Watching Ming Tsai on Create TV and I'm blown away by the train food.
This is real cooking! I've been wanting to take the train across
Canada and this episode is pushing me to do it.
https://www.ming.com/simply-ming/epi...-in-canada.htm
The salmon and lamb recipes looked outstanding.

--
A kitchen without a cook is just a room.

"sf" > wrote in message
...
> Watching Ming Tsai on Create TV and I'm blown away by the train food.
> This is real cooking! I've been wanting to take the train across
> Canada and this episode is pushing me to do it.
> https://www.ming.com/simply-ming/epi...-in-canada.htm
> The salmon and lamb recipes looked outstanding.

I'm glad you can afford it. It's very expensive to take the train.

sf wrote:
>
> On Fri, 26 Dec 2014 16:51:39 -0800, "Julie Bove"
> > wrote:
>
> >
> > "sf" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > Watching Ming Tsai on Create TV and I'm blown away by the train food.
> > > This is real cooking! I've been wanting to take the train across
> > > Canada and this episode is pushing me to do it.
> > > https://www.ming.com/simply-ming/epi...-in-canada.htm
> > > The salmon and lamb recipes looked outstanding.
> >
> > I'm glad you can afford it. It's very expensive to take the train.
>
> You only live once. Looks like that train's routes are limited to
> British Columbia, but there's a terminal in Seattle. That's a win,
> IMO. They also have packages that combine train travel with a cruise.
> Win-win.

The Alaska train trip is also a good one to consider.

On 2014-12-26 7:35 PM, sf wrote:
> Watching Ming Tsai on Create TV and I'm blown away by the train food.
> This is real cooking! I've been wanting to take the train across
> Canada and this episode is pushing me to do it.
> https://www.ming.com/simply-ming/epi...-in-canada.htm
> The salmon and lamb recipes looked outstanding.
>


I hope things have improved since we took the trip from Calgary to
Vancouver about 30 years ago. The train was an hour late leaving
Calgary. We had lunch about the time we went through Banff. The daily
special was a hamburger with pea soup and potato chips. The pea soup
was just canned Habitant pea soup and it was watered down. There were
no chips with it so I asked.... they were out of chips.... first meal
after sitting in the station for two hours in the biggest city that
train had been through in two days.

The porter came by at 4 pm asking if we wanted a reservation for the
fifth and final seating at 10 pm. We had a 6 year old with us so that
was out of the question. We went to the vending machines and had stale
sandwiches.

We went for breakfast at 6 am. My son wanted the continental breakfast,
orange juice, tea and a muffin. The waiter came by and slide a couple of
pieces of toast in front of him and kept going. Later on I asked what
happened with the muffin and was told in a snarky tone "We're out of
muffins. I gave him toast."


That was 30 years ago and there is a chance that they may have improved
the dining on the train in that time. However, the scenery is amazing.
Someone told us that we missed some of the most scenic sights because
it would have been dark at the time were were there, but I can't imagine
it being any better. It is interesting to see the different mountain
ranges and individual characteristics.

On Sat, 27 Dec 2014 11:09:00 -0500, Gary > wrote:

> sf wrote:
> >
> > On Fri, 26 Dec 2014 16:51:39 -0800, "Julie Bove"
> > > wrote:
> >
> > >
> > > "sf" > wrote in message
> > > ...
> > > > Watching Ming Tsai on Create TV and I'm blown away by the train food.
> > > > This is real cooking! I've been wanting to take the train across
> > > > Canada and this episode is pushing me to do it.
> > > > https://www.ming.com/simply-ming/epi...-in-canada.htm
> > > > The salmon and lamb recipes looked outstanding.
> > >
> > > I'm glad you can afford it. It's very expensive to take the train.
> >
> > You only live once. Looks like that train's routes are limited to
> > British Columbia, but there's a terminal in Seattle. That's a win,
> > IMO. They also have packages that combine train travel with a cruise.
> > Win-win.
>
> The Alaska train trip is also a good one to consider.

Thanks, that's food for thought too! Do you know anything about
what's served on the train?

--
A kitchen without a cook is just a room.

On 2014-12-27, Dave Smith > wrote:

> That was 30 years ago and there is a chance that they may have improved
> the dining on the train in that time. However, the scenery is amazing.

Trains are a hoot. Trains are quite cheap. Amtrak's California
Zephyr is an old friend and now, even cheaper. Now that I qualify for
senior discount, I can go from Denver to SFBA for as little as $115US,
round trip.

Sure, the trains are unreliable, time-wise, making huge stops in the
middle of nowhere to let much better paying freight trains have their
way. Crews can be particularly annoying. I've only experienced one
bad crew. All the rest were very accommodating. The coach food is
pretty bad, but the dining car is open to anyone. I always went for
breakfast and supper. If you have a room(ette), 3 meals per day are
included. The meals keep getting cheaper (disposable plates, etc),
but still taste pretty good. Usually a salmon meal and the wine is
decent.

But, yes! The scenery is great and you get to watch it without
distraction. The last time I traveled by train, there were only about
a dozen ppl in my car. Talk about room to spare. Where knee-cap room
is meaured in inches on the last plane I flew, the leg room on my
coach train car was measured in feet!

