ScottC4746
OBS Chief
Just home from SWC #3...any questions?
I'll go ahead and answer a few of the most common questions asked on these threads:
... and a short early express hot breakfast. I do not recall service times but the last breakfast is 5 - 6 AM only.
(second breakfast is my second favorite meal of the day, after first breakfast).
New state law, one of 4 states. I cannot remember the other 3.No alcohol sales in NM on Sunday?? Why? Is that a state law?
Take off the Omlette and that is what is left. The French Toast was still available.I'll go ahead and answer a few of the most common questions asked on these threads:
... and a short early express hot breakfast. I do not recall service times but the last breakfast is 5 - 6 AM only.
WAIT, WHAT??? WHY AM I JUST HEARING ABOUT THIS??? AND I WAS SOOOOOO LOOKING FORWARD TO HAVING TWO GOOD BREAKFASTS ONBOARD!!! AND YES, I KNOW THAT WRITING IN CAPS IS SHOUTING ON THE INTERNET. I'M SHOUTING! I'M SHOUTING, I'M SHOUTING, I'M SHOUTING...
Okay, more research... It looks like breakfast starts at 5:30 and ends somewhere around 6:00, 6:30, or Riverside. I'll still be on Eastern time, so I think I can handle that. Plus, I'll have roughly an hour and a half until I need to catch my southbound Surfliner, so maybe I can find second breakfast somewhere (second breakfast is my second favorite meal of the day, after first breakfast). So, this leaves me with two questions:
1) Just how limited is this limited breakfast menu?
2) Is 90 minutes enough time to get to Phillipe's, have breakfast, and get back to catch my Surfliner?
No, it has been there for years. No clue why no alcohol on Sundays since I don't drink alcohol. NM is one of the worst states on DUI (or DWI).New state law, one of 4 states. I cannot remember the other 3.No alcohol sales in NM on Sunday?? Why? Is that a state law?
breakfast, second breakfast, elevensies, luncheon, afternoon tea, dinner and supper...(second breakfast is my second favorite meal of the day, after first breakfast).
Do you also do brunch before your noon meal? :unsure:
So it sounds like the options may just be limited depending on what they have left.Take off the Omlette and that is what is left. The French Toast was still available.
It was served 5 - 6 AM.
Yes. At least, the last time I was in LA, there was plenty of time to do that in the two hours between the Southwest Chief's arrival and the Coast Starlight's departure. I'd expect that you can do that in 90 minutes.2) Is 90 minutes enough time to get to Phillipe's, have breakfast, and get back to catch my Surfliner?
But you would only have enough time if the train gets to LA close to its due time or earlier. Personally I don't consider an Amtrak LD train late if it gets to its destination within an hour of its scheduled arrival time. Experience has taught me to be flexible in my expectations so that I'm not disappointed. Do I wish that Amtrak was as reliable and punctual as passenger trains are in virtually all other 'developed' countries? Yes. But until we as a country are willing to allocate the resources, and back that with the political will to make it happen, it is unfortunately unrealistic to expect more. Thus my experience is that if one packs a more laid back attitude for the trip, along with whatever else one brings, one will have a much better ride.Yes. At least, the last time I was in LA, there was plenty of time to do that in the two hours between the Southwest Chief's arrival and the Coast Starlight's departure. I'd expect that you can do that in 90 minutes.2) Is 90 minutes enough time to get to Phillipe's, have breakfast, and get back to catch my Surfliner?
But you would only have enough time if the train gets to LA close to its due time or earlier. Personally I don't consider an Amtrak LD train late if it gets to its destination within an hour of its scheduled arrival time. Experience has taught me to be flexible in my expectations so that I'm not disappointed. Do I wish that Amtrak was as reliable and punctual as passenger trains are in virtually all other 'developed' countries? Yes. But until we as a country are willing to allocate the resources, and back that with the political will to make it happen, it is unfortunately unrealistic to expect more. Thus my experience is that if one packs a more laid back attitude for the trip, along with whatever else one brings, one will have a much better ride.Yes. At least, the last time I was in LA, there was plenty of time to do that in the two hours between the Southwest Chief's arrival and the Coast Starlight's departure. I'd expect that you can do that in 90 minutes.2) Is 90 minutes enough time to get to Phillipe's, have breakfast, and get back to catch my Surfliner?
I think part of that is alot of the deep south, especially MS had many many dry counties.If you are surprised about no alcohol transiting NM, you probably want to stay off of the Crescent northbound from NO. On my last trip a year ago the train was 'dry' on the Sunday portion of the ride.
Yes! Are there movies onboard?Just home from SWC #3...any questions?
Slight correction Chris,NO Alcohol cant be Sold before NOON on Sunday in Texas, so no Bloody Marys or Mimosas for Brunch on the Eagle or Sunset unless you bring your own!To my knowledge the whole state liquor law/license issue has not been fully tested with regard to Amtrak. As for Texas you can buy alcohol on Amtrak trains in Texas any day of the week. Just as you can in any wet-county bar or restaurant with the appropriate license. I can't tell you what happens if you try to buy hard liquor while traveling through Texas at 6AM though.
I've been served dozens of mimosas before noon on Sunday right here in San Antonio. I think the rule is that it has to be after 10:00AM and served with food. After noon you're free to drink whatever you want on-premises, with or without food. However, you still can't purchase hard liquor for off premises consumption until Monday morning.Slight correction Chris,NO Alcohol cant be Sold before NOON on Sunday in Texas, so no Bloody Marys or Mimosas for Brunch on the Eagle or Sunset unless you bring your own!To my knowledge the whole state liquor law/license issue has not been fully tested with regard to Amtrak. As for Texas you can buy alcohol on Amtrak trains in Texas any day of the week. Just as you can in any wet-county bar or restaurant with the appropriate license. I can't tell you what happens if you try to buy hard liquor while traveling through Texas at 6AM though.
I wonder how they came up with these hours as bars in TX close at 2 AM ... well 1:30 is last call, 2AM they litterally (from experiance) turn on the overhead lights and pull the drink out of your hand.From the Service Standards Manual No. 6 page 7-21
Texas
Weekday: No sales of beer, wine and mixed beverages b/w midnight-7am; no sales of liquor b/w 9pm-10am
Saturday: No sales of beer, wine and mixed beverages b/w midnight-7am; no sales of liquor b/w 9pm-10am
Sunday: No sales of beer, wine and mixed beverages b/w 1am-noon; no sales of just liquor
Holidays: No sale of just liquor on New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, or Xmas Day
Election Day: No special restrictions
I apologize for being off topic, since the SWC doesn't yet run through TX.
Hey,Just home from SWC #3...any questions?
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