Bites Nearby: Want a Sure Thing? Double Down on Spice Bay Buffet

I never have experienced the grandiose flair of the Vegas buffets, where the infamous Alaskan crab legs are the size of spaceships and gorgeous, juicy prime rib is in abundance. I was unaware of how great a good buffet could be, until my recent visit to the Spice Bay Buffet at the Muckleshoot Casino, where I felt like a child visiting my first magical enchanted park, riding the roller coaster high into a béarnaise sky.

I must admit that buffets are normally not my thing—too much food, too much grease, over- and under-heated chicken strips, and too many people eating way too much. The atmosphere is typically loud and there is only one thing on the diners' minds … to eat until they literally experience a Monty Python “can’t eat another bite” moment where there is no turning back.

However, the Spice Bay Buffet is the opposite of the above description. It is a bit loud and there is a fair amount of diners, but depending on the time of day, the crowds are not so bad. There are six live cooking stations where real chefs can be seen preparing their dishes and showing off their culinary skills.  They are also friendly and engaging with the patrons, as if vying for the prize of serving them.

There literally is something for everybody here, whether it is Asian-, American- or Italian-influenced. Let me tell you, this is a tough choice. There are fresh summer rolls with Thai dipping sauce, fresh Nigiri or Maki sushi, sweet tender jumbo prawns, crab claws and oysters beckoning from behind the glass. For the meat lover, there is salt-crusted prime rib or beef with creamy horseradish, pineapple-glazed bone-in ham, and succulent round of beef with au jus. My mouth is watering just thinking of it!

Pastas are abundant. Brothy Bolognese, creamy alfredos or just plain old meat sauce can be layered on as thick or thin as you want. There are pasta and fruit salads with fresh sweet chunks of pineapple and thick juicy grapes, Caesar, spinach and just plain lettuce salads and, of course, a variety of potato salads. I have to admit, I did not see one wilted piece of lettuce or even a hint of brown on any of the choices. 

I opted for the prime rib, a splendid choice and perfectly medium-rare with just the right amount of salt on the edges. Then there was the crab, which I will describe in three words: fresh, sweet, succulent.

I could literally go on an on about the food choices and the displays as everything was neat, clean and fresh. The staff was friendly, quick on its feet and obviously there to please. Spice Bay not only serves an all-you-can-eat dinner buffet but a full breakfast and lunch buffet. I definitely will go back to try the breakfast buffet because there’s simply nothing better than to watch your specialty omelet being made right in front of you from a friendly chef who will gladly put in extra cheddar.  And check it out—prime rib for breakfast, too!

Although located in the casino the buffet is family-friendly, but children must enter through the garage parking area. Children ages 3 to 12 eat for 50 percent off and those younger than 2 eat free. There is also a discount for those 55 and older, so step aside Denny’s, because here comes Spice Bay! Prices range from $9.95 for breakfast, $14 to $17.95 for lunch and $24.95 for dinner. Remember, at this price, it is all you can eat. It is a killer bargain and you don’t have to be a high roller.

Last but not least, I wish I had some photos of the food but I was quickly stopped on my first snapshot of the outside of the buffet by a rather large security man (the pit boss of the buffet if you will) who reminded me that absolutely no photos are allowed in the casino. We soon became friends, however, when we started talking about the steak special and of course … the crab.

 To find out more about the Muckleshoot Casino and its various dining options, visit www.muckleshootcasino.com