5 Types of Endless Eating Styles

A major benefit of living in Las Vegas is the food scene. This major travel destination for people worldwide is not only known for gaming, but the dining industry is booming. Whatever you are looking for it’s here. Every level of service and every type of cuisine is available throughout the valley from fine dining to fast food. Las Vegas has become known as “buffet paradise.” If you’re looking to pile up your plate and eat large, with an endless selection of foods, then welcome to Las Vegas. The buffet originated in Sweden in the 1600’s and redeveloped to “the modern buffet” in the 19th century. Food is displayed so the customers can make decisions quickly. Here are 5 types of buffets and my local recommendations:

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A basic buffet is as simple as it gets, and the most common type of self-serve eating experience. They can be small scaled like a social gathering in your house or job-site (sometimes called “potlucks) or they can be grandiose displays at large hotels. Potlucks are typically a crapshoot as far as your selections go. Larger scaled venues will feature a multitude of choices including salad bars, main courses, sides, and desserts. Many buffets break sections down by ethnicity: Italian, Mexican, Asian, and Southern U.S. to name a few. In Las Vegas, examples of this buffet style would be Sweet Tomatoes and the infamous Golden Corral, known as one of the best dining values in the valley.

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Action Stations are sometimes used during a buffet making the experience more interactive. They are also known as “exhibition cooking” and “performance stations.” Chefs prepare foods at locations throughout the buffet, usually based on personal requests by the guest. These stations include omelet bars, Mongolian stir fry, wok-stations, meat carving, pasta bars, and if you’re lucky sushi stations. These are quite popular at many of the hotels throughout Las Vegas, and you can also find them at local restaurants during Sunday brunch. Exhibition cooking was one of my earliest jobs as a chef. I really enjoyed getting out of the kitchen. All the Station Casino buffets utilize this type of buffet style in Las Vegas.

Plated Buffet Service features a selection of pre-plated foods. Blending in throughout the expanse of the buffet, they can give the meal that little extra touch of upscale, especially when the plate and presentation are on point. Most buffets use this for their dessert selections: cakes, pies, tarts, and other pastries. Larger upscale hotel buffets utilize this style to perfection. Individual dishes such as Lobster Eggs Benedict, Red Velvet Pancakes with Fresh Strawberries, and your own mini deep fryer basket filled with Fish & Chips are just a few of the many unique food displays. This is my favorite buffet style. The Buffet at Bellagio and Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars are two of the best in Las Vegas.

Family Style Service is slightly different in that guests are immediately seated, and the food is served from the kitchen. Large platters and bowls are put on display at the table and guests help themselves to whatever foods they like as well as portion sizes. The food can be passed or set out on a lazy Susan, spin the wheel and make your selection. This type of service is also known as “English style” but is used in Chinese restaurants as well. During my trip to China, this was the norm for dinner every night. Dish after dish was brought out and placed on the lazy Susan and the binge was on. Chinatown in Las Vegas has several restaurants utilizing this style of service.

Most people wouldn’t think of Butlered Hors d’ Oeuvres Service when it comes to buffet styles. They are usually associated with high end gatherings, just the opposite of cheap to moderately priced buffets. However, this style does involve choice and how many you try is up to you. Finger foods are placed on a tray or small plates and served to guests. Cocktail napkins are also provided by the server if necessary. Canape varieties, smoked fish, caviar, and cheeses are some of the more popular items. Dressed to the nines with champagne in hand enjoy your high-end reception. Best options in Vegas …? Crash a party at Lake Las Vegas, MacDonald Ranch, or TPC Summerlin.

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Buffets are effective for serving large numbers of people at once. Get’em in and move’em out. They are a tremendous monetary generator when run properly. For the individual, putting on a buffet spread or hosting a reception can create a sense of pride, especially for that one “special” neighbor which we all have. Buffets have become a metaphor for America. With our ability to produce so many foods the outcome is obvious, someone must eat all that stuff. Mix that with no time clock and a tally free dinner check… just enjoy your endless eats moment.