Sherman's Food Adventures: Uncle Willy's

Uncle Willy's

Some of you might be wondering why the heck did I eat at Uncle Willy's. In fact, I'm sure some people didn't realize it was still in business. Well, there is only one location left and it's definitely changed hands. I think it's now run by a Korean family. Whatever the case, the reason we actually came here was that my son had just finished his floor hockey session at Bonsor. It's funny watching little kids follow the puck like an angry mob. We needed something fast, cheap and for the kiddies. Honestly, I haven't been here for over 18 years. You heard me right, it's been almost 2 decades! Another reason we came here was that Kim (I'm Only Here for the Food!) suggested that we all go there. I guess I spoiled that! Finally, from my post on Old Country Buffet, I had slagged Uncle Willy's (to my cousin's chagrin) and felt the need to go there myself to form a fair judgment. Boy, lemme tell you, when we walked in, it sure looked like we entered a time warp from 18 years ago. However, I neither felt 18 years younger and with kids-in-tow, reminded us of our real age. While we were eating, I remarked to Viv that we had never eaten here together until now. That's a good thing, I'm not sure that Viv would've appreciated me taking her to a buffet for a date. Mind you, she ate 4 dozen wings before, so I guess it wouldn't have been that much of stretch.

So what does $12.95 get you? There's 2 soups and a fresh-looking salad bar. Moving along, you will find dinner rolls, corn, carrots, rice, mash potatoes, fries and gravy. After that, you get spaghetti & meatballs, pot roast, cabbage rolls, perogies and sausage. Then there is a condiments section and 2 lonely dishes - Sheppard's pie and a chicken stew. The carving station consists of roast beef and ham. Then at a totally different station there is rotisserie and fried chicken. Soft drinks and desserts hide behind the chicken station. At first, I was prevented from taking pictures of the food. This was one of the rare occasions I had to divulge what I was doing. I thought nothing of it because what were they going to do, give me more food? LOL... What did they think I was going to do? Steal recipe suggestions? Uh... No thanks...

In terms of the food, it is definitely a blast from the past. Nothing much has changed. The salads were pretty fresh, so that's a good start. Veggies are veggies and mash potatoes are mash potatoes. The spaghetti was passable, the pot roast was alright and what can I really say about perogies and sausage? I did think the roast beef was quite tender despite being fully cooked. I'm sure they did this to satisfy a wider audience. Truth be told, the fried chicken was pretty darn good. It was tender and crispy. Desserts and soft drinks are a bit weak though. But c'mon,
that's pretty good for $12.95 for dinner and $8.95 for lunch. Please understand that whatever you think of the food, remember how much you are paying. Of course you'll get the crowd that suggests that they wouldn't eat this even if they get paid for it. Fair enough, but I'm pretty sure Uncle Willy's is not targeting that particular customer. Obviously, Old Country Buffet in
Bellingham is bigger and better for the same price as Uncle Willy's. But there is nothing remotely similar to Uncle Willy's here in the GVRD. Well, it could be that the demand for such a place is just not there anymore. However, if you wanted to merely stuff your face (with this type of food) for a nominal price, there really isn't much competition.

The Good:
- It's cheap
- Food is replaced frequently
- No other place really does this type of buffet anymore

The Bad:
- Food is marginal (you get what you pay for!)
- Decor and interior is merely functional
- Desserts are weak

Uncle Willy's on Urbanspoon

16 comments:

KimHo said...

Oh, c'mon Sherman, give all the details of why I suggested it!

The few instances I have been there (long time ago, though), the food was decent but not necessarily the highest quality. But, but... The chicken! (Both fried and rotisserie). Just as you mentioned, it is THAT good. In fact, it might be better than some chains!

And you can't necessarily go wrong with their price, specially if you have a large group and want to eat for cheap. Come to think about it, would it be better if you just call it: "$13, all-you-can-eat fried/rotisserie chicken"? :D

Sherman Chan said...

Actually Kim, I'm not really sure why you suggested it... LOL... Was it for another blogger's meal??? Anyways, I totally agree with you, the chicken is fabulous, kinda surprising really...

holly said...

Koreans make fantastic chicken and they're all about fresh and healthy food. Even if it's not gourmet food, for that price, I would be willing to give it another try.

I also haven't been to Uncle Willy's in a long time. Maybe when guys still had mullets?

Anonymous said...

that's hilarious. i remember going to uncle willy's for birthday parties in the 80's, when i was like 10...

i remember they charged 25 or 50 c or something for every year of age. good times.

do kids still have birthday parties at mcdonalds? i want to see a kids birthday party post!

KimHo said...

Yes, it was partially it. During the Irish Heather, Long Table Series dinner, we were throwing ideas for the next one and the topic of Uncle Willy's was brought, hehehehehe. Then we started talking about "What? It is still there?" and so and so.

Sherman Chan said...

Holly, you are right, they do make fantastic chicken and I guess I shouldn't have been surprised. Hey, how did you know I had a mullet???

A Micky D's children's party post? Hmmm... possibly!

Kim, maybe we can do the Runway Buffet (not sure if it's good) for a blogger's meal?

Anson said...

Sherman,

There was a time when the Uncle Willy's at that specified location had a different owner and the food was a lot worst. Diluted salad dressing, horrible mash potatoes, terrible non-tender roast beef, and diluted softdrinks. With new management, MUCH better.

This is still my grandpa's FAVOURITE restaurant due to him being asian. LOL.

Anyways,... Is Grand Buffet still open? It's still around right? I know that Foody Goody closed. That was such a good name.

Sherman Chan said...

Yes Anson, I found the food acceptable.

I believe Grand Buffet is now closed and Foody Goody... Let's really not go there...

Jenny said...

Even though their desserts maybe weak, but at least they have one. (a lot better than some other ones we both been too XD)

Sherman Chan said...

True Jenny, very true...

Chris said...

Good fried chicken at a buffet joint. Who'd a thunk it.

Sherman Chan said...

Yah Chris, I was pretty shocked too. I didn't want to believe it, but it was true. I'm with Kim, I'd go there just for the chicken.

Anson said...

Hey Sherman,

You gotta admit that ice cream machine that lets you design your own tower of calories was a plus!

Sherman Chan said...

Yes, anytime you can create your own ice cream tower is always a bonus... LOL...

Sean said...

I always thought that if I wanted to eat foods out of a can, I could do that at home for the fraction of the cost. Times have changed, money is tight and there's plenty of food to eat at Uncle Willy's. Great bang for the buck....no way I'm paying $20 for a medium pizza or a sad bag of eggs, bread, cheese and milk from Safeway.
Long live the Uncle.

Sherman Chan said...

@Sean UW is from a time past. Food ain't pretty, but cheap and filling.

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