Amtrak upgrades first-class menu on Northeast Corridor (slideshow)

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Amtrak is launching a new premium menu for first-class passengers on its Acela trains traveling on the Northeast Corridor between Boston and Washington, D.C.

Created in collaboration with James Beard Award-winning restauranteur Stephen Starr, the rotating selection features dishes from some of his renowned East Coast eateries, such as Black Pepper Beef from New York City’s Buddakan and Chilled Sesame Noodles from The Continental Mid-Town in D.C.

In addition to the culinary additions, Amtrak is rolling out an upgraded wine list, with offerings including Pommery Champagne, Justin Sauvignon Blanc, Landmark Pinot Noir and Daou Rosé.

For those traveling in the morning, a line-up of local bakeries deliver fresh-baked pastries daily for an extra touch of sweetness to start the day, according to Amtrak.

Starr – whose Philadelphia-based restaurant group owns and operates over 30 establishments in New York, Pennsylvania, Florida and Washington, D.C. – said, “ I’ve worked on some really cool projects outside the walls of our restaurants, but the opportunity to collaborate on a premium dining menu for Amtrak’s Acela First Class might be my favorite project thus far.”

“I’ve always loved train travel and I’m a frequent Acela First Class customer on the Philly to NYC segment, as are many of our guests. I’m excited to offer my fellow travelers restaurant-quality meals inspired by our popular restaurants,” he said.

Amtrak Vice President of Customer Service Stations & Onboard Robert Jordan said, “Amtrak is pleased to partner with STARR Restaurant Group on new, premium meals designed to enhance the customer experience onboard Acela First Class. Incorporating the STARR touch on our menus helps us deliver the world-class journey our customers expect, and our latest food and beverage offerings are sure to surprise and delight.”

The passenger train company also said it recently “worked to elevate the caliber of food and beverages” for customers at Moynihan Train Hall Metropolitan Lounge in New York City with new café menus on the Northeast Corridor and at other Amtrak metropolitan lounges through food and beverage partner Aramark.