La Dolce Vita at 36th Street

501 N. Belt, 364-1565

When you want to take someone out for a nice dinner in town, La Dolce Vita at 36th Street usually comes to mind. Now in its 30th year, the restaurant has become a tradition for birthdays, parties, proms and special occasions.

But it's also a place you can swing buy for a salad and use their wireless Internet, says Randy Collins, general manager.

"Our stigma is that it's only a special occasion place," he says. "But we're not a reservation-only restaurant."

In fact, the restaurant is big enough that reservations aren't needed at all, except for large groups. They also have made changes to the menu to make it a more affordable place to eat with the Sensible Cents Selections. These are slightly smaller portions of some of their signature dishes with a smaller price. They are also helpful for those wanting a smaller waistline, says Colice McGee, the restaurant's daytime supervisor. So you can get the $17.99 charbroiled salmon filet, for example, basted with sweet bourbon teriyaki glaze and choice of soup or salad, hot bread with Italian butter, garden vegetables, and choice of potato for $10.99. But if you want to splurge, they specialize in prime rib and fresh lobster, not to mention all kinds of speciality Italian desserts. The spinach and artichoke dip is a particularly popular appetizer.

Catering and banquets continue to make up a large portion of the business, McGee says. The banquet room, used regularly by local organizations, is upstairs with a separate entrance in back. They also cater at the United Ballroom in St. Joseph.

La Dolce Vita is a non-smoking facility. The restaurant is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The lounge stays open until 11 p.m. during the week and until midnight on weekends. You can find a complete menu and more information on their Web site www.36thstreet.com.