SACRAMENTO, Calif. (August 30, 2019) – Showcasing the rich history and deep connection between agriculture and the railroad, the California State Railroad Museum Foundation is proud to continue its multi-year partnership with Visit Sacramento as an official Farm-to-Fork sponsor. To celebrate the important role the railroad once played in bringing the fruits of the farm to emerging new communities throughout the region and nation, the Foundation is excited to present two evenings of VIP Cocktail Train Ride experiences on Saturday, September 28 & Sunday, September 29, 2019, in partnership with BNSF Railway and Union Pacific Railroad. The VIP Cocktail Train first debuted in 2015 and was recognized as a finalist in Sunset Magazine’s Travel Awards competition in the “Best Train Experience” category. New this year, the elegant experience features themed wine and food pairings courtesy of Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand winner Frank Fats as guests travel along the picturesque Sacramento River in beautifully restored luxury train cars.
“2019 continues to be an important year for the railroad and we’re thrilled to continue the celebratory activities aboard Cocktail Train Rides while partnering with BNSF Railway, Union Pacific Railroad and the esteemed Fat Family Restaurant Group, the oldest restaurant in the city to be owned exclusively by one family,” said Cheryl Marcell, President & CEO of the California State Railroad Museum Foundation. “The Sacramento Southern Railroad was once primarily used to transport pears, asparagus, celery, seeds and other agricultural products to markets from local Delta communities. Today, the Museum and Foundation are proud to offer historic and authentic excursion train rides and VIP Cocktail Train ride experiences on the very same Sacramento Southern Railroad.”
With VIP train rides on each evening at 6 p.m. departing from the Central Pacific Freight Depot along the Old Sacramento Waterfront, VIP Cocktail Train ride guests can sit back and experience what first-class was like during the early decades of the 20th century as developed by the Southern Pacific Railroad. Once they board, ticketed guests will be treated to a series of exquisite small plate appetizers provided by Frank Fat’s and paired with a craft cocktail, wine or sparkling selections. The deliciously delightful menu includes Honey Walnut Prawns paired with a craft cocktail that features Gold River Distillery Vodka; Vegetable Chow Fun paired with a Chardonnay from Talbott Vineyards; Cumin Spiced Lamb Skewers from Superior Farms paired with a Cabernet Sauvignon from Mettler Family Vineyards; and finished with a choice of delicious desserts that include Banana Cream or Chocolate Cream Pie Shooters paired with Champagne served in a keepsake souvenir glass.
Uniformed stewards will provide the finest first-class service onboard three of the California State Railroad Museum’s first-class cars: the Audubon dining car, the El Dorado lounge car and the French Quarter lounge car from the 1950s that served the famed Southern Pacific “Sunset Limited” service. As an added treat, the cars will be pulled by two eye-catching locomotives – Western Pacific No. 913 and Southern Pacific No. 6051 – both of which are classic streamlined locomotives representative of the first generation of diesel-electric locomotives.
Space is limited on the Farm-To-Fork Cocktail Train and tickets are on sale now. Train ride tickets cost $125 per person and all train ride guests must be 21 years of age or over. The VIP Cocktail Train is a Foundation fundraiser for the California State Railroad Museum and Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, and corporate sponsorships are available by calling 916-407-2213. For more information or to purchase tickets on the VIP Cocktail Train, please visit www.californiarailroad.museum/.