It all started in St. George the Friday night before the
Cholla Challenge. Everybody was hungry, tired and in no mood to wait for a table. Earlier in the day, while in town to register for the race, I noticed
Chuck-A-Rama and mentioned to the kids that their great grandpa, former mayor of Sandy, had loved eating there. Curious, the kids asked some questions about the food. One thing led to another and at 8:30 pm I found myself entering the restaurant for dinner. There was no wait, very few people and lots of food. The kids thought they were in paradise and I must admit to feeling a bit giddy myself. Even my wife seemed to be enjoying herself. Having completed a tough pre-ride of the course earlier that evening and knowing that the race in the morning would be the longest event of the series, eating too much wasn't something I was worried about.
Unfortunately, that one innocent dinner has spawned an addiction of sorts. You see, ever since that fateful night in St. George a little over 2 weeks ago, my family and I have returned to
Chuck-A-Rama for dinner every Saturday. Conveniently there happens to be a restaurant a mere 5 minutes from the house. And, without a race the following day, I have definitely been eating too much. Should I seek help? Is a counselor in order? Perhaps you know of a 12 step program for people struggling with buffet abuse? Please, share your experiences. I need help!
14 comments:
unfortunately all I can do at this point is laugh. I wish I had some decent advice that may help you kick the habit, but I'm assuming that if it's pleasing to the kids and the belly, it probably but almost unfortunately makes for a nice evening. Good luck with this one.
the name is enough to keep me away. Won't eat there or buy my groceries or western apparel at Reams, their marketing groups must love their jobs.
A buffet is the most difficult, because you want to get your money's worth. I am sure there are some items there that are fit for human consumption. Once you get there, quickly stuff yourself with a huge salad (assuming they have a salad bar)!
Take Sly with you next time. I don't know him at all, but from reading his blog a few times I think he'd have you out of that buffet in a hurry.
Kevin - Yeah, it actually does make for a fun dinner with the family. I think I'll just cut back the frequency of our visits.
Bob - I'd like to suggest we hold the next team dinner at Chuck-A-Rama. Trust me, you (and everyone else) will love it. In fact, I'll bet team membership goes through the roof! You should consider them as a 2009 sponsor...
Todd - Yes, both my wife and I start the meal with a massive salad. Their selection is actually quite impressive. I think you'd be pleasantly surprised. Though come on, you've lived in Utah long enough that surely you have eaten at Chuck-A-Rama?
JE - I'm afraid if I took Fox he'd love it even more than I do.
Time for an intervention.
I ate at Chuck-A-Rama a few years ago and was not impressed. The food was OK at best, and the all-you-can-eat price was no bargain. There are several restaurants we frequent where we'll spend less for dinner and leave full, but not stuffed.
Now the Asian Buffet, we dig that place. They even have sushi (not the best, but not bad) and walnut shrimp. And where else can you eat baby octopus (whole)?
KK,
Sushi at a buffet? That is asking for trouble, don't tell me you ea the shell fish there as well, double trouble.
I know, it's frightening. They had some clams on half shell, but I didn't eat those. Scallops in some of the dishes, they seemed OK. They even had some Nigiri, I tried it and it was pretty good. The fish was not mushy. Still, I understand your concern. I guess I'm willing to gamble at times. :-)
The choice is YOURS!
Since I moved back to Utah from Idaho three years ago, I've been to Chuck-a-rama once -- and that was because the kids nagged me into going.
I've been to Golden Corrall a few times, but I can honestly say since I've started exercising frequently, what I want to eat -- Key Lime Cheesecake for breakfast notwithstanding -- has totally changed.
I used to crave greasy, fatty foods. French fries were my favorite snack.
Now, I get a craving for a burger and on the way I pass a subway and my craving changes to a turkey and ham with extra, extra cucumbers.
My wife, needless to say, thinks the bike has made a big difference in my life -- not to mention my wasteline.
I still love to eat a lot of food. But I'm noticing more vegetables and less meat on the plate these days.
That doesn't mean I won't stop at In-n-Out in SG next weekend after the triathlon for a couple double-doubles.
:)
JE - It is possible to eat a healthy meal at Chuck-A-Rama. However, based on observations of what my fellow restaurant patrons have on their plates, I can confirm that this is not a common approach (scones, french fries and large quantities of meat seem to be the norm, washed down with soda or juice). However, you are certainly free to choose non-greasy, low or no fat alternatives.
Come with us one of these Saturdays and I'll show you the ropes. :)
I have been to a buffet here, not Up-Chuck-A-Rama though. I have found that you can eat fairly healthy, and that patrons of the rotund variety stick mostly to the beige food. It is just so hard not to roll out of one of those places, I know.
Picture all the old people coughing all over your food before man handling a patato roll onto their plate and then placing it back into the buffet after deciding that might just push them over their 5000 calorie limit for the meal. If that does'nt kick the habit your in trouble!
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