Has anyone eaten on the STEAM TRAIN?

[grill-it]

I've been thinking of going on this Sunset dinner train - apparently it's the same chefs as the Henry Burger, but that doesn't tell me much as I have never been to either...

Have anyone tried this out? Any comments - I'm looking for a romantic little trip for myself and my girlfriend - thought it looks pretty nice.

From their WebSite

The «Club Riviera» car, classic exquisite dining!

Greeted on board with champagne and hors d?oeuvres, you will soon be surrounded by the spectacle of the Gatineau Hills, while the «Club Riviera» revives before you the art of fine dinning on the rails. Here, you are invited to discover the memorable flavors of an inspired five-course dinner prepared directly on board by talented Chefs from the reputed Café Henry Burger http://www.cafehenryburger.com/  restaurant (1922). For those in search of an unforgettable nostalgic adventure or a unique venue for a celebration or simply a chic soirée, look to the luxury of a dinner aboard the «Club Riviera»

[Guest Flyfish]

A FoodMuvment friend went recently and had a wonderful time and a great meal. She did advise to pay the extra for the deluxe version. If she wanders by she can report herself!

Flyfish

[pixelchef]

Indeed. I've heard great tales in regards to the dinner train. 'Gourmande' (a new member here at eG) just got back from such an excursion. I'm certain she could answer whatever questions you might have.

[grill-it]

Great, thanks! - I was beginning to think noboday at eG had bothered to try it out...

[gourmande]

hey grill it... Who would have thought that on my first day here I would be able to offer some advice

Anyhow, here is a copy of the review I posted on FoodMuvment:

Sunset Dinner Train

While in the Ottawa area, Dale and I enjoyed a romantic dinner aboard the Sunset Dinner Train. (Please do visit the site to learn more about the various packages offered, the region and the train itself.)

We arrived at the station at 6, and within minutes were shown to our car (the Chelsea) and to our table by friendly, impeccably groomed young attendants. The table was set with crisp white linens, patinated silverware, oil candle lamp and fresh flowers: a setting reminiscent of travel in days gone by. While we waited for the train to leave, relaxing in our spacious booth, Dale ordered white wine for himself and I enjoyed a kir royal. At 6:30 sharp, the sound of the steam whistle signaled our departure, and the train slowly made its way out of the station and began its winding path through the Gatineau Park.

As the wait staff busily but discretely prepared plates at their stations, a couple of young musicians (acoustic guitar and stand-up base in tow) set up in an open area of the car and entertained us with some smooth, soft jazz. As it turned out, there were about eight groups of talented young musicians on board and each would make its way from car to car, usually switching just before the next course was served, to regale us with a wide range of music styles. While enjoying the music and our aperitifs, we considered the limited selection of wines and decided on a muscadet (La Sablette, 2001), which was brought to the table seconds before the servers appeared with baskets of bread and the first plates of the evening; our sunset dinner was now underway.

First course:

“Oriental shrimp salad on seasonal greens, mandarin-almond vinaigrette”

The salad was very fresh and light, the shrimp were spicy and perfectly done, the rice noodles were excellent and the vinaigrette subtle enough not to overpower the tender baby greens.

Second course:

“Classic Vichyssoise with fresh herbs”

Served at a perfect coolness, it was velvety smooth. Apart from the sprinkling of minced chives, I couldn’t detect any other herb flavour in the soup itself, which I found to be somewhat under-seasoned.

Main course:

“Seafood medley with scallops, shrimps, mussels, salmon and halibut

In a lobster cream sauce, roast garlic mousseline potatoes

And seasonal vegetables” (Dale’s selection)

Dale was delighted with his choice. I can’t tell you how it tasted but it certainly looked lovely with the potato mousse piped around a generous serving of seafood (I forget whether or not he had any accompanying vegetable.)

“Braised Brome lake duckling with citrus fruit sauce, wild rice,

And seasonal vegetables medley” (my selection)

The duck was absolutely succulent. Once again, the sauce was delicate, well portioned and the perfect complement to the tender, juicy duckling legs. The rice, a mixture of long grain white and wild rice was a bit over-cooked, I thought, but moist with some bite left and well seasoned (of course, I should be the last to criticize given my track record with rice.) The vegetables, a mix of roasted baby corn, zucchini, red pepper and carrot, were nicely seasoned, and tender crisp.

As the saying goes, timing is everything, and it certainly applies to this excursion as we entered the quaint village of Wakefield - our destination - only a few minutes after everyone had finished their main course and the dishes had been cleared. The twenty-minute stop allows just enough time for a stroll around the station and a quick visit to the general store, and, of course, for the locomotive to be manually turned around on a large turntable - a fun watch in itself - and hooked up to opposite end of the train for our journey back to Hull. Returning to our car, we notice the lights suitably dimmed, the candle lamps flickering on each table, which had been reset with fresh napkins, desert silver and cups and saucers, and in our case, the bottle of wine we hadn’t finished and our glasses. While we enjoyed the rest of our wine, our server came around with a bottle of Bailey’s, for those who might wish to enhance their coffee - we did - followed by another server with offerings of tea and coffee. Tea is usually my after dinner beverage of choice (and there was a nice selection), but the aroma of the coffee and Bailey’s won me over, and as we sipped on our spiked coffee, dessert was served.

