Amtrak has announced its new menu for First Class passengers on its Acela train services.

The publicly-owned American train operator has revealed that it took inspiration for the menu from its technologically advanced NextGen Acela trains, and says that it has innovated and reimagined the dining experience for passengers on the Northeast Corridor.

The development of the Northeast Corridor was facilitated by a sizeable federal government grant three years ago.

The NextGen Acela trains were launched in August last year, and since then have carried passengers on more than one million journeys between the centres of major cities, including Washington DC, New York, Boston and locations in between.

The trains boast a sleek design and various amenities, including high-speed, 5G-enabled Wi-Fi, power outlets and reading lights.

Small plates and other selections

A key feature of the updated menu, which has been compiled by Amtrak’s Culinary Team, is the introduction of new small plate concepts, warm breakfast pastries and a rotating dessert selection.

The operator argues that this will bring “greater flexibility and a more modern, restaurant-inspired approach to onboard dining” that is “designed to meet evolving customer preferences”.

The new range of small plates allows passengers to choose lighter options that Amtrak expects to be popular for shorter trips. They can be ordered a standalone dish or as part of a larger meal.

The new menu

These items are examples from the new menu:

• Goat Cheese Frittata, served with roasted broccolini, mushrooms and artichoke vegetable hash.
• Liège Waffle, with caramelised pearl sugar and served with honey-blueberry compote.
• Chilled Lemon Herb Salmon, served with lemon-basil farro, roasted sweet potatoes, edamame, feta, mixed greens, pickled onions and lemon-sumac vinaigrette.
• Muhammara Dip, a small plate featuring Middle Eastern-spiced roasted red peppers with walnuts, pomegranate molasses, carrot sticks and flatbread.
• Strawberry Basil Shortcake, with whipped cream and basil-steeped strawberries.

Amtrak is also continuing to work with STARR Restaurant Group, Acela First Class passengers will have the opportunity to order dishes from some of Philadelphia and DC’s most notable restaurants, including Borromini, The Occidental and Parc.