calm and actually looking forward to a trip that was getting to be anxiety producing.
Really glad to hear it, thanks for watching!
Planning on taking train trips in the future and have been doing my "homework". Your videos have been VERY helpful. The meals looked wonderful!
Happy to help!
Right ! I agree so good
I took this train ride from Cali to Washington & it was soooo amazing! The dining experience was fantastic. Very elegant & delicious. We had an option to share a table with others & I wasn’t sure about that, but it turned out to be a wonderful experience.( comparing this to airline travel- the train is the BEST way to go!) My favorite part was riding in the observation car.. it was Autumn & the scenery was simply breathtaking! Golden aspens, crystal clear water & even wildlife( deers & I saw a bear). Also you meet so many interesting people(I was traveling alone). There was a Bistro car, u could get coffee & donuts, etc.( I can’t remember what all). It was fun to walk around & move during traveling. The staff were very courteous & helpful & professional.I had an older seating area, but it was FABULOUS! It was like sitting in my living room! The seats were very cushy & roomy & comfortable. The windows were huge & perfect for sightseeing. Plus there was plenty of privacy… Riding on the train was very calming & relaxing. I don’t know much about the bathroom facilities. But everything was very clean, that I saw! WAY, WAY, WAY beats flying or driving! An all over EXCELLENT experience!
Thanks for sharing your story!
That baked potato and chili looked bomb
It's about time real meals came back!
Lovely video. It was very informative.
You look like you are having a great time as you travel.😊
I love Amtrak. My first experience, I traveled to boot camp in the Army. It was fantastic. The food, sleeper cars, and service were phenomenal. That was many years ago. I cannot wait to do it again.
That's awesome
You make the best Amtrak Videos. Thanks for informing us
Glad you like them! Thanks!
Two things:
1) I've said this before, but you two are so adorable.
2) Thanks. I'm on the Zephyr in Nov and I was getting nervous about the microwave meals. But, this looks so much better. I'm already craving that train french toast!
Thank you! You'll love the Zephyr! We would love to go that time of year.
As memory serves Santa Fe historically served a very tasty French Toast on the Super Chief and likely also on the El Capitan (the double decker coach train that followed the Super Chief).
@@chriscorr7173
The Cityof New Orleans on the Illinois Central was famous for its French toast.
I’m glad Amtrak is returning the Traditional Dining Car. I am a former Amtrak Employee. I worked for Amtrak from October 1995 until November 2002. As an Onboard Service Attendant. I started working on AutoTrain then transferred to Washington DC. When I started on AutoTrain they were transitioning from the older Heritage single level equipment to the BiLevel Superliner Equipment. Sleepers and sleeper Diner was already Superliner and Coach was still the older equipment and it still had the dome car as well as the Buffet Car.
They are a cute couple and I always find them entertaining. This video and they way she read every detail on the menu made me laugh like it was a 5-star restaurant
Thanks! Great Video! The food looked amazing.
Thanks for watching!
I have a happy memory as a kid with my little brother eating in a dining car on a train in Europe. They served peas with the dinner but the train was rocking and peas were rolling all over our table. We got in trouble for laughing so loud but then the well dressed gentleman across from us started laughing too, Lol.
I look forward to traveling on Amtrak out west now but don't serve peas! 🤣
Thanks for sharing your story!
This made me laugh. 😂😂😂
I rode the SantaFE from Gallop New Mexico to Topeka, Kansas. two and 1/2 day trip. The dining car had a small kitchen at one end and then full size tables the rest of the way to the end of the car.
Very Cool!
Reminds me of a trip we did over 25 years ago. The food was great, the service was great, but best of all was the shared tables. The staff tried to make sure you shared with different people at each meal. For us tourists it was a great opportunity to meet a cross section of American life.
Thanks for sharing!
