Archived Article By Tom Fitzmorris Originally published April 5, 2007 Veranda Lightens Lunch Buffet For Spring The Veranda--the restaurant in the Hotel InterContinental, on St. Charles Avenue across from One Shell Square--has long offered a popular lunch buffet, in addition to its lunch menu. I'm no buffet fan, but this one has always been pretty good. And on days when time for meals is short, it's a great option. The best part of the Verand's buffet has alway sbeen the cold items, although some of the hot stuff is decent. Meanwhile, the menu (you can order that way instead of doing the buffet) has a new emphasis on broiled, pan-seared or grilled items. For example: New Orleans barbecue shrimp and oysters. Spinach and smoked gouda salad with honey champagne vinaigrette. A lobster pita sandwich with mint mayonnaise and fresh mango. Pan-seared salmon with pistachio beurre blanc. Chicken and herb risotto. Broiled redfish. The space is lovely. It feels like an outdoor courtyard, but it's indoors--a glass-topped  atrium. The lunch service is weekdays; they also havedinner every night and Sunday brunch. They allow validated free parking in the building. Veranda. 444 St. Charles Ave. 585-4383. © 2007 Tom Fitzmorris. All rights reserved. news@nomenu.com