Cobblestone Court aims to impress

BROWNSVILLE - Cobblestone Court Restaurant immediately impressed me when the waiter who greeted me at the door. Dressed in a white shirt and black slacks, he also presented an air of professionalism.

"Is this OK?" he asked, as he suggested a table near the front in a corner with white latticework. "Your server will be with you shortly."

The table was covered with a beige cloth well coordinated with subdued yellow walls and vinyl, walnut-colored seats. Dainty pink and red carnations and the microbial white blooms of baby's breath stood in the center; exquisitely folded napkins sat near polished silverware and clear glasses. The glow of a chandelier cast subtle lighting.

The menu did not offer as many selections I would have liked, but what I did find was intriguing. Appetizers, priced at $6.95, include fried oysters, corn-dusted onion chips, hot spinach dip and mini flour quesadillas. Entrees include roasted chicken, green pozole or seafood bisque, fish or shrimp po'boys, a ranch-hand steak sandwich, or pastrami Reuben. The grilled vegetable sandwich with portabello mushrooms, zucchini, yellow squash and red onion looked especially enticing. The menu also offers Gulf Coast seafood salad, Caesar salad and stuffed avocado. Iopted for the oven-roasted herbed turkey sandwich.

As I waited, the dining room filled slowly until a low hum of people mingled with the clinking of plates and silverware, mingling with the soothing instrumentals of a dreamy trumpet. Two women and a man sat at a longer table near the door; the man who greeted customers placed a black iron post with hooks near their table, so the women could hang their purses.

My order arrived quickly. The lightly toasted bread couched thick slices of turkey, crisp lettuce, pungent strips of onion, fresh tomato and thick, moist avocado. A side of potato chips lightly dusted with chili powder made a fine complement to the lunch.

Glancing over the menu one last time, I spied the chopped sirloin steak, the shrimp mignon with mango, jalapeño, and bacon, and the Brownsvilleño plate - grilled chicken, two seafood enchiladas, beef taco and green chile rice - a definite choice for my next visit.

RATING:(4 is the best)

 Atmosphere: 3 ½

Service: 3 ½

Food: 3 ½

Until Jan. 28: 11 a.m-3 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

After Jan. 28: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Mon.-Tues.

11 a.m.-3 p.m., 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Wed-Sat.

 COST:$ (Most of the meals are under $10.)

 HOURS OF OPERATION:

 WHAT: Cobblestone Court Restaurant

 WHERE:2200 Boca Chica Blvd.

 PAYMENT:Checks, Credit Cards

 WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE:Yes