With a Banjo On My Knee

“Oh Susanna oh don't you cry for me...” is how the old classic American tune goes, “for I've come to Alabama with a banjo on my knee”. Even though Lisa Li, owner of Mandarin House Buffet & Grill certainly did not come to Alabama with a banjo, she came with a music unheard of in Owens Cross Roads (Hampton Cove). That was the music of Chinese cuisine, albeit with a very American touch to it.

In 2008 during the worst economic storm to hit America in decades, Lisa opened Mandarin House Buffet & Grill. She had purchased the restaurant after having climbed the ladder from waitress to kitchen assistant, a common story according to her. She remodeled it to make it more to her taste; casual and not too formal yet comfortable. There is a buffet section, a party or banquet room to hold approximately 60 persons and a dining room to seat 230 guests. Take-out is optional.

What Makes the House Sparkle?

Upon entering the house there's a slight impression of walking into a professional's office as the reception desk wraps around the wall giving a down-to-business appearance. The mahogany wood is of the highest quality. A mahogany shelving unit is inset in the wall. A discreet display of Chinese pottery, figurines, awards and framed plaques and photographs give the guests the feeling of walking into their best friend's living room. Somehow the combination of office-living room feels like a typical city apartment. There is also a banquet room that could seat up to 50 people for any occasions, like business meetings, birthday parties.

The sparkling buffet bar is lit by a glittering chandelier of glass crystal. Each buffet bucket is pristine leaving an excellent impression on how management designates their efforts. In Lisa's case towards house maintenance and cleanliness.

Once diners enter the dining area and sit on the comfortable leather and reddish colored wood backed chairs, they're more than ready for a great meal(s).

All You Can Eat

With temptations in every category and direction totaling 80 diverse plates, one doesn’t go wrong with the sweet flavored Coconut Shrimp. Deep fried then coated with coconut milk and a bit of mayonnaise, it's one of the best selling items. Southerners love their BBQ'ed chicken so Lisa makes no exception by adding a new twist to an old standard. The difference between the southern fried chicken is the Chinese styled sauce smothered on the BBQ'ed chicken, which the customers hopelessly devour.

There is also a bounty of sushi options on the sushi bar. Various rolls, including Tuna Roll, California Roll, Salmon Roll, Shrimp Roll, Crabmeat Roll, Cucumber Roll and Eel Roll are offered and reasonably priced at $ 8.50.

The food is always garden fresh, even though it's a challenge to maintain, says Lisa. The way she adheres to quality is by holding true to her high standards for the storage of raw foods. The second secret is to prepare just enough for the total amount of customers in the restaurant at one turn. When there is an overflow of customers then naturally, the cooks will provide for them. In this way waste is kept to a minimum and costs are lowered as well. The third method is to consistently keep a close watch on the buffet bar by making sure the food is replenished and fresh. They don't let it sit too long and if the dishes appear in any way shape or form “not up to par” then those ingredients are discarded.

Food does not really go to waste because Lisa controls the portions at specific intervals by refilling the buffet bar. As lunchtime is the busiest time of day with more customers than at any other period more food is put together. Later on in the day, smaller portions are assembled by the chefs.

Happy Customers = Happy Personnel

Lisa is not a follower of that tired cliché “friendly service” because her belief goes beyond the borders and usual definitions of what friendly and service actually mean. To her friendly is not just a plastic smile or greeting at the door. It means treating customers like one's family member, interacting with them on a personal level. Knowing their likes and dislikes, and catering to them through attentive care and with patience is for her, the meaning of service.  

Message from the owner:

I don’t know when the economy will recover, but what I must do is to provide the customers with our best offerings as always. We insist providing the fresh and quality food, pleasing the customers with our friendly service. We welcome you to enjoy an ultimate experience in buffet dining.