On The Waterfront
I had a chance recently to check out the new Waterfront Buffet at Harrah’s, part of the on-going expansion at the property. The buffet had to be really good since it replaces the Fantasea Buffet, for many years the standard bearer for casino buffets locally.
My first impression was favorable, which is good, since I worked up an appetite walking from the parking area to the buffet. With seating for 630, the buffet is huge, with enough space between tables so that you don’t feel crowded. The 22 ft. high ceiling adds to the open feeling.
Since I was comparing it to the old Fantasea, I leaned toward seafood in my choices from the nine food stations. At the “Down the Shore” station, I selected some delicious Asian steamed clams, a mini crab cake and freshly fried scallops, passing on the U-peel shrimp and Alaskan crab legs. I also scooped up some mussels in black bean sauce from the Asian wok station. All of my choices were delicious — I could eat steamed clams all day and night but restrained myself.
My sister-in-law went for the sushi bar and said her selections were tasty, but a bit dried out, after sitting out too long. I returned to the Asian station to pick my own veggies (I skipped the protein) for my Mongolian grill made to order with a garlic sauce. The veggies and lo mein were perfectly cooked, but the sauce lacked any distinctive flavor. From the Rodizio station featured seasoned meats cooked over an open grill on Gaucho swords, I enjoyed the chicken. I also liked the Portugese stew.
Although I didn’t partake of them this visit, the Waterfront also has an American station with steaks made to order, fried chicken and garlic mashed potatoes; the Italian Market with pizza and assorted pastas; a Dim Sum station and a very fresh looking salad bar. I did indulge in the dessert selection, although I again tried to show some restraint. I’m a Type 2 diabetic and the buffet has a nice selection of no sugar added selections. The carrot cake was the best NSA cake I’ve ever tasted. However, diabetic or not, I couldn’t resist trying a light crepe with cherry filling. Yummy!
The price is a bit steep in comparison to most area casino buffets; only the Borgata costs more. However, the food choices are superior and the service was excellent, so for my money it is worth it.
The cost of the buffet at lunch and dinner is $27.99 + tax for adults, $20.99 + tax for kids up to age 11. The price for Saturday and Sunday Brunch is $15.99/$7.99.
Hours are Monday, Thursday and Friday, 4–9pm; Tuesday and Wednesday, noon-9pm; Saturday brunch 8:30–11:30am; lunch & dinner 1–11pm and Sunday Brunch 8:30am–1:30pm; lunch & dinner 2–9pm.