For the most part, these are simply restaurants that are conveniently located, but some subjective favorites are indicated. (All phone numbers are in the 901 calling area).

Poplar between Ridgeway and Germantown Road

There is a large number of restaurants on this stretch of Poplar, nearest Charles Retina Institute, and these are just a few:

• If you take the Poplar exit east from I-40, and turn left at the first light, then turn left on Hyatt Ridgeway Parkway, you'll come to Ridge Lake Boulevard. Benihana's, a Japanese steakhouse, is at 912 Ridge Lake Boulevard. The food's great, and I'm told no chef has lost a finger yet (683-7390).
• In the Regalia Shopping Center, at 6150 Poplar, just east of Ridgeway, is an excellent Mexican restaurant, Salsa (683-6325).
• Also in the same shopping center is Mikasa, a Japanese restaurant (683-0000).
• If you're in the mood for Cajun, try Owen Brennan's (761-0990), still in the same shopping center.
• Further south, along Ridgeway, is Amerigo (761-4000), at Park Place Centre, serving Italian and American food in an in an elegant setting. In the same shopping center is Jason's Deli (685-3333), serving sandwiches and other light fare.
• Further east, at 6450 Poplar, just across the street from Charles Retina Institute, is another Mexican restaurant, the extremely popular Cozymel's (763-1202).
• Further east along Poplar, just west of Kirby Parkway, is a McDonald's, at 6690 Poplar (754-0132).
• Right next to McDonald's is The Bagel Company of Memphis, at 6698 Poplar, a superb breakfast choice (754-2660).
• Across the street at 6705 Poplar, by Kirby Woods Mall, is Romano's Macaroni Grill, an very popular Italian chain restaurant (753-6588).

North of Poplar, East of Germantown Road

• Further east on Poplar is Farmington Shopping Center, which has what we think is the best Chinese restaurant in the city, Snow Garden, at 2075 Exeter . Be sure to try the tangerine prawns, a specialty of the house. They're rumored to have a Korean menu, too, which they might show you if you ask (758-0567).

South of Poplar near Germantown Road

Many restaurants line West Street, the street to the immediate west of Germantown Road. On the east side of West Street, all in a row, are:

• Formosa Restaurant at 2060 West St. a Chinese restaurant which boasts "No MSG" (759-1005) ,
• West Street Diner, a place with northeastern-style diner looks and rather Southern-style cooking at 2076 West St. (757-2191), and
• Backyard Burgers, one of the better fast food chains, at 2110 West St. Despite the name, the chicken sandwiches ain't bad, either. (751-0822).

• The American Cafe, with (you guessed it) American food (753-3651), and
• El Porton, Mexican (754-4268).

• Three Oaks Grill, not far south of Poplar at 2285 S. Germantown Rd. (757-8225).