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L.A. to Vegas Train is Back on Track, With 'Top Chef Masters' Alum in Tow
Photo courtesy of Rick Moonen
A few years ago, everyone in L.A. was buzzing about the X Train, which would carry revelers from Los Angeles to Las Vegas on tracks previously laid by Union Pacific. The big news for foodies, of course, was that Rick Moonen was signed on to do the culinary program.
Moonen, who is known for his popular Vegas restaurant RM Seafood and his appearance on "Top Chef Masters," will oversee the roving stoves on the train, which the developers say will have a "party atmosphere on wheels."
It was initially said that the X Train would be finished in 2011, but eventually the projectwas put on hold. But now Grub Street brings word that the train is back on track, with its completion anticipated for New Years Eve 2013.
The reason for the delay was that Union Pacific didn't want a train with gambling to be laid on its tracks. But UP has now agreed to move on with the $100 million project.
A deal was forged with Union Pacific Railroad last week, and the maiden voyage is planned for New Year's Eve 2013. Grub Street says that, "Negotiations [are currently in the works] over laying new track or using an existing one so the train can stretch to Fullerton, plus the construction of a new station in Downtown Vegas, could conceivably dash that optimistic expectation. When it does finally pull out of the yard, train fare may be priced at $99 and include a meal and the first of many drinks to fuel you through the five-hour trip."
According to the Province, the train will seat 576 passengers and will run along tracks previously designated for freighters. The initial plans are for one trip a day on Thursday, Friday, Sunday, and Monday. That means that those who partied too hard on the weekend can sleep on the way back -- or pound blood marys to alleviate their hangovers -- while the conductor takes the wheel.
As if a weekend in Vegas wasn't toxic enough to your liver as is.
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