Now Boarding: 21st Century Limited

From 1902 to 1967, New Yorkers and Chicagoans could swap places aboard the express passenger train known as the 20th Century Limited.  Now, chefs Daniel Humm of Eleven Madison Park and chef Grant Achatz of Alinea are giving you the opportunity to hop a $495 ride on what they're calling the 21st Century Limited.

The Times confirmed reports of the switch-a-roo taking place between Eleven Madison Park and Alinea in September and October.  For five days in September, the 26th through the 30th, Achatz and his Alinea staff will be cooking and serving inside the walls of Eleven Madison Park.  The following month, October 10th through the 14th, Daniel Humm and EMP's staff will be at Alinea.

Tickets will go on sale in the coming weeks via the 21st Century Limited's facebook page.  The price includes wine pairings, but not tax and gratuity.  Of the project's ambition, Humm says, "It's a crazy idea, but that's what's cool."  As for Achatz's approach, "When we bring Alinea to New York, we’re looking at it as a Michelin three-star restaurant that’s popping up in New York,” he said. “I mean, we’re not taking it lightly.”