Product Review

A wonderfully done history of the Southern Pacific's dining car service. For almost 65 years the SP set the standard for comfort and fine dining aboard 140 dining cars, 26 all-day lunch cars, 36 club and observation cars and 20 steamer restaurants. The book describes how the meals were prepared in the small kitchens and presented with panache on crisp white tablecloths. Although focusing on the SP, the book begins with the dining cars of the Central Pacific and concludes with the transition to Amtrak. With over 130 black and white photos and illustrations as well as 36 choice recipes ranging from corn bread to Venison St. George. 242 pages with bibliography and index.