If you're in the mood for lunch with flair, ride down to Poppy Seeds off Walton Way. You won't regret it.

The restaurant has a black-and-white motif with splashes of bright colors, from wildly painted mirrors on the walls to multicolored fly swatters hanging from the ceiling at the front of the establishment. The tablecloths have many designs and colors on them, and there are items for sale throughout the restaurant.

Poppy Seeds also is a catering business and features food served at many of the events, including weddings and business luncheons. The menus, which have the same designs as the tablecloths, showcase a variety of dishes such as tabbouleh tomato - ripe tomato stuffed with tabbouleh salad and topped with gently poached chicken breast with a light vinaigrette; Chinese chicken; lemon basil pasta salad with shrimp; raspberry duck; and nicoise - a bed of lettuce with white albacore tuna, red-skinned potatoes, sugar snap peas, green peppers, green olives, black olives and egg slices with a Dijon vinaigrette.

The menu also features salads, including Greek, Cobb, tarragon chicken, A-T's shrimp, Caesar and house salads. A surplus of "Deli Doozies" takes up most of the menu. From the Big City to the Seventh Avenue, most of the 26 sandwiches are named after streets in New York. In addition to salads and sandwiches, Poppy Seeds serves bagels, soups, hot dogs and desserts, such as strudels, baklava, cheesecakes, tarts and cakes.

The lemon basil pasta salad with shrimp, served on a black plastic plate, was accompanied by lettuce, Roma tomatoes and eggs. It was delicious, and I highly recommend the pasta for your first or next visit.

The ambiance is dominated by a lot of light, creating a lively atmosphere, and the waiters and waitresses are casual and friendly.

When you go, bring a friend and make your lunch date a gossip session. With the cheerful music playing in the background and a lively atmosphere, it'll be the perfect time to catch up with your friend.

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INCREDIBLE EDIBLES

The Eatery: Poppy Seeds, 3626 Walton Way (map)

Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday

Ambiance: Casual and lively

Cost: $1-$6.75

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Phone: 738-6125

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