A couple of weeks ago, I looked at buffet Ariala.
This week, we go across the highway into the Springwood Hotel where they’ve also set up a popular buffet, Feast.
This one is a little easier on the pocket at $32 for adults. The treat here is for pensioners who get an entry ticket for just $20.
Although a little cheaper, the dining session times are quite strict. There are two 90-minute sessions, one from 5.30pm and the other at 7.30pm.
Buffets are an interesting beast. Some people launch in and eat as much as they can in a short period of time. Others spread things out as best they can.
I like to treat it as I would any other restaurant.
If I feel like degustation, I’ll put a little bit of food on my plate and force myself to go for the “next course” each time. That could be seven or 10 times depending on the variety on the buffet.
Remember, we’re only talking about small amounts of food each visit.
The other option is to pick out the hero meal. Most buffets have a couple of things that you could buy in any other restaurant for around $40.
At Feast, there are two things. Here, they’ve got some quality prawns which will cut the grade at most restaurants.
And the pork hock is fantastic. There’s limited volume, but if you can grab a quality piece of pork hock with some gravy from the roast section, you’ve set up the meal nicely.
Add some roast potatoes, salad and maybe some Chinese vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Buffets will usually have a fair bit of bread, frozen items such as nuggets, pasta and noodles – food that will fill you up fast.
But we’re in for the long haul, so set up a proper meal and you’ll feel better when you’re done.
Maybe some cheesy garlic bread or prawns for entree, braised pork hock for main, and pavlova with ice cream for dessert.
There are of course, quite a few more options. At Feast, they include mini burgers, battered fish, some Asian options including a nice butter chicken, roast beef or pork, and macoroni and cheese.
Those with a sweet tooth will want to save for panna cotta, some apple crumble, and a warm jam-filled donut.
Service is swift here, with wait staff happy to clean plates from the table almost as quickly as you can finish the food.
There’s an option to buy a refillable cup of soft drink here for $4.90, although the bar is also open. It is a pub, after all.
Feast is a well-priced place to get a wholesome meal when you’ve had a hard day and feel like filling up.
