Suggestions for carry-on meals

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M

MARC Rider

Robber Baron
AU Supporting Member
Joined
Apr 5, 2011
Messages
6,131
Location
Baltimore. MD
I'm taking the Palmetto this Saturday from SAV to BAL. That's a 12 hour trip that includes all 3 meal times. The train doesn't have a diner, but rather has a cafe car similar to the Northeast Regionals. The last couple of times I've taken this trip, the choices for dinner (From Petersburg northward of approx 5 PM) are somewhat limited, as the best items sell out during lunch. However, I will be staying the night before at a motel somewhere near a Publix supermarket, and I have a car, so I should be able to buy some grub for the trip. I know there have been threads about this before,but I ca't seem to find them. I'm looking for suggestions of train food that will provide me with a decent meal, yet not require refrigeration or make a stink when I eat it (sorry sardines, not for the train.) Any suggestions are welcome.
 
Peannut or cashew butter sandwiches, non -refrigerated salad,healthy chips,nonfat pudding, cookies, bottled water, tea, juice, soft drinks etc!

If you have a soft sided cooler you could even make sandwiches, pasta salad etc.

Raisins and fruit are also great snacks!

I agree that most cafe fare on Amtrak is overpriced and crappy! (Exceptions are the Downeaster and some of the California Trains!)

And if you're hotel has breakfast fuel up before you board!
 
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Publix has a deli, get them to custom-make a sandwich of your choice. Fresh fruit cups, yogurt, etc...

And if you can find a store that carries THIS, you might be on to something. I'd say 30 minutes in Publix, and you are golden.
 
Beef jerky, cheese cubes, apple slices with peanut butter, raisins, salad shakers (they have a dressing packet inside), Lunchables, yogurt, bananas, berries, yogurt parfaits (yogurt with fruit and granola already in it), chicken salad with crackers, PB&J sandwiches, granola bars, trail mix
 
Pocket bread (won't squish) with cheese and summer sausage (no refrigeration). Try to nab some mayo packets from a deli so they aren't too dry as well as a plate and plastic silverware.

Also, fresh fruit that you don't need to wash like bananas, oranges, grapefruit, etc.
 
When I did a day short turn at a station near a market, I would go to the deli and get some of their ready made sandwiches and something like macaroni salad and iced tea/soda for the train. And maybe some cookies/chips/fruit/bakery items for snacks.
 
Steaks and eggs should be able to go without refrigeration for that time period if you limit them to breakfast or lunch.

Fully cooked bacon and potatoes don't require refrigeration and the same goes for many vegetables.

A one-time use BBQ grill can be used to cook them. http://www.walmart.com/ip/EZ-Grill-Regular-Size-4-Disposable-Grill/14099070

Be sure to check with those vegans allergic to the smell of cooking meat. And don't forget the knife and fork as well as the frying pan for the eggs.

Or just look to see where there is a delivery pizza service near Staple Mills Station in Richmond that will bring it to the train. Pizza for supper!
 
me_little_me said:
Steaks and eggs should be able to go without refrigeration for that time period if you limit them to breakfast or lunch.

Fully cooked bacon and potatoes don't require refrigeration and the same goes for many vegetables.

A one-time use BBQ grill can be used to cook them. http://www.walmart.com/ip/EZ-Grill-Regular-Size-4-Disposable-Grill/14099070

Be sure to check with those vegans allergic to the smell of cooking meat. And don't forget the knife and fork as well as the frying pan for the eggs.

Or just look to see where there is a delivery pizza service near Staple Mills Station in Richmond that will bring it to the train. Pizza for supper!
Click to expand...
I would think that the BBQ would not be allowed on the train. It would be a fire hazard and cause smoke in the coach car. NOT FOR COACH TRAVEL.