Trains rock!

nb

On Sat, 27 Dec 2014 12:26:34 -0500, Dave Smith
> wrote:

>On 2014-12-26 7:35 PM, sf wrote:
>> Watching Ming Tsai on Create TV and I'm blown away by the train food.
>> This is real cooking! I've been wanting to take the train across
>> Canada and this episode is pushing me to do it.
>> https://www.ming.com/simply-ming/epi...-in-canada.htm
>> The salmon and lamb recipes looked outstanding.
>>
>
>
>I hope things have improved since we took the trip from Calgary to
>Vancouver about 30 years ago. The train was an hour late leaving
>Calgary. We had lunch about the time we went through Banff. The daily
>special was a hamburger with pea soup and potato chips. The pea soup
>was just canned Habitant pea soup and it was watered down. There were
>no chips with it so I asked.... they were out of chips.... first meal
>after sitting in the station for two hours in the biggest city that
>train had been through in two days.
>
>The porter came by at 4 pm asking if we wanted a reservation for the
>fifth and final seating at 10 pm. We had a 6 year old with us so that
>was out of the question. We went to the vending machines and had stale
>sandwiches.
>
>We went for breakfast at 6 am. My son wanted the continental breakfast,
>orange juice, tea and a muffin. The waiter came by and slide a couple of
>pieces of toast in front of him and kept going. Later on I asked what
>happened with the muffin and was told in a snarky tone "We're out of
>muffins. I gave him toast."
>
>
>That was 30 years ago and there is a chance that they may have improved
>the dining on the train in that time. However, the scenery is amazing.
> Someone told us that we missed some of the most scenic sights because
>it would have been dark at the time were were there, but I can't imagine
>it being any better. It is interesting to see the different mountain
>ranges and individual characteristics.

The scenery is just one reason it's far better to drive across Canada,
you miss 90% going by rail, half the time it's too dark to see and the
train actually takes the *least* scenic route... the choice of eaterys
in the larger cities is fabulous... can dine in the Peg for a month
and never tire of the chow, Toronto is no slouch in the viands
department either... and if one motors all the way up into the
Canadian Rockies the food is to die for. Motoring is the way to go...
taking the train is a total waste of ones time, then it's far better
off to fly across. I took the train, once... the dining experience is
only a baby step up from airplane food... I rented a car and drove
back. It's a long drive across Canada coast to coast but that's the
only way to experience and appreciate the vastness of Canada. If one
just has to see what it's like by rail there are many videos on line
that actually show what you'll miss going by rail.
http://www.viarail.ca/en/explore-our...ouver-canadian
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0o6thZoowI
http://www.train-canada.net/

On Sat, 27 Dec 2014 12:26:34 -0500, Dave Smith
> wrote:

> That was 30 years ago and there is a chance that they may have improved
> the dining on the train in that time. However, the scenery is amazing.
> Someone told us that we missed some of the most scenic sights because
> it would have been dark at the time were were there, but I can't imagine
> it being any better. It is interesting to see the different mountain
> ranges and individual characteristics.

That particular train is limited mainly to BC, but it has 3 levels of
service. Their "red leaf" service sounds more in keeping with what
you got on your cross country trip. Ming was probably cooking for the
Gold Leaf service. Not sure what the fine differences between Gold
and Silver service are yet, haven't gotten into it that deeply. Gary
distracted me with Alaska.

--
A kitchen without a cook is just a room.

On 12/27/2014 2:38 PM, sf wrote:
> On Sat, 27 Dec 2014 12:26:34 -0500, Dave Smith
> > wrote:
>
>> That was 30 years ago and there is a chance that they may have improved
>> the dining on the train in that time. However, the scenery is amazing.
>> Someone told us that we missed some of the most scenic sights because
>> it would have been dark at the time were were there, but I can't imagine
>> it being any better. It is interesting to see the different mountain
>> ranges and individual characteristics.
>
> That particular train is limited mainly to BC, but it has 3 levels of
> service. Their "red leaf" service sounds more in keeping with what
> you got on your cross country trip. Ming was probably cooking for the
> Gold Leaf service. Not sure what the fine differences between Gold
> and Silver service are yet, haven't gotten into it that deeply. Gary
> distracted me with Alaska.
>
Damn him! LOL

I've always wanted to travel by train. Of course I have a highly
romanticized notion of train travel from old movies. I doubt a ride
on Amtrak (there was an Amtrak station in Memphis) would live up to my
dreams. The link you posted sounds more like it.

Jill

On 27/12/2014 7:27 AM, sf wrote:
> On Fri, 26 Dec 2014 16:51:39 -0800, "Julie Bove"
> > wrote:
>
>>
>> "sf" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> Watching Ming Tsai on Create TV and I'm blown away by the train food.
>>> This is real cooking! I've been wanting to take the train across
>>> Canada and this episode is pushing me to do it.
>>> https://www.ming.com/simply-ming/epi...-in-canada.htm
>>> The salmon and lamb recipes looked outstanding.
>>
>> I'm glad you can afford it. It's very expensive to take the train.
>
> You only live once. Looks like that train's routes are limited to
> British Columbia, but there's a terminal in Seattle. That's a win,
> IMO. They also have packages that combine train travel with a cruise.
> Win-win.
>
Two friends did the train+cruise, which is the northerly of the two
routes. They boarded the train in Jasper and they found that route boring.
Graham

On Saturday, December 27, 2014 8:27:53 AM UTC-6, sf wrote:
> On Fri, 26 Dec 2014 16:51:39 -0800, "Julie Bove"
> > wrote:
>
> >
> > "sf" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > Watching Ming Tsai on Create TV and I'm blown away by the train food.
> > > This is real cooking! I've been wanting to take the train across
> > > Canada and this episode is pushing me to do it.
> > > https://www.ming.com/simply-ming/epi...-in-canada.htm
> > > The salmon and lamb recipes looked outstanding.
> >
> > I'm glad you can afford it. It's very expensive to take the train.
>
> You only live once. Looks like that train's routes are limited to
> British Columbia, but there's a terminal in Seattle. That's a win,
> IMO. They also have packages that combine train travel with a cruise.
> Win-win.
>
I took a few minutes and put together a trip that would cost <$1700,
exclusive of off-train accommodations, food and entertainment. The
scenery on this example trip is really nice.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/361781...ream/lightbox/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/361781...ream/lightbox/

First class Amtrak is expensive, but it is the funnest way to travel.

