Exhaustive Article Review: “7 Luxury Trains with Next-Level Dining Cars” by Marianna Cerini
Overview
Marianna Cerini’s article, “7 Luxury Trains with Next-Level Dining Cars,” is an enticing exploration of the culinary experiences offered by some of the world’s most luxurious train journeys. Published on November 1, 2023, the article takes readers on a gastronomic journey through seven different trains, showcasing how these moving marvels provide dining experiences that rival those of Michelin-starred restaurants. The piece combines vivid descriptions of sumptuous interiors, high-quality service, and gourmet cuisine to appeal to affluent travelers and luxury enthusiasts.
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Summary of Key Points
1. Belmond Andean Explorer, Peru
• The Andean Explorer offers an extravagant travel experience, including two dining cars, Llama and Muña. These cars are decorated with plush leather, artisanal millwork, and polished macramé screens. The menu focuses on Peru’s diverse culinary traditions, featuring seasonal ingredients like cumin, smoked paprika, quinoa, and local vegetables. The train’s altitude (16,000 feet above sea level) adds an additional layer of uniqueness, with guests treated to meals curated by Jorge Muñoz, an acclaimed Peruvian chef.
2. The Palace on Wheels, India
• This train is compared to the Orient Express of Europe and offers an Indian royal experience. Its two dining cars, Maharaja and Maharani, are rich in Rajasthani decor, featuring hand-carved furnishings, vibrant wall lamps, and panoramic windows. The menu emphasizes Rajasthani specialties but also includes North Indian, Mughlai, continental, and Thai options. The train’s chefs are renowned for their ability to adjust spice levels to suit different palates.
3. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe
• This legendary train features three dining cars—L’Oriental, Etoile Du Nord, and Côte d’Azur—all restored to reflect the opulence of the 1920s. The dining experience is a mix of historical elegance and contemporary culinary innovation, led by French chef Jean Imbert. The menu includes seasonal and local European ingredients, offering dishes like free-range guinea fowl and lobster vol-au-vent, all served in a setting that combines Art Deco charm with modern luxury.
4. Rovos Rail, Africa
• Rovos Rail, described as Africa’s most luxurious train, offers a formal dining experience that harks back to the Edwardian era. Guests dine in restaurant cars with dark wood interiors, leather chairs, and bell-shaped lamps. The cuisine, crafted by Cape Town-based chef Maryke Reuvers, blends international and South African flavors, with dishes like springbok loin and amarula parfait, all complemented by South African wines.
5. Seven Stars, Japan
• Japan’s Seven Stars train is as exclusive as it is luxurious, requiring potential passengers to enter a lottery for a chance to book a seat. The dining car, Jupiter, offers seasonal cuisine from Kyushu, prepared by local chefs who prioritize fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The experience is personalized and steeped in Japanese culinary traditions, with dishes like takiawase and takikomi gohan.
6. The Ghan, Australia
• The Ghan provides an immersive experience in Australia’s outback, with two restaurant cars and lounges, each offering a different dining ambiance. The culinary team focuses on Australian cuisine, sourcing ingredients locally and highlighting regional specialties such as saltwater barramundi and kangaroo filet. The train also features a Platinum Club for top-tier passengers, offering a more exclusive dining environment.
7. Royal Scotsman, Scotland
• The Royal Scotsman, another Belmond train, emphasizes Scottish cuisine and the country’s famed whisky culture. The train’s dining cars, Raven and Swift, are decorated with mahogany panels and tweed upholstery, serving dishes like smoked salmon and haggis. The experience is enhanced by a five-day Scotch Malt Whisky Tour, which includes whisky tastings and distillery visits. The train also offers luxury amenities like the Dior Spa and Grand Suites.
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Critical Analysis
Strengths:
• Descriptive Richness: Cerini’s writing excels in painting a vivid picture of each train’s dining experience. The detailed descriptions of the decor, ambiance, and culinary offerings allow readers to almost taste and see the luxury themselves. This sensory-rich narrative is key in a piece aimed at luxury travelers who prioritize experience as much as the destination.
• Diverse Selection: The article covers a geographically diverse selection of trains, ensuring that readers from different regions or with varied travel preferences can find something appealing. From the Peruvian highlands to the Scottish countryside, the range of options caters to different tastes and interests.
• Expertly Curated Content: The inclusion of well-known chefs and the emphasis on local and seasonal ingredients across different cuisines highlight the sophistication of the dining experiences. This focus on quality and authenticity enhances the credibility of the article in the eyes of a discerning audience.
Weaknesses:
• Limited Practical Information: While the article provides starting prices for some of the journeys, it lacks comprehensive details on booking procedures, potential availability issues, or tips for securing a spot on these exclusive trains. For example, the article briefly mentions the lottery system for Japan’s Seven Stars but does not elaborate on how to participate or increase one’s chances of being selected.
• Surface-Level Engagement with Cultural Context: Although the article touches on the cultural significance of the cuisines offered on each train, it does so at a high level. A deeper exploration of how these trains contribute to the preservation and promotion of local culinary traditions, or how they engage with the local communities they pass through, could have added a richer layer of cultural insight.
• High-End Focus: The article is unapologetically focused on the luxury market, which might alienate readers who are interested in unique dining experiences but cannot afford the steep prices associated with these trains. Including a few more affordable luxury options or providing comparisons with less expensive alternatives could have broadened its appeal.
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Conclusion
Marianna Cerini’s article effectively showcases the luxury dining experiences offered by some of the world’s most prestigious trains. Through rich descriptions and a focus on culinary excellence, she captures the imagination of travelers who seek indulgence and exclusivity in their journeys. While the article is highly engaging and informative, it could benefit from more practical advice and deeper cultural context to enhance its value for a broader audience. Nonetheless, it serves as a compelling guide for those looking to combine the romance of train travel with world-class dining.
Lassi Pensikkala selects for you interesting, relevant, and valuable articles to read from the international and trusted press. Lassi Pensikkala, Travel Influencer and Entrepreneur, has studied Economics, Psychology, and Sociology at the University of Hamburg, and graduated with a Master of Science in Economics MSc(Econ). He is multilingual, speaking English, Spanish, German, Swedish, and Finnish, and is the founder of AmerExperience.com/TB: “I keep my readers up to date with news that interests them and is important to them. This article is worth reading – I recommend it to you.”
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