In the diner on the Texas Eagle

I’m sitting in the diner on board the Texas Eagle.  We pulled out of Austin about 9:30 this morning (Saturday).  I’ll be rolling into Providence, Rhode Island about 9:00 pm Monday night.  It’s a relaxing way to travel, but it takes a while.

Outside my grand picture window, miles and miles of Texas are rolling past.  This grand view is one of the things I love about train travel.  A cup of whiskey sits on the table beside my macbook as I type.  This is livin’.

I’m in the forward dining room, where ten booth tables line the center aisle.  Behind me is the kitchen, and behind the kitchen is the café.  The diner serves the sleeper (first class), and meals are complimentary.  An adult beverage is included with dinner.  The café serves the coaches.

After a while I go back to the counter in the café and order another drink.  Christie, the café gal, serves it with good cheer.  She’s busy.

I spend a lot of time in the diner.  There’s always a table or two or three of crew members hanging out nearest the kitchen, jawboning about this train, other trains, this crew, other crews, management, and life in general.   I learn a lot just eavesdropping.

I’m waiting for supper now.  Todd, the diner man, came by my room while ago and took my order.  I ordered the beef Burgundy, vegetables, and mashed potatoes with a glass of red wine.  I’ve had it before.  It’s pretty good.

Dining is one step below fast casual.  The food is all packaged and heated in an oven, served on plastic covered with foil. But it’s decent—pretty tasty.