Trends in cuisine may come and go, but one that New Yorkers never seem to tire of is all-you-can-eat. The latest restaurant in that vein to open is Boon Dee, a sprawling place in Fresh Meadows, Queens that specializes in mu kratha (also spelled “moo ka ta”), a cross between Thai barbecue and hot pot.
The centerpiece of the dining room is a massive buffet laden with some two dozen raw and marinated proteins and an assortment of veggies and noodles. Once you have made your selections, you head back to your table where you are intercepted by a member of the staff, who fires up the grill embedded in the table’s surface and deposits a cauldron of steaming broth. You cook and eat, then — if you are so inclined (and most people are) — head back to the buffet to repeat the process.
The cost of a meal is $39.98, half price for children 3 to 7.
If there’s one downside to a meal at Boon Dee, it is the numerous posted restrictions, which include a 90-minute time limit per table (parties who linger past the curfew will be assessed a 30% surcharge) and a restriction against taking home leftovers. Another offense that carries a 30% upcharge is leaving “excessive food” on your table.
Boon Dee, 168-11 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows, Queens, 917-456-1088.
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