(VIA Rail issued the following news release on December 12.)
VANCOUVER, BC — VIA Rail Canada is the recipient of a 2002 Good Food Award from Saga Holidaymakers, a highly-respected European holiday operator. The award is presented in recognition of the quality, service, variety and food on Saga USA and Canada touring programs. The one rosette Good Food Awardawarded to VIA is the highest recognition Saga bestows on a service provider. The recognition was presented for the West to East Canadian Rail Adventure featuring VIA’s award-winning train, The Canadian.
This award is based on direct feedback from Saga Holidaymakers’ customers. “VIA’s most valued critics are our customers,” said Joe Volk, Director, Western Services at VIA Rail Canada. “We are proud to receive this award and be recognized by our guests for our high standards. This is a reflection of the efforts of our dining car team, from our chefs and cooks who prepare the meals to the attendants who serve them and ensure that the entire dining experience is memorable in every way.”
The dining experience is an important ingredient in VIA’s “recipe” for success with Silver & Blue class. “Our menus are diverse and feature fresh, high quality ingredients to please all taste palates,” said Paul Terpstra, onboard Chef at VIA Rail Canada, and one of 20 winners of the Nestlé Canada Inc. Culinary Excellence Competition 2003 which took place earlier this year. “Including popular regional cuisine in our menu selections is part ofour guests’ travel experience.”
Paul was n the spirit of holiday giving, Chef Terpstra is sharing three of his award-winning recipes: Roast Turkey with Wild Rice, Sausage, and Apple Stuffing; Home Made Pumpkin Pie; and Ginger and Rum Glazed Ham (recipes attached).
The Canadian travels a beautiful three-day journey between Vancouver and Toronto starting on the Pacific coast, crossing the splendid Rockies and the western prairies, the picturesque lakelands of northern Ontario, and finishing its journey in Toronto. The Canadian’s passengers have their choice of two classes of service: economy (coach) or Silver & Blue, featuring sleeping car accommodations and access to the domed observation car.
As Canada’s national passenger rail service, VIA Rail Canada’s mandate is to provide efficient and cost- effective passenger transportation services, both in Canada’s busiest corridor and in remote and rural regions of the country. This year marks VIA’s 25th year of connecting Canadians in over 450communities across Canada. Demand for rail services continues to grow as more Canadians turn to train travel as a safe and convenient travel choice. Passengers can book their tickets by calling 1-888-VIA-RAIL, at kiosks in major Corridor stations, at www.viarail.ca or through their travel agent.