The Seven Voyages of Sinbad has always been one of my favorite adventure stories. The mystery of the Middle East is revealed in every port. So take your own mysterious trip to his palace to sample the fare.

Sinbad’s Palace is at the end of a shopping strip at 9220 Skillman St., but there is little chance of it blending in with its surroundings, and even less chance of it being overlooked. The restaurant takes up the second floor of the building, with a large golden turret at the corner – that way, I suppose, all of the incoming ships can see the palace from miles around.

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When the elevator doors open, you could easily be entering a palace. Apparently, no expense was spared to create the atmosphere, with its large chairs and golden-braided tapestries and sequined wall hangings. The employees are even equipped for the part, with head dresses and bell bottom pants.

The waiters and waitresses are friendly and helpful in offering advice on how to decipher the menu. It may take a little bit of interpretation because it is a conglomeration of Middle Eastern and Asian food. You can get ready for the adventure.

You might want to take a little sample of it all in one of the Seven Voyages, each a combination dinner that includes appetizer, entrée, and dessert. Among the entrees offered in the dinners are couscous served with a vegetable casserole (especially tasty) in the first voyage and shawarma, marinated chicken or beef, in the fifth voyage. Prices for the dinners run from $9.90 to $16.95. Ala carte prices are about $2 less.

The next time you feel like exploring a new palace, try Sinbad’s. You will be pleased with what you discover. And don’t worry about the food being too spicy. It’s mild compared to what I’ve had in similar restaurants in other cities.

News and Notes

The White Swan in Lakewood is offering half-price entrees to unescorted women night on Thursday nights. For information, call 824-8122…The Health Nut, recently opened at 6520 Skillman St. in Lake Highlands, offers what owner Jim Price says is a slightly different twist on natural food…Grinders has opened on lower Greenville Avenue, taking over the Brazo’s Café space. It offers desserts and a variety of teas and coffees…The Q Grill, next to the Lakewood Theater, replaces Mangia, an Italian restaurant. The Q Grill is an offshoot of the popular Quadrangle Grill…Dan Vincent’s Natchez, 2810 N. Henderson, still has a chef with an imagination. Drop by to taste his new kingfisher appetizer, which also comes as an entrée. You won’t be disappointed. For reservations and information call 821-4552.