All
you can eat Chinese buffets in strip malls are as ubiquitous as Starbucks and are normally something
to be avoided like a STD.
The appeal of variety is irresistible but the execution is typically sketchy. The volume just isn't there for them to be able to refresh the steam tables, so it just sits. When the pans are eventually refreshed, it's usually best to look away when the kitchen door swings open and Grandpa Wang scrambles out or you may see produce sitting on dirty floors or piles of unrefrigerated meat waiting to be chopped.
If I haven't spoiled your appetite, consider a rare buffet of merit- Asian Garden on Rt.23 (High St.) just north of Powell Rd. in the Wal-Mart center.
I've been eating here for 8 years and they have consistently and competently served a wide variety of fresh food, soups, salads with nice perks like a build-your-own Mongolian Barbeque, peel-and-eat shrimp and sushi both no additional cost to the $6.95 per person tab (minus drink).
They have the volume to keep the food coming as evidenced by the parade of construction workers, landscapers and local office personnel that tramp through at lunch time. But despite its popularity, I have never waited for a table.
The decor is typically tacky but it is spacious and clean, including the rest room.
Even though this is a serve yourself buffet, there is drink service by shy, right off the boat, servers. They are super quick and they never fail to clear your plate to make room for another and refill your drink.
There are 24-30 varieties of Chinese appetizers, soups and entrees, 6 American entrees and a complete salad bar. The Mongolian Barbeque offers 4 different meats and a dozen veggies and noodles for the chef to stir fry on the giant cook top. Ring the bell if there is no one at the station and the cook will appear. Tip him $1.
Desert is included but the ice cream machine churns out mostly crushed ice with little vanilla, chocolate or diary product and the cakes and custards are awful. Stick with the fortune cookie, as it's doubtful you'll have room for desert anyway. How do you think Buddha got so fat?
This is not "authentic" Chinese (although I have seen have a number of Chinese families and large groups eating here) and don't expect anything exotic or spicy (they do have 3 kinds of chili at the salad bar, plus kimchi and squid) but take it for what it is- basics that most Americans like, done well.
With no viable dim sum places in the area- where you can sample lots of dishes cheaply, Asian Garden fills the bill when you're Jonesing for oriental "comfort" foods.
The appeal of variety is irresistible but the execution is typically sketchy. The volume just isn't there for them to be able to refresh the steam tables, so it just sits. When the pans are eventually refreshed, it's usually best to look away when the kitchen door swings open and Grandpa Wang scrambles out or you may see produce sitting on dirty floors or piles of unrefrigerated meat waiting to be chopped.
If I haven't spoiled your appetite, consider a rare buffet of merit- Asian Garden on Rt.23 (High St.) just north of Powell Rd. in the Wal-Mart center.
I've been eating here for 8 years and they have consistently and competently served a wide variety of fresh food, soups, salads with nice perks like a build-your-own Mongolian Barbeque, peel-and-eat shrimp and sushi both no additional cost to the $6.95 per person tab (minus drink).
They have the volume to keep the food coming as evidenced by the parade of construction workers, landscapers and local office personnel that tramp through at lunch time. But despite its popularity, I have never waited for a table.
The decor is typically tacky but it is spacious and clean, including the rest room.
Even though this is a serve yourself buffet, there is drink service by shy, right off the boat, servers. They are super quick and they never fail to clear your plate to make room for another and refill your drink.
There are 24-30 varieties of Chinese appetizers, soups and entrees, 6 American entrees and a complete salad bar. The Mongolian Barbeque offers 4 different meats and a dozen veggies and noodles for the chef to stir fry on the giant cook top. Ring the bell if there is no one at the station and the cook will appear. Tip him $1.
Desert is included but the ice cream machine churns out mostly crushed ice with little vanilla, chocolate or diary product and the cakes and custards are awful. Stick with the fortune cookie, as it's doubtful you'll have room for desert anyway. How do you think Buddha got so fat?
This is not "authentic" Chinese (although I have seen have a number of Chinese families and large groups eating here) and don't expect anything exotic or spicy (they do have 3 kinds of chili at the salad bar, plus kimchi and squid) but take it for what it is- basics that most Americans like, done well.
With no viable dim sum places in the area- where you can sample lots of dishes cheaply, Asian Garden fills the bill when you're Jonesing for oriental "comfort" foods.
RATING: 3 Bites
8633 Columbus Pike
Lewis Center, OH
Lewis Center, OH
(740) 549-1888
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