At the left end of Towne Square Mall is a restaurant with an attached ballroom. We bridge players may find ourselves frequenting this mall a lot in the future, so I decided to pay a visit to see what we're in for.

I was surprised to find a full menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner . . . and a bakery! The food was typical of Greek restaurants -- mostly home-style fare with canned or overcooked vegetables. Otherwise, it was very tasty, and served quickly -- just like home. The wait-staff was friendly, courteous, and attentive.

The ambiance is that of a Wal-Mart -- spartan, with 25 foot ceilings -- but nevertheless, it has a "neighborhood" feel to it. Nothing is pretentious. There was quite a crowd there, on a late Friday afternoon, and most seemed like regulars, possibly from Timber Pines across the road.

Considering that a "meal deal" at MacDonalds can easily run to 6 or 7 dollars, the prices are competitive. The lunch menu includes several small items in the 3 to 4 dollar range -- small sandwiches, a bowl of soup, and the like -- as well as bigger meals. Beer and wine are available.

There is a sunny patio just outside the restaurant and the ballroom, with grass umbrella-tables that would be pleasant in the winter. I can imagine unwinding after a game, with a cigarette (I know, I know!) and a glass of wine -- dissecting the hands.

Town Square Mall is located at 3021 Commercial Way (U.S. Highway 19) in Spring Hill, directly across the road from the Timber Pines entrance. This is 1.5 miles South of the Senior Citizen Club. The restaurant and ballroom are located at the left (South) end of the long mall building, but each has a separate entrance. There's no need to use the mall entrance, and you should not. The hours of operation of the restaurant and ballroom do not correspond to the hours of the mall.

There is also a seafood restaurant in the mall, plus a Chili's and a Cody's in outbuldings.