Southside Oneonta, New York Buffet is Dee-Licious

Despite eating in some of the country's best restaurants with Michelin stars and awards attached to them, there's just something about the kind of homestyle cooking that grandma used to make. Comfort food that feels like a warm hug is always the right choice.

Dee-licous Homestyle Take Out Buffet is a new restaurant that is slated to open Monday, April 29th in the space Azul used to occupy on Route 23, Southside Oneonta. Owned and operated by Darlene and James Hanley along with daughter Krishaunda Wheeler, Dee-licious Homestyle Buffet fills a need for true comfort food in Oneonta.

During their Fork Report Friday appearance, I was able to try a good cross section of their entrees and desserts. This is not an all-you-can-eat affair. Rather, you choose dishes, and your plate is weighed and you will be charged accordingly. This style leads to a higher quality of product and less waste.

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First I their butter baked chicken. Reminiscent of Italian dishes, the chicken exudes with snappy garlic and spices with buttery nuances taking center stage. Served with macaroni and cheese and fresh cornbread, it's hard not to feel comfort after eating this.

My personal favorite, their Mississippi pot roast was next. Tender, fall apart beef is cooked slow and low in a savory sauce. There's a slight kick of warm spice on the backend that is all flavor. I wasn't expecting the peppery notes, but it worked very well with the dish.

Don't sleep on their cole slaw. It's a true blue grandma recipe, straight from James' mother's repertoire. The vegetables are very finely chopped and it's not too saucy. Many times, cole slaw can be too moist and gets bogged down. That doesn't happen here.

Krishaunda's desserts are a great closing act for these meals. Her cheesecake is somewhere between New York style and Lindy's cheesecakes. The consistency is fabulous and the flavor is perfection. Her cookies are the star of the show, her chocolate chip varietal is crusty, yet moist in the middle and imparts cookie bliss.

Dee-licious Homestyle Buffet will open on Monday, April 29th. They are located at 6730 State Highway 23 Oneonta in Oneonta. Hours for now are Monday-Friday 7am-3pm. You can reach them at (607) 267-4113.