Rob and Allie, I can't thank you enough for your entertaining and informative videos. My wife and I took the Coast Starlight from LA to Oakland. We really enjoyed the dining experience, but then, the pandemic hit. On our next two trips, it was pre-packaged microwaved food. The difference is fast food vs. a fine steakhouse! We're planning a 5-day, 4-night train trip from LA to Tampa one week before Thanksgiving. We're absolutely thrilled that the Chief has brought back traditional dining! I don't know if the Capital Limited has reinstated traditional dining, but as I understand it, the Silver service trains (NY to Miami) are continuing their pre-packaged heat-n-serve meals for the foreseeable future.
I don't think the Capitol Limited will have it now, we are getting on that in a few days, but you never know for later in the year!
Hi Rob and Allie. I get so excited when you post new videos to your channel. Your videos are so informative. Thanks for taking us along to check out the traditional dining. The food looked delicious! Happy travels!
Thank you! It was really good food!
Oh my goodness, found your ‘channel’ and it’s helping calm my nerves about my first trip NY to Chicago. This has been eye opening. 💡
I'm so glad! and have fun on your trip!
We absolutely love you two! Thanks to you we planned a two week trip from SF, to Niagara Falls, to NYC, to Boston (Martha's Vineyard) to Washington DC. Wish us luck...it will be our first time traveling by train. I plan on vlogging on it hopefully. Thanks for your inspiration.
Have a great trip!
Hope you're booked on the Zephyr....fabulous trip...I should know, I've done it four times.
@@patriciachamberlain9395 Wow! Yes we are :-)
@@GroundedLifeTravel SOUNDS LIKE FUN. ENJOY.
I'm doing the same thing and I also suffer from extreme anxiety and these videos have helped me I'll be going on my first train ride and leaving my State for the first time on Sunday going from Louisiana to Washington
I was a server on Amtrak dining car. Hardest job I ever had the hours are crazy and physically it’s so hard on the body. Be generous with your tips…it makes the servers day.
It does look like a really hard job to us
It looks like they really upped their dining game from the last time I took Amtrak -- and that was before the pandemic. Really looking forward to taking a train for my vacation next year.
They don’t let coach passengers eat in the dining car.
Lots of food in the orders. Looks great!
It was!
I've usually enjoyed sharing train tables. I have met some very interesting people that way. Also, if you don't hit it off, you know it's a meal of limited duration. The food looks good; I did have good meals a few years ago on the Crescent. Looking forward to retirement when I hope to take a few months and just ride trains around the US.
On our ride nobody sat together, but we all ended up talking to each other from different tables, so it was really nice.
This video made me so hungry!! Awesome video!!
Thank you 😋
I used to take Amtrak from Penn Station in NYC to West Palm Beach several times a year. Loved it. I always met the most interesting people. Thanks for bringing back some great memories.
Thanks for sharing!
Do u travel alone?im thinking of taking train from Fla to Boston …
Loved y'all 😍 videos. Can’t wait to take our trip. My sister & I, from Chicago to Seattle in May 16-20 2022.
This has been on my bucket list for years. The videos provided so much information which will be important in planning a solo vacation. Really looking forward to enjoying a sleeper car for my trip. The menu really makes it easy to select appropriate dietary choices
Glad it was helpful!
@@GroundedLifeTravel I enjoyed watching you show the rooms but mostly the dining and the menu .
I like the down-to-earth style you have here on this channel , none of the shenanigans of some of the other travel ones where people are showing off and flirting with the camera .
So many options, glad you guys had a nice trip good video
I just discovered your channel yesterday! I shall live vicariously through your many Amtrak trips! I’m located in Orange County, CA maybe 5 minute drive from two Amtrak trains, Pacific Surfliner and I believe Southwest Chief that runs all the way to Chicago. I thought about going on the cheap and coaching it from Orange County to Chicago since it’s just me but many people are like nooooo that’s way too long on coach, you need a roomette. So for now I’m content doing a scenic day trip to San Diego or Santa Barbara. Luckily you can’t go wrong if you live in California.
Amtrak done stepped up!
This food was pretty good!
@@GroundedLifeTravel I think I might do Amtrak jus cuz lmao
Thank you so much for these videos!
