After spending four days on the Gulf Coast recently, I still

had the taste for fresh seafood assaulting my tastebuds.

Instead of driving into Atlanta, I decided to investigate

the relatively new Red Lobster, just east of Newnan, on Ga.

Highway 34.

I was so pleased by the experience that I'm giving the

restaurant this month's Citizens' Choice award for dining in

our region.

I had not been to a Red Lobster in several years, because

my last experience was far from favorable. I'm happy to report

this latest dining experience was a lot better.

To start with, the new Red Lobster's are a lot lighter and

airier than the older models. I always thought I was walking into a

Las Vegas lounge when I entered the dimly lit old restaurants.

With little lighting, you also wonder if the staff is trying to prevent

you from seeing something.

The new decor is wonderful and fits the company's new

menu. A new emphasis is placed on fresh fish and diners have a

large variety of choices in cooking methods from grilled to blackened.

Prices have increased and you can expect to pay around $8

for lunch and upwards of $15 for dinner, but it's worth it.

Another innovation at the restaurant is a new selection

of desserts made for the restaurant by The Cheesecake Factory.

I'm not a fan of The Cheesecake Factory, except for

its desserts and Red Lobster seems to have made a wise move

in bringing these luscious creations into the restaurant.

Of course, the restaurant is known for lobster and diners

can still order several different lobster dishes off the main menu.

The chain usually runs about one special a month

from "Lobster Feast" to shrimp specials, so keep an eye out for

these bargain items.

If seafood's your fancy, beat a path to Red Lobster.

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