Pitts Stop: Cape Flyer Chef Brings Style Back To Train Travel

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BOSTON (CBS) - Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kick off to summer and the definite kick off to Cape traffic. Luckily, there's a way to beat the gridlock and eat and drink while you do it.

Related: More Pitts Stop Features

The Cape Flyer, beginning it's fifth year of service Friday evening, transports thousands of people back and forth from South Station to Hyannis each summer, running from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend.

The Cape Flyer. (Photo courtesy: MBTA)

The train stops in Braintree, Brockton, Middleborough and Wareham Village before ending in Hyannis. It's a convenient option for car-less city residents looking to get to the Cape without the hassle of renting one.

On board you'll find locally made and artisan products hand picked by Chef Renee Scharoff, owner of Blonde On the Run Catering.

Chef Renee Scharoff. (WBZ-TV)

Back for a fourth season, Scharoff, who is of French descent, traveled to the Rhone wine region in southern France to hand pick Chateau de Câmpuget, a rosé only available on board the Flyer or at Brix Wine Shops.

Scharoff told WBZ-TV her goal is to bring elegance back to train rides.

Chateau de Câmpuget. (WBZ-TV)

"Back in the day when our grandmothers traveled they got dressed to go the train, they got dressed to take a flight somewhere. In the recesses of my head I thought, I would really love to put some style, a little bit of glamour and something nice back on train travel," she said.

Scharoff also made sure to include local companies and chefs back home in Boston.

Commonwealth Cold Brew coffee, NOLA'S salsa, a fried chicken picnic basket from Brassica, Chica de Gallo guacamole and Top Shelf cookies. (WBZ-TV)

Also on the menu: Commonwealth Cold Brew Coffee, NOLA'S Salsa and a fried chicken picnic basket from Brassica, both made in Jamaica Plain, Chica de Gallo Guacamole of Everett, Top Shelf Cookies based in Quincy along with locally brewed craft beers.

The first Cape Flyer train leaves South Station Friday at 5:50 p.m. and will arrive in Hyannis at 8:15 p.m.

Pets and bikes are allowed and kids under 11 years old ride free. Free WiFi is available. Tickets are $40 round trip and free WiFi is available.

For more information on tickets and schedules, visit capeflyer.com