irvinehomeowner
Well-known member
So from Irvinecommuter's post:
http://www.talkirvine.com/index.php/topic,1956.msg237966.html#msg237966
We decided to try it out:
Celebrity Soul Food Buffet
24416 Muirlands Blvd
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 328-9720
www.celebritysoulfoodbuffet.com
Yelp:http://www.yelp.com/biz/celebrity-soul-food-buffet-lake-forest
Had high hopes because of the Yelp reviews but unfortunately, it was a bit underwhelming.
The concept is good... but the execution needs some work. If you've ever been to the Dragon Chinese Buffet which is what this place used to be, it is basically the same with some paint and new wall art. The chairs are from the old place as they have a bowl with chopsticks on them (unless that's a southern dish I am unaware of).
Pros:
- Good selection of southern/soul food
- Fried chicken
- Waffles
Cons:
- Food stays out too long, needs to be rotated more regularly
- Mac & cheese was too spicy for my kids
- Most of the food is too salty (but that is expected from southern food)
Maybe it was because it was a weeknight, the food didn't get rotated regularly but they should understand the ebbs/flows of a buffet cycle and cook accordingly.
The service and people were great but it seems like this their first buffet business.
As a buffet regular, this is how I think it should be:
1. During slow times, cook smaller portions or use smaller trays (and keep the rest in the kitchen), this way it doesn't dry out or get "old".
2. If you aren't going to fill the salad bar with ice to the top, close one side down and pack everything on one side so it doesn't look like a small pool.
3. Make sure drinking glasses are totally dry if you stack them, otherwise stack them such that they can dry out (Hometown Buffet uses stacked trays). Wet glasses that are stacked are inviting mildew to visit.
4. The waffle maker bar is nice but in reality, no one can eat that huge a waffle unless you are me. And you have to wait a while for it to cook. You should have someone periodically make waffles, break it into 4 pieces (since it is a 4-piece waffle) and put it under a heat lamp like the corn bread biscuits.
The prices are a bit high.. and they only give you the kid discount up to age 9 and to me... kids should at least go to age 11 or 12. Drinks are extra which is fine but it's strange that you would charge $1.99 for all you can drink, but $2.50 for a 32oz to go cup. And the kids meals should always include a drink (how much can they really put away anyways?).
Not sure if we will be back. If you go, let me know what you thought.
http://www.talkirvine.com/index.php/topic,1956.msg237966.html#msg237966
We decided to try it out:
Celebrity Soul Food Buffet
24416 Muirlands Blvd
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 328-9720
www.celebritysoulfoodbuffet.com
Yelp:http://www.yelp.com/biz/celebrity-soul-food-buffet-lake-forest
Had high hopes because of the Yelp reviews but unfortunately, it was a bit underwhelming.
The concept is good... but the execution needs some work. If you've ever been to the Dragon Chinese Buffet which is what this place used to be, it is basically the same with some paint and new wall art. The chairs are from the old place as they have a bowl with chopsticks on them (unless that's a southern dish I am unaware of).
Pros:
- Good selection of southern/soul food
- Fried chicken
- Waffles
Cons:
- Food stays out too long, needs to be rotated more regularly
- Mac & cheese was too spicy for my kids
- Most of the food is too salty (but that is expected from southern food)
Maybe it was because it was a weeknight, the food didn't get rotated regularly but they should understand the ebbs/flows of a buffet cycle and cook accordingly.
The service and people were great but it seems like this their first buffet business.
As a buffet regular, this is how I think it should be:
1. During slow times, cook smaller portions or use smaller trays (and keep the rest in the kitchen), this way it doesn't dry out or get "old".
2. If you aren't going to fill the salad bar with ice to the top, close one side down and pack everything on one side so it doesn't look like a small pool.
3. Make sure drinking glasses are totally dry if you stack them, otherwise stack them such that they can dry out (Hometown Buffet uses stacked trays). Wet glasses that are stacked are inviting mildew to visit.
4. The waffle maker bar is nice but in reality, no one can eat that huge a waffle unless you are me. And you have to wait a while for it to cook. You should have someone periodically make waffles, break it into 4 pieces (since it is a 4-piece waffle) and put it under a heat lamp like the corn bread biscuits.
The prices are a bit high.. and they only give you the kid discount up to age 9 and to me... kids should at least go to age 11 or 12. Drinks are extra which is fine but it's strange that you would charge $1.99 for all you can drink, but $2.50 for a 32oz to go cup. And the kids meals should always include a drink (how much can they really put away anyways?).
Not sure if we will be back. If you go, let me know what you thought.
