In normal open, public buffets - yes of course, you're absolutely right.

But, on FT "dos" the organiser often gets a private room and gives a finite number to the establishment. So if 40 people are booked they plan and portion for 40 people. They don't keep adding food. They'll be meat for 40 people for example.

So those 10 thoughtful and considerate people at the front of the queue who take what Europeans would view as 4 or 6 portions know full well that they are eating other peoples food who will probably get none. It also means that if their are a few expensive luxury items on the table that are clearly protioned at one per person - then when they take six clearly then five other people aren't getting any.

That was my beef as they say!

On the whole, I hate buffets.

In the UK, they're just awful. And I cringe every time I go past a Chinese restaurant with the word Buffet plastered on the side. It's just awful, nasty stuff. I am Chinese, and I would never touch that junk! There is a reason you don't see a Chinese restaurant with a buffet full to brim with Chinese folk, as we know it's bad food, and it's just not what we eat traditionally.

I've had a few buffets in the US as I've been taken out on meals by friends/go with the crowd. Quality of food is just awful too.

The only buffet I've ever really liked, for dinner, was at a resort in Malaysia. But then it was 'cheating' as they had a chef there make up an order of fresh noodles for you on the spot.

That time, I had a starter plate, 1 main plate and the noodle bowl, and a desert plate. So it seems I don't tend to take advantage of the buffet 'advantage'.

I think there is a world of difference between a buffet and a dinner served "buffet style", like for a wedding or other private event.

Usually not enough to justify the price. I use buffets to take advantage of the fact I don't care for my food to touch. I can take 3 trips to get food when others would get it in 1-2. I really like the desserts, but that is a slippery slope I try to stay away from.

I disagree with your wording. I've planned a number of lunch/dinner Do's as well as been to a number of other lunch/dinner Do's, some had buffets, not one has been the set up you describe. I don't think it is normal to have a private room.

Sorry you had a bad experience at the Do you attended, it hopefully should not dissuade any FT'er from experiencing one for themselves.

How can you disagree with my wording? You're implying innacuracy or untruthfulness on my part which is pretty annoying. I'm simply saying what happened and unless you attended I can't see how you'd know. When I spoke to others I was told "It's always like this".

Whether it dissaudes or not is up to others judgement of course. At least they'd know what questions they may ask if they don't wish to have a similar experience to my own.

easily. You stated "But, on FT "dos" the organiser often gets a private room and gives a finite number to the establishment."

All one needs to do is take a look in Community Buzz at the lunch/dinner Do's that are planned/have been completed and one will see that private rooms are not at all a common occurrence. So yes, I do disagree with your statement/wording.

You dissagree with the word "often"?!

Have it your way!

Some of the best and most memorable food I've ever had has been at FT Dos.

And I've never seen a buffet...

I usually enjoy quality breakfast/brunch buffets, although these usually have someone cooking waffles and an omelet station. I enjoy those because I can have both an omelet and a waffle, and my omelet isn't bound by a "menu" but rather, only by what items they have, so I can create my own.

Circle the wagons, circle the wagons .... FT do's under attack!

I don't know what's wrong with you two - I wasn't complaining about the number of FT do's that are buffets - the point of my post was to talk in my view light heartedly about my experience at an FT do buffet.

Don't be so blo*dy touchy!

I'm very careful at buffets. Generally I make a salad, then get tastes of dishes I want. By then I'm starting to feel full, so I have a small dessert.

I tend to be morally opposed to buffets because of the huge amounts of waste inherent in them.

I don't often go to buffet's these days but if I do it's at a "Chinese" restaurant. I start with a small bowl of soup and a few appetizers (dumplings, etc.). Then a reasonable plate of food with rice and a few entrees including plenty of veggies. Last, a light dessert like one cookie and some fruit.

Certainly too much food, calories and probably salt but nothing decadent.

I try to eat at least three plates. I only go about twice a year so I'm okay on caloric intake.

I'm not doubting your experience. I was simply setting the record straight re: the below, which is not the norm for a FT Do.