Until the invention of the buffet, food had to be served by a waiter or by being fired out of a cannon in the kitchen. Self serve with today's Groupon: for $5, you get access to the lunch buffet at the Market Restaurant at the Holiday Inn (a $10.95 value). Children younger than 12 can enjoy all of these midday treats for no charge if they are with an adult who is a guest at the Holiday Inn and has purchased the buffet. The lunch buffet for children who are not staying at the Holiday Inn is $5.50.

Atop a Persian-style carpet in the expansive dining room, famished guests can fill themselves up with homestyle southern and Cajun cooking. The rotating menu always centers on a classic protein preparation such as meatloaf, fried catfish, or pork loin, giving diners a genuine taste of Louisiana without the inconvenience of getting belted in the head with colorful beads. A self-controlled salad bar also awaits eager palates, as well as knee-weakening peach cobbler and bread pudding.