New subscriber here and enjoying your info :)
Doing my first “long” Amtrak travel in roomette this Nov, from NY to CA!
So excited!! These videos are so helpful!
Taking our first cross country trip on Amtrak tomorrow. Very Stoked! Thanks for your great previews.
Flagstaff, Here we come!!
I'm so glad traditional dining has returned. It has been part of the luxury of train travel. I can hardly wait for my next trip.
Hope you enjoy it!
My screen is dripping..with my mouth watering. Bless you Amtrak for bringing this back!
My wife and I are taking our first Amtrak trip on the California Zephyr from Sacramento to Chicago for our fiftieth wedding anniversary. We actually will be celebrating while on the train. Your videos are very helpful, as we prepare. I wondered what the appropriate tipping is for the car attendant and dining. Take care.
Thanks for sharing. I've watched a few of your videos and got excited. I love trains and haven't been on one in years.
Thanks for watching!
I traveled Amtrak from San Antonio tx to Tucson Arizona. Omg the views on the observation car is beautiful. You get to see scenes you would never see in a vehicle. I loved it would like to ride again!
Sounds like you had an awesome trip, those cars are great
I love that you knew what he was going to order for every meal!
Thanks love this news. You both looked happy so good to see us all coming back to normal. Safe and fun travels.
Thank you
You do a great job of these videos
Thanks!
Thank you for your positive review. It’s great to see AMTRAK finally serving real food.
Thanks for watching!
"...finally serving real food" AGAIN! Dining facilities were closed down due to COVID.
@@mrc6182 all trains now have dinning cars except for 1 train and most trains still serve flexible meals for the sleeper passengers and a few trains have the tradional dinning meals. Both of those meals are only for sleeper passengers for now.
Holy tamales! Dessert available for lunch and dinner? You know what they say: “Once on the lips, forever on the hips!” 😜🤓
Fun video. Thank you.
Always wanted to do a train vacation. Your videos seam to help prepare me for what to bring and what to expect. Thanks keep up the great work
Glad they were helpful!
Thx again. Wonderful to experience this with you. I was wondering about the price so thx for including that at the end of your video
You are welcome
I use to ride the train with my grandma so I like to watch these videos. I want to get on a train myself one day.
Thanks for watching!
I'm going to be taking a trip to the east coast soon and I personally am enjoying these videos the chicken sausage looks delicious 😋
Hope you enjoy
I love your channel ! I am guessing it popped up because I enjoy the cruising videos. I don't usually travel by train but it is fun watching you both.
Thanks we appreciate you watching!
The sunset behind you was gorgeous
It was pretty!
Your content is by far the best and most helpful. thanks
Thank you so much!
You can get up and walk around if the roomettes are too small for you. It is great to share the cost of the roomette. Meals are included.
Absolutely!!
Love your videos! My wife and I have reservations on the Amtrak California Zephyr for later next year and have never taken an overnight train ride before. It was one of those things on our bucket list so we are very excited! You have helped answer a lot of questions we had and ones we didn't know we had lol! Thank you. Keep the videos coming!!
Have fun!
WoW!!! Everything looked delicious!!!
It was!
You guys are a great couple, appreciate your work and guidance. My wife and I just experienced the roomette on capital, DC to Chicago and started from Berlin, Connecticut , business class to DC. Now on long road trip(rented Avis car from Chicago) across country to LA to visit daughter. Next week will travel Amtrak South West Chief in bedroom to Chicago, capital in roomette to DC and last New England train, business class home to Berlin, CT Station. Ten minute car ride back home. Car parked at Berlin train station is only $2.00 per day. So far a great trip. Not sure about Soutwest chief full dining meal? Just received email about selecting what seemed like covid meal selections which we got on the Capital run the other day. Either way a great trip. Thanks again , your suggestions really helped us have a pleasant trip.
Yummy! Great Amtrak Dining review! Thank you!
Thanks for watching!
