In addition to no airport lines, roomier seats and room to walk around, those smart enough to take the Amtrak Acela are getting another perk: better food.
On Thursday, Amtrak announced its Acela passengers will have a brand-new food & beverage onboard experience on the new Cafe Acela menu, featuring more gourmet and artisan products from sustainably sourced, health-conscious and local brands.
Some of the new menu items include:
- Breakfast: Overnight oats, egg frittata, pastries from local bakeries in Boston, New York City and Washington, D.C.;
- Lunch/dinner: Mediterranean salad, peppered turkey sandwich, chicken & mozzarella pesto sandwich;
- Snacks: Artisan cheese & fruit tray and a charcuterie plate;
- Wine: Daou chardonnay and Banshee pinot noir.
As part of the food presentation improvements, customers will experience a redesigned carry-out box, and reimagined menu posters for a more modern look.
All fresh items, which are delivered to Amtrak daily, feature new, sustainable components. This includes packaging made of compostable materials and recycled plastic to highlight Amtrak’s commitment to sustainability and waste reduction.
The new items will be available exclusively onboard the Acela and will form the basis for the signature menu for Amtrak’s new Acela fleet, set to debut this year.
Amtrak Chief Commercial Officer Eliot Hamlish said customers riding the premium Acela trains expect the very best.
“It’s essential we continue to evolve our premium offerings and amenities to meet their needs and provide an enhanced experience,” he said. “Every aspect of our Cafe Acela menu has been reimagined and improved, from viewing the physical menu board, to the delicious menu items and sustainable packaging, providing our customers an outstanding food & beverage experience they can enjoy on their next Acela trip.”
The new Cafe Acela comes on the heels of recent investments and improvements Amtrak has made to elevate its food & beverage offerings. This includes the start of a new, rotating menu for the Metropolitan Lounge at Moynihan Train Hall in New York City and new snack and beverage menus at other Amtrak Metropolitan Lounges across the country. In addition, Amtrak is continuing its popular partnership with celebrated restaurateur Stephen Starr with three new STARR Restaurant meals for the Acela First Class menu at the end of May. Customers will enjoy wok cashew chicken from Buddakan, black bean enchiladas from El Vez, coq au vin from Parc and the return of the customer-favorite dish, black pepper beef from Buddakan.
