Reading most of the previous Yelp reviews, I was definitely skeptical about coming here and obviously fearing the worst. Some of the reviews were so dire, that I decided to go to confession as well as prepare a living will just before I came here for lunch.
So first disclaimer is that I will readily admit that I don't have the highest standards. However, I prefer to call that side of me practical. Keep in mind that it is an All You Eat Buffet and lunch is only $9.69. So this review takes into account quality, quantity, as well as value.
Here is my rating system when it comes to an AYCE Buffet.
1 star = I didn't have to visit the Emergency Room within 24 hours of eating there.
2 stars = I didn't see any rodents and roaches and was able to eat most of the food. Price is very cheap.
3 stars = Most food is edible with at least 1 item tasting pretty good and service being good. This is where I am rating New Grand Buffet.
To all the naysayers and skeptics..Come on cheap asses, it's only $9.69 for AYCE lunch with lots of choices! What the hell are you expecting, Kobe steak, French champagne, and a maitre d dressed in a tux? Maybe you want to throw in some belly dancers and a massage while you're at it? Are you the same dude that walks into your local McDonalds and orders off the Dollar Menu and expecting your burger to taste better than Shake Shack? Are you the same dude that makes a prearranged date with a woman that resembles Roseanne Barr and expects her to show up on your date 2 days later magically transformed into Jennifer Lawrence? Let's get real here.
O.K., first of all, this place is huge. All are booth seating which fits 4. When I walked in on a Wednesday at 12 noon, the place couldn't have been more than 15% full. I was promptly greeted, seated and the waitress took my drink order right away. Buffet setting is in the back offering lots of variety of Chinese food, American Food, soups, Sushi, as well as a "Mexican Corner". My strategy was to stay with the Chinese food. I'm adventurous but I ain't dumb so I'm not touching raw fish in a buffet. Since this is a Chinese restaurant with Chinese staff, common sense tells me that you can count on 1 hand how many households in China are cooking fajitas, tacos, fried chicken, or making mac & cheese so no way am I going to try those.
So I tried about a dozen of the Chinese dishes including their fried noodles, Dim Sum, Tso's Chicken, Lemon Chicken, pork chops, fish, etc. I would say half of the food tasted pretty bland but at least edible. Some of the dishes actually were pretty good such as the Dim Sum and the pork roast. The one thing I found inedible was the sausage so I promptly spit it out and crumpled that in a napkin so as to not get charged for leaving any leftovers. There is also a pretty big dessert station. Had 2 pieces of different cakes as well as made myself an ice cream cone from their machine. The ice cream cone with a mix of chocolate and vanilla ice cream actually was my favorite item!
So 2 plates full of food, 2 pieces of cake, and an ice cream cone for only $9.69 is a definite win in my book. I know some complained about the service but the service was excellent when I was there. Some complained about the interior but it was totally fine for me. After all, I'm chewing on the food and I'm not chewing on the wooden legs. Good grief! So will this be a 5 star dining experience? No. If you want one, go on Open Table and book a table at Boulad or however you spell it. Will I go back? You bet my cheap ass I will! read more