USA passenger rail operator Amtrak has announced a new, premium dining menu for First-Class passengers on its Acela trains travelling on the Northeast Corridor between Boston Massachusetts and Washington D.C.

Passengers in Acela First Class will be able to enjoy a rotating selection of new signature dishes from STARR Restaurant Groups’ renowned Northeast Corridor-based eateries, including Buddakan’s Black Pepper Beef (pictured below) and The Continental Mid-Town’s Chilled Sesame Noodles.

STARR Restaurant Group is led by James Beard award-winning restaurateur Stephen Starr, and runs many outlines in the areas that Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor travels through.

Earlier this month, Amtrak announced that its trains will now be running faster on the Northeast Corridor, as it gained official approval to increase their maximum speed.

Acela has upgraded its wine list to include Pommery Champagne, Justin Sauvignon Blanc, Landmark Pinot Noir and Daou Rosé. For those travelling in the morning travellers will have the opportunity to eat pastries freshly delivered by local bakeries.

Amtrak has also worked to improve the calibre of food and beverages for its customers at Amtrak’s Moynihan Train Hall Metropolitan Lounge, having introduced new café menus on the Northeast Corridor and at other Amtrak Metropolitan Lounges through its food and beverage partner, Aramark.

The Amtrak Bidup program allows Acela passengers who already hold tickets to bid on an upgrade to First Class, dependant on space and availability.

Amtrak believes that the introduction of these “sophisticated new offerings” from STARR Restaurants, along with Acela’s upgraded wine list, “brings the First Class food and beverage service to the next level”.

Amtrak Vice President Customer Service Stations and Onboard Robert Jordan said, “Amtrak is pleased to partner with STARR Restaurant Group on new, premium meals designed to enhance the customer experience onboard Acela First Class. Incorporating the STARR touch on our menus helps us deliver the world-class journey our customers expect, and our latest food and beverage offerings are sure to surprise and delight.”

Restaurateur Stephen Starr said, “I’ve worked on some really cool projects outside the walls of our restaurants, but the opportunity to collaborate on a premium dining menu for Amtrak’s Acela First Class might be my favourite project thus far. I’ve always loved train travel and I’m a frequent Acela First Class customer on the Philly to NYC segment, as are many of our guests. I’m excited to offer my fellow travellers restaurant-quality meals inspired by our popular restaurants in Philly and New York.”