--Bryan

On Saturday, December 27, 2014 12:06:05 PM UTC-6, sf wrote:
> On Sat, 27 Dec 2014 11:09:00 -0500, Gary > wrote:
>
> > sf wrote:
> > >
> > > On Fri, 26 Dec 2014 16:51:39 -0800, "Julie Bove"
> > > > wrote:
> > >
> > > >
> > > > "sf" > wrote in message
> > > > ...
> > > > > Watching Ming Tsai on Create TV and I'm blown away by the train food.
> > > > > This is real cooking! I've been wanting to take the train across
> > > > > Canada and this episode is pushing me to do it.
> > > > > https://www.ming.com/simply-ming/epi...-in-canada.htm
> > > > > The salmon and lamb recipes looked outstanding.
> > > >
> > > > I'm glad you can afford it. It's very expensive to take the train.
> > >
> > > You only live once. Looks like that train's routes are limited to
> > > British Columbia, but there's a terminal in Seattle. That's a win,
> > > IMO. They also have packages that combine train travel with a cruise.
> > > Win-win.
> >
> > The Alaska train trip is also a good one to consider.
>
> Thanks, that's food for thought too! Do you know anything about
> what's served on the train?
>

http://www.amtrak.com/ccurl/571/115/...nd-train,0.pdf

If you have accommodations, the food is free, and you are allowed to bring
your own alcoholic beverages for consumption in-cabin.

--Bryan

"notbob" > wrote in message
...
> On 2014-12-27, Dave Smith > wrote:
>
>> That was 30 years ago and there is a chance that they may have improved
>> the dining on the train in that time. However, the scenery is amazing.
>
> Trains are a hoot. Trains are quite cheap. Amtrak's California
> Zephyr is an old friend and now, even cheaper. Now that I qualify for
> senior discount, I can go from Denver to SFBA for as little as $115US,
> round trip.

This one wasn't cheap when I last looked into it. Wanted to go from Oakland
to Edmonds. Was far cheaper to fly.
>
> Sure, the trains are unreliable, time-wise, making huge stops in the
> middle of nowhere to let much better paying freight trains have their
> way. Crews can be particularly annoying. I've only experienced one
> bad crew. All the rest were very accommodating. The coach food is
> pretty bad, but the dining car is open to anyone. I always went for
> breakfast and supper. If you have a room(ette), 3 meals per day are
> included. The meals keep getting cheaper (disposable plates, etc),
> but still taste pretty good. Usually a salmon meal and the wine is
> decent.

Yes. Would have taken us several days. I did take the train to BC as a
kid. Bought no food though. We brought our own.
>
> But, yes! The scenery is great and you get to watch it without
> distraction. The last time I traveled by train, there were only about
> a dozen ppl in my car. Talk about room to spare. Where knee-cap room
> is meaured in inches on the last plane I flew, the leg room on my
> coach train car was measured in feet!
>
> Trains rock!
>
> nb
>
>

On Saturday, December 27, 2014 2:07:47 PM UTC-6, jmcquown wrote:
> On 12/27/2014 2:38 PM, sf wrote:
> > On Sat, 27 Dec 2014 12:26:34 -0500, Dave Smith
> > > wrote:
> >
> >> That was 30 years ago and there is a chance that they may have improved
> >> the dining on the train in that time. However, the scenery is amazing.
> >> Someone told us that we missed some of the most scenic sights because
> >> it would have been dark at the time were were there, but I can't imagine
> >> it being any better. It is interesting to see the different mountain
> >> ranges and individual characteristics.
> >
> > That particular train is limited mainly to BC, but it has 3 levels of
> > service. Their "red leaf" service sounds more in keeping with what
> > you got on your cross country trip. Ming was probably cooking for the
> > Gold Leaf service. Not sure what the fine differences between Gold
> > and Silver service are yet, haven't gotten into it that deeply. Gary
> > distracted me with Alaska.
> >
> Damn him! LOL
>
> I've always wanted to travel by train. Of course I have a highly
> romanticized notion of train travel from old movies. I doubt a ride
> on Amtrak (there was an Amtrak station in Memphis) would live up to my
> dreams. The link you posted sounds more like it.
>
Amtrak w/ sleepy car, plus lover to share sleepy car. Yeah, it's that good.
"It's fun on the train." --Winter
>
> Jill

--Bryan

On 2014-12-27 1:10 PM, notbob wrote:
> On 2014-12-27, Dave Smith > wrote:
>
>> That was 30 years ago and there is a chance that they may have improved
>> the dining on the train in that time. However, the scenery is amazing.
>
> Trains are a hoot. Trains are quite cheap. Amtrak's California
> Zephyr is an old friend and now, even cheaper. Now that I qualify for
> senior discount, I can go from Denver to SFBA for as little as $115US,
> round trip.
>
> Sure, the trains are unreliable, time-wise, making huge stops in the
> middle of nowhere to let much better paying freight trains have their
> way. Crews can be particularly annoying. I've only experienced one
> bad crew. All the rest were very accommodating. The coach food is
> pretty bad, but the dining car is open to anyone. I always went for
> breakfast and supper. If you have a room(ette), 3 meals per day are
> included. The meals keep getting cheaper (disposable plates, etc),
> but still taste pretty good. Usually a salmon meal and the wine is
> decent.
>
> But, yes! The scenery is great and you get to watch it without
> distraction. The last time I traveled by train, there were only about
> a dozen ppl in my car. Talk about room to spare. Where knee-cap room
> is meaured in inches on the last plane I flew, the leg room on my
> coach train car was measured in feet!
>
> Trains rock!
>
If the service was better, more frequent and a lot more reliable is
would be a viable alternative to buses and planes. It sure was a nice
way to travel through hundreds of miles of mountain ranges. The food
was a major disappointment.

About 20 years ago we did a trip through Europe with a rail pass. We had
15 days of travel and tool advantage of being able to get from just
about anywhere to anywhere at just about any time of day. In France,
Germany and Switzerland the trains ran like clockwork. The food was
good. Italy....not so much.

I would suggest to sf that she check about meal reservations and
hopefully she won't have the crappy experience we did.

