TVRM610
Conductor
The last photos (breakfast and lunch) both feature real plates and glasses. The breakfast is from the Empire Builder, the Grilled Cheese is from the Coast Starlight I believe.. but could easily be from the Builder as well. The other photos are taken from the Zephyr and Chief and feature all plasticware.That's a very good question. Let me introspect.=
Why did you think that?
Which half? I see some which look like they have real plates but plastic glasses, and I see some which look like they have real glasses but throwaway tablecloths... there must be an illusion here...Because in half of the pictures I posted there ARE real plates, linen table cloths present, and real glassware. I made sure to include some of both...
...I think it's the tray of creamers and the metal cup of sugar packets. Are those creamers in a plastic dish even when the plates are ceramic? The tray of butter patties and caddy of sugar packets on VIA are (a) ceramic, and (b) the sugar packet caddy is designed for its purpose. Amtrak seems to be stuffing its sugar packets into a metal cup which is round and unsuitable.
Interesting how stupid little things like that affect the perception of the presentation. I know this is standard stuff which they teach in restaurant school, but apparently it hasn't quite seeped through to Amtrak.
No doubt VIA has a more elegant table set... they have little jars of jams, and they bring you out fresh syrup as well (but come on.. it's Canada).
I frankly find the sugar packets and creamer comments to be a little nit-picky. I agree VIA looks classier, and I agree that details matter, but I don't think Amtrak is advertising anything that would require the most elegant sugar packet dispenser.
Likewise your comments about the silverware is silly... First off, doesn't Amtrak get ANY credit for having signature silverware? I mean if VIA had their logo on the silverware you would be saying "look how classy that looks" but since it's Amtrak that went the extra mile on that one you conveniently ignore it. More to your point... having silverware wrapped in a cloth napkin is business as usual for many many restaurants. I really don't see how that's something to complain about. I'm trying to think of the last time I was seated with silverware VIA Rail style in a restaurant.. I'm remembering over priced hotel restaurants, and ultra fancy places which Amtrak does not claim to be.
That's just my opinion.. I mean I agree VIA Canadian has the more impressive dining car experience.. and I agree the details matter. But it seems like you are just looking for things to complain about.