Buffets and all-you-can-eat restaurants are still quite popular in most cities worldwide, but at most hotels and all-inclusive resorts, they are a must.
They are designed to please the palates of a wide range of clientele and offer many choices to diners so that they can feel like they having something different on their plate each time they visit.
Unfortunately, most buffets are becoming so similar - regardless of the location - that frequent travellers can find the same foods, prepared the same way...
- and it gets boring. 🙁
As someone who LOVES to eat, the daily visit to the buffet for any meal can be a little monotonous and I have coached myself to think outside their deli platters, pasta stations and steamed veggies. All it takes is a fresh perspective - because there are SO many combinations available when you look at things a little differently.
- See a Tortilla Española (Spanish omelette with potato and onion)? It also makes a great sandwich filler, especially for vegetarians.
Any kind of breads, buns or breadsticks can actually create terrific antipasto plates or to create little mini sandwiches for you to take with you to your room, beach, poolside or off-site picnic.- Ice cream can be much more than just for cones. Use any nearby cookies or pastries like croissants to make luxurious ice cream sandwiches. Use some of the other toppings such as syrups and peanuts to make it completely gourmet. You can even take a larger bowl or dish and layer the ice cream along with cakes, fresh fruit and any kind of creams or syrups to make the best trifle or parfait or sundae you've ever had.
- Cheeses, meats and other antipasto fillers, along with the breads, can easily make quick sandwiches. Even better? If there is kitchen staff working a grill station nearby, they may even heat it up for you on the flattop.
- If there is rice or noodles, there is a stir-fry that is ready for the making. Chicken, cooked vegetables, sauces, seafood, gravies and flavored oils can then be topped with fresh veggies and other condiments for a internationally-inspired stirfry or other entrée.
Anything can become a sandwich or a burger! Roast chicken, boneless pork or ham, sliced fillet of beef, tempura-fried fish, all the veggies you can stuff in a bun...the possibilities are endless. Not just for lunch either!- The custom pasta station at the buffet is an easy winner. The noodles are always pre-cooked so you can do what you want with them. No need to stick to the chopped ham, peppers or cubed cheese they offer nearby. Hit the ENTIRE buffet and make your own creation. Want a carbonara? Find some bacon or lean ham and ask one of the staff to get you a raw egg from the kitchen. Your pasta pan is yours to fill with what you want and is cleaned often. Craving a bolognese-style sauce? Grab one of the burger patties, ask them to chop it up, add some bechemel with your tomato sauce, extra garlic and some red wine and voila! Mac'n'cheese is just as easy! There is ALWAYS cheese nearby! ...and don't forget about pasta salads! Cooked pasta can just be requested as is, top with fresh veggies, cooked meats, cheeses and even smoked salmon - add your own aioli or vinaigrette from the condiment area and you have the heartiest lunchtime fare.
- Yogurts, gelatins, dried fruits and other sweets can be layered just like ice cream sundaes - and yes - even for breakfast!
- ...and last but not least, you can get creative with your beverages at all-inclusives. They are there to make you happy! Order a soft drink in a tall glass and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a quick float. Ask for some local rum cream for your coffee. Take the fresh mango juice from the juice bar and ask for some champagne for a tropical bellini. A banana smoothie is just ASKING for rum! Just keep in mind that they may have restrictions on what bar supplies they can serve you early in the morning...or if you're lucky, maybe not. 😉
One of my favourite go-to breakfast treats, is to assemble a make-shift Monte Cristo sandwich using some French Toast, deli ham, turkey and swiss cheese. If I am craving something a little more decadent, I will top off the sandwich with some béchamel and a sunny side fried egg from the grill station to create a quick version of a Croque Madame.
Never had a Monte Cristo? Here is a standard recipe for you to try at home - and get you inspired for your next buffet...
Monte Cristo Sandwich
Cook Time: 30 mins | Servings: 2 sandwiches
1 large egg
1/3 cup whole milk
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
4 slices white sandwich bread
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
3 ounces thinly sliced ham
3 ounces thinly sliced roasted turkey breast
3 ounces thinly sliced swiss cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1. Place the egg and milk in a wide, shallow plate and season with salt and pepper. Whisk until the egg is broken up and evenly incorporated; set aside.
2. Place 2 slices of the bread on a work surface and spread 1 teaspoon of mustard on each. Divide the ham and turkey between the mustard-coated bread slices. Place half of the cheese on top of each pile of meat. Close the sandwiches with the remaining 2 slices of bread. Press gently on the tops of the sandwiches to compact slightly.
3. Melt the butter in a large nonstick frying pan over medium-low heat until foaming. Using your hands, place 1 sandwich in the reserved egg mixture, flipping to coat both sides. Place the sandwich in the frying pan. Repeat with the second sandwich.
4. Fry undisturbed until the bottoms of the sandwiches are golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes. Flip and fry until the other side is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 4 to 5 minutes more. Serve warm.
