Several types of steak are available among the many, many choices for diners at J&D Steak Buffet.IF YOU GO
Where: J&D Steak Buffet, 5326 Ringgold Road.Phone: 423-321-8375.Hours: 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.- 10:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday.Price range: Lunch, $2.99 (ages 3-5), $3.99 (ages 6-10), $6.99 (ages 10-up); dinner (includes drink), $3.99 (ages 3-5), $5.99 (ages 6-10), $10.99 (ages 10-up).
I’ve learned over the years that modern buffet restaurants bear a striking similarity to Russian roulette. In place of a revolver’s spinning cylinder, think instead of the dozens of food options, any of which could be delicious, disgusting or something in between. It’s just impossible to know which is which until you try each one.
“My stomach hurts,” my companion announced as we stood up to leave from J&D Steak Buffet after dinner there last week.
It’s not possible to know whether this pain arose from too many helpings, a mixture of incompatible food, too much ice water or ill-prepared cuisine. I myself felt fantastic after four plates of food, three glasses of water, two bowls of soup and one scoop of ice cream, all in the name of research.
One plate of food at such places may include offerings that could go for $20 a portion at a five-star restaurant, while other food may have sat out too long under the heat lamp. It’s best to keep your wits about you to salvage the best possible buffet experience.