SPANISH TAVERN,

When Spain moved out of the Village Inn a couple of years ago, two employees opened the Spanish Tavern in its place. On our recent visit, we were pleased to find that more than the tradition of fruit juice in wine coolers had continued. For an appetizer, we tried the steamed mejillones ($6.95), mussels served in a winy broth rich with diced onions. Other appetizers ($7 to 8) include grilled Spanish sausage, the one non-seafood offering, and stuffed artichokes, a special most nights that is quite popular. The menu entrees are evenly split among about two dozen seafood and meat choices. We were interested in the Spanish Tavern's traditional paellas and mariscadas. Indeed, the "Mariscos Cardebal" ($15.95) was hard to beat. Consisting of half a lobster tail, four huge and tender sea scallops, and a few medium shrimp, the dish was smothered in a pink lobster sauce as creamy as bisque. Overall, the service was friendly and attentive, and the sangria was superb.

Full review.