Dessert course:

“Classic crème brûlée with red berry compote and ginger tuile

Coffee, tea and butter cookies”

Garnished with a plump ripe strawberry, the crème brûlée appeared to be the perfect ending, but I was soon disappointed by the soft brûlé. For me, part of the pleasure is in breaking the surface of the crunchy sugar topping and enjoying the textural contrasts of this classic. When I inquired, I was told the desserts had been torched hours before at the restaurant and reheated on the train before serving, hence the soft top. The custard itself was like silk on the tongue, and I detected a hint of almond, which paired nicely with the berry coulis. The delicately crisp ginger tuile almost made up for the soft brûlé. Following dessert, a young man in chef’s whites came around with a basket of freshly baked shortbreads roughly shaped like locomotives – very cute. The buttery crisps were melt-in-your-mouth good.

For the remainder of the trip, we simply sat back and enjoyed the music, sipped on some Grand Marnier and relaxed: a perfect way to end our day!

Would we recommend this excursion? Absolutely. The food and service were very good to excellent, and the train trip alone was great fun. That said, some day we will try the “Club Riviera” class, which offers a superior setting with optional private rooms, a more varied à-la-carte menu prepared on the premises, a few more courses, complimentary bubbly upon boarding and other little perks (it is fully described on the website, we just didn’t see it when we reserved.) We happened upon this “first class” car while strolling aboard the train. After further study we decided that the extra $50 per person would have been worth it.

For those interested, the cost per person was $109.10 including tax and gratuities, but did not include bar service. The bar prices were pretty much what you would expect in any restaurant.

Edited July 16, 2003 by gourmande (log)

[pixelchef]

See what I'm sayin? :) Welcome to eG, Lise.

[gourmande]

grill-it, if there's anything specific you'd like to know, please feel free to email/pm or ask on the board. I realize that a review can sometimes feel a bit "cold" so please... ask away

[grill-it]

Wow!! Gourmande - thanks for the detailed review! I have been leaning towards the 'Riviera Club' or whatever they call it... I think I will go! I do have some questions though...

How was the view, or were you distracted by the food/drink/music that the ride becomes secondary?

How long was the trip overall? I live in Montreal, so I need to include my travel time - and probably accomodations in the Ottawa area...

Now I just can't wait!

[gourmande]

Pleased I can help, Grill-it. Now I will look forward to your review of the Riviera Club experience!

First, yes, plan to stay overnight in Ottawa or Hull. The train leaves at 6:30, it's about a 2 hour train ride from Hull to Wakefield, a 30 minute stop, then about 1 1/2 hours back to Hull (in the dark by this time so the view is a non issue). That puts you back at the station by 10:30 - 10:45. You won't want to drive the extra 2+ hours to Montreal after such a relaxing evening. BTW, the train station is about a 3 or 5 minute drive from Casino Lac Leamy and there are a number of big hotels on the casino site... if you like that sort of thing.

Second, when reserving, ask for a table on the right side of train (as you face the front - is that port side?). That is the side from which you get the view of the river as the train follows its banks on to Wakefield. We were on the other side, but still enjoyed it as our view was not completely obstructed (the booths in regular cars are offset - nice touch). The view is nothing like travelling through the Rockies, of course, and you do go through a lot of forested areas, but the occasional glimpses of the river, cottages and lanscape are nice and not at all distracting. It is quite relaxing. If you want to up the viewing pleasure, plan a trip when the Fall colours are at their peak. It would be best to email the operators and ask them what the optimum time is for this. Another note on seating. If you travel Riviera Club, you can ask for a private salon and these are on the right site of the car. I suspect that is what we will do next time.

I placed a link to the website in my first post, you should be able to get reservation info etc directly from the site.

Have fun and let us know how you enjoyed it.

[grill-it]

Damned SteamTrain is booked up 'till the end of August... I guess I'll have to wait - and the experience should be worth it! Thanks for the seating tips - I'm on the wiating list for the cabins, or just a table in the Riviera.

I'll post a review upon my return!

Thanks again!

[tofino]

As a follow up, I took the trip about a year ago with family in the Ottawa area, and while impressed with food and atmosphere, it is important to ensure that you are not getting on to a car with a large group. We ended up having half of our car filled with a large group from Ottawa who ended up being loud and obnoxious the whole trip. The only blemish in an otherwise great experience.

Until next time.....

Tofino

[gourmande]

We ended up having half of our car filled with a large group from Ottawa who ended up being loud and obnoxious the whole trip.  The only blemish in an otherwise great experience.

ouch! How unfortunate for you. One would have though they would have given a large group their own car!

I hope you let the operators know that your experience was marred by this oversight.

[grill-it]

And I'm still waiting for a reservation!!! (I guesss Saturday's are busy! )