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City of New Orleans and Diner 37003 with All Day Cafe Menu

At 6:55 PM they walked us out to the City of New Orleans on Track 22. The train had Engine 157, Transition 39013, Sleeper 32007, Diner 37003 and Coaches 31036, 34010 and 31033. I could not wait to see the 37003 after I had walked through the shell of the 37001 in the Beech Grove Shop and seeing how it would be set up. I stowed my bags in Room 13 of the 32007 and was then allowed to go take pictures for this story of the 37003. I will start at the lounge car end and show you the entire upper level of this car.

The new larger table in the lounge.

Booth seating in the car.

A look towards the coach end of the train.

The serving area of the car.

Display case in this car.

The serving area.

Set up area.

The lounge workers area.

The Dining Area of the 37003.

The Coffee Serving Area.

A look at the Dining Area from the Sleeping Car door end.

Booth seating in the Dining Area.

Table seating in the Dining Area.

I was amazed at what the Beech Grove Shop had produced by building this car. It kind of reminds me of our California Dining Cars back in California but has its own feel to it. I can not wait to have my first meal in it. A special thank you to the staff of the City of New Orleans and to Terry, my wonderful Sleeping Car Attendant who got me into this car before it was opened to get my pictures for this story. We waited for the California Zephyr which arrived at 8:05 PM. Terry came and got me a 8:15 PM dinner reservation to eat my first meal in the 37003. I was seated with Tom and Marybeth who were also going to Memphis.

Three Egg Omelet, 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, Cafe 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 will have Chocolate Ice Cream. We departed Chicago Union Station at 8:43 PM 8:00 PM} and we pulled out across the Chicago River. The train then backed around the wye to gain access to the St Charles Air Lines to get to the CN former Illinois Central Mainline.

Downtown Chicago at night is impressive as is Solider Field at night. The meal was excellent and after my first meal in the 37003 I was impressed with the car. I next took a shower to wash the Empire Builder from me before I made up my room for a good night sleep.

12/31/2007 I woke up on my 50th birthday but I do not feel like I am fifty with the train running late in southern Kentucky. That was good news for me as it meant I could go have breakfast in the 37003. I had the Belgium Waffle and Sausage Patties which hit the spot. Back in my room I rearranged my backpack with only things I would need for my day in Memphis. I relaxed the final miles into Memphis which we arrived into at 7:56 AM {6:27 AM}.

The City of New Orleans at Memphis. I walked to the station building finding it locked as the Station agents were out finishing baggage. My day stay in Memphis will be the next story.