I'm sooo excited for the return to traditional dining!!! Have been holding off on making my fall reservations until I knew it was back. I'm not spending 3 days eating microwaved deli food. Rob & I are culinary kindred spirits. 😁
Agreed who wants microwaved meals on a train?!
Awesome! and glad to hear it! Plan the west coast and cross country routes and you'll get the traditional dining!
Amen!
Great video, thinking of taking a train ride for spring break. Your laugh/giggle is 😂 super cute. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Thanks for watching!
Holy smokes! That was a LOT of food. I would have had to go back to bed after those meals...or run up and down the train to work it off. All looks delicious.
They really suffer for us, don't they ;-)
Glad to see the Dinning Car come back. The guy who ran Amtrak (into the ground) under Il Douchebag was an airline exec.
Miss the 'coffee urns' in the mid sections of the sleeper cars.
The current CEO was also an airline executive. Your point?
This is a huge upgrade from the sad microwave meals in the other videos. Looks yummy.
We enjoyed them!
@@GroundedLifeTravel Had to be about the best microwave food. Obviously there was lots of research and testing on what would work given the circumstances.
I hear the amrak food is much better now [on the long runs],not like hospital/airline food any more
They posted this video in July, I took Amtrak from Washington, DC to Florida in August. They did not have the dining car service. Maybe that is something reserved for passengers who purchased rooms. Or, maybe it depends on which corridor you are traveling. It was not on the Northeast corridor. I was very disappointed.
It is only on routes west of Chicago right now, long distance ones.
You all have a nice channel. LOL, years ago, the dining tables sported starched white fabric table clothes and napkins for every meal. Still, it’s good to know the dining car is back.
I heard that the reason the dining car was eliminated was that young people didn’t like sharing a table with strangers.
Back in the starched linen days, one elderly lady, that was seated at our table was a genuine Sooner, who participated in the Oklahoma land rush. Listening to her stories was pretty thrilling!
Remember the old saying: “A stranger is friend you haven’t met yet.”
Thanks for sharing your story!
I recently watched a video of the horrible food that was served on Amtrak during the pandemic. I’m really happy to see the food service done well! Someday, I hope to take a trip on the train. Thanks for your video!
Our pleasure!
Oh my goodness. Seeing the actual meals now available on the Western routes makes me want to book a trip. This is such a big plus. Thanks for the info and visuals, y’all.
You are welcome
That was fun, thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
O wow! So glad the dinner cart has returned! The food looks great!
I want to travel by train one day soon, thank you for the information.
You are welcome and thanks for watching!
I've never traveled by train and I've been looking into it for the experience. Thank you for your review. Food is an important part of travel to me, so it's nice to see they have brought back full service dining!
Glad it was helpful!
Allie, you and Rob are great together. You both can choose food from the menu for each other and you explain to us, very thoroughly how to order etc.. I’m new at train travel and you guys help very much on what to do and what to expect. Thanks very much for this and keep up your good work. You and Rob.
Love the shot of your break in Albuquerque. Nice touch!
Thanks! For some reason we had over an hour there, many people went to a local grocery store, but we had plenty so we just toured the Amtrak station there!
Thank you for such an informative video. Love y'all
Thank you
Yay! Traditional dining is a huge improvement.
Oh yeah ... Good to see food services back. Annnnd sounding even better. Great info, Thank you!
It is great to have it back!
So excited to hear that sit down, served dining with real china and silverware is back! And to hear your review! I have always loved train travel and can't wait for my next trip.
Hope you enjoy it!
Looking forward to trying the train. Thanks for your video
Glad to see the traditional long-distance dining car is back! Makes the cost of a room or roomette more palatable as meals are included (still?) Prices for coach passengers, when this amenity was available to them, were outrageous - like airport eateries.
Thank you so much!!! VERY HELPFUL
Amtrak carrot cake was always the bomb. Im so glad they brought it back. Thank you for sharing!
You are welcome!
