It’s the typical workday office banter. The guys stroll in, lean on desks and countertops, sip coffee and recount weekend activities. Topics can range from events with the family and kids, to sports, and unavoidably, food. “Where are you going next?” they often ask me. My coworker Dakota Rowley asks if I’ve ever tried Drago’s Buffet at L’Auberge Casino. “They have a buffet?” I respond back, confused. That’s a no, obviously.
Buffets seem to have faded into obscurity. Probably a result of COVID-19 social distancing requirements. For some restaurants, that was their whole draw. The proverbial bread and butter for diners who like to graze for what they want. People across the socials have often inquired whether popular buffets were going to make a comeback after those restrictions had lifted. Reading through responses, it appears many kitchen managers have done the math. The cost of operating a buffet against the amount of waste at the end of the day… it wasn’t lucrative enough for a reintroduction.
Ah, but upon learning about Drago’s ($21.99, Sat. and Sun.10am to 1pm), brunch buffet, it made the fast track to my to do list. Shyla and I make the relatively short walk across the L’Auberge floor to the quiet reaches of Drago’s Seafood, just far enough away from the clang and beeps of the slot machines.
The hostess kindly escorts us to seats at the spacious bar. First impressions: the dining area features a large openly spaced area, partitioned by columns and arches throughout. We’re met and welcomed by Gwendolyn, our server and bartender for the visit, starting us off with a menu and a pair of spicy Bloody Marys. Aside from the buffet, Drago’s famous char-broiled oysters are available as well as a daily chef’s special. Today, they’re featuring a fried oyster poboy with house made chips…