New Grand Buffet
34-45 48 Street, Long Island City
278-8889

CUISINE: Buffet with a variety of dishes and a to-order Mongolian Grill.

PRICE: Lunch $5.99. Dinner Mon.-Thurs.@ $9.99 ($10.99 Fri.- Sun.). Kids under 10 @ discounted prices. Carry out buffet by the pound: lunch $3.25/lb, dinner $4.25/lb.

HOURS: Lunch 11am (12 Sunday) until 3:30pm. Dinner 4pm until 10pm Mon.- Thurs. (11pm Fri.-Sun.)

PARKING: Free roof-top lot with ramp off Northern Blvd. east of 48th Street.

ACCESSIBLILITY: Elevator from roof parking to street level entrance. Interior on one level.

CREDIT CARDS: All major cards accepted.

Well located in a line of popular retail stores, the New Grand Buffet in a bright modern setting offers all-you-can-eat. On a series of steam tables you can choose from at least 100 different items daily.

Start with the soups from classic Egg drop, Wonton or a rich creamy New England Clam Chowder. Perhaps you would prefer to start with fruit — an assortment from melons to pineapple. It is easier to cruise the offerings with your plate at the ready and sample whatever appeals to your eye or something that you are familiar with and enjoy. Sushi anyone? Your tasting can run the gambit from Mussels to Teriyaki Chicken. Another tasty chicken offering was the coconut wrapped fingers. Personally, I liked the popular, fresh, hot Fried Plantain and an assortment of fresh, attractive veggies- from long green beans to Bok Choy- is inviting. For Dim Sum devotees there are several trays of Shui Mai, Pork Dumplings etc. A new-to-us item is a water chestnut gelatin cake-an excellent tidbit. Whether its’ one of the meat dishes from Beef with Peppers to Meat Balls, from Spare Ribs to Pork Chops, all are available to be accompanied by potatoes- mashed, French fried or hash browns; or rice if you prefer.

The New Grand Buffet also prepares a Mongolian BBQ to order. After you select the raw ingredients and sauces, give them to the waiting Chef to cook on the large round grill while you watch.

The desserts are plentiful-assorted mini-pastries, soft ice cream and gelatins. Hot tea is always included. For soda and coffee, add $1 to the price.

The restaurant under the direction of General Manager, Jason of Floral Park, and his staff are pleasant and accommodative even when the rush is on. You’ll enjoy visiting the New Grand Buffet!