I'm with your husband. I prefer my morning caffeine cold as well 👍
W0W! Thanks for this, everything I wanted to know, Starbucks??? Food looks awesome! and this vid is the best! lunch looked fantastic! and its cool to see you two talking next to the window landscape moving by! Lobster Crab Cake??? WOW! Great menu! Go Rob!
Thanks so much, we loved eating dinner while watching the sun set in Arizona!
Good lord, the food options/varieties are very nice 👌🏽
They are!
Thank you for your videos! I just did the California Zephyr, Empire builder and the coastal starlight back to back! Your videos were really helpful in helping me plan my vacation.
That's awesome! Sounds like an amazing trip!
Very helpful for planning a fall rail trip overnight with dining meal service.
Glad it was helpful!
Travelling on the Zephyr in August - Can't wait! This all looks so yummy!! Glad they have gone back to Traditional Dining and all these Amtrack people are back to work - It's a challenge to prepare all this on a train I'm sure, takes some skils!!
So are we! When are you going? We leave on the 23rd.
Have fun! I was supposed to go on my first Amtrak train ride on the Coast starlight today, but it got cancelled because of the wildfires. I had planned this since the beginning of the year, so it was disappointing. But I plan to rebook it sometime. Have fun on the Zephyr and be safe!
@@Friends46488 How disappointing! I know I would be devastated to have all this planning cancel at the last minute.
@@Friends46488 - I did it last weekend. I was disappointed that it was cancelled north of Sacramento. I ended up taking the trip to Emeryville, since I already had flights out to California and hotels booked.
It ended up being just a 12 hour trip, so I didn’t get to sleep overnight, but it was still a good experience.
It's good food! We are supposed to be on the Coast Starlight in a few weeks also, I think we are just going to get off in Emeryville as well, which is before the bridge that is out.
That burger! Oh my!
You two are just amazing!🥰 This video was thoughtful done, so much so that I was picking out my meal choices right along with you!😄
Thanks so much! We really appreciate you watching!
Knowing Rob it’s so funny to guess his order
Haha, yes!
Now that's what I'm talking bout! That looks delicious and soooo much better than that other service.
It was!
I travelled on Southwest Chief last week to and from Chicago. Only the roomed passengers had access to the restaurant car. So sad. That’s the best part of train travel!
Yes, that is the way it is right now on all of them
New sub here and enjoying the info. Took train from New Orleans to Los Angeles when I was 10. Just retired and planning on doing Jacksonville to Miami soon. Looking forward to riding Amtrak again. You 2 are a nice looking happy couple👍🏿
Thanks and welcome!
Ok but be prepared for microwave food from Jacksonville to Miami.
P..S. You should bring a sub from
Publix.
Thanks for the advise and I will definitely be prepared😄👍🏿
That Jax to Miami trip is almost 3 days one way by train.
I made the mistake of watching this video at 4am. I'm just starting to travel more outside of Chicago and it's suburbs. So I've been watching alot of different travelling videos such as your videos descibing the sleeping arrangements on a train. And I tapped the video thinking "It's a train. It's food is probably ehhhh". But you guys are eating like KINGS. Now I can't wait for breakfast in a few hours. I think I've found another reason to travel by train...
Thank you! Hope you didn't get too hungry!
I can't wait to plan my trip. You are both a good influence. 🤗💙💖💚💜
Thank you!
Love your channel. You and your husband are delightful people.
Thank you!
So pleased that traditional dining has returned! I hope it will eventually return to the Atlantic Coast trains too. Very disappointed with the current situation of the *heat and eat* dining for sleeper car passengers. I always order the steak for dinner! My tipping guideline has always been $5 USD pp for breakfast and also lunch, and $10 pp at dinner. I always tip the porter when I board the train, and then again at the end of my journey. The Amtrak crew are very hardworking and also many are railfans as well! Thank you for sharing your onboard dining experience!
Thanks for your input and tipping info!
I am So Glad that I Found Your Channel! I Subscribed.... I think that You Are Such an Adorable Couple!!
I Enjoyed Your Documentary!!!
Happy Travels!🙏💗✌🙋😋
Thanks!