Gaston’s foray to Asian Fusion Buffet leaves a lot to chew on

Oh, where have the local Asian-centric buffets gone?

A lament made by Gaston led to a recent lunch time outing with Mrs. Gaston to explore what offerings were available at Asian Fusion Buffet, 4102 Cache Road.

In past visits, one would find an array of edibles ranging from Asian and American tastes to even a Mexican buffet. Gaston quickly learned that, in this regard, things had changed. The table with trays where enchiladas once stayed warm was covered with boxes and clutter and was out of circulation.

That said, Gaston was craving a taste of Asian delights anyway. After passing by the lined tables with waiting portions to plunder, there was hope for that past familiar flavor of an array of appetizers and main dishes fresh from the kitchen during a busy lunch rush.

Returning with the first plate in hand, sushi choices were snapped up along with a healthy side of wasabi. As has been said multiple times before and will be forevermore, Gaston likes to go where it’s spicy. Much thanks to the sinus-clearing wasabi, the selection of rolls served as a vehicle for its flavor. On their own, none of the choices stood well after becoming rubbery on the line.

The jalapeno chicken over sticky rice caught Gaston’s eye. With bamboo shoots and carrots in the mix with the sweetened chicken and pepper slices, it made an attractive feature to a plate also containing green beans. That’s why it was disappointing when a bland lack of flavor was what followed. Even the green beans’ texture offered evidence that frozen ingredients had tamped down the beauty of the dishes from when made from fresh ingredients.

The freshness point was further homed in with the first (and last) bite of the small chicken wings. Dry to the bone, it was a shame only a single bite was taken of the two legs left on the plate. The same can be said for the crawfish selected. Big on the outside, there was little meat on the inside. The chewiness of a baked oyster left a bad taste in Gaston’s mouth.

Bites from Mrs. Gaston’s beef and broccoli were far better and Gaston kicks himself for not going to it on a second round. The egg rolls hit the mark and more with a touch of soy sauce.

The egg drop soup with crispies proved to be the favored flavor of the day. Warm and just salty enough with the addition of the crispies, this proved to be the dish that was fulfilling.

To be fair, there were some items that were hot and fresh on the American food table. Gaston regrets not picking up a slice of the still gooey pizza that was presented. But that wasn’t the flavor that was sought.

Gaston remembers not so long ago when you found two or three high-functioning Asian buffets that were packed most days at lunch. You could be sure that if something was just getting to that cool stage there would be reinforcements fresh from the kitchen. In the wake of the pandemic, it seems those places became the first casualty leaving Asian Fusion Buffet the “last man standing,” so to speak.

As always, any meal offers a unique experience; it only presents a snapshot. One person’s opinion of flavor or individual visit to an establishment will differ. And to be fair, who can eat the whole menu at one time?

For Gaston, however, 5 out of 10, Asian Fusion Buffet wasn’t the way on this particular day.

Gaston the Gastronomer is a pseudonym for the food critic for The Lawton Constitution.