Gourmet Buffet

WENDY AND TOM DINE OUT

The latest tend in inexpensive restaurants appears to be "all-you-can-eat" buffets. This one is inappropriately named since there is nothing "gourmet" about it! In fact, it is a mediocre attempt at offering a lot of food at a reasonable cost. The restaurant itself is fairly clean, but has one of our least favorite looks, food stains on the wallpaper. The serving area is reasonably clean but needs to be tidied up a bit more frequently. Diners tend to spill gravies and sauces on the top of the serving areas and it becomes unattractive to find these spills there for more than a few minutes. The food at Gourmet Buffet is categorized as "Chinese, American, and Italian." None of them are particularly good. The Chinese section probably has the greatest number of entrees with some interesting sounding dishes like, "Peanut Butter Chicken." Unfortunately, most of the entrees are sticky and the sauces overly thickened. This may be caused by sitting too long on the steam table. The Hot and Sour Soup, however, is quite good. There are several other soups, that also looked like they might be reasonable choices. Several of the Italian entrees have sauces that are thin and watery. The American entrees include an almost inedible cut of beef. The macaroni is a good choice for children and adults that aren't watching their cholesterol. The salad bar here is unappealing with the Tuna Salad being crusted over and the lettuce wilted. The Gourmet Buffet offers fresh fruit, jello, pastries, and puddings for dessert, along with ice cream and toppings. A soft drink or hot beverage is included in the price. The best suggestion for this restaurant is to only choose dishes that have just arrived from the kitchen. They are much better, although still not that well prepared, when they first arrive on the steam table. A far better choice would be to skip this restaurant entirely and try another buffet such as the "Old Country Buffet".

RESTAURANT:

GOURMET BUFFET

ADDRESS:

486 Bridgeport Avenue, Milford, CT (Off exit 34 of Rt. 95)

DATE:

January 7, 2001

MEAL:

Lunch

BREAD:

SALAD:

Included are potato, cole slaw, tuna, fruit, etc.

APPETIZER:

California rolls, egg drop soup, clam chowder, etc.

ENTREE:

($9.50) There are about 50 to choose from that include items like; meatloaf, mashed potatoes, oven fried (over fried) chicken, baked clams, spaghetti, meatballs, boneless spareribs, asparagus (thick and undercooked), sesame chicken, and loads more.

DESSERT:

Dry pastries, puddings (tapioca was quite good), ice cream

OTHER:

Easy access to Route 95

Plenty of parking

Plates are removed from the table quickly

Might be okay for kids

OVERALL:

C

There are certainly some items here that are acceptable, but you will have to pick and choose them carefully. Nothing left an distinct or favorable impression. The best we can say is that there are a great deal of choices and there is easy access to the highway.

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RESTAURANT:	GOURMET BUFFET
ADDRESS:	486 Bridgeport Avenue, Milford, CT (Off exit 34 of Rt. 95)
DATE:	January 7, 2001
MEAL:	Lunch
BREAD:

SALAD:	Included are potato, cole slaw, tuna, fruit, etc.
APPETIZER:	California rolls, egg drop soup, clam chowder, etc.

ENTREE:	($9.50) There are about 50 to choose from that include items like; meatloaf, mashed potatoes, oven fried (over fried) chicken, baked clams, spaghetti, meatballs, boneless spareribs, asparagus (thick and undercooked), sesame chicken, and loads more.


DESSERT:	Dry pastries, puddings (tapioca was quite good), ice cream
OTHER:	Easy access to Route 95
	Plenty of parking
	Plates are removed from the table quickly
	Might be okay for kids



OVERALL:	C
	There are certainly some items here that are acceptable, but you will have to pick and choose them carefully. Nothing left an distinct or favorable impression. The best we can say is that there are a great deal of choices and there is easy access to the highway.