If you have a desire for fresh, well-prepared seafood, you can catch the next airplane flight to Galveston. Or, if you don’t have the time or money for such a frivolity, you can go to Galveston Island Seafood in Lake Highlands.

The restaurant, 6551 Fair Oaks, will not disappoint you. It has a neighborhood, friendly, almost nautical atmosphere, with its circular tables and wooden boats. The service is prompt and efficient.

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There is a big selection of seafood dishes on the menu. The oysters are fresh and bite-size. The Oysters Rockefeller is an authentic recipe and a good appetizer at $3.95 for four, or $5.95 for six. The spicy boiled shrimp, though listed under appetizers, is a meal in itself at $3.95 for one-quarter of a pound or $5.95 for a half pound.

The Captain’s Table section features the deluxe golden fried platter. It is shrimp, oysters, catfish, scallops, and a Maryland crab cake – all cooked and spiced just right. If you’re real hungry, it’s not a bad deal for $13.95. For those who try to avoid fried foods, there is a boiled seafood platter for the same price.

There is a salmon Alfredo or shrimp fettuccine for $8.95. If seafood doesn’t appeal to you, a T-Bone steak is available for $13.95. There is a good selection of beer and wines.

So, next time you are in the mood for seafood, give it a try.

Tarantino’s Café and Deli, 6465 E. Mockingbird, is another neighborhood Italian restaurant. It is nestled at the edge of a shopping center across the street from Albertson’s. It is a simply decorated, no-frills, place that faces a parking lot.

The menu is traditional, with the regulars like eggplant parmesan and shrimp fettuccine, that runs between $7.95 to $8.95 per dish. There are a few creative dishes such as the dirty pasta, which consists of pasta and artichoke hearts, bread crumbs, an assortment of vegetables and whatever meat you choose.

The wine selection is limited but sufficient. Cannoli is offered on the dessert menu, which is a definite plus.