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Spirit of Washington Dinner Train

© Jerri Brooker

Looking for romance, gourmet food, superb wines, delightful scenery and a train ride all rolled into one?

The Spirit of Washington Dinner Train based in Renton, Washington, is a gem of a place to share a special occasion. The train, known for its gourmet meals complete with a great selection of fine wines, is an experience for the food and wine connoisseur alike. As you travel the shores of Lake Washington, then over the longest train trestle in the northwest, the Wilburton Trestle, you will be taken back to the great days of railroad travel with a destination 45-minute stop at the Columbia Winery at Woodinville.

All aboard!

Take a trip of luxury and experience the best Washington has to offer. Stunning views out the dining car surround you as you enjoy your meal on a white tablecloth, staff at your perusal. The train is a three-hour feast for the senses.

What's on the menu?

Dinner includes a choice of Prime Rib, Oven-roasted Breast of Chicken, Crab Enchiladas or Cherry-smoked Roasted Salmon. Lunch is also special. You may choose Crab Cakes, Cherry-smoked Roasted Salmon, Monte Cristo Sandwiches or Oven-roasted Breast of Chicken. If you choose brunch you will enjoy Monte Cristo Sandwiches, Eggs Benedict or Quiche Lorraine. Meals fit for royalty. Visit the Spirit of Washington link below for more details.

How about the wines?

There are selections of Riesling, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir from Washington wineries. There are also mixed specialty drinks. Your choice is described at the link below.

The train website is also the location for the salad dressing recipe they serve over mixed greens with almonds, grapefruit and sweet and sour red onions: Mrs. Temple's Poppy Seed Vinaigrette Dressing. Be sure to try the recipe; perhaps it will help you picture the superb meal you may enjoy on the train.

When does the train run and what will I see?

Tuesday through Sunday this time of year. In the summer it runs daily. There are evening treks during the week, with brunch, lunch and dinner trains on the weekend. The route allows views of the Boeing Plant in Renton, Lake Washington, Mercer Island and the countryside on the way to Woodinville and back. It's fall and you'll see brilliant colors among the evergreens. All year, though, the view is spectacular.

Enjoy the virtual tour.

Take the virtual tour at the website and view the experience for yourself; you will experience a bit of the real thing. If you've not been, it is a "must do" when you come to the Seattle area. I've also included the Columbia Winery site below so you can take a look at what's there to enjoy on your stop.