HARVEST BUFFET:
14 Northern Blvd., Great Neck;
(516) 498-1888

CUISINE: Eclectic mix of all-you-can-eat items offered buffet style

CATERING: Yes, and buffet-to-go carry out priced
by the pound

PARKING: Adjoining spacious lot

WHEN/PRICE: Open seven days a week. Lunch Mon. to Sat. 11am until 3:30pm ($8.95). Dinner Mon. thru Thur. 4pm until 11pm ($15.95), Fri. & Sat. 4pm until 11pm ($16.95). Sun. & Holidays all day ($15.95). Children under 10 half price and under two eat free.

CREDIT CARDS: All major cards accepted.

This was one of the first restaurants to present the now popular, elegant buffet style menu with a rotating large number of items daily. The eclectic offering covers several cuisines: Chinese, Japanese, vegetarian, Italian as well as popular American dishes. All food is clearly identified above the pans. As you go back and forth to the three buffet tables, your waiter/waitress will keep you supplied with unlimited free beverages.

On the day we visited, there were four soups ranging from hot Wonton to a sweet, cold Almond Soup as well as Clam Chowder with a variety of breads and crackers to accompany. An assortment of cut fruits provided a refreshing appetizer. Make your own salad from among the greens, sliced onions, crotons offered along with a selection of dressings.

One dish popular with our group was the classic Chinese Snails with Black Bean Sauce. We also enjoyed (and made several trips back to) the colorful, freshly-made Sushi array. The Scallops With Melted Cheese in individual foil cups was a new treat to us.

Assorted noodle dishes included Chinese Lo Mein, Japanese Udon and spaghetti. Chinese dumplings and Shu Mai were available along with a number of rice dishes – plain as well as fried – including rich with scallions, onions, eggs and bean sprouts.

Meats ranged from Chicken Wings with two sauces, to Fried Chicken, to BBQ Ribs, to tasty Beef With Broccoli. An assortment of fresh shrimp and other seafoods were also available. Other, more expensive, meats are put out after 4pm for dinner.

Vegetarians can get their fill with a lengthy list of fresh, stir-fried vegetables such as snowpeas either solo or in combinations.

Desserts include assorted pastries (from Carrot Cake to Sugar Buns) and a two-flavor soft ice cream machine (chocolate & vanilla).

This is a great place to bring your guests — especially youngsters and teenagers. There is always a plethora of choices and the price is right.