Many years ago when I first heard of Chinese buffets I have to admit to being very wary. After all how could a buffet, with it's food sitting out, possibly compete with my favorite Chinese restaurants. But then there came the day that Kolleen, Sarahfay and I first visited Golden Buffet located at 5630 Dixie Highway in Waterford, Michigan. I will admit that I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food. The fact that the buffet was an all-you-can-eat did not hurt the situation either. So thus was the view of the Hendin family.
But then came last night. Sarahfay and I had just finished practicing our archery and we stopped at Golden Buffet for dinner. Normally my family would never go to the buffet at dinner time as their prices are higher and there is so much seafood. With Kolleen's severe allergies to shellfish there really seemed no need to go for the dinner service. But as Sarahfay and I were alone, and we both l-o-v-e seafood, it seemed a perfect time to go.
Unfortunately last night had the worst quality of food that I have ever experienced at Golden Buffet. Let me explain...
I began my meal with a bowl of Hot & Sour soup. As always I added some wantons, scallions and fried noodles. The soup itself was tasty and I know my Hot & Sour soups. But the wantons where shriveled and hard. They actually had a crusty crunch to them and this made them unappealing. I also ate sushi in my appetizer. The sushi itself was unfresh and thus not worth the bite of eating. Golden Buffet did offer pickled ginger which was wonderful.
Sarahfay started her meal with a bowl of Egg Drop Soup, which she had never had before. She did enjoy it immensely.
For our main meals I chose the Vegetable Lo Mein, Peanut Chicken, Mongolian Chicken, Pan Fried Dumplings, and Baked Mussels. Unlike previous visits to Golden Buffet the Vegetable Lo Mein was dry and tasteless. The Peanut and Mongolian Chickens were both great as was the Baked Mussel. But the Pan Fried Dumpling, which is one of my favorite foods, was like the wanton, rock hard and hard to eat. I also tried the Chicken Teriyaki Satay and it was also dried and chewy, very much like jerky.
Sarahfay's meal consisted of crab legs, fried shrimp, Sweet & Sour Chicken and Chicken Teriyaki Satay. She had a difficult time eating the crab legs as they were so small had little meat to them. She did however enjoy the Fried Shrimp.
We did not partake of it last night but Golden Buffet does offer a nice Mongolian Style BBQ buffet and grill.
The affordability of Golden Buffet is exactly what I would expect from an all-you-can-eat buffet. The price for lunch is $6.55, with children under 10 paying $3.25. I find that very affordable. The dinner prices go up after 4:00 PM to $10.55 for adults and $5.25 for kids. Children under three years of age eat free.
Golden Buffet does offer a full carryout menu as well as a carry out buffet starting at $3.29 per pound.
The decor of the restaurant was fair. Sarahfay always loves the koi in the front fountain. In fact, yesterday she saw a turtle swimming through the water. I tried to trick her and tell her it was for turtle soup, but she didn't buy it.
The cleanliness of the restaurant, which is so important for a buffet, was just fine. The bathrooms where clean.
The service was fantastic. The waitress seems to be on top of things by removing used plates, filling drink orders and fulfilling special requests.
Overall I was impressed with Gold Buffet in all ways except the food. Last night there were too many inconsistencies in the taste of the food and if I had to judge the restaurant by last night alone I would not return. I pray it was just a off night.
Happy eating!
OVERALL:
Service: ****(4)
Food: **(2)
Affordability: **(2 1/2)
Cleanliness: ****(4)
Decor: ***(3)
Overall: **(2 1/2)
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