I believe the Bistro menu has PNW local food items, such as cheeses. I thought it was great. I would say it's sort of typical of state supported routes to have local food items to showcase. Maine's Downeaster has a food service contractor (not Amtrak) and they showcase local food items. New York state, are you listening?
I liked how casual and fun the Bistro car was. (The interior of the car is beautiful.) Even if you ride the entire length of Cascades it's not that long of a trip. I've done NEC coach end to end and cafe car was fine. (Used to bring a lot of my own snacks, though, as I never did care for microwaved White Castle or microwaved pizza. Give me my tea and my bagel.)