As far as bringing food, I always bring the already prepared Bumble Bee tuna salad with crackers, Cherry tomatoes, Slim Jims, Keibler Cheese and crackers, canned cheese and crackers, for breakfast I grab the breakfast to go or any of the breakfast bars available. I bring the powder that you mix in water and bring a couple bottles of water. They can be refilled with the potable water near the rest rooms in coach. I also bring the small 6 pack of fruit and if you like raisins, them also.
 
June the Coach Rider said:
me_little_me said:
Steaks and eggs should be able to go without refrigeration for that time period if you limit them to breakfast or lunch.

Fully cooked bacon and potatoes don't require refrigeration and the same goes for many vegetables.

A one-time use BBQ grill can be used to cook them. http://www.walmart.com/ip/EZ-Grill-Regular-Size-4-Disposable-Grill/14099070

Be sure to check with those vegans allergic to the smell of cooking meat. And don't forget the knife and fork as well as the frying pan for the eggs.

Or just look to see where there is a delivery pizza service near Staple Mills Station in Richmond that will bring it to the train. Pizza for supper!
Click to expand...
I would think that the BBQ would not be allowed on the train. It would be a fire hazard and cause smoke in the coach car. NOT FOR COACH TRAVEL.

As far as bringing food, I always bring the already prepared Bumble Bee tuna salad with crackers, Cherry tomatoes, Slim Jims, Keibler Cheese and crackers, canned cheese and crackers, for breakfast I grab the breakfast to go or any of the breakfast bars available. I bring the powder that you mix in water and bring a couple bottles of water. They can be refilled with the potable water near the rest rooms in coach. I also bring the small 6 pack of fruit and if you like raisins, them also.
Click to expand...
OMG! The smell of tuna fish and hard boiled eggs would cause me to "lose my cookies"
 
Thomas64 said:
jimhudson said:
Peannut or cashew butter sandwiches
Click to expand...
Be a courteous passenger and ask your neighbors if they have a peanut allergy before you begin.
Click to expand...
I love peanut butter sandwiches. I do not understand how someone with a peanut allergy could have a problem; does this mean that being near a peanut can cause a reaction? I'm asking because I really don't know.
 
Everydaymatters said:
Thomas64 said:
jimhudson said:
Peannut or cashew butter sandwiches
Click to expand...
Be a courteous passenger and ask your neighbors if they have a peanut allergy before you begin.
Click to expand...
I love peanut butter sandwiches. I do not understand how someone with a peanut allergy could have a problem; does this mean that being near a peanut can cause a reaction? I'm asking because I really don't know.
Click to expand...

I am highly allergic to peanuts so I can answer this. The part of the peanut that people are allergic to is in the protein. There is no protein in the aroma from peanuts. If you are near a place where there is a lot of peanut dust, a person with an allergy could have a reaction but keep in mind generally it needs to be in a high enough concentration. The smell of peanuts will not cause a reaction. However, because people with this kind of allergy are highly allergic, we are very sensitive to the smell. It won't get us sick but it starts throwing out a warning to our brain that senses danger. I would compare it to walking close to an edge and being afraid of falling. Some people are uncomfortable with smelling peanuts and make themselves sick from the smell but no alergic reaction is taking place. The other issue is if someone that eats peanuts does not clean their hands, the protein could spread to an allergic person. This is somewhat rare but it could happen especially with kids. There is a push from many uneducated people and over protective parents to have peanut free schools (and other places). I think this is over the top and not needed.

I am probably not the healthiest eater but my choices for train food are easy cheese and crackers or combos. They usually hold up well.
 
This is probably just me, but when I plan on bringing food on board and am traveling in coach, I also try to items and enough of each that I am willing to share.
 
benjibear said:
Everydaymatters said:
Thomas64 said:
jimhudson said:
Peannut or cashew butter sandwiches
Click to expand...
Be a courteous passenger and ask your neighbors if they have a peanut allergy before you begin.
Click to expand...
I love peanut butter sandwiches. I do not understand how someone with a peanut allergy could have a problem; does this mean that being near a peanut can cause a reaction? I'm asking because I really don't know.
Click to expand...

