Using a free one-class upgrade coupon received when I made 'select' status, I decided to splurge and take tr 2190 from NHV to BOS about 2 months ago. When I got on, it looked like all the other Acela First Class customers had already eaten. So the attendant only had me and one other passenger to serve. I chose the cheese w/ham omelet and was very much disappointed. The omelet was very rubbery and the potatoes severely undercooked. Even Amtrak dining cars weren't that bad 30 years ago when they cut to the bone! (If you think the dining car fare is bad now, it was far worse about 30 years ago!) If I had actually paid cash to ride in First Class, I would have demanded a refund on the extra charges!
Although I don't have the extra cash to ride the Acela more than once every couple of years, I can assure you, I will NEVER ride Acela First Class again!