As previously mentioned here, my husband loves trains. Not in the sense of being a collector/builder of model railroads. The idea of traveling by train just fascinates him. And we’ve done it a few times as a result. So for Valentine’s Day this year, I suggested that we check out a restaurant called The Salted Rim in Ocean View, Delaware. The Salted Rim frequently has themed dinners in their restored rail cars… and I just knew Hubs would love to have dinner on a train!
Delaware?
Yes, Delaware! Don’t say that you would never go there, because the fact of the matter is that there are loads of beautiful beaches in the First State. The Atlantic coastline offers a variety of destinations, from Lewes and Rehoboth to Dewey, Bethany and Fenwick. All have their own special niche, and all are 30 minutes or less from Ocean View.
The Salted Rim
So, if you’re visiting the Delaware beaches, you should definitely check out The Salted Rim. Before I tell you about their wonderful dinner on a train events, you should know that they offer a lot more. Happy Hour specials on drinks and food run Sunday-Friday from 11-7 PM and 3-7 PM on Saturday.
Here are the ongoing daily specials (as of this writing – they are subject to change):
- MONDAY – All you can eat tacos 4-9 PM, plus Bingo at 6 PM
- TUESDAY – Karaoke starting at 8 PM
- WEDNESDAY – Domestic beers $2.50, Mingo (music bingo) at 7 PM
- THURSDAY – Fried Grouper Sandwich $5.99 11 AM-4PM, Trivia at 7 PM
- FRIDAY – 2 Shrimp Tacos for $5.99 11 AM-4PM, DJ providing music
Their menu is as diverse as the entertainment. From seafood to Mexican fare, plus a great selection of appetizers, burgers, and sandwiches, the food is fresh and tasty. The service at the Salted Rim is also excellent.
Dinner on a Train
There are two train cars located adjacent to the restaurant proper. Their themed events offer a breakfast or dinner buffet, depending on the time. The breakfast offers guests scrambled eggs, pancakes, chocolate chip pancakes, French toast, breakfast potatoes, sausage, ham, and rolls. The lunch/dinner option includes salad, mac & cheese, scalloped potatoes, tater tots, chicken nuggets (I’m told they are very similar to Chick-fil-A nuggets!), corn, BBQ chicken legs, pasta & marinara sauce, fresh fish in Lemon Butter, and dinner rolls.
Prices are $12.99 for children ages 1-7, $17.99 for children ages 8-12, and $26.99 for ages 13 and up.
Frozen
Young guests are invited to dress up as their favorite princess or other character (or just come in their pajamas) and enter the magical, frozen world of Elsa, Anna and Olaf.
Inside the rail cars, decorated for the event in shades of white and blue and an abundance of snowflakes, guests can watch the movie on a large screen television and enjoy the buffet meal. There will be a special visit from the Princesses as guests sing-a-long to their favorite songs from the movie.
Polar Express
Offered around the holidays, the Salted Rim’s Polar Express meal is a must for any young fans of the movie or book. Just like the kids in the story, they should attend in their pajamas! Many families use the occasion to take photos with the decorated trains in the background, and then use the photo for their Christmas card greetings.
Upon arrival, guests check in with Mrs. Claus, who issues golden tickets to the diners. Then, when the train is ready to board, Mrs. Claus will make the announcement and all families will walk a short distance down the deck to the train entrance.
At the entrance to the train car, Mr. Conductor greets the guests and punches the golden tickets just like in the movie. Then guests meet the Elves, who are the servers, and they escort to your assigned seat. After all guests are seated, the buffet dinner begins.
Once everyone has their food, the movie begins. During the rousing hot chocolate scene in the movie, the guests receive hot chocolate and cookies. After that, families are free to just sit back and enjoy the movie.
At a certain point, the Elves pause the movie to announce a special visitor. Direct from the North Pole, it’s Santa Claus! Santa visits with each child, asks them what they want for Christmas, and gives them a special gift. He poses for pictures with the children, and the Elves are happy to help if the whole family wants to be in the picture with Santa.
The movie resumes after Santa’s visit and everyone claps as the movie ends! It is truly magical! They even have a mailbox for children to mail their letters to Santa!
Harry Potter
The latest offering from the Salted Rim is dinner on a train that might resemble the Hogwarts Express. Guests can arrive in Hogwarts uniform or other costume (optional). The may also bring their wands, but broomsticks must park in the front of the train.
In this magical world, guests are sorted into Gyffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff as you watch one of the eight Harry Potter movies. Pick your favorite, then sit back and watch Harry, Ron and Hermoine learn how to battle the evil forces of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.
Movies will be shown on large screen TV’s in authentic train cars decorated in true Harry Potter style.
You will enjoy a first course of a garden salad served family style to your table, an all-you-can-eat dinner buffet and a butter beer cupcake dessert served by Hogwarts characters.
Holiday Specials
The Salted Rim also offers fine dining specials for holiday meals. Hubs and I went there for Valentine’s Day dinner this year, and it was a great experience!
Hearts and roses and rhinestones adornted the rail cars:
I don’t know if you can see it in the photo above, but they had some special Valentine’s Day drink specials on the menu. They all sounded really good, but the one that really caught my eye was “Love at First Bite,” which was described as a “strawberry rattle snake margarita.” I love margaritas, and I love strawberry margaritas. So I ordered it.
Isn’t it pretty? Well, let me tell you – looks can be deceiving! My mouth burned from the very first sip, because I neglected to ask what the rattlesnake reference was for. After the initial sip, when I realized that the rim was coated in Old Bay seasoning, I drank the rest through a straw in an effort to cool the burning sensation on my lips and tongue. Big mistake. It turns out that the tequila used in this particular margarita was infused with some really hot pepper. I can’t remember if it was jalapeno or habanero – either way, it was too much for me! But then again, I think Chipotle is too spicy. Your mileage may vary.
Needless to say, that’s the last time I will order a drink without finding out what’s in it! Fortunately, the food was much more to my liking. I ordered Chicken Chesapeake and Hubs had Grouper stuffed with crab imperial, both served with some yummy mashed potatoes and a vegetable. Then we split a creamy, decadent Bailey’s Irish Cream cheesecake for dessert.
It was a great evening, and we couldn’t have been more pleased. The next time you’re in the Delaware beaches area, make sure you check out the Salted Rim and see if you can have dinner on a train!
NOTE: I have not received any compensation for this article. My husband and I paid for our own meals.
The post Ocean View, Delaware – Where You Can Enjoy Dinner on a Train appeared first on Travel As Much.
