[?]

City of New Orleans and Diner 37003 with All-Day Dining Menu 12/30/2007 to 12/31/2007

At 6:55 PM, the train crew walked everyone out to the City of New Orleans on Track 22 at Chicago Union Station. The train had P42DC 157, transition 39013, sleeper 32007, diner 37003 and coaches 31036, 34010 and 31033. I could not wait to see 37003 after I had walked through the shell of 37001 in the Beech Grove shop and saw how it was going be set up. I stowed my bags in Room 13 of 32007 and was then allowed to take pictures of 37003 for this story. I started at the lounge car end and proceeded through the entire upper level.

The new larger table in the lounge.

Booth seating.

Looking towards the coach-end of the train.

The customer-facing serving area.

A display case.

Behind the serving area.

Set-up area.

The lounge worker's area.

The dining area.

This is where coffee is served.

The dining area from the sleeping car door end.

Booth seating in the dining area.

Table seating.

I was amazed at what the Beech Grove Shop had produced by building this car and it somewhat reminded me of the San Joaquin dining cars in California, but had its own feel. I was really anticipating having my first meal in this new car. A special thank you to the staff of the City of New Orleans and to Terry, my wonderful Sleeping Car Attendant, who allowed me in here before it opened.

Our departure time came and went as we were waiting for the California Zephyr, which arrived at 8:05 PM. Terry came and gave me an 8:15 PM dinner reservation for my first meal in 37003, where I was seated with Tom and Marybeth, who were also going to Memphis.

Three Egg Omelette, Scrambled Eggs, Railroad French Toast, Chef's Morning Marketplace Special or Hot Breakfast Sandwich.

Breakfast Meats, Yogurt, Cereal, Assorted Muffins, Cinnamon Roll or Fresh Whole Fruit

Coffee or Tea, Juice, Bottled Water, Milk or Hot Chocolate

Chef's Special City of New Orleans appetizers, Beef & Cheese Quesadillas, Spring Rolls, Chicken Wings, Chip & Salsa or Garden Salads

Build your Own Burger or Gardenburger

Garden Lasagna, Speciality Pizza of the Day or Speciality Fresh Salad

Angus Cheeseburger, Café Size Pizza, All-Beef Hot Dog, Spicy Chicken Wings, Sandwiches, Cheese and Crackers, Salty Snacks or Candy.

Flat Iron Steak, Seafood Special, Chef's Marketplace Special or Half Game Hen

New Orleans Speciality Dessert, Chef's Decadent Selection, Ice Cream or Cookies

Cold Beer-Domestic or Premium, Wines-By the Glass, Split or Half Bottles, Cocktails, Soft Drinks, Bottled Water, Coffee, Tea, Iced Tea, Milk, Hot Chocolate or Juice

Souvenir Blanket, Playing Cards, Postcards, Luggage Tag, Cap, Lapel Pins or Children's Activity Book

AA Batteries, Tylenol, Pepcid AC, Motrin or Toiletry Items

I ordered the flat iron steak and chocolate ice cream. We departed at 8:43 PM {8:00 PM} and pulled out across the Chicago River then reversed around the wye to gain access to the St. Charles Air Lines to reach the Canadian National, former Illinois Central, mainline.

Downtown Chicago at night is impressive, as is Soldier Field. The meal was excellent and I was impressed with the car. I then had a shower to wash the Empire Builder from me before making up my room for a good night's sleep.

12/31/2007 I awokeon my 50th birthday, but did not feel that age, with the train running late in southern Kentucky. That was good news for me as it meant I could have breakfast in 37003 and chose the Belgian waffle and sausage patties, which hit the spot. Back in my room, I rearranged my backpack with only items I would need for my day in Memphis then relaxed the final miles into that city, where we arrived at 7:56 AM {6:27 AM}.

The City of New Orleans at Memphis. I walked to the station but found it locked as the ttation agents were finishing baggage. My day's stay in Memphis is the next story.