Originally Posted by Pulaski

When I ask for chicken livers at our local cafeteria I invariably get a huge serving, though we usually go in shortly before closing time, so I assume they want to get rid of everything they have already cooked and can't keep until the next day.

Originally Posted by WEBlue

Oh my, this talk of 'cafeterias' reminds me of our family's days living in TX. When young, my kids used to adore eating at cafeteria style restaurants. The variety of selections was awesome! My son could always get his very favourite American pudding--Jello (not jelly!) And my daughter, who was becoming vegetarian at an early age, could find enough non-meat side dishes to satisfy her. DH & I enjoyed the reasonable prices too....

Sadly I haven't eaten at any cafeteria since we left TX--I'm not sure that style of eatery exists here in New England....

Originally Posted by SultanOfSwing

I thought they were all over the country, but maybe not. They certainly are all over my neck of the woods though, though they tend to be called 'family restaurants' round here. Mostly they're a bit cheap and cheerful but I personally love them. Anywhere you can get biscuits and gravy all day long is a good place in my book. Plus, their burgers are almost always great.

Originally Posted by WEBlue

I don't see many here. Perhaps Boston Market Restaurants come closest, but those have been closing at an alarming rate in this part of the country. And even BM doesn't offer the large selection of choices (both mains & side dishes) that I remember from those cafeteria-style restaurants in TX.

Originally Posted by Pulaski

I stuck with the chicken livers.

Both the bacon and the gravy are different from what you're used to.

You had a lucky dog!

Originally Posted by WEBlue

Oh my, this talk of 'cafeterias' reminds me of our family's days living in TX. When young, my kids used to adore eating at cafeteria style restaurants. The variety of selections was awesome! My son could always get his very favourite American pudding--Jello (not jelly!) And my daughter, who was becoming vegetarian at an early age, could find enough non-meat side dishes to satisfy her. DH & I enjoyed the reasonable prices too....

Sadly I haven't eaten at any cafeteria since we left TX--I'm not sure that style of eatery exists here in New England....

Originally Posted by Rete

By cafeteria do you mean buffet style restaurants? I've yet to try one, there is Golden Corral down the street, other than for Chinese.

Originally Posted by Rete

By cafeteria do you mean buffet style restaurants? I've yet to try one, there is Golden Corral down the street, other than for Chinese.

Originally Posted by Pulaski

A cafeteria has a service line - you slide your tray along a set of rails but there are serving staff behind a glass-screened counter who put food on your plates, then pass them over the screen to you.

Golden Corral is different.

The one I referred to above looks like this:
http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/G...29570_0465.jpg

Originally Posted by WEBlue

Yes, just like Pulaski said. A true cafeteria style restaurant isn't a buffet, where you usually serve yourself for a set price....

At a cafeteria, you get to see your choices and ask for each to be served to you (even ask for a bit more if the initial spoonful isn't enough), then you pay. I really miss them--great for families with picky eaters!

Originally Posted by Sugarmooma

Luby's was our go to when we were without a kitchen. The choice is always good, healthy or not so healthy! And the desserts are great!

Now I know why I have gained so much weight in the last few months.

Originally Posted by WEBlue

Yes, Luby's was one we enjoyed!

I just looked up their locations on the Luby's website. One in Mississippi, one in Oklahoma, and about a hundred in Texas! Guess I won't find one in my part of the northeast....

Originally Posted by WEBlue

Yes, just like Pulaski said. A true cafeteria style restaurant isn't a buffet, where you usually serve yourself for a set price....

At a cafeteria, you get to see your choices and ask for each to be served to you (even ask for a bit more if the initial spoonful isn't enough), then you pay. I really miss them--great for families with picky eaters!

Originally Posted by BuckinghamshireBoy

You are probably right there. Maybe I should have said flan rather than quiche.

Shepherd's and Cottage pies are indeed worthy of full-on pie status.

On the kidney front, I am right alongside Nutek. Approach them cautiously, keep calm and get them in the waste bin at the earliest opportunity. Keep a spade or shovel within reach at all times.

Liver... is simply not to be found here. Cannot remember the last time I had it. My mum also used to make liver, onions and mash as mentioned by SultanOfSwing. Ok, he said spuds not mash, but you get the picture. But he forgot to mention bacon...