Bowling Green buffet review takes off gloves

As someone new to the forum making a first time post, I am happy to be commenting on a thread where I may have some insight.

Welcome, Brian.

I am a former BG resident (until age 29), and look at the Daily News online every day (geez, I wish they could put a little more content online, but that's another issue). I sent Robin the link to that review yesterday morning because I thought the headline was such a hoot. By no means did I think it would make Bowling Green look bad or unsophisticated, and I appreciate the tenor of the responses so for ("homespun" not being too vicious).

Regardless, you'll fine this a generally happy group of foodies!

I have a place in Wichita Falls that my Mom and I frequent. When I see something that is dried out or just scary looking I tell the owner/chefs wife and she heads for the kitchen to fix it.

Sounds like there was no one in charge that day or the just did not care.
I find it unusual to see this at chinese buffet. They are usually more diligent.

As af former Bowling Green resident I was stunned to find the local newspaper even needed a food critic. There was nothing to critique when I lived there in the 1970's. But the town has turned into an interersting restaurant town... tons of ch-ch-chains, and locally owned Vietnamese, Japanese, Indian, Mexican, Greek, tex-mex, Bosnian etc.

I have read every review the BG paper has published, and while Robin kindly referred to this one as "homespun" I would substitute "ameteurish".
I suspect that the critic is a young WKU journalism major with a couple of years waitressing under her belt who uses the internet to fill in the gaps in her food knowlege. That said, it is good to hear that BG's dining scene offers a hell of a lot more options than in my day, when it was Wan's on the square for Chinese, Branding Iron for steak, Mary's on the by-pass for comfort food, Ron's for pizza and Carmen's for lasagna.

As af former Bowling Green resident I was stunned to find the local newspaper even needed a food critic. There was nothing to critique when I lived there in the 1970's. But the town has turned into an interersting restaurant town... tons of ch-ch-chains, and locally owned Vietnamese, Japanese, Indian, Mexican, Greek, tex-mex, Bosnian etc.

I have read every review the BG paper has published, and while Robin kindly referred to this one as "homespun" I would substitute "ameteurish".
I suspect that the critic is a young WKU journalism major with a couple of years waitressing under her belt who uses the internet to fill in the gaps in her food knowlege. That said, it is good to hear that BG's dining scene offers a hell of a lot more options than in my day, when it was Wan's on the square for Chinese, Branding Iron for steak, Mary's on the by-pass for comfort food, Ron's for pizza and Carmen's for lasagna.

Gary we just had a discussion in here about Mary's, I think with TP Lowe.
It was a great place I have a picture of her on the line about to ask:

What's your's ?

I'm sorry, but I just can't stomach Chinese food anymore. It all tastes the same to me. Not to mention, I leave with a stomach ache. I love Thai, Vietnamese and Japanese, but for some reason cannot find a decent Chinese restaurant. Of course I enjoy the places that seem to have more of an asian-inspired menu, like Asiatique and August Moon (Yummy and yummy!). I guess it's the cheap, fast places that have failed me, which is a shame, b/c these are the places I would frequent most often. Any recommendations?

I'm sorry, but I just can't stomach Chinese food anymore. It all tastes the same to me. Not to mention, I leave with a stomach ache. I love Thai, Vietnamese and Japanese, but for some reason cannot find a decent Chinese restaurant. Of course I enjoy the places that seem to have more of an asian-inspired menu, like Asiatique and August Moon (Yummy and yummy!). I guess it's the cheap, fast places that have failed me, which is a shame, b/c these are the places I would frequent most often. Any recommendations?

Yes, I prefer "Asian-inspired" Chinese food too.

Ha, ha - you got me on that one! I guess what I meant was a more generic Asian menu than a strictly Chinese one. Does that make sense?

I'm sorry, but I just can't stomach Chinese food anymore. It all tastes the same to me. Not to mention, I leave with a stomach ache. I love Thai, Vietnamese and Japanese, but for some reason cannot find a decent Chinese restaurant. Of course I enjoy the places that seem to have more of an asian-inspired menu, like Asiatique and August Moon (Yummy and yummy!). I guess it's the cheap, fast places that have failed me, which is a shame, b/c these are the places I would frequent most often. Any recommendations?

Oriental House, and order off the Chinese Menu. It's not cheap like the standard chinese fast food places, but it's pretty reasonably priced, and I've yet to have anyone be disappointed with it.

And Jade Palace for Dim Sum, hands down my favorite weekend lunch spot. The wife and I regularly eat there for about $16 before tip. Just talking about it makes me want some right now. Har gow, turnip cake, and gai lan please! geez, and I just ate lunch too....

Thank you Beth K. for the high remarks on both Asiatique and August Moon. My philosophy has always been that 'there is no bad food/cuisine, just bad execution'.

Food is my passion and I have had some great and inedible food at the same token. You pay for what you get. Some of the establishments do tend to compete in the market with quantity and quality suffers. Nevertheless, there is a market for 'food by the pound' instead of tasty dishes. Certain Asian foods do not belong on the buffet table for long. Had sushi on conveyor belt?

Recently I had the honor to judge at the Culiniare Malaysia 2007 and had some wonderful Asian cuisines. These dishes were made with passion and quality ingredients.

I am glad foodies out there appreciate the difference between quality and quantity.

Ha, ha - you got me on that one! I guess what I meant was a more generic Asian menu than a strictly Chinese one. Does that make sense?

yes, I was just kidding. August Moon certainly has the influence of other Asian cuisines than just traditional cantonese or sezchuan Chinese.

Are you serious that the frozen cooked hamburgers are good?

I'm with you, Deb. I love to cook, and rarely if ever buy prepared foods. But in this case, I just went with the flow for laughs.

While it's not gourmet food by any stretch of the imagination, they are a good alternative when you have a busy evening and 5 minutes at the house.

[Robin Garr]

While it's not gourmet food by any stretch of the imagination, they are a good alternative when you have a busy evening and 5 minutes at the house.

Point noted and respectfully received, Craig. No offense meant, and I hope none taken!