China Buffet King: 160-162 W. Merrick Road, Valley Stream,
516-568-1888

Cuisine: Mongolian

Open: 7 days

Sunday brunch at China Buffet King proved a terrific dining experience well worth the few extra miles it took to get there.

Greeted at the door like old friends, my party was escorted into the sprawling, well-lighted interior where we were promptly served drinks of our choice. The food, served buffet style contained an extensive array (almost 170 items) of Chinese, Japanese and American cuisine.

Starting with the requisite egg roll appetizer, I worked my way up the menu — the food is tasty, attractive and refreshingly light on salt. The restaurant prides itself on the fact that it uses "cholesterol-free" vegetable oil and has a ban on MSG.

Hunan beef, sesame chicken, boneless ribs, vegetable mei fun or chow fun, snow crabs, clams, Peking duck, salmon steaks, spare ribs, pepper shrimp and sushi are all part of the delight at the two-year old restaurant.

The food is appetizingly laid out in three different sections. Hot, cold and dessert.

There is a brunch, lunch and dinner buffet and children under two "eat free."

For diners in a hurry, there is also a convenient take out option. And for those looking to host an exotic party or banquet, catering space is available.

The friendly wait staff refilled glasses with iced tea, soda or water.

The salmon steak I had was large and well cooked. Accompanied by steamed vegetables and fried dumplings it was, as they say, "out of sight."

As if the entire main course weren’t enough, I still had room for dessert.

There were American and Asian pastries such as cheesecakes, brownies and others whose names eluded me.

And then there were the fruits. An array of tropical fruits such a pineapple, kiwi and mango filled my plate to capacity.

The food is delicious and with prices ranging from $5.99 to $9.99 depending on day or time of day, this is definitely a great place to "chill out" and recharge.

— Marcia Moxam Comrie