I’m a big fan of writer Malcolm Gladwell, and I’ve discovered a sociological phenomenon for him to explore in his next book: the crab line at a Chinese buffet.
On Sunday my friend Michael and his wife Jenn took me to King Buffet, an all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet in Peekskill. Here’s Michael getting his favorite, the seafood bisque.
But back to this crab thing. To observe the crab line is to witness a snapshot of base human behavior. Everything’s there: greed, gluttony, aggression, inconsideration, self-absorption and general piggishness.
At one point I stood transfixed watching a small woman — no more than 110 pounds — as she slowly and deliberately picked out crab legs and loaded her plate with a foot-high mound, while completely disregarding the five people behind her and the possibility that they might want crab sometime this millennium.
I would have taken a picture of this spectacle, but I had my hands full:
This was plate one of three. Round one was hot and sour soup and goodies like dumplings, dim sum, noodles, veggies and assorted entrees. For rounds two and three I switched gears and made a beeline for the crab legs and shrimp cocktail. By dinner’s end I had crab and shrimp juice all over my shirt, jeans and hands, and my area was a mess of empty shells, discarded napkins and used wet wipes.
(Another discovery — Chinese buffets are not conducive to blogging. The moment my hands became sticky with crab juice I realized the picture-taking was done for the night.)
Most definitely an enjoyable buffet experience. Everything is fresh and well prepared, and the staff constantly re-stock the food. Especially the crab. You’re off the hook, greedy crab lady.
(A final note — when you go to King Buffet, listen for the restaurant’s unusual recording of “Happy Birthday”. I won’t elaborate, except to say it’s a moment straight out of A Christmas Story).
King Buffet
2050 E. Main St. – Pike Plaza
Peekskill, NY 10566
914-739-3913