The OCB is right for me!!
Written: Dec 21 '00
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: A great selection of food, at great prices.
Cons: Can be crowded, very crowded!
|
|
|
| Kelamandasmom's Full Review: Old Country Buffet |
You Want To go to the Old Country Buffet? Why?!?!
This was a question asked to my by my husband about a year ago. That was when I first found out about the Old Country Buffet (OCB). My husband had to open his big mouth one day and tell me about this buffet style restaurant which serves all the comfort food which I crave. Myself being a "city girl", have never been to an actual buffet-style restaurant. They are few, and far between here in New York City. I just had to go!! I don't know why, but I had to have this experience!
The nearest OCB is about a 45 minute drive from our home. We were lucky enough to have Grandma offer to babysit our daughter, so the experience could be fully enjoyed. When we arrived on a crowded Saturday night, my husband winced at the sight of the line lierally going out the door, and around the building. Come on!! The line is moving quickly!!! My husband just rolled his eyes as I dragged him on this enormous line. A quick word. I have a slight addiction with dining out. Back in my bachelorette days, working as a waitress, every meal was out. I am spoiled, I'll admit it. I could of had my choice of any of my favorite restaurants. Restaurants in New York City which some people would just die to go to! So, once again, why the OCB? I still don't know the answer. I just had a feeling that good food, and fun were beyond that crazy line. I was on a mission!
The line did move reletively quickly, and we were at the head of the line within 10 minutes. Not bad for a Saturday night, where we would of waited a good hour anywhere else. When we reached the register, the polite cashier asked us if it was our first time at the OCB. I quickly answered yes! I was like a tourist in Times Square, wide eyed at the site of it all! The manager, Harry, was gracious enough to come out from behind the counter and show us how their system works.
You are given a place card which you place on your table to hold it while you are filling (and refilling) your plates. When you are done with your meal, simply turn your card over so that the staff can clear the table. All in all, a pretty simple and painless system. Harry then showed us to a comfortable booth, and wished us a good evening. A word on the booths. Both my husband and I are not lightweights. My poor husband has been cramped in a not-wide-enough booth many times. These booths were very roomy. Their would of been plenty of room for a party of four, and a high chair on the end of the table.
We put our place card on the table and went on a tour of the food islands. The first thing I saw was the dessert island (figures). Fresh baked pastries, cakes, pies, and sticky buns were on display. Along with 2 soft serve ice cream machines, there was a great selection.
Secondly, we saw 2 large salad islands. Assorted salads, toppings, dressings, puddings, fresh fruits, and soups were neatly displayed. Everything seemed very clean, even for a Saturday night. I was surprised, and expecting the worst from that department.
Following the 2 salad islands, were 3 large hot food islands. With a wide assortment of veggies, sides, meats, appetizers, and whatnot, I KNEW that I would have to be rolled out of there!! Next to the hot food islands was a fully stocked condimant station. We're not just talking ketchup! They had a wide assortment of sauces, butters, and other things to make anyone happy!
"Are you ready to eat now??" my husband impatiently asked. Poor thing! I went to the drink island first, and got myself a soda. Sodas, coffees, tea, milk, this was pretty well stocked. And once again, very clean. I than preceeded to make myself a small salad as a starter. I was tempted to try dessert first, but I held up like a champ! A nice romaine lettuce salad, with chickpeas, cucumbers, red onion (red onion is a bonus, and had a choice of 3 onions, yellow, red, and vidalia), tomatoes, bacon, ham, and cheese, with a delighful vinagrette dressing. Remember, this was a small salad! Along with a warm whole wheat roll, the salad was delightful.
Preceeding the salad, I tried their cream of broccoli soup. I have to admit, it was bland, and watery. My husband tried the lobster bisque, and was quite happy with it. The consistency looked smooth, and creamy. I cannot vouch for the taste of the lobster bisque, for I am allergic to loster!!! Even if it wasn't real lobster, I'm not taking any chances!
I then began my dinner. I saw fresh roast beef, and ham being carved. That was my first stop. Along with mashed potatoes (with gravy, of course!), cornbread stuffing, and carrots, I was happy! The meats were very good, as were the stuffing,and carrots. The mashed potatoes were not real though, a slight disapointment I got over quickly upon viewing the baked sweet potatoes!
My Second dinner was a minor smorgesbord! Fried chicken, corn on the cob, baked beans, BBQ beef ribs, a baked sweet potato, and some more stufing for good measure almost filled me up for the night. ALMOST!
My husband tried some roasted chicken, new potatoes, and pizza. Besides the pizza being frozen Elio's brand, he was happy. So, with our bellies almost full, we preceeded to dessert.
Throughout our meal, we used up quite alot of plates, and cups. The busboy in charge of our area quickly cleared our dirty dishes, and even brought me a clean fork when I dropped mine! Tipping is not really necessary at the OCB, due to you not having a server and all. Being in the restaurant business, I tipped that poor, mexican busboy (please, no hate mail. All busboys in NY are Mexican! Some of my best friends are Mexican busboys, get over it people!). We then hit the dessert island. What a great assortment! I was pleasently surprised to see a nice assortment of sugar free items, alongh with your pies, cakes, cookies, and like. We were very happy campers.
Now the OCB isn't for eveyone. It was crowded, and niosy. This is a blessing to a family with kids, but a burden to people on a date, or seniors. Their prices are very reasonble. For $8.95 per adult, and $.50 per year, per children over 2, this was definently a fair deal, considering what we ate! This is a great idea for a family get together, if you choose not to cook. They also have theme nights, seafood night on Friday, etc. I highly recommend the OCB. It might not be a 5 star restaurant, but it made me happy!
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
Kelamandasmom
|
 - Top 1000 |
|
Member: Kelly Paulson-Koch
Location: NYC, New York
Reviews written: 67
Trusted by: 109 members
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.