However... the scenery was incredible.

On 2014-12-27 2:38 PM, sf wrote:
>
>> That was 30 years ago and there is a chance that they may have improved
>> the dining on the train in that time. However, the scenery is amazing.
>> Someone told us that we missed some of the most scenic sights because
>> it would have been dark at the time were were there, but I can't imagine
>> it being any better. It is interesting to see the different mountain
>> ranges and individual characteristics.
>
> That particular train is limited mainly to BC, but it has 3 levels of
> service. Their "red leaf" service sounds more in keeping with what
> you got on your cross country trip.

FWIW... our trip was not cross country. It was just Calgary to Vancouver.

> Ming was probably cooking for the
> Gold Leaf service. Not sure what the fine differences between Gold
> and Silver service are yet, haven't gotten into it that deeply.

I am not sure either. Our experience was more like pig iron than gold or
silver. It sure seemed odd that part of the meal simply wasn't served
and nothing was said until I asked and then I got that lame excuse about
them running out.... at the beginning of the lunch hour and they had not
been able to get more chips during the two hours they sat in the
terminal in Calgary.... and not having muffins for their featured
"continental breakfast" at the beginning of the first breakfast hour
after leaving Calgary? Then I got the surly answers for having dared to
ask what happened to the food we had ordered.



> Gary distracted me with Alaska.

The Rockies straddle eastern BC and western Alberta. The mountains
there are really beautiful.

On 2014-12-27 3:07 PM, jmcquown wrote:

> I've always wanted to travel by train. Of course I have a highly
> romanticized notion of train travel from old movies. I doubt a ride
> on Amtrak (there was an Amtrak station in Memphis) would live up to my
> dreams. The link you posted sounds more like it.

The scenery through the Canadian Rockies is incredible. I have seen the
Rockies in Colorado and I think they are nicer further north. We had a
great time in the train through Switzerland. The Alps and Dolomites
were beautiful, but then we had to change to a grubby train that rain
late through Italy. The high speed train from Nice to Paris was an
experience.

On Saturday, December 27, 2014 2:38:47 PM UTC-6, Julie Bove wrote:
> "notbob" > wrote in message
> ...
> > On 2014-12-27, Dave Smith > wrote:
> >
> >> That was 30 years ago and there is a chance that they may have improved
> >> the dining on the train in that time. However, the scenery is amazing.
> >
> > Trains are a hoot. Trains are quite cheap. Amtrak's California
> > Zephyr is an old friend and now, even cheaper. Now that I qualify for
> > senior discount, I can go from Denver to SFBA for as little as $115US,
> > round trip.
>
> This one wasn't cheap when I last looked into it. Wanted to go from Oakland
> to Edmonds. Was far cheaper to fly.
> >
> > Sure, the trains are unreliable, time-wise, making huge stops in the
> > middle of nowhere to let much better paying freight trains have their
> > way. Crews can be particularly annoying. I've only experienced one
> > bad crew. All the rest were very accommodating. The coach food is
> > pretty bad, but the dining car is open to anyone. I always went for
> > breakfast and supper. If you have a room(ette), 3 meals per day are
> > included. The meals keep getting cheaper (disposable plates, etc),
> > but still taste pretty good. Usually a salmon meal and the wine is
> > decent.
>
> Yes. Would have taken us several days. I did take the train to BC as a
> kid. Bought no food though. We brought our own.

SF is talking about a SIGHT-SEEING TRIP. You have to turn everything into YOU don't you?

On Saturday, December 27, 2014 4:58:51 PM UTC-6, The Other Guy wrote:
> On Sat, 27 Dec 2014 14:23:45 -0800 (PST), Miss Kitty
> > wrote:
>
> >SF is talking about a SIGHT-SEEING TRIP. You have to turn everything into YOU don't you?
>
>
> WHAT the F is wrong with you,
> and WHY are you so obsessed by Julies posts??
>
> If you DON'T like them, IGNORE them.
> Oh, sorry, THAT would require your growing up into an adult.

WHY the F are you SO obsessed with MY posts. WHY don't YOU ignore ME? That would REQUIRE you to retire the all-caps splutterings.

"The Other Guy" > wrote in message
...
> On Sat, 27 Dec 2014 14:23:45 -0800 (PST), Miss Kitty
> > wrote:
>
>>SF is talking about a SIGHT-SEEING TRIP. You have to turn everything into
>>YOU don't you?
>
>
> WHAT the F is wrong with you,
> and WHY are you so obsessed by Julies posts??
>
> If you DON'T like them, IGNORE them.
> Oh, sorry, THAT would require your growing up into an adult.

If Julie stopped posting, a few of them would turn on someone else within a
day or so. LOL

Cheri

On Saturday, December 27, 2014 4:58:51 PM UTC-6, The Other Guy wrote:
> On Sat, 27 Dec 2014 14:23:45 -0800 (PST), Miss Kitty
> > wrote:
>
> >SF is talking about a SIGHT-SEEING TRIP. You have to turn everything into YOU don't you?
>
>
> WHAT the F is wrong with you,
> and WHY are you so obsessed by Julies posts??
>
> If you DON'T like them, IGNORE them.
> Oh, sorry, THAT would require your growing up into an adult.

Miss Kitty might be The Other Guy, or The Other Guy might be Miss Kitty,
which means that The Other Guy might really be The Other Gal, or put another
way, Miss Kitty might really be Mr. Kitty. Meow.

