The Catholic Way of Eating at Buffet Restaurants

Hello! After several months of being away from this blog, I am back. Honestly, my absence was a combination of a lot of things: a severe case of writer’s block, getting so busy because of the RH battles, then starting a new life all over again with my transfer of residence. But now I am back, all refreshed, and this time I will stay true to my “quirky” nature by writing about stuff that matters while staying away from the serious tone I used writing about two of my pet peeves: the RH law, and liturgical abuse. I continue to be pro-life although I will write less about RH, and you guys will be happy to know that there are people taking steps to work around the law so we could still promote the culture of life despite RH still being a law.

As for talking about liturgical abuses, I feel it’s a lost cause, because so many people have so many different ideas on the liturgy, and to make matters worse, many of them are priests. Besides, the bishops don’t seem to prioritize the prevention of liturgical abuse anyway, so let’s pick our battles and focus on what we can change for now.

 I would like to finally delve on a sensitive subject that I have been putting off for the longest time, and it’s all about buffets. Yes, everyone who loves to eat loves buffets. Some of us have become buffet aficionados, with extensive knowledge about the best restaurants and buffets in town at the most affordable price. This is why I now write about this very profound and timely topic of “The Catholic Way of Eating at Buffet Restaurants."

 I know one or two very strict Catholics out there who are opposed to the very idea of dining at a place of excess.  They are the kind who think that our present woes are enough to discourage anyone from going to buffets. Luckily, I am one of those who  think that buffets are a manifestation of God’s bountiful blessings, and a place where we can practice Christian charity and responsibility. Here's how: 

1. GIVE THANKS TO THE CREATOR FOR HIS DELECTABLE CREATIONS

I know you’re going to say your obligatory “Bless us O Lord” before chowing down, but before that, I would like you to be very aware that without God, it wouldn't have been possible for you to experience this feast. That explosion of flavors in your mouth is a testament to God’s greatness. Don’t forget to thank the chefs too. Overworked chefs are some of the unappreciated people, so give them a compliment or two.

2. PRACTICE SOME CHARITY

Just because you can get the last few pieces of tempura doesn't mean you should. Buffets are perfect opportunities to show that you are a man/woman who is beyond his or her appetites. If you find yourself in an awkward situation when it’s your turn on the serving tray with a few morsels of food remaining and someone still hoping against hope that you could spare some more for him, do it. It’s good to share not only food but good will around. The servers will refill the tray anyway, and waiting a couple of minutes isn't so bad – which means you have practiced two virtues in one dinner: generosity and patience.

3. IF YOU HAVE A PLAN, YOU’RE PROBABLY OVERDOING IT.

I come from a big family composed of big family members. During family reunions, we invade the nearest buffet restaurant and engorge ourselves silly from lunch until snack time. We considered ourselves “professional buffet diners” and we always had a game plan going into the restaurant: we will ask to be seated near the door of the kitchen where they take out the food, and one of us will be the designated “spotter” who will keep us updated if the chili crabs have been brought out. Once the spotter has given the signal, two or three big guys stand up with their plates and pretend to wait in front of the area where the crabs are. They’re actually “blockers” who block out other people from even approaching the buffet table, while a “picker” is doing the dirty job of getting the food, unopposed. Plan B, some of the blockers are also pickers.

If you have plans similar to this, or if you have to resort to these kinds of shenanigans, you’re overdoing it, and it’s probably not going to win you heaven points either. Gluttony is a capital sin after all, and St. Peter is not amused.

4. WITH GREAT AMOUNT OF FOOD COMES GREAT RESPONSIBILITY

Just because God allows feasts like this to happen, doesn't mean there are less people in Tacloban and in other parts of the country who are still hungry and in need of your help. A great way of nourishing both body and soul is to do your corporal works of mercy before AND after your buffet meal. Visit an orphanage, or an institution for the aged; feed the hungry and give drink to the thirsty; find some shelter for the homeless, visit the sick, or bury the dead. Make sure you have done one or two of these before heading out to the buffet table, and you will have peace in your heart. Go the extra mile and do it again after your buffet lunch or dinner.

Bon Appetit!