Springtime in Paris

An elevated dining experience aboard the Essex Clipper Dinner Train
May 29, 2026
6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
$149.99

Our culinary team is excited to welcome you aboard the Essex Clipper Dinner Train for one of our three specialty dining experiences, departing Essex Station on select Fridays in 2026.

During the heyday of train travel in the United States, railroads heavily incorporated a blend of local and international cuisine when creating menus for their first-class dining cars. Inspired by the culinary traditions that shaped our present dining service, our chefs have crafted three unique prix-fixe menus to serve aboard our one-of-a-kind Pullman dining cars.

This limited dining series commences with our Springtime in Paris Dinner Train, featuring a five-course menu with classic Parisian dishes and elevated bar offerings. Relax and reconnect while our 21/2-hour scenic journey soothes away the stress of everyday life. Let the rhythm of the rails and our attentive staff transport you back to the day when rail travel was king and “dinner and the diner” was a delicious special occasion.

Menu

Bread Basket
French baguette served with French onion au jus

Table Appetizer
Charcuterie of crostini, local fruits, gruyere, brie, dried apricots, cornichons, and foie gras paté

Salad Course
Arugula, orange, fennel, shaved ricotta salata, rosemary panko crumb, with a honey shallot vinaigrette

Main Course Selections
Ratatouille—braised, local thin-sliced vegetables served in a light herbed tomato-based sauce
Coq au Vin served with asparagus and confit new potatoes
Steak au Poivre served with asparagus and confit new potatoes
Roasted shrimp, sea scallop, mussel with saffron beurre blanc, served with asparagus and confit new potatoes

Dessert
House-made chocolate croissant bread pudding with raspberry coulis

Purchase Tickets

Rules of the Rails

The Springtime in Paris Essex Clipper Dinner Train $149.99 per-person fare includes a 21/2-hour train ride, 4-course
meal with coffee/tea service, tax and meal service gratuity. Full cash bar service is available onboard. **Special excursions may be higher fare**

  • Train Boarding Essex Station: 30 minutes prior to departure time
  • Train Departure from Essex Station: On Time (Trains can not hold for late arriving guests; trains do depart on schedule)
  • Beverages &  Beverage Service Gratuity are not included in the $149.99 fare
  • For safety reasons aboard the moving train and to ensure a relaxing ride for all patrons, the Essex Clipper Dinner Train is limited to passengers age 18 and older. No infants please.
  • Advance reservations and payment required.
  • Tickets are non-refundable, but fully transferable with 48-hours notice.
  • Meal changes can not be honored within 48 hours of departure.
  • No alcoholic beverages may be brought aboard the train due to our liquor license
  • The Valley Railroad reserves the right to alter equipment, schedule and menu when necessary.
  • The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat is a nonpartisan organization with no religious or political affiliation. This position allows us to cultivate meaningful relationships within our communities, and we are able maintain a diverse, equitable, and inclusive perspective.

Purchase Gift Certificates

Give a Gift Certificate to commemorate a birthday, anniversary, holiday or to simply say “thank you.” Gift Certificates never expire and are available by calling the Essex Station ticket office at 800-377-3987 x70 or clicking the link below.

Purchase gift certificates

Dinner Train photos by Kim Tyler Photography of Chester, Connecticut.