Chapter 1- Always Avoid Asian Buffets

If I ever write The Idiot’s Guide to Finding Great Restaurants, the first rule of thumb would have to be Always Avoid Asian Buffets. This seems like a no-brainer, I know, but every time I promise never to go back, I get the Michael Corleone treatment and get lured back in. Last night, Lady Steakhead and I tried Badayori in Sandy Springs, since a) we had heard a few somewhat flattering comments about it, and b) its around the corner from our house. Do I need to even write the rest of this review, for you to figure out the outcome?

Badayori is an all-you-can-eat sushi buffet. At $26 per person for dinner, it’s not cheap. And actually it’s the price that in my mind does this place in. Its not that the food is that bad (ok- its pretty bad), but its just not worth $26. The sushi did not seem like the choicest cuts, the rolls were unadventurous, and I just couldn’t stop wondering how long some of the pieces had been sitting out. The place is not very crowded so it’s not like the pieces turn over at a high rate.

The selection at the buffet is somewhat impressive, including some of my favorite Japanese starters- Seaweed salad, oshinko (Japanese pickles), Miso Soup and a very tasty seafood spring roll. But again, would you pay $26 for some pickles and mediocre (at best) sushi?

I have been to several places in LA and New York where you can sit at a sushi bar and order all-you-can-eat sushi. These are normal sushi restaurants where many folks order a la carte. With the all-you-can-eat deal, the sushi is made to order from the sushi chef, and covers mostly the full extent of the sushi menu. Typically, you have a time limit, say 1 hour, and when the hour is up, you get the bill. Atlanta is really missing a place like this, and if anyone who reads this knows of a local sushi bar that has this option, please let me know.

But as for sushi buffets, or Chinese buffets, Steakhead is out from now on. Yeah, I know I have said that before, but this time I REALLY mean it!

Steakhead Recommends: No
Cost: $$$