HENDERSON. Exhibiting all the charm you'd expect of a bistro that specializes in an amalgam of French and American cuisines, Zinc is eminently warm and accommodating. Boasting lake views, it's an ideal spot for indulging in dishes reminiscent of New Orleans, including jambalaya, étouffée, po'boys, and gumbo. Other choices range from chicken piccata to crab cakes and duck a l'orange. Adding to the atmosphere is live zydeco music and an adjacent bakery that emanates the aroma of baguettes and beignets.

THE STRIP. Cocoa Palms' atmosphere is tropical, and the establishment is "designed to reflect the casual elegance of restaurants in Miami's trendy South Beach area". The laid-back, chummy staff makes every experience pleasant, whether you opt for the basic buffet or try one of the four action buffet stations. At the latter, guests may watch as their food is prepared by expert chefs in a variety of ways: broiling, grilling, carving, or wok-searing.

THE STRIP. An outpost of the New Orleans mainstay, this branch of Commander's Palace plies guests with the original's same great Creole recipes and same inimitable hospitality. Within either the garden or wine room, patrons are treated to grilled fish, a roasted veal chop, seared pork with steak fries, seafood stew, and even filet mignon with a Crescent City kick. After you've savored main-course fare, enjoy classic desserts like beignets, bananas Foster, and Creole bread pudding soufflé with bourbon whiskey sauce. A lively jazz brunch runs from Friday to Sunday.

DOWNTOWN. This popular buffet features scrumptious choices and three buffet specials (regular, holiday, and Sunday). Hot and cold specialties fit for a king are served throughout the day, and the repertoire includes dishes like chilled shrimp and fresh salads. You'll also do well to enjoy homemade soups, carved meats, and decadent desserts ­ even a terrific seafood buffet on Sunday. Despite the restaurant's popularity, waits are short and service is good.

THE STRIP. Take a seat in this brightly decorated, mirrored room with a plate piled high from the superb buffet. International cooking shows play on flat-screen TVs scattered around the dining area, encouraging you to sample some of the global fare offered at the buffet's thirteen chef stations. Dim sum, rotisserie chicken, a raw bar, and an assortment of carved meats are just a few of the many tasty options.