--Bryan

On Saturday, December 27, 2014 6:27:46 PM UTC-6, Cheri wrote:
> "The Other Guy" > wrote in message
> ...
> > On Sat, 27 Dec 2014 14:23:45 -0800 (PST), Miss Kitty
> > > wrote:
> >
> >>SF is talking about a SIGHT-SEEING TRIP. You have to turn everything into
> >>YOU don't you?
> >
> >
> > WHAT the F is wrong with you,
> > and WHY are you so obsessed by Julies posts??
> >
> > If you DON'T like them, IGNORE them.
> > Oh, sorry, THAT would require your growing up into an adult.
>
> If Julie stopped posting, a few of them would turn on someone else within a
> day or so. LOL
>
I'd bet a dollar to a dime that you didn't really laugh out loud.
>
> Cheri

--Bryan

On Sat, 27 Dec 2014 12:29:24 -0800 (PST), Bryan-TGWWW
> wrote:

> On Saturday, December 27, 2014 12:06:05 PM UTC-6, sf wrote:
> > On Sat, 27 Dec 2014 11:09:00 -0500, Gary > wrote:
> >
> > > sf wrote:
> > > >
> > > > On Fri, 26 Dec 2014 16:51:39 -0800, "Julie Bove"
> > > > > wrote:
> > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > "sf" > wrote in message
> > > > > ...
> > > > > > Watching Ming Tsai on Create TV and I'm blown away by the train food.
> > > > > > This is real cooking! I've been wanting to take the train across
> > > > > > Canada and this episode is pushing me to do it.
> > > > > > https://www.ming.com/simply-ming/epi...-in-canada.htm
> > > > > > The salmon and lamb recipes looked outstanding.
> > > > >
> > > > > I'm glad you can afford it. It's very expensive to take the train.
> > > >
> > > > You only live once. Looks like that train's routes are limited to
> > > > British Columbia, but there's a terminal in Seattle. That's a win,
> > > > IMO. They also have packages that combine train travel with a cruise.
> > > > Win-win.
> > >
> > > The Alaska train trip is also a good one to consider.
> >
> > Thanks, that's food for thought too! Do you know anything about
> > what's served on the train?
> >
>
> http://www.amtrak.com/ccurl/571/115/...nd-train,0.pdf
>
> If you have accommodations, the food is free, and you are allowed to bring
> your own alcoholic beverages for consumption in-cabin.
>
Thanks, but the reason I became interested in the first train was the
4 Star dining experience.


--
A kitchen without a cook is just a room.

On Sat, 27 Dec 2014 15:07:36 -0500, jmcquown >
wrote:

> On 12/27/2014 2:38 PM, sf wrote:
> > On Sat, 27 Dec 2014 12:26:34 -0500, Dave Smith
> > > wrote:
> >
> >> That was 30 years ago and there is a chance that they may have improved
> >> the dining on the train in that time. However, the scenery is amazing.
> >> Someone told us that we missed some of the most scenic sights because
> >> it would have been dark at the time were were there, but I can't imagine
> >> it being any better. It is interesting to see the different mountain
> >> ranges and individual characteristics.
> >
> > That particular train is limited mainly to BC, but it has 3 levels of
> > service. Their "red leaf" service sounds more in keeping with what
> > you got on your cross country trip. Ming was probably cooking for the
> > Gold Leaf service. Not sure what the fine differences between Gold
> > and Silver service are yet, haven't gotten into it that deeply. Gary
> > distracted me with Alaska.
> >
> Damn him! LOL
>
> I've always wanted to travel by train. Of course I have a highly
> romanticized notion of train travel from old movies. I doubt a ride
> on Amtrak (there's an Amtrak station in Memphis) would live up to my
> dreams. The link you posted sounds more like it.
>
Yes, that's why I'm interested. I rode on the Super Chief a couple of
times when I was a kid and it was a great experience. White linen
table service, observation cars and the last car was a lounge car
where adults bought cocktails and kids could step outside onto that
little platform politicians gave their speeches from to watch the
world whiz past.

You might be interested in the train between Chicago and New Orleans.
http://www.luxurytrainclub.com/train...rail-journeys/


--
A kitchen without a cook is just a room.

On Sat, 27 Dec 2014 12:24:58 -0800 (PST), Bryan-TGWWW
> wrote:

> On Saturday, December 27, 2014 8:27:53 AM UTC-6, sf wrote:
> > On Fri, 26 Dec 2014 16:51:39 -0800, "Julie Bove"
> > > wrote:
> >
> > >
> > > "sf" > wrote in message
> > > ...
> > > > Watching Ming Tsai on Create TV and I'm blown away by the train food.
> > > > This is real cooking! I've been wanting to take the train across
> > > > Canada and this episode is pushing me to do it.
> > > > https://www.ming.com/simply-ming/epi...-in-canada.htm
> > > > The salmon and lamb recipes looked outstanding.
> > >
> > > I'm glad you can afford it. It's very expensive to take the train.
> >
> > You only live once. Looks like that train's routes are limited to
> > British Columbia, but there's a terminal in Seattle. That's a win,
> > IMO. They also have packages that combine train travel with a cruise.
> > Win-win.
> >
> I took a few minutes and put together a trip that would cost <$1700,
> exclusive of off-train accommodations, food and entertainment. The
> scenery on this example trip is really nice.
>
> https://www.flickr.com/photos/361781...ream/lightbox/
>
> https://www.flickr.com/photos/361781...ream/lightbox/
>
> First class Amtrak is expensive, but it is the funnest way to travel.
>
Thanks, for taking the time to do that.


--
A kitchen without a cook is just a room.

