I took the
train down to Scarborough a few weeks back in business, which is really the
best way to travel by train. But pro-tip: the bar car usually opens around 11AM
so schedule your trip accordingly. After all, you don’t want to pay a premium
for just an omelette – and they hardly ever have ketchup.
So I
planned my trip accordingly to be able to enjoy a few enroute rum and diets
and, as it worked out, I ended up having to change trains in Kingston with an
hour layover. Naturally, my question going in was: would I get lunch on each
train. The answer? Oh, yes indeed.
On
boarding, the attendant asked me if I wanted lunch early. Oh do I, good sir?
With first choice of the menu options I went for the baked hake, asparagus,
cherry tomatoes, a Greek salad, a bonus extra bread roll, and apple cake. And,
of course, a rum and diet.
I always
say you can’t go wrong with the fish on VIA Rail. And this fish didn’t disappoint.
It was cooked perfectly with a nice cream sauce. But even the asparagus was
cooked correctly. The Greek salad was fresh. And the apple cake had actual
apple (you should try it with your apple fritters, Tim Hortons). I can honestly
say this is the best train lunch I have had in my memory. I demolished
everything but the olives.
After a
layover and a diet coke in the Kingston VIA lounge, it was on to my next train
to continue my journey to Guildwood. This train was coming from Montreal and
offered a different menu, but there were few choices left for the late
boarders.
The couple
behind me got the last two cold salmon plates, which would have been my choice.
Instead I was left with the beef bourguignon with mashed potatoes, another Greek
salad, bread roll, and a cookie. I usually avoid the beef on planes and trains
as it’s very easy to overcook. While it wasn’t my first choice it wasn’t bad –
warm and hearty for a fall day. The cookie was stale, but the salad was fresh.
And talk
about a healthy pour on my rum and diet…
For my
train back to Ottawa at the end of the trip I had no connections, so just one
lunch. It was the same menu as my first train and while I briefly considered getting
the fish again, I opted instead for the cold chicken plate on spinach and a
quinoa salad. The Greek salad was back again, as was the apple cake. Red wine
chaser.
The chicken
was good, the taziki could have used more pop, the quinoa salad was enjoyable.
Apple pie was just as good as the first time, very cinnamony. I like Greek
salad but they cold mix it up a bit.
All in all,
some enjoyable train lunches. The apple cake is a keeper, way better than the
usual cookies.
But please,
VIA, bring back the meal pre-order option.
