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1. Has anyone heard any news concerning the possibility of a Metropolitan Lounge for the Seattle King St. Station? On another forum, there was some discussion of a lounge in the Jackson St. level. Some felt that it would be difficult to accomplish as it would be a non-revenue producing site. If so, how did Portland Union Stn. do it? I think there would be plenty of room, on the 2nd level, for a M. Lounge and a revenue producer,such as a small restaurant or bistro.
2. I just returned from a brief trip, on the Coast Starlight, to Oregon. I was able to get meals delivered to my sleeper. The breakfast was lukewarm, at best, with a roll which tasted like cardboard. The dinner meal was their famous (sic) "Singature Steak". Edible and not too bad but, again, lukewarm and not a hot meal.
I'm thinking, in 1-2 years, of a trip on the Empire Builder (if it's still around) from Seattle to West Glacier (Belton Chalet). I assume the meals served, on the Builder, will not be any better than those on the Starlight. I heard that there is a sandwich shop (next to a Starbucks) on 4th Ave in Seattle. Is it within walking distance of the King St. Stn.? It might be a good idea to purchase a sandwich and stuff it in my travel bag in lieu of an Amtrak dinner.
Richard
Vincent206 Member # 15447
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Currently there isn't any lounge at King Street Station. There are plenty of carry-out options in the Pioneer Square/International District neighborhoods near the station that could provide sustenance for your trip. The Batali family has a small deli--Salumi-- near KSS. Hours are limited and the line is long, but the sandwiches are pretty good. A couple of years ago when I took the SW Chief from Kansas City, I had a BBQ sandwich from Arthur Bryant's in my luggage. It tasted much better than anything the Amtrak diner offered.
Currently, the Builder from Seattle has the full service diner and the train from Portland carries the observation car. Who knows what will be running in 2 years?
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