"Miss Kitty" > wrote in message
...
> On Saturday, December 27, 2014 2:38:47 PM UTC-6, Julie Bove wrote:
>> "notbob" > wrote in message
>> ...
>> > On 2014-12-27, Dave Smith > wrote:
>> >
>> >> That was 30 years ago and there is a chance that they may have
>> >> improved
>> >> the dining on the train in that time. However, the scenery is
>> >> amazing.
>> >
>> > Trains are a hoot. Trains are quite cheap. Amtrak's California
>> > Zephyr is an old friend and now, even cheaper. Now that I qualify for
>> > senior discount, I can go from Denver to SFBA for as little as $115US,
>> > round trip.
>>
>> This one wasn't cheap when I last looked into it. Wanted to go from
>> Oakland
>> to Edmonds. Was far cheaper to fly.
>> >
>> > Sure, the trains are unreliable, time-wise, making huge stops in the
>> > middle of nowhere to let much better paying freight trains have their
>> > way. Crews can be particularly annoying. I've only experienced one
>> > bad crew. All the rest were very accommodating. The coach food is
>> > pretty bad, but the dining car is open to anyone. I always went for
>> > breakfast and supper. If you have a room(ette), 3 meals per day are
>> > included. The meals keep getting cheaper (disposable plates, etc),
>> > but still taste pretty good. Usually a salmon meal and the wine is
>> > decent.
>>
>> Yes. Would have taken us several days. I did take the train to BC as a
>> kid. Bought no food though. We brought our own.
>
> SF is talking about a SIGHT-SEEING TRIP. You have to turn everything into
> YOU don't you?

I took the very train or at least part of the route that she mentioned. I
was 8 then. They likely have a newer train now.

"Cheri" > wrote in message
...
>
> "The Other Guy" > wrote in message
> ...
>> On Sat, 27 Dec 2014 14:23:45 -0800 (PST), Miss Kitty
>> > wrote:
>>
>>>SF is talking about a SIGHT-SEEING TRIP. You have to turn everything
>>>into YOU don't you?
>>
>>
>> WHAT the F is wrong with you,
>> and WHY are you so obsessed by Julies posts??
>>
>> If you DON'T like them, IGNORE them.
>> Oh, sorry, THAT would require your growing up into an adult.
>
> If Julie stopped posting, a few of them would turn on someone else within
> a day or so. LOL

Yes. I did and they did.

"sf" > wrote in message
...
> On Sat, 27 Dec 2014 15:07:36 -0500, jmcquown >
> wrote:
>
>> On 12/27/2014 2:38 PM, sf wrote:
>> > On Sat, 27 Dec 2014 12:26:34 -0500, Dave Smith
>> > > wrote:
>> >
>> >> That was 30 years ago and there is a chance that they may have
>> >> improved
>> >> the dining on the train in that time. However, the scenery is
>> >> amazing.
>> >> Someone told us that we missed some of the most scenic sights
>> >> because
>> >> it would have been dark at the time were were there, but I can't
>> >> imagine
>> >> it being any better. It is interesting to see the different mountain
>> >> ranges and individual characteristics.
>> >
>> > That particular train is limited mainly to BC, but it has 3 levels of
>> > service. Their "red leaf" service sounds more in keeping with what
>> > you got on your cross country trip. Ming was probably cooking for the
>> > Gold Leaf service. Not sure what the fine differences between Gold
>> > and Silver service are yet, haven't gotten into it that deeply. Gary
>> > distracted me with Alaska.
>> >
>> Damn him! LOL
>>
>> I've always wanted to travel by train. Of course I have a highly
>> romanticized notion of train travel from old movies. I doubt a ride
>> on Amtrak (there's an Amtrak station in Memphis) would live up to my
>> dreams. The link you posted sounds more like it.
>>
> Yes, that's why I'm interested. I rode on the Super Chief a couple of
> times when I was a kid and it was a great experience. White linen
> table service, observation cars and the last car was a lounge car
> where adults bought cocktails and kids could step outside onto that
> little platform politicians gave their speeches from to watch the
> world whiz past.
>
> You might be interested in the train between Chicago and New Orleans.
> http://www.luxurytrainclub.com/train...rail-journeys/


Are there any dinner trains there? I always wanted to take this one but
husband wasn't interested.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirit_...n_Dinner_Train

"Cheri" > wrote in message
...
>
> "The Other Guy" > wrote in message
> ...
>> On Sat, 27 Dec 2014 14:23:45 -0800 (PST), Miss Kitty
>> > wrote:
>>
>>>SF is talking about a SIGHT-SEEING TRIP. You have to turn everything
>>>into YOU don't you?
>>
>>
>> WHAT the F is wrong with you,
>> and WHY are you so obsessed by Julies posts??
>>
>> If you DON'T like them, IGNORE them.
>> Oh, sorry, THAT would require your growing up into an adult.
>
> If Julie stopped posting, a few of them would turn on someone else within
> a day or so. LOL

True I had a wee taste of it very recently but since I didn't care it
seems to have stopped)


--
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/shop/

"Bruce" > wrote in message
...
> On Sat, 27 Dec 2014 16:26:35 -0800, "Cheri" >
> wrote:
>
>>
>>"The Other Guy" > wrote in message
. ..
>>> On Sat, 27 Dec 2014 14:23:45 -0800 (PST), Miss Kitty
>>> > wrote:
>>>
>>>>SF is talking about a SIGHT-SEEING TRIP. You have to turn everything
>>>>into
>>>>YOU don't you?
>>>
>>>
>>> WHAT the F is wrong with you,
>>> and WHY are you so obsessed by Julies posts??
>>>
>>> If you DON'T like them, IGNORE them.
>>> Oh, sorry, THAT would require your growing up into an adult.
>>
>>If Julie stopped posting, a few of them would turn on someone else within
>>a
>>day or so. LOL
>
> True, but one day, they'll run out of victims and turn on each other.

Now THAT would be worth watching)
--
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/shop/

On 2014-12-27 8:13 PM, Bryan-TGWWW wrote:
> On Saturday, December 27, 2014 6:27:46 PM UTC-6, Cheri wrote:
>> "The Other Guy" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> On Sat, 27 Dec 2014 14:23:45 -0800 (PST), Miss Kitty
>>> > wrote:
>>>
>>>> SF is talking about a SIGHT-SEEING TRIP. You have to turn everything into
>>>> YOU don't you?
>>>
>>>
>>> WHAT the F is wrong with you,
>>> and WHY are you so obsessed by Julies posts??
>>>
>>> If you DON'T like them, IGNORE them.
>>> Oh, sorry, THAT would require your growing up into an adult.
>>
>> If Julie stopped posting, a few of them would turn on someone else within a
>> day or so. LOL
>>
> I'd bet a dollar to a dime that you didn't really laugh out loud.
>>
>> Cheri
>

Anyone dumb enough to feel a need to defend Bovine just might LOL.