I am highly allergic to peanuts so I can answer this. The part of the peanut that people are allergic to is in the protein. There is no protein in the aroma from peanuts. If you are near a place where there is a lot of peanut dust, a person with an allergy could have a reaction but keep in mind generally it needs to be in a high enough concentration. The smell of peanuts will not cause a reaction. However, because people with this kind of allergy are highly allergic, we are very sensitive to the smell. It won't get us sick but it starts throwing out a warning to our brain that senses danger. I would compare it to walking close to an edge and being afraid of falling. Some people are uncomfortable with smelling peanuts and make themselves sick from the smell but no alergic reaction is taking place. The other issue is if someone that eats peanuts does not clean their hands, the protein could spread to an allergic person. This is somewhat rare but it could happen especially with kids. There is a push from many uneducated people and over protective parents to have peanut free schools (and other places). I think this is over the top and not needed.

I am probably not the healthiest eater but my choices for train food are easy cheese and crackers or combos. They usually hold up well.
Click to expand...
I've been buying sunflower butter at Trader Joe's for the kids' lunches (personal choice, not allergy-related) and they seem to really enjoy it. Small jar costs about $2.50 I think (will go today to stock up and check prices). Should be good for probably 2-3 sandwiches, I think.
 
June the Coach Rider said:
me_little_me said:
Steaks and eggs should be able to go without refrigeration for that time period if you limit them to breakfast or lunch.

Fully cooked bacon and potatoes don't require refrigeration and the same goes for many vegetables.

A one-time use BBQ grill can be used to cook them. http://www.walmart.com/ip/EZ-Grill-Regular-Size-4-Disposable-Grill/14099070

Be sure to check with those vegans allergic to the smell of cooking meat. And don't forget the knife and fork as well as the frying pan for the eggs.

Or just look to see where there is a delivery pizza service near Staple Mills Station in Richmond that will bring it to the train. Pizza for supper!
Click to expand...
I would think that the BBQ would not be allowed on the train. It would be a fire hazard and cause smoke in the coach car. NOT FOR COACH TRAVEL.
Click to expand...
I'll have you know, the crew love it when I share the steaks with them in coach. And if the conductor opens the back door, it's just like having a tailgate party!

I hope that the grill comment was not too far over your head. :giggle: :giggle:
 
If he's bringing a grill then I am DEFINITELY bringing my french press.

Also, can we stop with all the Iowa talk? I'm about to "lose my cookies", as was stated earlier. Keep that pungent Iowa-ness on your side of the Missouri :lol:
 
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me_little_me said:
June the Coach Rider said:
me_little_me said:
Steaks and eggs should be able to go without refrigeration for that time period if you limit them to breakfast or lunch.

Fully cooked bacon and potatoes don't require refrigeration and the same goes for many vegetables.

A one-time use BBQ grill can be used to cook them. http://www.walmart.com/ip/EZ-Grill-Regular-Size-4-Disposable-Grill/14099070

Be sure to check with those vegans allergic to the smell of cooking meat. And don't forget the knife and fork as well as the frying pan for the eggs.

Or just look to see where there is a delivery pizza service near Staple Mills Station in Richmond that will bring it to the train. Pizza for supper!
Click to expand...
I would think that the BBQ would not be allowed on the train. It would be a fire hazard and cause smoke in the coach car. NOT FOR COACH TRAVEL.
Click to expand...
I'll have you know, the crew love it when I share the steaks with them in coach. And if the conductor opens the back door, it's just like having a tailgate party!

I hope that the grill comment was not too far over your head. :giggle: :giggle:
Click to expand...
Is there a reason you are insulting me? Coach does not allow BBQs, so even if it is a joke, it is not one that should be on this forum without making sure people know it is a joke. People who read this forum as quests would follow what is said and then get in trouble for the BBQ.
 
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