Amtrak and Stephen Starr Take Acela First Class Dining to the Next Level with New Seasonal Menu Featuring The Dandelion, El Vez and Pizzeria Stella

Pushing the boundaries of innovation and flavor, Amtrak introduces a menu to impress and delight First Class guests

WASHINGTON – Amtrak and STARR Restaurant Group, led by James Beard award-winning restaurateur Stephen Starr, have introduced a new seasonal menu, now available on Acela First Class for customers traveling between Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington D.C., on the Northeast Corridor. This is the fourth seasonal Acela First Class menu featuring offerings from Stephen Starr restaurants since the program began in May 2023. To continue bringing all new variety onboard, this menu includes the first dish offered from The Dandelion restaurant in Philadelphia.

“Guests joining us aboard Acela in First Class are treated to a truly differentiated experience, an important component of which is a bespoke menu from Stephen Starr’s restaurant group,” said Amtrak Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Eliot Hamlisch. “Elevated food and beverage offerings aboard the Acela reflect Amtrak’s commitment to delivering premium dining options, blending culinary creativity with exceptional quality to delight First Class customers on every journey while enjoying all the benefits of traveling by train.”

Leading the new offerings is the Tandoori Chicken from The Dandelion, a flavorful dish inspired by the Philadelphia gastropub seasoned with masala spice, accompanied by a refreshing cucumber-cilantro yogurt, and paired with coconut basmati rice, enriched with almonds, pistachios, and sweet raisins. Complementing this exciting addition are two additional customer favorites – the flavorful Baked Manicotti from Pizzeria Stella and the bold Chicken Enchiladas from El Vez. Dishes will rotate every three weeks to provide fresh variety on the menu.

In addition to these dishes, Amtrak is introducing new creations curated by its Executive Chef. The breakfast menu rotation will now feature Pumpkin French Toast, and lunch and dinner selections will include the return of Lamb Tagine, back by popular demand from customers.

In addition to premium culinary offerings, Acela First Class customers can enjoy priority boarding, premium amenities, complimentary onboard food and beverage services, and access to Metropolitan Lounges in Boston South Station, Moynihan Train Hall in New York City, William H Gray III 30th Street Station in Philadelphia and Washington Union Station. Amtrak Guest Rewards members also receive a 50% bonus on Acela First Class travel.

The collaboration between Amtrak and STARR Restaurant Group is part of a larger food and beverage program elevation for Acela guests. This includes the reinvention of Cafe Acela, featuring more gourmet and artisan products from sustainably sourced, health-conscious, and local brands, plus new food and beverage menus at other Amtrak Metropolitan Lounges across the country.