Understanding Buffets

A buffet [boo-FAY] is a type of service in which a variety of dishes are arranged in an attractive display from which guests choose the foods they wish to eat. Buffets are purchased on a prix fixe [pree FEEKS] basis, meaning guests are able to consume as much as they wish for one set price.

The traditional buffet configuration is a long table, or line of tables, on which the food platters are attractively arranged. This is known as a buffet line. The buffet line is divided into buffet stations, or sections that feature a particular type of food, such as appetizers, salads, seafood, and carved meats. Guests approach the buffet line from a designated starting point and proceed along the line as they choose the food items they want. Today, buffet planners use many configurations for buffet setup.