Bonus Tahoe edition: The Forest Buffet

If you ever find yourself in South Lake Tahoe and starving, have we got a place for you!
At the top of the Harrah's hotel and casino is the Forest Restaurant. It has the best buffet in town.

We first tried to go on a Saturday night around 7pm, but the wait was longer than 45 mins. Trying again the next day, we went for the Sunday brunch at 10:30am without any line at all.

Brunch is a wonderful thing. With all the goodness of a hearty breakfast, you also get to explore the world of lunch foods as well. If you like variety, then brunch is where you want to be. It's too bad there's not an equivalent on the afternoon side of the day too. Linner? Dunch?

I started with some eggs, sausage, potatoes and biscuits with gravy. One secret to a successful buffet is to go easy on the carbs. But how can you pass up biscuits and gravy?

They also had lasagna! Another buffet tip is to try a sample of all the food you want and then go back for your favorites. The problem with the Forest buffet is that it's all good stuff.

Did I mention that they were serving Chinese food too? Check out the sticky rice and mushrooms wrapped in the green leaves. The spare rib was meaty and flavorful.

Yeah, they had sushi too. Clockwise from the top left: veggie roll, Philly roll, Cali roll and Shrimp Tempura roll. OMG. I'm in heaven.

I had to skip the prime rib, but a guy at a table next to us said it was very good.

Who said "save room for dessert"? Good call. Clockwise from the top: German Chocolate cake (a bit dry), Tiramisu in a chocolate cup (so rich), chocolate haystack, Washington Square (made with walnuts) and Red Velvet cake. It's a good thing they are all bite-sized!

The Sunday brunch was pricey at $35, but other times it's $19.99. I know casino buffets are supposed to be cheaper, but this is higher quality than most. After a long day of skiing or gambling, you can treat yourself here with endless, delicious food!

http://www.harrahslaketahoe.com/restaurants/forest-buffet.html

Scores out of 10:

Food: 9

Service: 7 (for drinks refills)

Atmosphere: 9 (what a view!)

Price: 7

Overall: 8