BY CAROLE ROSNER
Although it’s noisy, crowded, and rather hectic, the recently opened Hokkaido Seafood Buffet in Encino is packed with customers. This gigantic All-You-Can-Eat buffet is located on the bottom floor of an office building on Ventura Blvd. The dining room holds about 200 people and according to the manager, they are full every night of the week.
Hokkaido's sizzling shrimp. Photos: Carole Rosner
I had no idea it would be so crowded at 6pm on a Saturday night but once I checked out the buffet, I understood why. There’s everything here and more—snow crab legs, jumbo shrimp, clams, sushi, sashimi, carved roast beef, Chinese and Japanese specialties (like beef with broccoli, hot and sour soup, orange chicken, cream cheese wontons, dumplings, and sesame balls), a Teppanyaki grill loaded with fresh veggies and meats and desserts a plenty. There’s even a chocolate fountain with fresh fruit for dipping and at least six flavors of Blue Bunny ice cream, including green tea.
Crab legs.
My family consists of three totally different types of eaters—my husband is the super healthy, non-meat eater; my daughter sticks to familiar kid-friendly foods; and I am pretty much open to anything if it tastes good. I was happily surprised that all three of us found many things to enjoy at Hokkaido Seafood.
Sesame balls and cream cheese wontons.
My husband’s plate was packed with tuna sashimi, fresh salmon and chocolate brownies, while my daughter ate the veggie tempura, fried rice, tangy cucumber salad and “the best” California rolls (she said). I loved the shrimp scampi, spicy tuna rolls and honey sesame chicken.
The platters were constantly being filled and the food was fresh. Nothing looked old and dried out like it does at some buffets. The service was prompt and friendly. Hokkaido Seafood uses no MSG, serves 100% organic salads, has a fully stocked bar and even offers a Senior Citizen’s discount.
Teppanyaki vegetables
The prices are very reasonable too. The All-You-Can-Eat lunch is $9.99 and dinner is $16.99 for adults. Based on the popularity of this place it’s best to go early and go hungry.
Hokkaido Seafood Buffet 15910 Ventura Blvd. Suite #101 Encino, CA 91436 (818) 990-1488 www.hokkaidoseafood.com Hours: Lunch Monday-Friday 11am-3:30pm Dinner Monday-Thursday 4pm-9:30pm Fridays 4pm-10:30pm, Saturdays 11:30-10:30pm Sundays and holidays 11:30-9:30pm Free parking in building garage.
Carole Rosner is a native Valley Girl who took the school bus with Michael and Janet Jackson and worked at the Sherman Oaks Galleria in its heyday. She likes to spend her free time finding bargains at Crossroads Trading Company, eating Chinese chicken salad at Stanley’s and admiring the view from Fryman Canyon. Check out her new blog: www.anythinggoodlately.blogspot.com – reading, watching and eating.
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