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train arrives quietly, its blue and yellow paint bringing much-needed color to
an otherwise gray and blustery day in central Michigan. Spring is battling the
remains of a tough winter, the air tinged with the scent of fresh-cut grass although
most trees aren't yet brandishing leaves. It's
just before the maiden run of the Mountain Town Limited Dinner Train and employees
of the Mountain Town Station restaurant, located in downtown Mount Pleasant, are
loading ice-packed containers into the cars in preparation for the four-course
meal we'll soon be sampling. The
restaurant and brewery, in operation as such since 1996, is housed in the renovated
historic Mount Pleasant Railroad Depot building, so a dinner train operating from
here seems like a natural progression. And it's not just any dinner train; this
one is luxurious in feel with its silver art deco-themed dining car and white
linen-clad tables. In fact,
after we've boarded the train and it starts clickety-clacking its way down the
track, I feel as if I'm transported back in time. In my mind I see frantic handkerchief
waving and teary goodbyes; out the window, however, is the sprawling campus of
Central Michigan University, home to around 20,000 students. The
servers start us off with a beverage (sodas, wine and beer are available) before
dazzling us with our appetizer, asparagus wrapped with proscuitto and drizzled
with asiago cheese sauce. It is tender, flavorful and the perfect portion. Just
as we venture further into the countryside of central Michigan, our salads arrive
- fresh field greens with sliced Roma tomatoes and chunks of mozzarella. The accompanying
balsamic vinaigrette is perfectly balanced, complementing the salad beautifully.
Next
are the entrees, of which we delighted in the task of sampling a bit of each.
I marvel at the port wine-cherry sauce which is served with the roast duck before moving on to the tender pepper-seared tuna and its accompanying Shitake mushroom sauce. The tuna, which receives wide-eyed Destination Reviews from my dining companions, almost melts in my mouth. Finally, I try the carved London broil with Chef Doug Evans' wild mushroom sauce. The meat is succulent and juicy, prompting me to make a few Destination Reviews of my own. Those at my table nod sagely and we pause to take a breather before dessert (raspberry creme brulee) in order to enjoy the view passing by outside.
The ride is a leisurely two-and-a-half hours, ensuring enough time to enjoy dinner, the conversation of your fellow diners, and of course, the scenery. Starting May 10, the train will begin its weekly Saturday excursion, departing promptly at 7pm from the restaurant.
Reservations required.
(989) 775-2337 - website link below. Cost is $69.95 plus tax.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE/AFTER THE DINNER:
- One of the most popular area attractions by far is Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort, where you can indulge in slots or a table game like blackjack. The resort also boasts some high-quality entertainment - if you plan ahead, you can catch a concert or comedy act.
- Stroll the campus of Central Michigan University or roam Mount Pleasant's quaint downtown area.
- Explore Mill Pond Park, just a minute or two from Mountain Town Station, known for its whitewater kayaking opportunities.
- Play a round of golf at one of 15 nearby championship golf courses.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
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