Chi-Chi's Mexican Restaurant

Chi-Chi's Mexican Restaurant, 23 W. Timonium Road, Timonium, (410) 561-2464. Nobody would ever confuse Chi-Chi's with haute cuisine, but the portions certainly are large, the prices reasonable and the atmosphere family friendly. The folks who work there are accommodating and skilled at managing a crowd. And a crowd is what Chi-Chi's often has. The children's menu has six offerings with tacos the only one that is even remotely Tex-Mex, although the mini-pizza is made on a flour tortilla. The rest of the menu is large and lively with many different Tex-Mex combinations. $ -- inexpensive. (Last visited 1/92). Schooners, 7703 Belair Road, (410) 661-7538. Schooners is not going to win any beauty contests, but this no-frills neighborhood fish house, with its paper place mats and lack of pretension, is a relaxed place to dine, whether you're in the mood for a tableful of steamed crabs or a plateful of sour beef. And it's a great place to eat lobster; you can be as messy as you want, and won't have to pay much for the privilege. Go on Tuesday nights for this rich-folks' treat at popular prices. $$ -- moderate. (Last visited 1/92.)

LYNN WILLIAMS Prime Rib, 1101 N. Calvert St., (410) 539-1804. Here's the picture: two rooms full of carnivores, shoulder to shoulder, drinking hard liquor, clarets and chardonnays, devouring beeves, crabs, fishes, clams and snails, while thinking also about the whipping creams and chocolates to come. I happen to love it. I have some rational reasons: perfect clams casino, refined snails, a delicate crab bisque, the best crab cake bar none, superb meat, fresh fish, absolutely gorgeous desserts, and a courteous, intelligent, attentive staff. $$$ -- expensive. (Last visited 12/91.)

JANICE BAKER