If you want cheap eat's, buffet style, in the Murray Hill area of Manhattan, I have a few do's and don'ts.

The real reason I am writing this is to warn people off of a terrible place that will more than likely make you feel ill if you have the misfortune of eating from their buffet table. This place is called Miss K's Italian Eatery on the corner of 30th St. and Madison. It has a deli counter, groceries that look like some have been there for years, a salad bar and a steam table buffet of hot food. I have twice made the mistake of catching a quick bite from this place going from work to Brooklyn if I knew I'd have no chance to grab a real dinner before, for example, a political meeting.

Both times I grabbed dinner from Miss K's I found the food largely repulsive and felt literally ill afterwards. I have a strong stomach even for cheap food. But Miss K's made me nauseous twice. Their food just isn't right. Perhaps their deli counter or salad bar is less nausea inducing, but their hot buffet sucks. One time I threw out a fair amount of what I bought because I just didn't want to eat the crap. I am NOT the sort who throws stuff away if I'm hungry!

If you are in the area and have to grab a quick bite, do not force your stomach to endure Miss K's. Your best bet is to stop rushing and go half a block further West on 30th and have a fantastic sit down meal at Ravaugh Persian Grill, (which I have reviewed before). Yeah you'll pay more and it will take more time, but you will have a wonderful meal.

But if you have to rush, just one block away, on 30th and Park Ave, is another place with a salad bar, a hot buffet and even sushi. This place is called Aunt Suzie's (not to be confused with the Park Slope pasta place of the same name). It is the same price as far as I can tell, has friendlier service, tastes better, and doesn't make you sick to your stomach like Miss K's. They have pretty much the same kind of buffet, with maybe more variety at Suzie's.

Or you can be more adventurous and hit any of the cheap Indian restaurants on Lexington, many of which have buffets. They are all good and mostly cheap. Curry in a Hurry is good and fast, as the name suggests. Kalustyan Market at 123 Lexington between 28th and 29th is one of the best, with excellent falafel upstairs. Not great service, but great and fast food.

Or there is a great, cheap deli on the corner of Second Ave and 30th, kitty corner to Waterfront Ale House that has good sandwiches.

But whatever you do, save your stomach and avoid Miss K's. I can take bad, cheap food. But if it makes you feel ill it isn't worth it.