Sushi World

Sushi World on River Road has undergone a management change, but Yakisoba, Pad Thai, teriyaki dishes, edamame and wonton appetizers, in addition to a full service sushi, are still available. Tacoma resident Pete Sedgwick swears by the all-you-can-eat lunch and dinner sushi specials for $9.95 and $14.95, which include sushi, sashimi, rolls and nigiri. "It's fresh and made right in front of you," Sedgwick says.

Sitting at the sushi bar means interaction with congenial sushi chefs, one of my favorite parts of the sushi experience. A sushi newbie, my dining companion Sue wasn't quite ready to eat the truly fishy items. She was made comfortable by kind suggestions from the staff, including  a Washington roll with crisp sweet apple in it, the cucumber roll and the tamago (sweet cooked chicken-egg omelet on sushi rice). Also, with the warm sweet teriyaki sauce atop cooked eel sushi, Sue found it easy to forget there was really fishy stuff in it. - Jennifer Johnson

[Sushi World, 729 River Road, Puyallup, 253.445.5260]

Tasty lunch buffet

The seductive smells of curry, coriander and cumin greet guests as they walk through the doors of the Great Cuisine of India in Lakewood. It offers all the popular standards, such as chicken tikka, veggie samosas and lamb vindaloo, as well as a selection of fresh mint, cilantro and coconut chutneys. Order yourself a basket of naan (Indian flat bread) and dip it in the rich creamy sauces of your dish of choice. Or just treat yourself to a smorgasbord of flavorful Northern Indian fare during their lunch buffet - butter chicken, tandoori chicken, balghan bhartha, paneer tikka masala, aloo gobi and much more - a sure cure for noon buffet boredom. But beware. If you head back for seconds, which is totally cool, don't bring your dirty plate with you. The matriarch will pounce on you like a hawk. Trust me. - Ron Swarner

[Great Cuisine of India, 9518 Gravelly Lake Dr. SW, Lakewood, 253.581.1333]