TASK DEFINITION: You are given a review about a place. You need to provide a rating from "1 star" to "5 stars" for this place.
PROBLEM: = = = = = DAILY LUNCH BUFFET = = = = =

There's an old Chinese proverb: "Once bitten, twice shy." This place was so awful when I was here in January '09 that it took me over 4 1/2 years to get up the nerve to try it again! I'm happy to report that things were better here this time:

SOME POSITIVES:

* Both the dining room and the men's restroom looked very clean!

* The ambiance (lighting, sound (soft Chinese music playing), room temperature and booth comfort were all good. The dining room furnishings are arranged more attractively now than they were in '09, & it was a peaceful atmosphere overall. (There were 5 other customers dining.)

* My "hot tea" was hot this time, & it's free with the Buffet!

* The Egg Flower Soup was ok & much better than last time!

* All the food temperatures were right & I liked the taste of most of it.

OK, A FEW CAVILS:

* The sign outside says $5.99 but I was charged $6.55 total. It should have been $6.49 at the current tax rate of 8.3%, so right now she's charging $6.05 plus tax.

* One of the main things I always go for at an Oriental Buffet is the fried chicken. The big legs cooked up here looked great in the tray but mine seemed oily and only marginally cooked enough on the inside.

* Limited selection of 21 items including the tea.

ALL IN ALL?

Hong Kong here holds it own now against Mike Kwan's ("infamous") Golden Coin just 2 miles away. That's another place that was 1-Star & improved. The food is good there now but they have a microscopic selection of only 8 items & the bathroom is ucky.

It IS a pleasure to see a formerly disaster case Buffet like this get BETTER rather than finally closing such as East Buffet downtown, for example. Did you ever eat there? OMG! The last time I was there I was fighting over my food with this big spider. It was like a horror movie! The whole scene there was so awful (& I ate there 2 or 3 times!). Just running back across my Reviews of the place was upsetting enough that I finally deleted them completely. (Still get goosebumps when I drive by the derelict building!) :-O

Ok, so the daily Lunch Buffet here at Hong Kong Restaurant is $6.05 :-|

SOLUTION: 2 stars

PROBLEM: The actual polish job was good, but the massage was awful. In fact, if I ever did go back, I'd decline the massage. I don't like having my shin massaged.

SOLUTION: 2 stars

PROBLEM: Deanna is the owner and she's super. Not only do you get fab, natural looking nails but you get her intelligent, witty world views. It's always a good time!

Her nails are always done by hand. No drills here! Her salon is spic and span, friendly and modern. There's no assembly line, just really great individual attention and pampering. You've gotta try her Rock Star Toes too! You'll be the envy of every girl on the dance floor!

Don't forget about CC, her hair stylist. She's up on all the modern trends, specializes in color and extensions. She'll make you look gorgeous for all your holiday parties! You'll be so pleased with her. She gives a great cut, is sweet and funny. No going home to redo your do!

With this Duo, you'll want to run and tell all your friends about Downtown Scottsdale Hair & Nails.

SOLUTION:
5 stars