Hee Been (Annandale, VA)

This Korean restaurant is one of our old favorites.  If you visit now, you’ll ask “old?”  In fact, you’ll be visiting after the extreme makeover that preceded its re-opening last July.  Some people cringe when they hear “buffet,” but Hee Been has elevated its game by including great quality sushi and tender meats almost equal in quality to regular dinner menus. All-you-can-eat galbi (beef short ribs), bulgogi (boneless rib-eye steak) and sushi are their main attraction, but there are plenty of other choices to choose from.  Seafood pancakes, Jap Chae (cellophane noodles with assorted vegetable and beef) and smoky salmon skin rolls are always good to try on the side.

Lucky Three (Falls Church, VA)

When we (finally) wake up on Sunday morning; our car somehow steers its way directly to dim sum.  Big appetites should follow us to Lucky Three, a Cantonese restaurant in Falls Church.  Steamed dim sum is a big part of their all-you-can-eat buffet, with specialties such as Shumai (spare ribs glazed in black bean sauce), Crystal Shrimp Dumplings and Shrimp Fun.  The regular menu features excellent seafood choices: Oysters with Ginger and Scallions, Whole Steamed Fish with brown sauce, and Salted Baked Shrimp.  Beware: there are sometimes lines to get in to enjoy the food, but with a 500 seat capacity thing move quickly.  We think its well worth the wait.  Lucky Three also has a small stage for special events and a private area that can be closed off for parties.