I don't play golf. I don't play for the simple fact that I'm no good at the game. I do like to eat, and in fact, one of my favorite sayings is "I like food." Those who know me will readily agree that eating and drinking is my sport of choice.

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      THE GRILL @ THE DOME

         (3 out of four pennies)

             "Value under the dome"175 Brompton Road, Tonawanda (504-4745, www.thegrillatthedome.com)

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Anyone who has traveled the Youngmann in Tonawanda has surely seen the big white bubble alongside the highway. That signature dome, the Paddock Chevrolet Golf Dome, houses an indoor driving range, a pro shop, banquet room and the Grill @ the Dome restaurant. Adorning the surrounding grounds are batting cages, an ice rink, baseball diamonds and a 72-par golf course.

Tami, our two daughters and I arrived at the Grill @ the Dome and found a ready supply of tables to choose from.

To quench our thirst, we ordered a bottle of Molson Canadian for me and a large Coke for Tami. I immediately ordered an appetizer of Spinach Bread (garlic, spinach and melted mozzarella smothering fresh bread for $5.99), which disappeared almost as quickly as it arrived with the drinks.

As we perused the menu, we noticed the constant flow of eclectic patrons coming through the sliding glass door. In no time, the place was packed. The restaurant decor is appropriately themed for the golf enthusiast. Several flat-screen televisions are strategically placed throughout the grill and you're sure not to miss a single stroke of any golf match being broadcast.

The Grill @ the Dome's menu ranges from pub food to exquisite dinner entrees offered six days a week. Daily specials are a hit with the locals, including Kids Eat Free Mondays (with the purchase of an adult dinner entree from 4 to 9 p.m.); All-U-Can-Eat Spaghetti Tuesdays ($3.99) and the ever-popular Meat Loaf Dinner Wednesdays ($5.99).

Tami decided on the Beef on Weck (slow-roasted beef in au jus on a fresh weck roll for $6.99) and I ultimately surrendered to the call of the Mushroom Swiss Burger (melted Swiss and sauteed mushrooms, $7.99). Both orders come with a choice of fries or chips. We opted for the fries and it proved to be a good choice. Our youngest settled for a bottle of formula (supplied by us) and the oldest agreed to the mini burger and fries ($3.99) from the kids menu.

Based on the lack of conversation once the plates hit the table, I deduced that Tami thoroughly enjoyed her beef on weck. My mushroom Swiss burger was juicy and exactly how my taste buds had anticipated, simply delicious. The mini burger was devoured by our oldest daughter once it was smothered in ketchup.

At a previous visit, we enjoyed the generously portioned and very tasty Stuffed Banana Peppers, value priced at $7.49, and the delectable Reuben sandwich at $7.99.

You don't have to be a golf enthusiast to score a hole in one with great food, a family friendly atmosphere and an attentive staff -- all without breaking the bank.

Summer hours: Opens 4:30 p.m. Monday; 11 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Closed Sundays.