Do you remember a time before there was unlimited soup, salad and breadsticks at one of your favorite spots to eat? Well, let’s take you back to the dawn of that era.
Going back to a simpler time when we were all fascinated by a brand-new restaurant called The Olive Garden. Here’s a 1988 news report about one that opened in Minnesota. Your wallet will miss the $4.25 Spaghetti & Meatballs lunch.
The first Olive Garden restaurant opened in 1982 in Florida.
From fluffy pancakes and crispy bacon to fruits and omelets, the breakfast buffet offers an abundance of choices. As tempting as it may be, there are times when it’s probably best to avoid certain food items to ensure a healthy and enjoyable dining experience.
Overall, breakfast buffets make a great choice if you’re on the hunt for an economical meal or have specific dietary restrictions or preferences, as they allow you to handpick the items that perfectly match your requirements.
Breakfast buffet caution
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that foodborne illnesses were responsible for sickness in approximately 48 million Americans. Within this number, it is estimated that around 128,000 cases required hospitalization, and tragically, 3,000 cases resulted in fatalities.
Breakfast buffets that lack proper maintenance and supervision may fall prey to stale and unappetizing food items. Dishes sitting out for too long lose their freshness and flavor, posing a risk to your taste buds and stomach. It’s best to opt for recently prepared items to savor the true essence of a breakfast buffet.
In breakfast buffet setups, hygiene can sometimes take a backseat. With numerous diners handling the serving utensils, there is a potential for the spread of germs and contaminants. Items like communal bread baskets and self-service stations may be susceptible to bacterial growth.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), buffets should prioritize swapping food trays rather than refilling them with new food to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses and ensure food safety. The duration for which an old batch of food has been sitting on the buffet is often uncertain. After two hours at room temperature, the risk of harmful microorganisms thriving on the food increases significantly. Refilling food trays creates a potential risk of cross-contamination between the fresh food and any remaining food on the tray.
When encountering a breakfast buffet, knowing which foods to skip is wise. Here’s a rundown of foods to avoid at breakfast buffets.