Snuffy's Pantagis Renaissance Restaurant, Scotch Plains, NJ

A number of years ago this restaurant would advertise on metropolitan New York radio stations with festive Greek music and shouts of "O-pah! O -pah!". It was a very effective commercial because many in this area will recall the commercial and remember the name of Snuffys in Scotch Plains, New Jersey - even though that is more than fifty miles away. "O-pah! O-pah!" In those days there was never any mention of a buffet - and then there probably was no buffet.

Many of you have probably noticed the Google ads at the side of these articles and the bottom of this page. I realized a short time ago that one of those advertisers is Snuffy's Restaurant - the same "O-pah, O-pah!" place. Now, I am not permitted to click on Google ads on my own site, but I could find the Snuffy's website on my own to find out why they were being associated with a site about buffets. Could they now be offering a buffet? When you look at Snuffy's website it seems to primarily feature its catering hall and the wonderful weddings that it can provide. If you look really close you will find that this caterer/restaurant offers buffets two nights a week.

Did you ever wish you could find an Italian buffet? Italian restaurants are as prevalent as Chinese restaurants - and there are many Chinese buffets, but you really don't find Italian buffets. Well, on Thursday night head on over to Pantagis Renaissance Restaurant because they have an Italian Buffet.

Now, as I have said before about some restaurants that I am writing about - I have not been to this restaurant. I am not reviewing the restaurant. I am letting you know about it and sharing that it looks good. Do I know that the food is good? No. When I can get there (it is not nearby, but not impossible either) I will write again. But for now, let's take a look at what looks good.

The Italian buffet is served for dinner on Thursday nights from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. It is not inexpensive, but not unreasonable for what is being offered. Featured are Cavatelli with Broccoli, Beef Burgundy, Tortellini Alfredo, Chicken Marsala, Shrimp Scampi, Lobster Ravioli, Eggplant Rollatini, Fried Zucchini, Baked Haddock Sicilian Style,and Chicken and Sausage Italian Style. There are also carvings including Turkey, Fresh Ham (Pork Roast), Roast Beef, and Virginia Ham. There is a cold Anitipasto, and your choice of four soups - Pasta Fagioli, Minestrone, Potato Leek, and New England Clam Chowder. Still have room for dessert. They have Cannoli
Assorted Cheesecake, Tiramisu and more.

This is all served from table cloth covered buffet tables with the food hot in chafing dishes. The price for this buffet per adult is $17.95. Children eat for half price. This is high for mid-week, but when you look at what you are getting and think that you are only paying six dollars per person more than Old Country Buffet this is very good if you like Italian food. Many must think so as the restaurant recommends that reservations be made.

On Friday nights Snuffy's offers another buffet. On Friday's you will find a Seafood Buffet - Mediterranean Seafood Buffet! This one looks fabulous - and for the many readers who comment and write to me about unlimited lobster - on Friday night at this restaurant you will find Stuffed Lobster on the buffet! Time for the buffet is 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

The seafood buffet begins with a salad bar and bread selections. There is a large display of fresh fruit as well. Now, what should come next - the seafood or the rest? Let's start with the seafood. Ready? You are going to find Shrimp Cocktail, Clams, Mussels and Oysters, Stuffed Lobster, Grilled Sword Fish with Red Pepper Coulis, Mussles ala Marinara, Steamed Clams with Salsa Verde,Spicy Fried Calamari, Lobster Bisque, and Coconut Shrimp.

When you have had your fill of seafood you can move on to a Pasta Station, Eggplant Rollatini, and Swedish Meatballs. You will also find carvings of Prime Rib,
Steam Ship Roast, Virginia Ham, Roast Turkey, and
Whole Leg of Lamb.

Ready for dessert? There is a selection of Venetian and Greek style desserts.

Throughout your dinner you will be entertained with by a "live" piano player. How nice - and you so much better than a "dead" piano player.

So, lobster, hot and cold seafood a-plenty - how much is this going to cost? Price for adults is $32.95 per person. Children, again, are half price. For a buffet that includes lobster this is not a bad price. Yes, it is high for many of us - myself included. But for a special occasion or celebration dinner this is good for this bountiful meal. Again, Snuffy's says that they recommend that you make a reservation for the seafood buffet.

From how these buffets are shown as served, these are catering hall- style buffets. This seems pretty much a catering restaurants opportunity to offer to the public some of what they offer at their catered affairs. I suspect that the buffet meals are more bountiful than the catering meals judging from my dining experiences at catering halls - Remember, I have never been to Snuffy's so I am not talking about them - they may have great catered meals.

If I had a choice of either night, I am more intrigued by the Italian Buffet on Thursdays. Seafood is nice and lobster is great, but other than the lobster most of what is offered on the Seafood Buffet is found at other buffets at less cost. The Italian buffet, however, is unique. I know of no other.

So, if you are in New Jersey - or traveling through - and you can afford it, try Pantagis Renaissance Restaurant on either Thursday or Friday night. If you have been there, leave a comment and let us know how it is.

The restaurant is a large building and is located at Park and Mountain Avenue in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. The phone number is 908-322-7726. There is a website and it is linked at the side of this article. (If you see the Google ad on this site for this restaurant, visit it from that link - at least I earn about three cents.)