Bites Nearby: The Red Lotus

You could stand on a corner and look around until a restaurant sign draws you in. But we've got a better idea. Each week, Santee Patch picks a great restaurant, either in town or nearby, that is worth checking out. Here's this week's choice:

Overview: The Red Lotus is a Chinese restaurant that specializes in Mandarin and Szechuan cuisine. It is located in the Santana Village Center.

Decor: The restaurant is decked out in normal Chinese decor, Buddhas abound and dragon and fish motifs stand out. About 15 booths and tables are available, well spaced, and rarely crowded. If you'd like a quiet, relaxing place to eat lunch in Santee, this spot fits the bill.

Food: The lunch combo specials are well priced and filling. Between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., for $4.95 ($5.95 for seafood) you can choose from 32 smaller sized entrees that is served with soup, an egg roll, a cream cheese wonton and fried or steamed rice. The seafood is awesome, I especially enjoy the Scallops in Yu-Hsiang Sauce (pictured).

The dinners are well priced, and well suited to eating family style. The Peking Duck is the best I've had in East County.

Address: 9888 N Magnolia Ave., in Santana Village Center

Cost: $$

Found a great place to dine? Let us know about it in the comments.