"Dave Smith" > wrote in message
...
> On 2014-12-27 8:13 PM, Bryan-TGWWW wrote:
>> On Saturday, December 27, 2014 6:27:46 PM UTC-6, Cheri wrote:
>>> "The Other Guy" > wrote in message
>>> ...
>>>> On Sat, 27 Dec 2014 14:23:45 -0800 (PST), Miss Kitty
>>>> > wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> SF is talking about a SIGHT-SEEING TRIP. You have to turn everything
>>>>> into
>>>>> YOU don't you?
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> WHAT the F is wrong with you,
>>>> and WHY are you so obsessed by Julies posts??
>>>>
>>>> If you DON'T like them, IGNORE them.
>>>> Oh, sorry, THAT would require your growing up into an adult.
>>>
>>> If Julie stopped posting, a few of them would turn on someone else
>>> within a
>>> day or so. LOL
>>>
>> I'd bet a dollar to a dime that you didn't really laugh out loud.
>>>
>>> Cheri
>>
>
> Anyone dumb enough to feel a need to defend Bovine just might LOL.

As opposed to someone that hardly leaves newsgroup, bitches about everything
24/7, and dogs all of Julie's posts with vitriol like you do? It just might
do YOU some good if you did LOL once in awhile. Try it sometime, your
intelligence might even be elevated, though I suspect not.

Cheri

"Cheri" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Dave Smith" > wrote in message
> ...
>> On 2014-12-27 8:13 PM, Bryan-TGWWW wrote:
>>> On Saturday, December 27, 2014 6:27:46 PM UTC-6, Cheri wrote:
>>>> "The Other Guy" > wrote in message
>>>> ...
>>>>> On Sat, 27 Dec 2014 14:23:45 -0800 (PST), Miss Kitty
>>>>> > wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> SF is talking about a SIGHT-SEEING TRIP. You have to turn everything
>>>>>> into
>>>>>> YOU don't you?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> WHAT the F is wrong with you,
>>>>> and WHY are you so obsessed by Julies posts??
>>>>>
>>>>> If you DON'T like them, IGNORE them.
>>>>> Oh, sorry, THAT would require your growing up into an adult.
>>>>
>>>> If Julie stopped posting, a few of them would turn on someone else
>>>> within a
>>>> day or so. LOL
>>>>
>>> I'd bet a dollar to a dime that you didn't really laugh out loud.
>>>>
>>>> Cheri
>>>
>>
>> Anyone dumb enough to feel a need to defend Bovine just might LOL.
>
> As opposed to someone that hardly leaves newsgroup, bitches about
> everything 24/7, and dogs all of Julie's posts with vitriol like you do?
> It just might do YOU some good if you did LOL once in awhile. Try it
> sometime, your intelligence might even be elevated, though I suspect not.

+1

--
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/shop/

"The Other Guy" > wrote in message
...
> On Sat, 27 Dec 2014 23:16:52 -0800, "Julie Bove" >
> wrote:
>
>>
>>"Cheri" > wrote in message
...
>>>
>>> "The Other Guy" > wrote in message
>>> ...
>>>> On Sat, 27 Dec 2014 14:23:45 -0800 (PST), Miss Kitty
>>>> > wrote:
>>>>
>>>>>SF is talking about a SIGHT-SEEING TRIP. You have to turn everything
>>>>>into YOU don't you?
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> WHAT the F is wrong with you,
>>>> and WHY are you so obsessed by Julies posts??
>>>>
>>>> If you DON'T like them, IGNORE them.
>>>> Oh, sorry, THAT would require your growing up into an adult.
>>>
>>> If Julie stopped posting, a few of them would turn on someone else
>>> within
>>> a day or so. LOL
>>
>>Yes. I did and they did.
>
> I kinda like how Miss Bitchy Kitty tries (UNsuccessfully) to turn the
> discussion to MY supposed stalking HER; when I made, EVER, only one
> reply to her and THAT was about her abuse.

*shrug* that is what your killfile is for Having said that, although you
won't see the bitching, you will see responses


--
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/shop/

On 12/28/2014 1:32 AM, sf wrote:
> On Sat, 27 Dec 2014 15:07:36 -0500, jmcquown >
> wrote:
>
>> I've always wanted to travel by train. Of course I have a highly
>> romanticized notion of train travel from old movies. I doubt a ride
>> on Amtrak (there's an Amtrak station in Memphis) would live up to my
>> dreams. The link you posted sounds more like it.
>>
> Yes, that's why I'm interested. I rode on the Super Chief a couple of
> times when I was a kid and it was a great experience. White linen
> table service, observation cars and the last car was a lounge car
> where adults bought cocktails and kids could step outside onto that
> little platform politicians gave their speeches from to watch the
> world whiz past.
>
> You might be interested in the train between Chicago and New Orleans.
> http://www.luxurytrainclub.com/train...rail-journeys/
>
>
That looks like fun, too.

Jill

"Bruce" > wrote in message
news
> On Sun, 28 Dec 2014 12:30:04 -0000, "Ophelia"
> > wrote:
>
>>
>>
>>"Bruce" > wrote in message
. ..
>>> On Sat, 27 Dec 2014 16:26:35 -0800, "Cheri" >
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>>
>>>>"The Other Guy" > wrote in message
m...
>>>>> On Sat, 27 Dec 2014 14:23:45 -0800 (PST), Miss Kitty
>>>>> > wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>>SF is talking about a SIGHT-SEEING TRIP. You have to turn everything
>>>>>>into
>>>>>>YOU don't you?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> WHAT the F is wrong with you,
>>>>> and WHY are you so obsessed by Julies posts??
>>>>>
>>>>> If you DON'T like them, IGNORE them.
>>>>> Oh, sorry, THAT would require your growing up into an adult.
>>>>
>>>>If Julie stopped posting, a few of them would turn on someone else
>>>>within
>>>>a
>>>>day or so. LOL
>>>
>>> True, but one day, they'll run out of victims and turn on each other.
>>
>>Now THAT would be worth watching)
>
> Yes, the Bitchfest Final

;-)


--
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/shop/

On 12/28/2014 2:54 PM, jmcquown wrote:

>>
>> You might be interested in the train between Chicago and New Orleans.
>> http://www.luxurytrainclub.com/train...rail-journeys/
>>
>>
> That looks like fun, too.
>
> Jill

Looks like fun, but I can spend 7 to 10 days in Europe at that price,
including air fare and rental car.

