Buffet time, happy birthdays

If you haven’t heard, Hibachi Grill Buffet is finally open, having taken over the space previously occupied by the pillar of mediocrity that was Hometown Buffet. I popped in on what turned out to be the last day of its soft opening, and while the full spread was not yet on display (there was no hibachi in sight!), I had a chance to sample some of the offerings. One-word assessment: eh.

In all actuality, Hibachi Grill Buffet lived up to my expectations, which is to say that, as with most things on this earth, you get what you pay for. So, considering I paid about $5 total (regular price is $11.49 for lunch, $14.49 for dinner), most of the food was just fine. OK, the chow mein was a disappointment—don’t even bother with it. And the “sushi” rolls looked like a whole lot of filler to me (imitation crab, big hunks of veggies, and not much in the way of fish, which is probably just as well). The stars on my plate, however: the potstickers, the grilled chicken and the beautifully crispy wings. The egg rolls were pretty good, too. But where on earth were the crab Rangoon?!

I generally prefer one or two quality dishes for a reasonable price over all I can eat for $15, but I am glad to see the place open. Check ’em out for yourself at 2021 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, 891-1144.

Another one … Since Toys R Us filed for bankruptcy last fall, I’ve been keeping my eye on the retailer, which to this point had yet to announce plans for its Chico store. All that could change quite quickly—on Tuesday, word had it it was drafting liquidation plans after missing payments to some vendors. Industry insiders speculated it could close all of its remaining 800 stores.

Happy anniversary! It’s come to my attention that two entities are celebrating some milestone anniversaries this spring and they deserve some kudos. First, La Comida, CN&R readers’ long-running favorite for Best Cheap Eats, is 50 years old, if you can believe it. The restaurant officially opened in February 1968, but it will be celebrating with a big to-do on April 21. Mark your calendars.

The historic Oroville State Theatre also has a birthday this year: It turns 90! In honor of the milestone, the State Theatre Arts Guild (STAGE) is hosting a big old celebration, complete with the unveiling of the Wurlitzer pipe organ the group has been working to restore for several years now. The North State Symphony, with Conductor Scott Seaton, will perform with the organ on Friday, April 6. For more info and to buy tickets, go to orovillestatetheatre.org.

All-day b-fast A little birdie tells me you can now get Inday’s Restaurant’s delicious breakfast dishes, which range from traditional to exotic, all day long! Head over to 1043 W. Eighth St. to get your Spam fix.

Fresh-squeezed While I twiddle my thumbs and wait another week for OM Foods to open up its downtown spot (on Broadway), I’ll share its latest news: You can now stop by the hut (in the Safeway parking lot on Nord Avenue) for “fresh-squeezed, home-grown” lemonade. Sounds divine.