On Sunday, December 28, 2014 12:41:40 AM UTC-6, sf wrote:
> On Sat, 27 Dec 2014 12:24:58 -0800 (PST), Bryan-TGWWW
> > wrote:
>
> > On Saturday, December 27, 2014 8:27:53 AM UTC-6, sf wrote:
> > > On Fri, 26 Dec 2014 16:51:39 -0800, "Julie Bove"
> > > > wrote:
> > >
> > > >
> > > > "sf" > wrote in message
> > > > ...
> > > > > Watching Ming Tsai on Create TV and I'm blown away by the train food.
> > > > > This is real cooking! I've been wanting to take the train across
> > > > > Canada and this episode is pushing me to do it.
> > > > > https://www.ming.com/simply-ming/epi...-in-canada.htm
> > > > > The salmon and lamb recipes looked outstanding.
> > > >
> > > > I'm glad you can afford it. It's very expensive to take the train.
> > >
> > > You only live once. Looks like that train's routes are limited to
> > > British Columbia, but there's a terminal in Seattle. That's a win,
> > > IMO. They also have packages that combine train travel with a cruise.
> > > Win-win.
> > >
> > I took a few minutes and put together a trip that would cost <$1700,
> > exclusive of off-train accommodations, food and entertainment. The
> > scenery on this example trip is really nice.
> >
> > https://www.flickr.com/photos/361781...ream/lightbox/
> >
> > https://www.flickr.com/photos/361781...ream/lightbox/
> >
> > First class Amtrak is expensive, but it is the funnest way to travel.
> >
> Thanks, for taking the time to do that.
>
You are welcome. I am rather evangelistic about Amtrak. Both of the
out-of-town trips in my book are by train.
>
--Bryan

On Saturday, December 27, 2014 12:10:31 PM UTC-6, notbob wrote:
> On 2014-12-27, Dave Smith > wrote:
>
> > That was 30 years ago and there is a chance that they may have improved
> > the dining on the train in that time. However, the scenery is amazing.
>
> Trains are a hoot. Trains are quite cheap. Amtrak's California
> Zephyr is an old friend and now, even cheaper. Now that I qualify for
> senior discount, I can go from Denver to SFBA for as little as $115US,
> round trip.
>
> Sure, the trains are unreliable, time-wise, making huge stops in the
> middle of nowhere to let much better paying freight trains have their
> way. Crews can be particularly annoying. I've only experienced one
> bad crew. All the rest were very accommodating. The coach food is
> pretty bad, but the dining car is open to anyone. I always went for
> breakfast and supper. If you have a room(ette), 3 meals per day are
> included. The meals keep getting cheaper (disposable plates, etc),
> but still taste pretty good. Usually a salmon meal and the wine is
> decent.
>
> But, yes! The scenery is great and you get to watch it without
> distraction. The last time I traveled by train, there were only about
> a dozen ppl in my car. Talk about room to spare. Where knee-cap room
> is meaured in inches on the last plane I flew, the leg room on my
> coach train car was measured in feet!
>
> Trains rock!
>
Coach is cheap, but accommodations aren't.
>
> nb

--Bryan

On Sat, 27 Dec 2014 22:32:40 -0800, sf > wrote:

>On Sat, 27 Dec 2014 15:07:36 -0500, jmcquown >
>wrote:
>
>> On 12/27/2014 2:38 PM, sf wrote:
>> > On Sat, 27 Dec 2014 12:26:34 -0500, Dave Smith
>> > > wrote:
>> >
>> >> That was 30 years ago and there is a chance that they may have improved
>> >> the dining on the train in that time. However, the scenery is amazing.
>> >> Someone told us that we missed some of the most scenic sights because
>> >> it would have been dark at the time were were there, but I can't imagine
>> >> it being any better. It is interesting to see the different mountain
>> >> ranges and individual characteristics.
>> >
>> > That particular train is limited mainly to BC, but it has 3 levels of
>> > service. Their "red leaf" service sounds more in keeping with what
>> > you got on your cross country trip. Ming was probably cooking for the
>> > Gold Leaf service. Not sure what the fine differences between Gold
>> > and Silver service are yet, haven't gotten into it that deeply. Gary
>> > distracted me with Alaska.
>> >
>> Damn him! LOL
>>
>> I've always wanted to travel by train. Of course I have a highly
>> romanticized notion of train travel from old movies. I doubt a ride
>> on Amtrak (there's an Amtrak station in Memphis) would live up to my
>> dreams. The link you posted sounds more like it.
>>
>Yes, that's why I'm interested. I rode on the Super Chief a couple of
>times when I was a kid and it was a great experience. White linen
>table service, observation cars and the last car was a lounge car
>where adults bought cocktails and kids could step outside onto that
>little platform politicians gave their speeches from to watch the
>world whiz past.
>
>You might be interested in the train between Chicago and New Orleans.
>http://www.luxurytrainclub.com/train...rail-journeys/


Here are several tours. I have drooled over them for several years.

http://www.vacationsbyrail.com/
--
Susan N.

"Moral indignation is in most cases two percent moral,
48 percent indignation, and 50 percent envy."
Vittorio De Sica, Italian movie director (1901-1974)